Hi ya'll welcome to my first blog post on NG! I want to share with you what my current home studio looks like and give a brief overview of the equipment I use to make noise. I don't do this professionally so most of my gear is entry level. I just like having fun and toying around.

This year I want to upgrade my headphones, get a microphone (AKG P120 if you were wondering), some acoustic padding, and if I make Santas good list I have been eyeing the AKAI Professional Fire.

If you are building your own studio I think the most important thing is keeping it simple and getting whatever you can afford. Your goals and budget might not be the same as mine so our gear choices might be different. This list isn't the best gear on the market its just what I have chosen. So hear it is;

Computer

Apple Macbook Pro M1 16 GB RAM 1TB SSD

The core of the whole operation and the nicest part of my setup. I work in tech so this item plays multiple roles in my day to day.

DAW

FL Studio 20

FL Studio is my primary DAW. Honestly the best software purchase ever. No subscription and lifetime free updates! I spent my teen years learning the basics and picking it back up was really natural for me. Other alternatives just didn't feel right for me.

Garage Band

Amazing for quickly getting ideas down and recording my guitar.

Audacity

Mostly use for clipping audio tracks. It doesn't get opened often but it's still useful many years later.

Audio Interface

M-Audio Air 192|4

Simple, good looking, plug-n-play. This just works for me and has the ports I needed.

Headphones

Audio Technica ATH-M20x

Cheap, sounds okay, really uncomfortable. My ears get hot quickly and I can't wear these for more then 10-15 minutes at a time without taking a break. I definitely want to upgrade soon, but not sure to what. Maybe the M50x, maybe some Sony's or AKG's. Otherwise they sound flat and work well with my audio interface and guitar amp. Came with a 1/4th to 3.5mm adapter.

Studio Monitors

JBL 305p MKII

Good quality and they are loud in my small studio. Not the largest speakers but for about $100 more you can get the 8" version.

Microphone

Im working on it. Get ready to hear these pipes, la la la la la la la. I am considering the AKG P120 in the future.

Instruments & Controllers

M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini

I wanted a midi / daw controller that did a bit of everything in a small size. I choose this over the Akai MPK Mini MK3 because of the classic pitch / mod wheels, daw controls like play / record, and the sliders. Only downside is the knobs aren't infinite. If they were this controller would be perfect.

Fender FA-150 Acoustic Guitar

The first instrument I actually learned to play. I had an old Yamaha keyboard once before this but it collected dust. I really think you get a good quality guitar for the price. Not the best but good enough to learn to play and have some fun. It's really a Squier with a Fender logo.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster - HSS

Perfect guitar for recording into my audio interface. Much easier to play than my acouster. My first electric guitar and I have enjoyed every minute with it.

Squier Affinity Precision Bass - PJ

I like sticking to brands I trust so yet another Squier. I don't really play bass but it helps extend my range while recording.

Fender Grace Vanderwaal Ukelele

I love this thing, its so much fun to play around with. Easy to play and looks great! Has a built in tuner and pickups with 1/4th jack.