Best Studio Audio Monitors
KRK's Rokit 5 G3 (Generation 3) powered studio monitors offer professional performance and accuracy for recording, mixing, mastering and playback. This Bundle contains 2 items: Pair of KRK RP5G3-NA Rokit 5 Generation 3 Powered Studio Monitor.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The only thing I didn't like was they didn't come with cables to plug into your interface, but that was only an extra 20 bucks, and a trip to Guitar Center."
"I finally got around to buying mixing monitors for my home studio and it has made all the difference. I can't say for certain that they are "accurate" but what I can say is that after mixing my song with these, it finally played back on every device, including car stereos, without and harshness or muddiness. I know that if I remove the muddiness and harshness I hear on these monitors, it will be removed on others too without changing the overall sound."
"I have these speakers as my computer speakers, along with the S10 subwoofer, completely worth it."
"I am not a professional, but the sound quality, craftsmanship and price was worth every penny."
"Super happy with this choice , fast delivery , product new in the box with no damages."
"Love the sound quality."
"The bass punches at high volumes, but is accurate to pitch rather than artificially amplified."
Convenient front panel volume knob with lit power ring gives you on/off/volume control and power indication where you need it.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"But then I remembered that Google came out with the Chromecast Audio that allows me to connect to any speaker through a headphone jack and cast music from any iOS, Android or computer device. So ultimately I could buy speakers that are better quality at a cheaper price, and so I began looking into the world of studio monitors which I hadn't considered before. They're the perfect size for my bookshelf, had amazing reviews (and rightly so), very easy to hook up, very very good quality sound and look fantastic."
"I love these speakers."
"I have the larger studio version of these and I can say that they sound just as delicious, only a little less full due to size."
"zero complaints forr 100 bucks good tweeter base is good for size im coming from the polk hamden which are fantastic but reailed at one time for 400 these are very very good for 100 and far better then the bose companion 2 albeit larger if u can squeeze the bigger size in."
"Was very wary when purchasing these as the woofer is only 4" but the sound reproduction is spot on."
"That's a good thing, but some may want to add a separate sub if you're going to try to fill a small room with sound. I think more expensive speakers in this category, including Mackie units with larger woofers might satisfy a broader spectrum of needs."
4 INCH 3-WAY MULTIPURPOSE SPEAKER SET – your high performance studio quality speakers can be used in an indoor or outdoor setting without compromising sound integrity.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The bracket assembly is solid, with foam / rubber padding either built in or provided for all mounting points which can be critical depending on how you install them."
"I replaced some old KLH speakers that were comparable to these, they were really old as in 1990's old, but I had only used them since 2004."
"They look a bit like a wire wrap but they would not full cover a speaker/other wire so maybe a sort of wire cover or edge cover?"
"Second pair is inside, and one of the speakers is defective."
"This is a re-edit of my initial review."
"Not outdoor."
"I'd recommend for surround application, not really sure if they would be good for main speakers. Jerry rigged it by screwing straight into the side of the speakers."
"Installed the right one and started on the left one to realize that the nut in the speaker had fallen inside the enclosure and was rattling in it."
Best Stage Subwoofers
Let the good times roll with the VAVA Voom - a modern and exciting Bluetooth speaker that brings the enjoyment of live music into your home. Featuring big sound and contemporary design at an affordable price, VAVA Voom is a fresh alternative for people that want a high quality speaker for the home. Older technology like CD and DVD players as well as older MP3 players can make use of VAVA Voom's high quality sound. What's In the Box: • 1 x VAVA Voom Bluetooth Portable Speaker. • 1 x 15V DC Power Adapter. • 1 x Micro-USB Charging Cable. • 1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable. • 1 x User Guide. Strong bass: With Two 5W drivers, 10W subwoofer, and two passive radiators, the VAVA VOOM produces the most powerful and dynamic volume, plus aptX audio coding paired with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for premium CD-quality audio experience.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I loved all of its features which were truelly desribed by the company and some youtube reviewers, specially the EQ modes( surround one is best if you are a movie guy and its party mode really added awesomeness to my house party), in built power bank, which for me is a delight as my battery is always low :-p whenever i had to listen songs in my free time. 5: customer support: this is more than best i mean in my life noone has ever contacted me in person after the purshase of any product to take the feedback."
