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Home Recording Bundles

October 28, 2019October 28, 2019
by admin

Find Your Home Recording Bundle

Our pick as the best home recording studio bundle

Check pricing\reviews: US | UK

1 Scarlett 2i2 audio interface
1 pair of HP60 closed-back studio headphones
1 CM25 condenser microphone (large diaphragm)
1 three meter XLR mic cable
1 mic stand clip

Up first, we have one of our favorite picks as the best recording studio bundles available right now. We’re huge fans of Focusrite and their Scarlett audio interfaces have made numerous appearances in our guides throughout the years due to the numerous user reviews, overall capability and sturdy build. This particular bundle is great for those who already have their music software (it does come with a light version of Pro Tools called Avid Pro Tools First, more suitable for starters) and computer and want to get going on recording some vocals or instruments. The only other accessory we’d say you should buy is a mic stand since the condenser this package comes with only has a mic clip and it can’t stand up on its own on a desk (it may be able to, but isn’t safe). The audio interface in this one is one of the most popular in the market today, the headphones are great for isolation and blocking out background noise, and the cable is sturdy to last you years. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio bundle is nearly perfect for those wanting to get going on their recording adventures right out of the box.

You can also grab their Focusrite Solo Studio to save some money if you feel that you can get by with an audio interface with less ins and outs.

PreSonus AudioBox Studio

Another pick as the best recording studio bundle

See pricing\reviews: US | UK

1 Audiobox USB audio interface
1 PreSonus M7 condenser microphone
1 pair of PreSonus HD7 semi-open studio headphones
1 XLR cable
1 USB cable
Studio One 3 Artist music software

Here’s another one of our go to’s when it comes to the best recording equipment bundles to buy. PreSonus’ Audiobox models are almost as popular as the Scarlett series, and they’ve really made a name for themselves when it comes budget-friendly gear outside of the audio interface realm. They aren’t necessarily ‘professional’ mics or headphones but they get the job done for those looking to save money yet still acquire some quality for their music journeys. This particular bundle is very even with the previous pick — everything in the box will allow you to start recording immediately in your studio as long as you have a computer or music laptop handy. It’s also super easy to store and travel with if you’re ever on-the-go. The interface, in particular, has two combo mic/instrument inputs with monitoring with zero latency. It also has great preamplifiers with 24-bit converters to give us excellent audio quality. The Studio One 3 Artist software in the box isn’t among the most popular digital audio workstations, but it’s still a solid option as a standalone software for those starting out or for solo musicians. The PreSonus AudioBox Studio is an extremely solid recording gear package. We recommend this one over the Scarlett if you wanted to save a few dollars.

sE Electronics X1 S Studio

A nice recording microphone package to buy

Read reviews\prices: US | UK

1 ‘X1 S’ large-diaphgram condenser microphone
1 ‘RF-X Reflexion Filter’
1 ‘sE Isolation Pack’
1 pop shield
1 3-meter mic cable

Coming as our first recommendation for the best recording studio bundle with microphone gear only, the X1 S bundle is fantastic for those needing the complete mic package. Equipped with their popular ‘X1 S’ condenser mic, it is best used for not only vocals but numerous instruments as well due to the custom switches it has on the body itself. The mic is well-known for having a very high dynamic range and sound-pressure level handling. The two switchable attenuation levels on the mic itself help you tweak the settings depending on what exactly you’ll be recording — electric guitars, brass, or even loud and heavy kick drums. On top of that you have two switchable low-cut filters to cut off low frequencies it may capture if you want to have a brighter recording (typically for vocals, snares or higher pitched strings). The high-quality microphone alongside the sE Isolation Pack makes it perfect for home studios not having enough space or the means to sound proof an entire room. Unfortunately no audio interface, headphones or music software here, but if you can see past that or you perhaps already have those in your studio, the sE Electronics X1 S Studio is an amazing microphone all-in-one package. It’s a bit more expensive than the previous bundles listed, but the microphone blows the others out of the water.

