With more recording options available today than ever before — more microphones, interfaces, software, monitors, converters, clocks, and outboard gear to bedazzle and bewilder — no one could blame the beginning recordist for having option anxiety. That’s why we at Sweetwater took it upon ourselves to create a list of great recording gear for those who are just starting out or getting back into the game.
Whether you’re a songwriter who’s ready to record your song ideas, a voice-over artist or podcaster looking to break into the market, or an engineer who wants to expand your digital boundaries, this feature is for you. This article will let you learn from our experience and maximize your recording gear budget.
Our Criteria
To qualify for this list, the gear had to meet the following criteria:
- Easy to use — All audio gear has a learning curve, but items on this list were deemed intuitive enough that a beginner could set up and get running within a reasonable amount of time.
- Value packed — Should be modestly priced and packed with pro potential.
- Future forward — Must be able to grow as one’s needs and setup do.
The List
JBL 305P MkII 5″ Powered Studio Monitors
A good mix starts with good monitors. The JBL 305P MkIIs have the features, power, and response needed to craft translatable mixes, especially when added good ears, acoustics, and mixing skills! This latest offering from JBL’s 3 Series borrows technology from JBL’s flagship M2 reference monitors — including JBL’s Image Control WaveGuide, giving these monitors a broad sweet spot and detailed stereo imaging, and the Slip Stream Port, which maximizes bass within the reduced cabinet size. And at 82 watts each, these monitors have clean headroom to spare. A smart feature is the 3-position Boundary EQ switch, which shapes the bass response whether you’re placing these monitors free-field, or on a desk, or against a wall.
Universal Audio Arrow 2×4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD DSP
Arrow is an absolute powerhouse audio interface for anyone with a Thunderbolt 3–equipped computer. With near-zero latency, a pair of high-headroom Unison mic preamps with modeling technology, and a suite of UAD’s premium Analog Classics FX — including Pultec EQs, 1176 compressors, and a dynamite Marshall Plexi emulation — Arrow offers an astonishing amount of bang for the buck. Especially nice is that Arrow can be Thunderbolt-bus powered for remote recording: camping, at the beach, or wherever inspiration strikes.
RODE Complete Studio Kit with the NT1 and Ai-1
RODE’s sweet little all-in-one NT1 bundle includes all you need to capture pristine, low-noise vocals and acoustic instruments at home or on the go. At the heart of this bundle is the RODE NT1 microphone, which, at a mere 4.5dB of self-noise, is one of the quietest mics in its class. But that’s not the NT1’s only claim to fame — this mic is known for its present, full-bodied pickup of vocals and acoustic instruments. Also included in this package is the compact RODE Ai-1 USB-C interface, with a simple control set, phantom power, and a high-quality, zero-latency onboard headphone amp. A suspension shockmount, pop filter, and XLR cable are also included.
iZotope Spire Studio Audio Interface
Depending on where you are in your recording trajectory, the Spire Studio could be the first or last recording device you ever buy. This teacup-sized tempest is a new paradigm in recording tech, giving songwriters professional results without the complicated setup of software editors and interfacing. Spire delivers up to eight tracks of audio, wirelessly, in 24-bit/48kHz HD, to the Spire app on your iOS device. Spire is its own Wi-Fi access point, so a separate wireless network is not required. Spire can even be powered by the onboard rechargeable 4-hour battery for remote recording anywhere in the world.
Jotting down new ideas is simple: either plug in a mic or instrument, press New Song, and let Spire automatically set your levels. Two award-winning Grace Design preamps capture the delicate transients and full range of your voice and instruments. And for the ultimate simplicity, just hit Record while using the onboard omnidirectional mic and you can sing or play directly into the device with no cables to hookup at all.
The Spire App is a feature we love as much as the interface. Mixing is done visually, using the X-axis (horizontal) to reflect Left-Right panning and the Y-axis (vertical) to represent track volume. Onboard amp sims and FX make this a total mix solution, complete with export to SoundCloud and other services. For those who want to further flesh out their demos, the Spire App can export songs to an external DAW for greater track counts and mix control.
PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 Hardware/Software Recording Kit
The PreSonus AudioBox bundle is an affordable entrée into the Studio One multitrack ecosystem. The AudioBox bundle includes a license to the value-packed Studio One Artist 3.5 DAW, along with all you need to make and mix music. On the hardware side, the M7 large-diaphragm condenser mic, with its 40Hz–18kHz pickup and impressive 136dB SPL handling, is a workhorse for voices and a wide range of sources. This feeds into the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface, whose clean preamps and 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution are capable of producing long-lived demos and song sketches. For monitoring on the go, a pair of HD7 studio headphones with lightweight, high-resolution neodymium drivers is also included. Adding greater value to this package is the included Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, with 20 virtual FX from the Plugin Alliance family.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle
Here’s another all-in bundle with pro potential written all over it. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio bundle is a robust front end for any burgeoning recording environment. With class-leading converters, sample rates up to 192kHz, and low-latency monitoring, the Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is the perfect solution for solid recording quality on a budget. These twin preamps are clean, clear, and full and this bundle includes the matching Scarlett Studio CM25 condenser mic and Scarlett Studio headphones, as well as an exclusive software bundle that includes Pro Tools | First DAW and name-brand FX and instruments from the likes of Novation, FabFilter, and iZotope.
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
No list of entry-level recording gear would be complete without the venerable SM57. This mic truly is the great equalizer, used in bars across the world and on huge-budget platinum records. As producer Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Dream Theater) said about this timeless mic: “give me a handful of ’57s, and I can make you a record.” The SM57’s biggest claim to fame is its ability to record guitar cabs and snare drums to complement a modern mix. But with some production savvy, this mic will surprise you with its ability to paint aggressive vocalists, horns, an even upright piano in a pleasant light.
Remember, this list is just a smattering of the great recording gear we have for beginners. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for a custom-designed recording solution.