"When I hit the EQ button to turn on surround sound my dog turned his head and looked at the wall BEHIND the speaker because the sound was bouncing off it. When you have Echo products -- I have 3 -- you can ONLY play multiple Echo speakers as long as long as none of them are linked through bluetooth to another speaker. If any echo product is linked to a bluetooth speak -- or other bluetoothing thing like a TV -- you cannot play everywhere. I hope Amazon changes this through software updates given they say they are constantly improving stuff. Obviously a reason they do this is to make people buy only their products BUT now that the new echo is out the sound quality isn't nearly as good as should be and the hype suggested (reviews of sound of new echo say the old one sounds better). Vava voom immeasurably better. So it seems likely Amazon might change the software to allow other bluetooth speakers to play everywhere given people might stop buy echos for this reason."
"I absolutely love this bluetooth speaker and am 100% happy with it! So now I am using this as an alternative since it is so small, puts out awesome sound and literally no heat!"
"I listen to a lot of jazz and this system (Echo & VAVA 21) in the voice recognition format has changed the way I deal with music."
"UPDATE: Vava contacted me and made every effort to resolve my concerns. They sent me a brand new replacement speaker that was updated to correct the hum issue."
Best Stage Monitors, Speakers & Subwoofers
Let the good times roll with the VAVA Voom - a modern and exciting Bluetooth speaker that brings the enjoyment of live music into your home. Featuring big sound and contemporary design at an affordable price, VAVA Voom is a fresh alternative for people that want a high quality speaker for the home. Older technology like CD and DVD players as well as older MP3 players can make use of VAVA Voom's high quality sound. What's In the Box: • 1 x VAVA Voom Bluetooth Portable Speaker. • 1 x 15V DC Power Adapter. • 1 x Micro-USB Charging Cable. • 1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable. • 1 x User Guide. Strong bass: With Two 5W drivers, 10W subwoofer, and two passive radiators, the VAVA VOOM produces the most powerful and dynamic volume, plus aptX audio coding paired with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for premium CD-quality audio experience.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I loved all of its features which were truelly desribed by the company and some youtube reviewers, specially the EQ modes( surround one is best if you are a movie guy and its party mode really added awesomeness to my house party), in built power bank, which for me is a delight as my battery is always low :-p whenever i had to listen songs in my free time. 5: customer support: this is more than best i mean in my life noone has ever contacted me in person after the purshase of any product to take the feedback."
"When I hit the EQ button to turn on surround sound my dog turned his head and looked at the wall BEHIND the speaker because the sound was bouncing off it. When you have Echo products -- I have 3 -- you can ONLY play multiple Echo speakers as long as long as none of them are linked through bluetooth to another speaker. If any echo product is linked to a bluetooth speak -- or other bluetoothing thing like a TV -- you cannot play everywhere. I hope Amazon changes this through software updates given they say they are constantly improving stuff. Obviously a reason they do this is to make people buy only their products BUT now that the new echo is out the sound quality isn't nearly as good as should be and the hype suggested (reviews of sound of new echo say the old one sounds better). Vava voom immeasurably better. So it seems likely Amazon might change the software to allow other bluetooth speakers to play everywhere given people might stop buy echos for this reason."
"I absolutely love this bluetooth speaker and am 100% happy with it! So now I am using this as an alternative since it is so small, puts out awesome sound and literally no heat!"
"I listen to a lot of jazz and this system (Echo & VAVA 21) in the voice recognition format has changed the way I deal with music."
"UPDATE: Vava contacted me and made every effort to resolve my concerns. They sent me a brand new replacement speaker that was updated to correct the hum issue."
Best Studio Microphones
Yeti is the most advanced and versatile multi-pattern USB microphone available anywhere. Compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8 (including 8.1), Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (Home and Professional), and Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher), and requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM(remove existing and upload).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Here is my full video review of the Blue Yeti microphone that I made for my YouTube channel."
"If you ever tried to stream through a Windows pc you will notice a delay between your live voice and what goes through the mic. There is no delay when you plug your headphones directly into the mic."
"I was able to pick one up on a lightning deal for $89 and it's well worth that price, however, I've had a few problems with it from day one that have since been rectified. Number one, I had to ship the first one back because one of the screws that holds the microphone into place was stripped out. Finally we can talk about the good and what should matter most when you are purchasing an expensive USB microphone and that is the sound quality -- it's excellent. If you are streaming a podcast or recording scratch audio for video production like I use it for, this microphone is really great."
