Home recording bundles offer immense value to producers of all levels – whether just starting out or seeking to upgrade their studio equipment. From convenience and cost savings, these packages deliver maximum impact for any studio setup or upgrade project.
Aimed at beginning producers, this bundle features an audio interface, DAW, headphones and condenser microphone – as well as Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First software packages – for home studio use.
1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2×2
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio delivers top-shelf sound in an ergonomic, portable format. This USB audio interface comes complete with everything needed to start making tracks at home studio, including third-generation Scarlett Solo 2×2 USB audio interface, large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone, closed back headphones and an XLR mic cable; professional tools allow recording/editing audio in multiple formats simultaneously!
Scarlett Solo 4th Generation offers a straightforward user-friendly design perfect for beginners looking to enter music production at an economical cost. Connected via USB-C and providing high quality recordings with no latency issues when connected to Mac and Windows computers alike, its plug-and-play functionality makes creating vocal and guitar recordings effortless.
The Scarlett Solo has been upgraded with numerous improvements that enhance its original performance. Its transparent, low-noise and low-distortion preamps are engineered specifically to handle both dynamic and condenser mics while its 48V phantom power ensures proper functioning for other phantom-powered devices such as microphones.
This version of Scarlett Solo comes equipped with an easy-start guide to help you begin recording immediately. Its gain halos make setting levels simple; green illuminated halos indicate when signal is strong while red indicates clipping which may distort sound quality. In addition, its direct monitor switch routes input signals directly to headphones or speakers without delays between what enters an interface and hearing its output.
2. Mackie Big Knob Studio
Jon is an award-winning mixer, producer, composer, and club remixer based out of London. Additionally, he contributes regularly to MusicRadar’s mixing tutorials and reviews.
Mackie’s Big Knob Studio+ is a monitor controller and USB audio interface equipped with dual Onyx mic preamps to provide professional monitoring and talkback solutions for desktop home studio owners and similar.
The original Big Knob was a monitor control system; however, this new model expands on that concept into a two-in/four-out USB audio interface with dual headphone outputs for artists. This device is ideal for smaller studios who struggle to accommodate separate pieces of equipment within their budgets.
Big Knob Studio+ goes beyond simply monitoring functions; it also features two stereo aux inputs with level controls to monitor other sources, making this an invaluable feature during mixdown for listening to reference mixes that you can quickly compare snare-to-vocal ratio, low end content or other parameters of your mixes with those found in source material.
Big Knob Studio+ allows for zero-latency recording from inputs 1 and 2, ideal if you are seeking an ideal tool to capture reference tracks or main mixes.
Mackie has included an impressive software suite with the Studio+, including Tracktion and Big Knob plug-in collection. Compatible with most DAWs, and with extensive documentation on its compatibility available on its website. Constructed of thick folded metal chassis that weighs only 4.6 pounds. Dimensions 11.9″ W x 6.8″ D x 3.2″ H.
3. Steinberg UR22C
Steinberg’s latest USB audio interface from their UR-C range of USB audio interfaces, the UR22C is an ultra compact 32-bit resolution unit with 192kHz sampling rates designed for high quality recording. Housed in a durable metal case and ready to travel and record on-the-go – complete with headphones and studio condenser microphone.
The Steinberg UR22C Recording Pack comes complete with an ST-M01 studio condenser microphone and two Steinberg SRH-01 monitor headphones, making recording voice, acoustic instruments and mixing easy. It also provides accurate sonic reproduction to monitor while recording and mixing.
Steinberg has retained some of its hardware giant’s flair in the UR22C even after being purchased by Yamaha, featuring class A D-Pre preamps on each input channel and built-in DSP effects such as REV-X reverb, Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip and Guitar Amp Classics. You also benefit from latency-free monitoring through its dspMixFx mix engine as well as various VSTi, AUi and AAX plugins for post production work.
