Music Making Hardware: Ten Top Suggestions
We were recently asked by a computer magazine for details of our top ten essential computer hardware items for musicians. In no particular order, here are the items we came up with. All top sellers, and all guaranteed to take your computer music making to a new level!
: if you want to get decent recordings without having to upgrade your soundcard, buy pre-amps etc, then the USB microphones are fantastic. No need to install, just plug and play. The entry-level dynamic is perfect for vocals, and comes with a desktop stand.
The is a versatile mic which can be used by vocalists and for recording acoustic instruments.
Then the flagship with switchable polarity is suitable for a wide range of recording situations, and can be used for recording ensembles and choirs as well as vocalists and instrumentalists.
- : a revolutionary complete portable DJ controller, Mixer and USB audio interface for desktop/laptop PCs, you can record through this device, hook up your decks, and use the controllers to scratch MP3 files amongst a host of other uses.
- : the easiest way to record your guitar with professional results. Just connect the M-Audio Fast Track USB to the USB port of your computer and you're ready to rock. Fast Track USB has an input for instruments like guitar, bass and keyboards, plus a microphone input for recording vocals or other acoustic sounds. The included Pro Tools Essential software gives you killer effects and processing power plus a whole library of stuff so you don't need any other gear to sound great. This device also has a big brother, the , which has digital i/o, MIDI i/o, phantom power, plus additional inputs.
- : the easiest way to connect your digital piano or keyboard to your computer. A USB-MIDI interface enables you to use your keyboard or digital piano to drive sequencing and notation software, compose and edit on your PC/Mac/Laptop then play the whole thing back with ease. Also perfect if you want to use tuition software to improve your playing skills.
- : The M-Audio KeyRig 49 turns your Mac or PC into a versatile keyboard workstation. Featuring a 49-key, synth-action USB MIDI keyboard and the award-winning Key Rig software for the PC, KeyRig 49 makes it easy to start composing and performing music with a computer. Use KeyRig 49 to play Key Rig's virtual instrument sounds, or audition loops and compose songs with Pro Tools, Apple's GarageBand, Ableton's Live Lite (included) or other music-creation programs.
- : This advanced 25-key USB mobile MIDI controller features both semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch, plus eight rubberized trigger pads that put drum programming and performance at your fingertips. Eight endless rotary encoder knobs let you get your hands on synth parameters, virtual mixer controls and more. Six transport controls can also assign to control other MIDI parameters.
- the ultimate devices! The Digidesign MBox family is the perfect way to get into the ProTools world - software plus high quality recording interfaces at prices to suit all pockets. These have been flying out of the door ever since they arrived with nothing but praise praise praise.
- : well once you have improved the sound on your computer, and you're recording your first top ten hit, you need to be listening to it through a decent set of monitors! With new waveguides and enhanced driver integration for a cohesive and refined sound. Or, if you don't want to annoy your friends and family, buy yourself a decent set of headphones! We recommend the they ship with an adaptor so will fit mini or standard headphone outputs.
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