"You can Google strategies for minimizing the surrounding hiss / hum interference... once you get all the outside sounds minimized, this mic is amazing!!"
"It will pick up outdoor noise from A/C compressors and lawn mowers a block away, so use a good mic shield or sound box."
"It records sound so accurately and is flexible enough with its various settings to adapt to different recording situations (e.g. solo, group, interview, acoustic, big room, small room, etc.). While I don't notice a huge difference in the recording sound quality during playback, I do see it when I start editing and mixing the audio."
"My son loves it!"
Best Studio Subwoofers
LOW CUT switch, LOW CUT control (80-120Hz) HIGH CUT control (80-120 Hz).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Industry standard performance with a limited edition uniqueness I really enjoy, especially since they match my white Native Instruments Maschine Studio production hardware."
"It came packaged really well and fast delivery."
"Great speaker for a good price."
"sounds great for my home studio and you can mount them."
"Just as described."
"Very compatible to what a normal person with a decent sound system would hear out of your recording."
"They look nice and have knobs on the back where you can change the settings."
Best Studio Multitrack Recorders
Each channel is conveniently loaded with volume, pan, reverb-send knobs, auto-punch in/out, 2 XLR Mic inputs with +48V phantom power and built-in high-quality stereo condenser mics making the DP-008EX an ideal take-anywhere solid-state recorder. 8-track Portable Multi-track Recorder.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I thought this recorder might recapture some of that simplicity while still allowing me to manipulate the final tracks or master recording in a pc program if I wished. 2 stereo tracks doing the primary guitar part, 2 stereo tracks doing a bass part, and two tracks of background chords and harmonics. You tell the unit which inputs you are going to use (mic, line, guitar), press the 1+2 track record buttons, set your levels, press PLAY and RECORD together and you’re off. The previous tracks automatically play back while your are recording new tracks AND THERE ARE NO LATENCY ISSUES! No need to start from the beginning to record new tracks. The unit has a built in metronome and tuner, you can bounce tracks with no degradation (freeing up tracks for more recording), mix 8 tracks down to a stereo mix, and then mastering effects (auto or manual) can be applied to the final master. The "mixer" is used to set levels for recording the 2 active tracks and/or playback levels of previously recorded tracks."
"it wont be, your beast of burden/ records your songs/your feelings wont be hurtin/ now that you got something to record your masterpiece. (im sure i didnt have to tell you to sing that with the stones song in mind now did i?"
"I recommend getting the Tascam power adapter as it's NOT included with the recorder. However, if you want to take your multi-track and mix it down to tape and give it that analog warmth..... go ahead. Tascam has put a lot of features into this unit and they all work."
"given the size and price, a lot of the EQ and other sound options are accessed through some nerve-wracking menus."
"Great Unit, easy to use..works as my ideas recorder when im on the road with either my Keyboard or Guitar."
"Love this little unit."
"Returned and upgraded for the 8 track model."
"It's a great little unit."
Best Recording Headphone & In-Ear Audio Monitors
The HD 280 PRO is a pair of closed, dynamic stereo headphones that deliver accurate, linear sound reproduction with ambient noise attenuation for critical monitoring applications. Dynamic, closed-ear headphones.Weight w/o cable: 285 g. Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design, Cord Length - 3.3 - 9.8 feet Coiled.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Cons: The bass is hard to hear unless you EQ it, and volume is not very high. ( great isolation , but very poor sound and bass response from a $300 headset !). Pros: I record music at home, so a flat signal helps ( hence the Pro name). These Senheisser HD Pro 280 are great for the price,and probably a neutral signal that works for recording, but you can explore other options, specially for portable listening , both in regards to comfort and getting a lively sound. I tuck the coiled cable on my side, using my belt, and walk around with them all day. Popular music like John Meyer or Dave Mathews Band, Cake, Pantera, pop, Jazz, sounds as good as piano music now."
"Don't kid yourself into thinking they'll sound as good as higher-end headphones (after comparing them to my not-even-that-fancy HD 600s, I can definitively say that they don't, the clarity just isn't there) but if the price is right for you and you need sound isolation (they block out even more sound than I was expecting) then these should be at the top of your list."
