When we talk about gear, most of us immediately think of the cool stuff: microphones, preamps, compressors, DAWs, plug-ins — that kind of stuff. We may even contemplate a few accessories like stands, cables, and the like. That’s great, but as our vast studio experience here at Sweetwater has taught us, there are many essentials that most people don’t think of. Here are 10 of our favorites (in no particular order).
Whirlwind Tester
It would be great if we had an unlimited amount of time to spend in our studios. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Between your job, school, and family, life is busy! That’s why a cable tester like the Whirlwind Tester is so indispensable. It checks most cable combos of XLR, 1/4″, and RCA, giving you a quick, easy way to find shorts, opens, and reverse-polarity issues. The Whirlwind Tester is a great way to solve time-consuming problems quickly and easily.
Galaxy Audio Check Mate CM-130 SPL Meter
According to the Fletcher-Munson curves, frequencies sound the flattest at a sound pressure level of 85dB, so that’s where you should mix. So how do you figure out how loud you’re listening? You need an SPL meter, such as the Galaxy Audio Check Mate CM-130. It features both fast and slow measuring capabilities, along with four ranges. You also get both A-weighting for general sound level measurements and C-weighting for low-frequency measurements. Need help calibrating your studio monitors? Then check out Sweetwater’s “How Loud Should You Mix?” article. Besides giving you loads of helpful information, it will show you how to calibrate your monitors in 10 easy steps.
Radial ProD2 Stereo Direct Box
Every studio, big or small, needs a quality DI like the Radial ProD2. It’s the fast and easy way to solve impedance mismatches. So what’s a DI? In short, it takes an unbalanced, high-impedance signal and converts it to a balanced, low-impedance signal. The ProD2 features a 2-channel design, so it not only works for electric guitar and bass, but it’s also ideal for electric pianos, synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, DJ mixers, and media players. A -15dB pad and ground lift complete the package.
ART P16 Patchbay
As we all know, time is at a premium when you’re working in your studio. And if you find yourself crawling around behind your rack trying to plug in mics and patch in compressors, you are definitely wasting time. That’s when you need a patchbay like the ART P16. This handy rackmount patchbay makes managing mic preamps and outboard gear a breeze, and its reliable construction ensures that it will continue to serve you for years to come.
RAB Audio ProJax Studio Monitor Isolation Kit
If your studio monitors are setting directly on your desk or monitor stands, you’re not hearing them clearly — structural resonance is coloring your perception. Putting a set of RAB Audio ProJax under your monitors is a great way to decouple them from your desk. It also positions them for optimal listening. This modular isolation kit is a great way to improve the sound of your monitors, while creating the perfect sweet spot.
TAMA Multi Tool
If you use acoustic drums in your studio, they can be a bear to maintain. But rather than wasting time and space with an entire array of tools, just keep a TAMA Multi Tool on your keychain. It includes two drum keys: one offset for hard-to-reach screws and one that enables you to use the entire tool as a T key. You also get an Allen wrench set for on-site kick pedal tune-ups, a Phillips screwdriver for stands and snare strainers, and a 7mm hex nut driver for tightening loose lug nuts. Beyond that, a wing nut side opening cranks down and loosens cymbal stands.
DW DWCPRUG2 Large Drum Rug
If you place a drum kit directly on your studio’s floor, you’re asking for trouble. Not only will the spikes on the kit legs gouge up your floor, but your drums will also continuously walk away from you while you’re playing. The DW DWCPRUG2 Large Drum Rug is an easy fix for this. On top of that, this industrial-grade rug will dress up your kit, thanks to cool-looking emblazoned DW logos.
Crown Seating Stealth Standard Engineer’s Chair
If your back and neck hurt every time you work for long stretches in your studio, you need a chair upgrade. The Crown Seating Stealth Standard Engineer’s Chair is a fine choice, giving you superior back support, encouraging proper body alignment, and improving blood flow to your back. It also features breathable mesh to prevent perspiration buildup. Employing proper ergonomics in your studio is vital to maintaining your physical health. That’s why a high-quality chair like the Stealth Standard is such a wise purchase.
Etymotic Research ER-20XS Earplugs
An engineer’s most valuable tools are his or her ears. If you find yourself sticking your head in front of cranked guitar amps or around drum kits, you need hearing protection such as the Etymotic Research ER-20XS earplugs. These revolutionary devices supply 20dB of sound reduction, while preserving every detail of what you’re hearing. The richness of your music is preserved, and speech remains clear. In fact, everything sounds exactly the same; it’s just quieter. Beyond that, they’re comfortable and easy to remove.
CMC Pro Bulk CD-R Spindle
These days, we don’t use a lot of physical media — most projects are sent back and forth over the Internet. That said, you’re still bound to get an occasional client that wants something burned onto a CD. When that time comes, don’t rely on discs from your local department or grocery store. Rather, keep this 100-pack of industry-standard CMC Pro CD-Rs on hand. These top-shelf discs have been used by studios and publication houses for decades. So when you need physical media, save yourself time and trouble — go with CMC.
This list gives you a great starting point for filling in the gaps in your home studio. If you have any questions about the items on this list, or your studio needs in general, give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. They’ll be happy to help you find everything you need to keep your studio running smoothly.