A large Monitor knob on the rear panel controls the level for two TRS Main outputs on TRS connectors; two MIDI I/O ports and global +48 Phantom power are also provided, along with small rotary knobs to control gain for input 1 and 2, Mix, Headphone levels, as well as saving space on your desk with bus powering options and micro USB or external powering for convenient and portable operation. This interface was specifically designed to run off micro USB power or external supply – an ideal choice for portable use and saving desk space!
The UR22C features the capability of streaming directly from your computer or iOS device, making it ideal for live music performances, streaming talk shows and gaming tutorials. Furthermore, the Loopback function integrates pre recorded audio from DAWs with contributions coming directly from UR22Cs to create an integrated performance experience for viewers.
4. M-Audio AIR 192 Vocal Studio Pro
M-Audio’s AIR 192 Vocal Studio Pro bundle combines the sleek AIR 192|4 audio interface, HDH40 headphones, Nova Black large-diaphragm condenser microphone and premium AIR Series software suite to offer everything needed to start creating music and content at home. Recording vocal tracks, electric or acoustic instruments or voice-overs has never been simpler!
At the center of M-Audio bundled studio is the AIR 192|4, an elegant 2-in/4-out USB audio interface which can produce 24-bit/192kHz recordings with ease. Equipped with two low-noise Crystal preamps paired with quality A/D converters for exceptional recordings, plus front-mounted 1/4″ instrument input to record guitar and bass without needing your amplifier and pedalboard with you, its performance speaks for itself!
The AIR 192|4 comes equipped with essential effects plugins, virtual instruments and loops to get you up and running quickly. Eleven Lite is a comprehensive collection of virtual amp, cab, stomp effects designed to give recordings a professional polish and sound, while the AIR Virtual Instrument suite provides drum machines, synths, strings, percussion instruments piano organs for adding world-class sounds into your tracks.
M-Audio’s bundled studio is an ideal option for budding musicians or anyone attempting to enter home recording. Equipped with an M-Audio AIR 192|4 audio interface and HDH40 headphones for high-quality stereo listening, this studio comes complete with no MIDI ports – not really an issue when considering its affordable price point!
5. Native Instruments KOMPLETE 14
Native Instruments of Berlin has long offered their industry-standard Kontakt sampler engine alongside collections of virtual instruments and effects into what is known as its ‘Komplete’ bundle. Their latest edition, Komplete 14, provides users with many essential tools for music production across four tiers: Select, Standard, Ultimate and Collector’s Edition.
This year’s update to Komplete 14 brings many welcome workflow improvements, such as a new Browser that makes it easy to search and view all instruments, loops and presets at once. Furthermore, Komplete 14 now comes equipped with the Master Assistant which automatically optimizes audio for optimal mixing along with new metering and EQ controls; additionally there are fresh additions from National Instrument’s Soundwise partners (Plugin Alliance and Brainworx) providing legendary analog synths, iconic console emulations, studio-grade effects as well as fresh additions from Soundwise partners (Plugin Alliance and Brainworx).
Komplete 14 Select ($199) offers an impressive 40GB of content spanning every genre and style, including the latest iteration of Kontakt 7 sampling engine with Piano Colors and Action Strings 2 sampled instruments; expanded drum expansion packs such as 40’s Very Own Drums, Polyplex Abbey Road Drums And Butch Vig Drums; the sonic reverberation tool Raum as well as Native Instrument’s new effect plugin Replika with multifaceted reverb and delay functionality are also included.
Upgrade to the Standard Tier ($599) for access to more instruments and expansions from Native Instruments’ Komplete Instrument Suite, such as their Playbox instrument that creates cool chord sequences or their Orchestral Collections featuring Stradivari Violin, Amati Viola and Guarneri Cello instruments. Plus you get genre-specific Loop and Sample Expansion Packs like Concrete Sun’s nod to Japanese hip hop culture or Lunar Echoes for melodic techno. If your budget allows, add on their Collector’s Edition which adds Choir: Omnia sampled vocal instrument as an addition.