M-Audio Vocal Studio Pro II

M-Audio's highly rated home recording studio package

Check price\reviews: US | UK

1 M-Track II USB audio interface
1 large diaphgram condenser microphone
1 pair of sound-isolation headphones
1 mic clip, XLR cable, USB cable
Ableton Live Lite music software
Waves plugin pack

M-Audio’s highly rated home recording studio bundle gives us another great package of the essentials, with the backbone of it all being their highly rated M-Track II audio interface. First, the interface provides us with 24-Bit / 48 kHz recording resolution and combo XLR/1/4″ inputs with 48 volts of phantom power to get going on not only powerful but crystal clear recordings. You have zero latency recording using straight to USB on your computer (compatible with both Mac and PC). The mic and headphones are more of a broad pair even though we had hoped they included some of their higher-rated models that are sold separately (and reviewed by others), but they’ll still get the job done. The headphones have nice 50mm neodymium drivers and the sound isolation capabilities with over-ear design are perfect for recording to ensure your back track isn’t included in the mix itself. Pair this all up with Ableton Live Lite (a trial version of the highly rated Ableton, but it still is great for a standalone software and you can always upgrade after trying it out) and some sounds\effects on top of it all with the Waves plugin, and you’ve got another one of the best recording bundles with the M-Audio Vocal Studio Pro II in the market today. We recommend this one if you can sacrifice some microphone quality for a more complete package and inclusion of literally everything you need to start recording as soon as possible.

Native Instruments KOMPLETE Audio 6, K52 and 990 Package

If you're into high-end gear, this recording bundle is beautiful

See prices\reviews: US | UK

1 KOMPLETE Audio 6 audio interface
1 MXL 990 condenser microphone
1 pair of AKG K52 closed-back studio headphones
1 mic cable, pop filter, mic stand

Nearing the middle-point of our guide, we have more of a ‘makeshift’ home recording studio package that isn’t necessarily ‘official’ from a brand. However, with the inclusion of the ever-popular Komplete interface, stunning AKG K52 closed-back headphones and powerful MLX 990 condenser microphone, this bundle is by far one of the most powerful of the bunch. When it comes to N.I.’s audio interface, you’re getting four analog in\out, a digital in\out, MIDI connectivity, and low-latency recording for two microphone inputs equipped with some nice quality preamps. Not to mention it also comes with their KOMPLETE Elements software — 1,000 sounds and effects! The mic itself is made by MXL, with a high-quality rugged build and 3/4″ gold-sputtered diaphragm. It’s limited to only vocals (although we’d say ‘ideal’ — condensers as a whole can cover many other instruments, like pianos or guitars). Lastly, the headphones are one of our favorite closed-back pairs out there right now, giving us a nice flat and accurate sound with great comfort on top of it all. The N.I. Komplete Audio 6, K52 and 990 is by far one of the best recording studio equipment bundles in the market if you’re OK with a mixture of different brands (some may prefer this). If it isn’t available on Amazon, check Guitar Center or Musician’s Friend.

Behringer PODCASTUDIO

Slightly different and geared towards podcasters, this bundle is superb

View pricing\reviews: US | UK

1 XM8500 dynamic microphone
1 XENYX 502 mixer
1 UCA222 USB audio interface
1 pair of HPM1000 headphones
1 pop filter
1 table mic stand, XLR mic cable
2 RCA cables
Four software included

We were hesitant to include this one since it’s technically for ‘podcasts’; however, we still feel it’s a viable option for those in a home studio looking to record some beginner vocals and wanted to save some money at the same time (it’s the cheapest in here). Not to mention this package in particular has more reviews than many others in this guide. Let’s start with what it has to offer — the interface isn’t a hefty 2×2 with XLR or MIDI or anything, however it provides us with 2 ins and 2 outs for plug-and-play recording. On top of this, you’re getting another piece of gear that isn’t seen in any other bundle in this guide — a mixer, and this one in particular is a studio-class 5-input 2-bus USB with a mic preamp and 2-band EQ, making up for the lack of these ins and outs on the interface itself. The dynamic mic itself is pretty low-budget but it still provides decent recordings for the price we’re getting here. The software also isn’t a standout DAW by any means, and actually you’re getting more than one in this box that can still work fine — Podifier, Juice, PodNova and Golden Ear — mostly free software you can download otherwise. If you wanted a home studio bundle that’s cheap and offers some decent recording capabilities with a mixer on top of it, the Behringer PODCASTUDIO is a viable option. Who knows, maybe you didn’t even know before reading this that you were starting a new podcast on the side of your music recordings!

Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package

Another solid recording microphone package with the necessities

Read reviews\pricing: US | UK

1 Rode NT1-A pro condenser microphone
1 SM6 shock mount
1 pop filter
1 dust cover

Here’s one of our favorite microphones of all time, and this particular recording studio bundle is another mic-only package geared towards those not needing an interface, software or headphones. The NT1-A is a proven, decently priced condenser microphone that has a warm sound we haven’t heard replicated elsewhere. It’s a microphone investment that’s going to last you years, probably a decade or more if you take proper care of it. The housing itself is extremely rugged with a 1″ capsule (gold-plated diaphragm), comes with a cardioid polar pattern, great low and self noise (only 5 dB — essentially helps with an even clearer recording), and amazing dynamic range to give us a wide pickup of whatever vocalist or instrument we’re attempting to capture. There’s an internal shock mount capsule to further help its ruggedness and the overall sound-pressure level can handle louder vocalists or even drums. Pair this up with what comes in this ‘Anniversary’ package (they’re continuing to make it since it’s so popular) and you have quite the complete recording mic package. The bundle however isn’t the biggest — you do get a shock mount, pop filter and dust cover, but that’s it. If this is feasible enough for you and you were mainly concerned with having one of the best microphones out there when it comes to bundles, the Rode NT1-A anniversary package is your pick.

Focusrite iTrack Studio

Another one of Focusrite's best home recording studio bundle

Check price\reviews: US | UK

1 Focusrite iTrack Solo audio interface
1 CM25S condenser microphone
1 pair of HP60S closed-back studio headphones
1 XLR, 1.2m link cable
Ableton Live Lite software
Scarlet VST\AU\RTAS plug-in suite
Novation Bass Station synth plug-in
Loopmasters sample content

Here’s an extremely high-quality bundle by Focusrite, especially if you were concerned with software and sounds. The iTrack studio is labeled this since the backbone of it all is their highly rated iTrack audio interface. Equipped with lightning connectivity (for iPad and Mac, but also works with PC), you have some sleek 24 bit / 96 kHz audio recording quality. The microphone itself isn’t a Rode by all means, but is still a viable solution as a condenser mic, coming with clear recordings ideal for vocals but can span to other instruments as well. The headphones are also viable and work decently for recording and monitoring; however, the biggest standout we’d say (aside from the iTrack interface) of this recording studio bundle is the software. Not only are you getting the beloved Ableton Live Lite, but a variety of sounds as well. One of our favorite VST’s in the world is the Novation Bass Station — more than enough bass and synths for you to have, but at the same time you’re also getting their Scarlett plug-in suite (EQ, compression, reverb, and other effects along with even more sounds to play with). The Focusrite iTrack Studio is amazing if you were concerned with superb audio interface quality and some of the better inclusion of software in the bundle game.

M-Audio M-Track 2×2 Vocal Studio Pro

M-Audio's other best studio equipment bundle

See reviews\pricing: US | UK

1 M-Track 2×2 USB audio interface
1 pair of HDH40 closed-back studio headphones
1 Nova Black condenser microphone
1 XLR microphone cable
Software: AIR Creative FX, Strike, Xpand!2, Mini Grand, Cubase LE

M-Audio’s other popular bundle brings us even more quality to our recordings, and this time focusing on their M-Track 2×2 interface to pair up with some decent headphones and a microphone. The software in this thing is also unmatched and recommended over their Vocal Studio Pro II we previous listed if that was a big concern for you. You’re getting a nice DAW in Cubase LE, but here’s what the software bundle offers: AIR’s FX Collection with 20 FX plugins (delays, EQ, reverb, etc.), AIR’s Strike with everything-drums you can ask for, Xpand2! with modulation and arpeggiation, and Mini Grand for some nice piano sounds. Yes, all made by AiR (M-Audio owns them), but it’s a versatile package nonetheless. The interface itself gives us a 24-bit / 192 kHz studio-quality recording with an XLR and 1/4″ balance combo input. You also have an instrument input (1/4″) to record two channels simultaneously. Pair that up with the nifty monitor levels on the unit itself and you’ve got an easy work flow ahead of you. We also love the fact that they’ve included a few other popular gear they’ve had reviewed highly — the comfortable and clear HDH40 headphones (sound isolation, over-ear closed-back) and Nova Black mic (cardioid wide frequency response condenser mic with 18mm capsule). The M-Audio M-Track 2×2 Vocal Studio Pro should probably be listed ahead of many others, but for now we’ll have the M-Audio M-Track 2×2 Vocal Studio Pro near the end since it’s relatively average and is another pick more geared towards those who crave software and high-quality interface recordings.

