The Ultimate holiday Gift List for Aspiring Musicians and Producers
Greetings! My name is Sean Bombz and you've just tuned into the crazy world of Raccoon Point Studios. Today, I've whipped up an exhilarating Christmas list, especially for the budding musician or music producer in your life. If you're on the hunt for the coolest music production gear for a loved one, you've come to the right place!
Pro Tip! Make sure you bulk up your storage before you do anything else.
The SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 1TB is large enough that you won’t have to sacrifice personal files or music files!
The Heart of Production: Computers
First, on the list, we have the soul of any modern producer's setup – the computer. Today I'm going to recommend the Mac Mini. It's a budget-friendly option at $500, packed with the M2 chip and 256GB of storage. Need more space? External SSDs from Samsung are a perfect addition for around $100. For those with gigantic projects on the horizon, you can also upgrade the Mac Mini for higher storage. For the high-fliers out there, you might fancy the Pro version which scales between $1200 to $1300.
Budget Option: Mac Mini
Highflier Option: Mac Mini Pro Version
I highly recommend using Logic Pro if you end up choosing the Mac. For a one-off payment of $200, the updates are completely free for life - as long as you stick with a Mac, that is!
Speaking the Computer's Language: Audio Interfaces
Now, if you're a layman when it comes to music production and are simply here to find the perfect gift, let me explain the importance of audio interfaces. These are the bridge between sound and computer, acting as an input for microphones, guitars, keyboards, and even an output for speakers and headphones. I've handpicked three different interfaces with a range in prices, but all within the same ballpark – all are two-channel interfaces.
1. Budget Option: UAvolt is $160 with a Multi Jack for all your input needs, buttons for sound customizations, and USB-C connectivity for your Mac Mini.
2. Mid-range Option:Audient ID 4 Similar in functions to the Uavolt, but with different headphone out sizes and a dedicated guitar input.
3. Highend Option: SSL 2+ $250, but comes with independent headphone outs and a monitor mix for a more personalized sound.
Hearing is Believing: Monitors
What would music production be without a clear, crisp sound? Allow me to introduce you to the finest monitors within different price ranges:
1. Budget Option: $79 Mackey Small, convenient, and do a superb job as introductory monitors.
2. Mid-range Option: $100 Presonus 3.5 S Slightly larger, perfect for bedroom setups.
3. High-end Option: $150 Presonus 3.5 S with Bluetooth More connectivity options for a more immersive jam session.
Catching the Sound Waves: Microphones
I recommend three different microphones based on budget and requirements:
1. Budget Option: Shure SM 57 – Built like a tank, excellent for recording drums, guitars, and vocals. Don't forget a pop filter!
2. Mid-range Option: Shure beta 57 A – Similar to the 57 but with better sound rejection, 40% off currently.
3. High-end Option: Shure SM 7B – $400 with a pop filter built-in and equalizer settings Also perfect for podcasts and live streaming! I also recommend getting a sturdy stand because microphones are not meant to be handheld while recording. Check out [Amazon's $33 boom stand] - it has a whopping 17,000 reviews!
In Your Ears: Headphones
When it comes to headphones, there's only one clear favorite: Sennheiser Professional HD 280 Pro. These closed-back headphones provide excellent sound isolation to prevent any sound leak into your microphone during recording. There's also a bundle deal that includes a 10-foot microphone cable, perfect for your new mic!
Play It Right: MIDI Keyboards
Last, but definitely not least, I recommend a MIDI keyboard for playing software instruments more naturally:
1. For The Travelers: Akai Mini MKII – A small, portable keyboard that's perfect for music on-the-go.
2. For The Pianists: M Audio Oxygen 49 MKV – A larger keyboard with 49 keys complete with assignable controls for advanced players.
So there we have it, the ultimate Christmas list for your budding music producer. I've provided Amazon affiliate links so it won't cost you a penny more, but it will help keep our ship sailing here at Raccoon Point Studios. If you have some questions or if you found this post useful, drop a comment or share this post. Don't forget to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things cool and music! See you in the next one.
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