"I was looking for a great set of headphones that would block out noise from my coworkers. This is more of a general issue with closed-ear cans rather than this specific model, but since it is my first pair, I happened to notice it."
"While I can hear sounds, I can no longer follow a conversation, as I could with my on-ear headphones. As other reviewers have commented, when you get quality headphones, you can hear what's missing when you don't have a great sound source (Pandora free, Youtube)."
"The sound on these headphones is phenomenal. After ten years of use it in no way draws away from the quality of these for the price."
Best Stage & Studio Cables
Fender cables are designed specifically for live performance - engineered to avoid twisting, kinking, and having any "physical memory" and ultimately delivering the best sonic balance between your performance and your equipment. 23AWG Oxygen-Free Copper Conductors.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is a really nice, thick guitar amp cable with very nice quality jack plugs."
"I have used the Fender cables for several months, and am very please."
"I haven't used this enough to test the durability but, it seem good quality."
"Solid cable, no buzz or crackle or fuzz...except the fuzz i put in there myself."
"Cable material is nice and think, with some spring to it -- perfect for something that gets dragged around as you move."
"Works as should."
"Excellent heavy easy to manage cables."
"I use a small blackstar amp in my living room next my couch and needed a shorter cable."
Best Portable Studio Recorders
Direct recording to SD cards up to 128GB.Display 2.0-inch full color LCD (320 x 240 pixels).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I’ve been recording interviews for a podcast, and having the ability to mic four subjects at once is awesome."
"I use it to record classical music played on a grand piano in a room."
"This is a wonderful recorder."
"Great Audio Recorder."
"I upgraded from a Zoom H4 n. Zoom makes great products and this H6 is no exception."
"Amazing little recorder!"
"Takes some learning but it's a wonderful recorder."
"Amazing recorder and perfect for anyone who needs to record on location."
Best Audio Mixers & Recording Accessories
The Bluetooth headset can easily and quickly connect with smartphones, tablets, TVs and other Bluetooth devices within 33 feet. Designed for an excellent listening experience, Mpow Bluetooth headset with CSR chip and around-ear cushion design can provide robust, immersive and Hi-fidelity sound. In the wireless mode: With a built-in 420mAh battery which provides 13 hours' continuous wireless playback and let you get rid of the tangled cables on the move; In the wired mode: Used as a wired headphone with an audio cable. 1x Mpow Bluetooth Headset. 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable. 1x USB Charging Cable. 1x Packing Bag. 1x User Manual. To have better Hi-Fi stereo music experience, please try diverse music genres and volume in sound test and make sure the ear cushions seal around your ears. Besides, Mpow Thor also has a backup audio port, you can use the provided audio cable to connect to your phones without worrying about running out of battery.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've had great experiences with Mpow earbuds previously, so I was very happy to see these new upgraded Thor over-ear headphones. UPDATE: The first full charge (from when the item started chiming to let me know the battery was low, even though it did still play) took 310mAh at 0.2A. When I am wearing them and playing music, I can hardly hear any outside noises, which was a problem when the doorbell rang. The carry bag fabric doesn't feel as quality as I expect and it clings to any dry or rough parts of my hands. Mpow's customer service is stellar and gives me high confidence should any issues ever arise."
"They are very secure for me, even when moving around vigorously (haven't worn them during extreme movement though)."
"However, I bought them FOR the bluetooth capability. I will post another edit if I have any issues, but as of right now I am satisfied."
"Second pair of Mpow bluetooth headphones I have purchased."
"Only took three days for the cat to eat through the cord on these, not sure if steel-braided cords are a viable option for future models."
"Sure they'll post Comments like the one below - anything to make them look good to a potential customer surveying the Product Reviews - but when you actually reach out to them, you get no response."
"I cannot review how they actually work(sound quality etc) as there was no point in pairing or trying the device as I woudln't be keep them."
Best Recording Studio Environment Equipment
1U universal shelf is designed to accommodate both non-rack mount equipment and half-rack width equipment. Model: UNS-1.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Inexpensive tray for your Rack Mount."
"It's made from heavy gague metal and the screw holes line up properly."
"I noticed too it can bend pretty easy, so you need to be cognizant of what you are placing on this rack, not anything too heavy."
"I have a number of components (Roku, FireTV, switch, cable modem, router, etc.)."
"I don't believe it will ever break and I'm going to keep it, but would be nice to be a bit sturdier."