Rockville RPG2X15

The best recording package if you are performing live on stage

2 PA speakers (15″ ABS molded)
2 8-channel mixers
2 foldable speaker stands
2 ten foot 1/4″ to 1/4″ speaker cables
2 microphones with mic clip and XLR cables

Let’s get into something different when it comes to the best studio gear packages out there, and if you’ve made it this far we’ll assume you’re looking something a bit different from the traditional recording equipment. This particular package is specifically for gear for live performances, giving us an awesome PA system bundle equipped with two mics, essential cables and two nifty mixers and amplifiers to boot. The speakers themselves are relatively high in quality and power — they’re 15″ large and ABS molded with 2″ voice coils and 40 ounce magnets. They also have internal components dedicated to different frequencies as well — 1″ titanium driver tweeters and professional long throw woofer. The build will be sturdy enough for traveling — just take proper care of them (they do have powder-coated steel grills and molded plastic). The mixer on the other hand is 9 channels with 1400 watts of power (you also get some Bluetooth). A nice LCD display helps us navigate through the mixing although we recommend letting somebody who knows what they’re doing control it. The microphones aren’t exactly professional but can still get the job done for smaller venues or karaoke — their Rockville RMM-XLR dynamic microphone with a steel mesh grill and decent frequency response. It isn’t a ‘recording studio bundle’ but more so a live sound package; however, if it’s what you need, the Rockville RPG2X15 is highly effective and affordable at the same time for smaller gigs.

Studio Lounge

Choosing The Right Mic: A Basic Guide To Microphones

October 24, 2019October 26, 2019
by admin

One of the first things any new engineer/producer/studio operator needs to do is choose one or more microphones for those all-important voice and acoustic instrument recordings. Smaller studios may get by with a single all-purpose mic, repeatedly utilized for sequential overdubs, while larger setups may require additional mics to handle simultaneous live performers or more complex instruments like piano (stereo mics) or drums (multi-mics). In any case that newly-minted studio operator will be confronted with a range of different mic designs, often best-suited for certain applications. Here’s a brief primer on the three basic microphone types—how they work, how they sound, and how they’re typically used.

Mic Basics

The three microphone types are dynamic, ribbon, and condenser mics. Each uses a somewhat different approach to capturing audio—a well-equipped studio will want to have one or more of each, since they each have their own strengths to bring to the party.

Let’s start out with what may be the most common type of microphone, the dynamic mic.

Dynamic Mics

A dynamic mic utilizes electromagnetic induction to convert the acoustic sound wave to electrical form—this is sometimes referred to as a “moving coil” design. Within the mic, a suspended diaphragm is attached to a coil of wire within a magnetic field. When an acoustic sound wave strikes the diaphragm, both the diaphragm and the attached coil move back and forth in response to the variations in the acoustic wave. As the coil moves in the magnetic field, a varying voltage is generated in the wire—this is the electrical audio signal, an analog of the original acoustic wave.

Thanks to their design, dynamic mics tend to be physically rugged, so they’re popular for on-stage use for vocals and instruments, where they can easily stand up to the rigors of the road. In the studio, they’re often used for close-miking louder audio sources like guitar/bass amps and individual drums in a full kit. Most dynamic mics tend to be directional designs, optimized for front-pickup, rejecting sound from the rear and sides, utilizing standard uni-directional patterns like cardioid, super-cardioid, and hyper-cardioid—this makes then suitable for both on-stage use and studio close-miking of instruments in tight quarters, like the individual kit pieces of a drumkit. The sound of dynamic mics can be very good, but it’s typically not quite as smooth as that of ribbon mics, or as open and airy as that of studio-standard condenser mics.

The most widely-used dynamic mics are probably the familiar Shure SM-57 and SM-58 (live vocals, guitar amps, snare drum, etc), but many others are popular as well, such as the Shure SM-7 and EV RE-20 (popular broadcasters’ mics), and numerous other modern offerings. Dynamic mics range in price from around $100 (SM-57) to $300-$400 for studio mics from Sennheiser and EV, among others.

