If you’re thinking about building a home recording studio or upgrading your existing setup with better gear, there are a plethora of options at B&H that can take your production to the next level (maybe at the cost of fueling your gear-acquisition syndrome). Here are some of our favorite pieces of music technology we have on offer, covering everything you’d need to start working on your own music and recording projects, or bring your productions to the next level.
MIDI Controllers
Novation Launchkey MK4 Series—A Workhorse Controller
The Novation Launchkey series is one of the most capable, feature rich, and affordable MIDI controllers on the market, with form factors that come in 25, 37, 49, and 61 key sizes, along with two mini-key formats so you can find one that best suits your budget and needs.
All standard sized models come with semi-weighted waterfall keys and a suite of controller features including pitch and mod wheels, eight rotary encoder knobs, sixteen velocity-sensitive FSR blacklit pads, arpeggiators and transport buttons, and a software bundle—everything we’ve come to expect with a real-deal MIDI keyboard. The 49 and 61 key controllers also have eight faders and an OLED display for navigation.
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3—Control Surface Out of the Box
The DAW is an amazing innovation that has led to the democratization of music production—but many people would rather have a more tactile way to interact with their music. After all, how many more mouse clicks do you need until your musical salvation?
The Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 is made to get your head out of the box and start making music without a mouse or keyboard. It’s made specifically for use with Ableton Live using deep instant integration but also is compatible with Logic Pro 12 and can be manually integrated with other DAWs. In Ableton, launch clips and scenes, access the mixer, and control all your devices and transports with one tool.
Launchpads and other alternative style controllers take a bit of time to get the hang of, but once you do, you might never want to go back to the mouse and keyboard.
EXPRESSIVE E Osmose CE 49 or 61—MPE for Gestural Expression
The EXPRESSIVE E Osmose CE is a clone of the EXPRESSIVE E Osmose, minus the built-in synthesis engine (so it must be hooked up with a computer or separate synthesizer to be used). If you know anything about the original synth, it has an innovative MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) system, allowing the performer to control sound using gestures like bending/wobbling the keys, and applying pressure differently through each chord.
The E Osmose CE comes with a full software ecosystem, more than 900 expressive presets, macro controls, and instant integration with Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig, and Logic Pro. Anyone who needs a super-expressive machine and has a little bit more of a budget should check this one out—and at the time of writing, B&H has one you can try out yourself at the 420 Manhattan superstore!
Interfaces
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X—The Producer’s Standard
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X has been an industry favorite from serious bedroom producers to real-deal studios, known for being the interface that many top artists—most notably Post Malone—use for their records. The Apollo Twin is fully featured and will represent your recordings faithfully.
The UA Apollo works with MacOS and Windows, contains ADAT and S/PDIF inputs, monitoring and talkback control, Mic/Line and Hi-Z ins, and an AD/DA compatible with up to 24-bit/192kHz bit-depth/sample rate. It also comes included with more than 30 high-quality UA plugins and real-time DSP, so you can get started with professional grade software right off the bat (it’s a good deal!)
If you’re serious about music production or want to upgrade from something like what’s next on this list, the Apollo Twin X is a great choice—but there are many different variants, so be sure you’re getting the one that’s compatible with your system!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)—The Affordable Icon
Perhaps one of the most iconic and widely recognized audio interfaces on the market, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a bestseller for a reason—its affordable, portable, easy to use, and has transparent mic preamps and standard connectivity.
The 2i2 uses 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters, onboard 48V phantom power, and a per-channel “Air Mode” with “presence” and “presence and drive” modes that can add extra brightness and open character for either input—just be aware that these effects can’t be adjusted or removed after the fact.
The interface also comes bundled with Prol Tools Intro+ and Ableton Live Lite, both starter DAW software with limited functionality so you can find out what works best for you before purchasing a full license, along with Focusrite’s Hitmaker Expansion software bundle featuring Auto-Tune, amp modelers, and Native Instruments MASSIVE synth.
If you’re someone who is just starting off building a home studio or you need a rugged and portable interface to carry around, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a classic go-to choice for many young and fledging producers.
Solid State Logic SSL 18—For Pro Home Studios and Drummers
For home studio owners who want some pro-level gear and need an expanded number of inputs—especially if you plan on recording a full drum kit—the SSL 18 audio interface might be right for you.