"I am using this network rack tray to hold a 5-port Netgear managed switch, a Ubiquiti ERL-3 and a Raspberry Pi with no issues and plenty of room to spare."
"I don't know what weight it'll hold, but mine is holding lighter products."
"Have bought several of these now."
Best Power Conditioners
AC noise filtering reduces RFI/EMI. Furman's AC noise filtering reduces RFI and EMI interference to deliver a cleaner sound without pops, crackles and the local radio station coming out of your amp.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Fits my Gator 4U case perfectly, and I use for live stream setup with the Blackmagic ATEM 4K."
"This worked perfectly to go with my New computer and desk build."
"I have notice a discernible increase in sound quality, and no longer worry about surges, remember- it take but one to wipe out your equipment."
"peace of mind for all my computer and electronics."
"Absolutely fantastic for powering my rack setup."
"Works as advertised."
"I had to build another shelf in my desk just for this, then had issues plugging in wall warts since they hang down."
"Has only a few electronics inside but the main protection is the varistors which clamp the AC signal when it gooes to high."
Best Recording Signal Processors
Whether you need a mic to voice call from home or you need to record outdoors on your iPhone, PowerDeWise has built our microphones to perform in any situation! The extra durable wind muff and metal clips will make this microphone the last mobile external microphone you ever need to purchase! Specifications: Package: - Sensitivity: -46±2dB - Microphone x 1. - Directivity: Unidirectional - Clip x 1. - Operation Voltage: DC1.0V - 10V - Wind muff x 1. - Current Consumption: < 0.5mA - Deluxe pouch x 1. - Signal to Noise Ratio:≥ 56dB - Extra long 78" extention cable x 1. - Frequency Range: 50-16,000Hz - Microphone Jack Adapter 3,5mm x 1. 3.5 MM TRRS COMPATIBLE JACK Simply plug the microphone into your Apple MacBook, iPad, iPod, iPhone, Android or Windows smartphone and clip on to your shirt. 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED If you are not absolutely happy, for any reason, with your experience recording on our lavalier microphones, simply send it back for a full refund.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I shoot videos for my youtube channel in outdoor locations, so I needed a microphone which would emphasize my voice and not the ambient noises surrounding me."
"Best Features: - It has great sound quality. - Comes with 3 muffs for the mic. - A metal mic clip that should last a long time. - It even has an adapter to use it both with your phone or your computer!"
"Gave this to my son for Christmas, so far it works well."
"Glad to see that it contained an extension cord, too, as the standard cord is only long enough to connect to a phone in a subject's pocket; with the extension, you can easily sit across from a subject."
"The sound is good and what you would expect from any high quality Mic."
"It is omnidirectional so it might pick up things around the room if they are loud sounds."
"Very happy with this simple solution to my need for a lapel mic to extend and improve the recording quality/capacity of my iPod Touch 6."
"Excellent microphone."
Best Mastering Recorders
style: CD-RW901 MKII. 24 bit A/D and D/A converters.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Recording to CD's has worked satisfactory to date."
"Have had it for a couple years."
"Unlike my HHB CD unit which is made in England, and when I bought it in 1999 was $1,000.00 then."
"TASCAM Products are always good."
"Can't get a better one even if they made them."
"Absolutely fabulous piece of equipment!!!"
"Wonderful addition to studio."
Best Computer Recording Equipment
Includes VIP3.0 - the ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a powerful hands-on control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Unlike a synthesizer, MIDI controllers do not produce sound without software. So after you've downloaded the software and plug it in, you will still not have any sound generated until you've set everything up properly and loaded sounds onto the pads. It would be nice for them to take the time to make more tutorials. Everything I found just had to do with setting up the software, nothing really about HOW to actually use it. I am still learning to use this but it has gotten significantly funner to use as I have learned more about it and found sounds I like."
"A unique feature is the 4 way joystick for modulation and pitch control. It really helps keep the size of the keyboard down since you don't have to include those bulkier pitch and modulation wheels. Of course this is not the manufacturer's fault, they list "mini keys" in the first description of the product so I am not going to knock any stars for that. But the upside is that it makes the overall footprint very small, smaller than my computer keyboard infact. I think would be really neat if they made this same controller with normal sized keys. They make one similar (Akai Professional MPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads) but it has a lot more going on and is $80 more."