Ribbon Mics

Technically speaking, a ribbon mic is also a dynamic mic, in that it uses electromagnetic induction to perform the conversion. But instead of the more hardy diaphragm used in a typical dynamic mic, a ribbon mic’s diaphragm is a thin corrugated ribbon suspended in a magnetic field. When an acoustic sound wave strikes the ribbon it moves back and forth in response, and a varying voltage is generated in an attached wire—once again, this is the electrical audio signal.

The defining tonal characteristic of a ribbon mic is its warm, delicate sound, thanks to the thin, lightweight ribbon, which moves more easily in response to the incoming acoustic wave. But this design has traditionally made ribbon mics more physically delicate than dynamics (or even condensers), making them more suitable for studio than stage use. Modern ribbons are more hardy, but they should still be treated with care.

Ribbon mics are good for many studio uses, from providing full-sounding vocals, to miking up instrument signals that can be overly bright, like brass instruments and guitar amps, where their naturally warm, smooth character can be just the thing to take the edge off certain signals.

Due to their physical design—a suspended ribbon—ribbon mics are bi-directional, picking up sound from front and rear, and quite effectively rejecting sound from the sides (90°). Classic ribbon mics like the RCA R44 and 77 are also available as reissues (AEA), and modern ribbons like the Royer R-121 and others are very popular in the studio, ranging in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Condenser Mics

Instead of electromagnetic induction, a Condenser mic uses a capacitor design to perform the conversion from acoustic to electrical wave. A thin plate—the diaphragm—is suspended very close to another (back) plate attached to a wire, with an air gap between them. Diaphragm and back plate are charged, and this forms an electrical circuit called a capacitor. The diaphragm plate moves back and forth in response to the incoming acoustic sound wave, moving closer to and away from the back plate; a varying voltage is generated in the back plate and the attached wire—of course this is the electrical audio signal.

A power source is needed to charge the plates—in modern condensers power is usually supplied by the mic preamp, via a technique called Phantom Power. A 48-volt DC voltage is sent backward through the mic cable, from the mic preamp or a dedicated 48v power supply. Modern condensers utilize the phantom power from the console/interface preamps, but many older, classic condenser mics (and some modern reissues) come with their own dedicated power supplies, which connect to the mic via specialized cables.

Condenser mics come with either larger capsules—large-diaphragm condensers, or LDCs—or smaller capsules—small-diaphragm condensers, or SDCs. Thanks to the low mass of the diaphragm plate, Condenser mics are known for having a crystal clear, open, detailed sound, making them the mic of choice for most studio applications. They’re widely used for both vocal miking—which usually utilizes large-diaphragm condensers—and most instruments—which often use small-diaphragm “pencil” mics. Both LDCs and SDCs are often used in pairs for stereo miking.

LDCs are usually configured as side-address mics, where the diaphragm is oriented to the side of the mic. Sometimes, two back-to-back diaphragms are included—this allows for multiple selectable pickup patterns, making the mic more flexible. Multiple patterns are usually available with higher-end condensers, while “budget” single-pattern (usually cardioid) versions of high-end mics are often made available to offer the same sound and quality of those designs at a somewhat reduced price.

Thanks to the low mass of the diaphragm plate, condenser mics are known for having a crystal clear, open, detailed sound. Many large-diaphragm condenser mics have a designed-in boost in the upper mids and highs, which contributes to the reputation for clarity and air, and the quick transient response of small-diaphragm condensers provides excellent detail, especially for bright instruments like acoustic guitar and metallic percussion.

There’s a huge range of condenser mics available, from vintage classics like the tube-based Neumann U47 and AKG C12, to modern classics like the Neumann U87 and AKG 414, along with numerous high-end reissues, and modern condensers at every price point from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Anything around $400 or so should provide full studio quality, with even the $100 range offering a surprisingly decent sound for those on the most restricted budgets.

Wrap Up

Of course, there’s a lot more to know about microphones—not to mention mic techniques—but that’s all I have room for here. Recordists and studio operators at all levels will benefit from knowing as much as possible about this all-important first stage in the recording chain.