This rackmount USB-C audio/MIDI interface features eight mic/line preamps with SSL’s vaunted preamps along with a toggleable legacy 4K mode to add authentic analog saturation like that delivered by the classic SSL 4000 series consoles. Ten balanced line-level outputs are on the rear panel and can be configured with different output levels so you can easily integrate outboard audio equipment.
The SSL 18 comes bundled with the SSL Production Pack with limited-time free subscription access to plug-ins from Solid State Logic, Slate Digital, and Harrison Audio, including auto-tune, amp modelers, Celemony Melodyne Essential, and 1.5 GB of samples from Loopcloud, so you can get started making great sounding music right away.
Microphones
Neumann TLM 102 BK—Neumann Sound for Under $1000
When it comes to studio microphones, there aren’t many names more respected than Neumann—but with such a pedigree, they come a high barrier to entry. While not all of us can afford a U87, the Neumann TLM 102 is an amazing workhorse microphone that comes in at around $800. This cardioid condenser mic has the distinctive Neumann sound with silky highs and forward presence and is a great mic to have in your locker—even if it’s the only one.
RODE NT1 5th Generation—USB/XLR Combo Mic Perfect for Vocalists
The Rode NT1 5th Generation is a great combo USB/XLR cardioid condenser mic known for its vocal presence, affordability, and fantastic flexibility. You technically don’t even need to use an interface with it, as the USB-C connectivity means it has its own 32-bit float/192kHz A to D converter inside of it, making it so your output can never clip or distort in that mode.
The NT1 comes with a shock mount and pop filter and its own cables, along with the Rode app suite, all for $215. If you’re a beginner or are on a budget and are looking for a fantastic and flexible microphone, the NT1 is a great recommendation.
Shure SM7B—The Podcast Classic that Works About Anywhere
The Shure SM7B is an icon of recording media, known as the mic you’ll see used in just about every podcast. While it has become less popular for music vocals, it’s still an amazing workhorse to record instruments in nearly every situation, particularly for amp cabinets, drums, and as a room mic. And if you do a lot of voice work—spoken word, podcasts, and V/O—then the Shure SM7B is something you’ll need to get into your locker.
Monitors
Yamaha HS Series
With their iconic white cone woofers, the Yamaha HS series is often considered the spiritual successor to the classic and venerable Yamaha NS-10s, even though their actual design has very little in common with them with their bass reflex ports and active amplification. These active two-way near-field monitors come in five different sizes, from the 3.5” HS3s to the 8” HS8s, so you can find which model fits your space and budget.
Like their predecessors, the HS series is a well-regarded monitor because it gives honest, clear, and precise reference. The ROOM CONTROL feature allows you to attenuate the low-end that can become unnaturally exaggerated when placed near walls, and there’s no added bass or over-emphasized highs—it sounds like whatever you send through them. These professional speakers come at a reasonable price, so anyone who is getting serious about music production should consider the Yamaha HS series.
Genelec Studio Monitor Series
Those looking for something a bit fancier can look at the Genelec series, pricing from anywhere from $400 to $4,000+ each—not the pair! Despite the price, Genelec is known as one of the go-to near-field monitors that professional studios use with their impressively flat frequency response and brutally honest accuracy.
Like the Yamahas, they have a feature that can control the low end so they can behave more neutrally in many different room sizes and come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can find the right one for you. You’ll often find a set of 11 Genelec speakers for immersive sound environments like Dolby Atomos, in home theaters, and in art installations.
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors
I’ve recently reviewed the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors Monitors for B&H, and boy do these pack a punch for something so small. They’re perfect for tiniest, snuggest of spaces and can deliver serious low-end, sounding surprisingly huge for such small monitors.
If you need something a little bigger, check out the Micro Monitor Pros or iLoud MTM MKIIs that both come with an ARC microphone and software that maps itself specifically to your room, like the other two monitor systems here but a little fancier—and at a cheaper price point!
Computers
This one will be quick. Get an Apple Mac Studio, Mac mini or iMac with the M4 Pro Chip, but if you want to use Windows or Linux, or just want to stay in a PC environment, any PC with strong single-core CPU performance (2.4GHz or better, the more cores the better), at least 32GB of RAM, and fast SSD storage (NVMe preferred, probably at least 2TB) will get the job done. Audio devices are far more plug-and-play on MacOS computers but getting the hang of it with Windows or Linux shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if you’re already familiar with working in a DAW.
