Home / Guide / Best Laptop for Pro Tools in 2016 Best Laptop for Pro Tools in 2016 GuideFor most people, setting up a home recording studio sounds like a monumental task. Indeed, it seems like it’s difficult to gather everything that you will need for it. After all, many imagine a studio as having a lot of electronics and cables. However, in reality, building a home recording studio isn’t as hard as you think it is. The trick is to get started with only the most important equipment (which aren’t a lot actually). And so, I am sharing here a home recording studio equipment list that only has the 6 most essential items. Table of ContentsThe 6 Most Essential Studio EquipmentThe Best Computers for Recording MusicMac mini ReviewThe Best Laptops for Recording MusicThe Best Audio Interface and Digital Audio WorkstationAvid Fast Track Duo with Pro Tools Express ReviewOther Top Audio Interfaces and Digital Audio WorkstationsThe Best Microphones for Recording Vocals and InstrumentsShure SM57 ReviewOther Top Microphones for Recording Vocals and InstrumentsThe Best Recording Studio HeadphonesSony MDR-7506 ReviewOther Top Closed Back Headphones for Recording TracksThe Best Studio MonitorsM-Audio Studiophile AV 40 ReviewOther Top Studio

MonitorsA Few Necessary AccessoriesPutting Them All Together Click on any of the 6 equipment types below to immediately jump to its section in this guide. For each type, a good example is reviewed to help those who are looking for specific equipment suggestions. Nowadays, most computers are fast enough for home studio use. So if you already have one, use it for the time being. But if you need to buy anyway, it might as well be one of the best computers for recording music. Below, there’s a review of a top choice to get you started in considering your options. Other options are also mentioned so that you’ll have enough to choose from. Why get a Mac instead of the more popular and cheap PC? A good reason is that Apple devices are more stable due to their exclusivity. Anyone can build a PC, but only Apple makes Macs (hence, they are all literally the same). So if an audio software is compatible with Macs, then it will work with any one of them. And they will continue to work even after software updates.

That said, Macs don’t come cheap. So for most people, the Mac mini is ideal because it’s among the cheapest models. Oversized Comforter Sets California KingThe mini has four USB 3.0 sockets, two Thunderbolt 2 connections, an SDXC Card Slot, a Gigabit Ethernet, an HDMI output socket, and Audio In and Out connections. T Shirt Template EpsIn other words, you can plug in just about anything (like a turntable for example). Pool Towel Rack DiyHowever, take note that you would have to separately buy a monitor, keyboard and mouse. So if what you want is an all in one device, check out the laptops below. An audio interface is a hardware used to hook up your recording gear to a computer. Meanwhile, a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a software for recording, editing, and mixing audio files on your computer.

I recommend buying them together because it’s usually cheaper and the compatibility is guaranteed. Below are some of the best audio interface and Digital Audio Workstation bundles available. A review of a popular option is provided to get you started in assessing your choices. Additional options are also listed below. With the Avid Fast Track Duo, you can simultaneously record two voices or a vocal and acoustic guitar. In addition, you can connect a keyboard, a music player and other equipment via the line-level inputs. The Duo is compatible with a PC, Mac or iPad (connecting cables are included). You can even record to your iPad using any iOS audio app. The Avid Fast Track Duo is bundled with Pro Tools Express, but the interface can be used with other DAWs. Pro Tools is among the best DAWs because of its user-friendliness and flexibility. The Express is a light version perfect for beginners and those transitioning from another software. However, it can only be availed as a bundle with an audio interface like the Duo.

Nonetheless, it’s upgradable to a full version at a discount that pays off a significant chunk of the Duo. To check the price and other reviews of the Avid Fast Track Duo with Pro Tools Express, click here. To get your recording studio up and running, all you need is one microphone. Preferably, that one should be among the best microphones for recording vocals, acoustic guitar and other instruments. Below, there’s a review of such a mic to kick start your evaluation of your options. Following it is a list of alternative choices that are equally top notch. If you ask anyone who’s into recording, they’ll likely recommend a Shure SM57. It’s a dynamic mic and most studios probably have a half dozen of it already. The SM57 sounds great and can record almost anything: vocals, acoustic guitars, guitar and bass cabs, drums, etc. It can’t be claimed that it’s the best mic for everything, but it’s more than satisfactory nonetheless. It’s a jack of all trades and is great at being so.

Because of such versatility, the SM57 is perfect for beginners who can’t afford specialized mics yet. And for a multipurpose mic, the SM57 is also relatively cheap (see the current price). Just like with mics, all you need is 1 pair of headphones to get started. Because from the get-go, most of your recording sessions will be by yourself. There are actually two types of headphones — closed and open back. The former is for tracking your recording, while the latter is for mixing. Open backs are kind of optional, because mixing is best done using studio monitors. On the other hand, closed back headphones are a necessity. Below are some of the best closed back headphones for recording tracks. There is also a review of a top option to get you started in studying your choices. Additional options are also provided below. With a closed back headphone, the most critical feature is sound isolation. It should keep out external noise so that you can hear yourself clearly as you play.

At the same time, it should keep sound from escaping into your mic and ruining the take. Those are what the Sony MDR-7506 can do, and it’s the reason why it is such a popular headphone. That said, you might think that such an air tight isolation comes at the cost of wearing discomfort. On the contrary, it’s comfortable to wear due to its moderate head-clamping pressure and reasonable pad thickness. Besides that, the Sony MDR-7506 also sounds too good for its very modest price tag. Conventionally, music mixing is done by using studio monitors. Basically, studio monitors are speakers. But unlike consumer speakers, they have a much flatter frequency response. And so, they have a more natural sound that allows you to objectively assess your mix. What follows are some of the best studio monitors under $200 (for a pair already). A review of a popular choice is included to get you started in considering your options. Two more options that you might want to check are also listed below.

The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 has an affordable price and a balanced and neutral sound. They aren’t boomy or pitchy and they can easily handle just about any thing you throw at it. Thanks to their woofer, you won’t experience buzzing at low frequencies. On the other hand, their tweeter also does an impressive job of managing the highs. The AV 40s are relatively small, making them perfect for home setups and auxiliary workstations. Their inputs should work for most setups and they also work well with larger monitors. Read more reviews and see the current price of the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 by clicking here. Aside from the main equipment discussed above, you’ll also need a few essential accessories for your home studio. One of such accessories is the mic stand, because obviously, you need something that will hold the microphone. A cheap stand like the On Stage MS7701B would be more than adequate to begin with. In addition, you’ll also probably need a long XLR cable like the Mogami Silver 25ft XLR for your mic.