MOTU M2 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface with Home Studio Kit

Pristine, versatile, and portable, the MOTU M2 desktop 2x2 USB-C audio-MIDI interface combines high-class audio performance, a robust bundle of DAWs, virtual instruments, loops, and samples, and a feature set that makes it equally powerful and user-friendly for musicians, podcasters, and producers, all at a highly affordable price point.

With its two front-panel mic/line/instrument preamps, the M2 can record anything from dynamic and condenser microphones to electric guitars and drum machines in distortion-free, sparkling clarity. Equipped with top-notch ESS digital-to-analog converters that drive the main outs and the headphone jack, the M2 lets you monitor through your speakers and headphones with the dynamic range normally found only on much more expensive interfaces.

Use the M2's digital loopback channels to easily route audio from your computer directly into your host software—record remote podcast guests from Skype or any other VoIP software without incurring horrible feedback, or livestream a mix of live inputs and the computer's output.

The M2 is equally suitable for producers, thanks to its MIDI 5-pin I/O. Plug in a MIDI keyboard to control virtual instruments such as the selection of over 100 VIs included with the M2. Or, run MIDI from the M2 to your favorite hardware synth to capture its glorious tones through the M2's pristine analog preamps.

No matter what you do, the M2's specially engineered drivers ensure ultralow-latency monitoring, so you can rehearse and record in real time without hearing any distracting echo. And with the full-color LCD screen, you can view high-resolution metering for all inputs and outputs at all times. Take the M2 anywhere you need to work; it is bus-powered and compatible with Mac/Windows computers and iOS mobile devices.

Sporting the same warm, silky sonic character that made the NT1 series a go-to studio workhorse for millions, the black NT1 Signature Series Studio Condenser Microphone from RODE is the latest edition of the iconic large-diaphragm mic. With an incredibly low self-noise of 4 dBA and a high SPL handling of 142 dB, the NT1 Signature Series is a versatile Swiss Army knife built to deliver a classic studio sound for a range of applications, from vocal and instrument recording to podcasting, content creation, and voice-over work.

The classic RODE HF6 1" true condenser capsule brings a smooth frequency response and high sensitivity to the table. The internal JFET impedance converter and bipolar output buffer help contribute to the low noise and clean sound. The cardioid pickup pattern helps you avoid unwanted sounds to the rear and sides, a vital feature for podcasting and content creation in untreated spaces. The finish is highly durable, resisting scuffs, scratches, and other physical blemishes that can plague well-used workhorse mics. The NT1 Signature Series includes a 20' XLR cable, an SM6 shockmount and pop filter, and a dust cover.

Merging acclaimed features of the M-Series headphones with a foldable, travel-friendly design, and one-ear monitoring capability, the black Audio-Technica ATH-M40x monitor headphones offer pro-grade build quality and audio performance for studio-based production, location recording, DJing, and daily listening. Outfitted with 40mm dynamic drivers and an over-ear, closed-back design, the ATH-M40x headphones deliver a flat, accurate response and wide bandwidth (15 Hz to 24 kHz) while isolating you from outside sounds.

Thanks to the 90° swiveling earcups, pro-quality materials, and generous cushioning on the headband and earpads, the headphones are both durable and comfortable to wear. Two detachable, single-sided cables—one coiled and one straight—are included for optimal operation in the studio or on the go. Each cable sports a gold-plated 3.5mm mini plug for use with mobile devices and computer soundcards, and a 1/4" screw-on adapter is included for easy hookup to audio interfaces, mixers, and stereo receivers. A carrying pouch is supplied with the ATH-M40x for convenient storage and transport of the headphones.

Audio engineers, producers, and musicians looking for a high-quality monitoring solution will be impressed with the  JBL 305P MkII - Powered 5" Two-Way Studio Monitor, a bi-amplified reference monitor with next-generation drivers, offering high detail, precise imaging, a wide sweet spot, and a remarkable dynamic range to enhance the mix capabilities of any modern workspace. The magnetically-shielded 305P MkII features dual 41W Class-D amplifiers, which power the 5" low frequency woofer and woven-composite 1" neodymium tweeter. The combined output of the woofer and tweeter offer a frequency response of 49 Hz to 20 kHz with a peak SPL of 108 dB.

The monitor features JBL's Image Control Waveguide technology for accurate audio reproduction and JBL's Slip Stream port design for improved bass response. The 305P MkII is equipped with a boundary EQ for controlling the low frequency response when placed near a wall, as well as a 3-position HF trim switch. To ensure flexible connectivity, JBL included a balanced XLR input and a balanced 1/4" TRS input, both of which feature dented level control. Other features include a selectable input sensitivity switch that ensures compatibility with a range of signal sources. The JBL 305P MkII ships with a power cord.

The 5' Balanced 1/4" TRS Male to 3-Pin XLR Male Audio Cable from Hosa Technology is a professional audio cable that's perfect for touring and live sound applications where a device with a balanced 1/4" phone output needs to be connected to a device with an XLR input. The cable has top-quality REAN connectors for excellent durability and superior signal transfer.

The conductors are made from 24 AWG oxygen-free copper to maintain a clear signal path. The cable also has 90% OFC spiral shielding for terrific flexibility and effective EMI and RFI rejection. The cable is 5' long and has a 1/4" TRS phone connector at one end and a 3-pin XLR male connector at the other.

The small IP-S Isolation Pad from Auray is a monitor speaker isolation pad made from high-density acoustic foam. It is designed to decouple your monitor speakers from its resting surface by absorbing the monitor's vibrations. This stops reverberation through the desk or speaker stands, therefore preventing unwanted resonance. Removing these unwelcome vibrations results in greater depth of field, tighter low end and transient response, and a higher level of detail across the frequency spectrum.

Convert your USB Type-C port into a USB Type-A port using this 6" USB Type-C Male to USB Type-A Female Adapter Cable from StarTech. This adapter allows you to use legacy USB Type-A cables or flash drives with your USB Type-C device. This USB 3.0 cable supports transfer rates up to 5 Gbps, making it up to 10x faster than USB 2.0, and is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

The Auray MS-5230T Tripod Microphone Stand with Telescoping Boom features durable, steel construction. The telescoping boom arm is adjustable from 19.3 to 33.9" in length, allowing you to angle and extend the mic placement however you need it. An ergonomic twist-action clutch helps adjust the height of the stand, while the reinforced tripod base and nonslip feet keep it firmly in place. The Auray MS-5230T mic stand collapses for easy transport.