As a working musician and producer, I’ve tried (and accumulated) tons of gear over the years, most of it lives in my home studio. Here's what I currently love to use, along with some affordable alternatives for musicians just getting started.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Audio Interfaces

My Pick: Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre

Yes, Focusrite is everywhere, but I think there's a reason. I love my Clarett+ 4Pre. The preamps, especially with the "Air" mode enabled, make vocals and percussion tracks sparkle. With 4 XLR inputs, it's ideal for drums (kick, snare, and two overheads), plus it's got room for my synths, Nord Electro, guitar mic, and bass guitar.

Entry-Level Alternative: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

The Scarlett 2i2 was my workhorse for years. It easily connects guitars, keyboards, and mics, and it's a killer affordable interface for demos and simple setups.

Studio Monitors

My Pick: Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitors

When I moved to Texas, I upgraded to the Yamaha HS5s. They're clear, accurate, and translate mixes exceptionally well.

Bonus: Gator Frameworks Clamp-On Studio Monitor Stands

Gator Clamp On Desk Mounted Monitor Stands

These stands save desk space and isolate monitors nicely, reducing vibration and improving accuracy. I really like these desktop clamps because I use a standing desk, so the monitors rise with me and stay at ear-level!

Entry-Level Alternative: PreSonus Eris E3.5

Eris E3.5s deliver clean, balanced sound on a budget. Perfect starter monitors that punch way above their weight class, I used these for years. The Bluetooth functionality adds another way to enjoy music.

Subwoofer Pick: PreSonus Eris Sub8

I've actually bought this sub twice after selling the first one… it provides essential low-end without overwhelming smaller spaces, and it pairs well with almost any monitor setup.

Handy Recorder

My Pick: Zoom H5 Handy Recorder

Portable and versatile. Perfect for capturing live performances, rehearsals, songwriting ideas, or quick location recordings. I have used the H4 for years that has now been upgraded. It also doubles as an on the go audio interface as well! I have a buddy who uses this to tape jam band shows as well ;)

Electronic Instruments for Demos

Keyboard: Nord Electro 6D 73-Key

Legendary Nord sounds, I have used this for gigging for years, but I find it great for studio sounds as well, particularly on demos or in a pinch. When I am tracking a demo or scratch track, I start with this board. Some people prefer the 61 key, but I appreciate having the full 73 keys I have on my Rhodes.

Drums: Roland TD-07KV V-Drums Kit

IDEAL for demoing drums quietly and efficiently at home. I have used the TD-1 for a while which is out of production and the TD-08 is the most recent model. This instrument is awesome for looping midi and coming up with new parts.

Microphones

Dynamic Mics:

Shure SM57

I have used this recently on guitar and bass amps and drums, but it is just a super handy to have around. As a matter of fact, I could probably use another 1 or 2 of these around…

Shure SM58

You know it… the classic bomb proof vocal mic for live gigs is solid for demo recording in a studio environment.

Condenser & Specialty Mics:

Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone

Clear, warm vocals at a killer value. I recorded all the vocals for my upcoming debut EP on this microphone and I found it to be exceptional sounding, especially for the price.

sE Electronics SE8 Stereo Pair

Incredible overhead or acoustic instrument recordings. I use these for PIANO, percussion, and as room mics.

Sennheiser e609

My go-to mic for guitar cabs. Best for live settings, but I keep one of these on my Blues Jr in my studio permanently hooked up to my Clarett interface.

Shure SM7B

You have probably seen this mic in a podcaster’s hands. But it's also been a studio staple for artists like Michael Jackson and Kacey Musgraves. I keep this attached to my desk with the Rode arm (see below), so I can record demo vocals easily. It also sounds fantastic!

Bonus: Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm

This is the best mic arm I’ve found for studio workflow and easy positioning. Since I have my keyboards set-up on a corner of my desk, the mic can reach me in front of my monitors or as I’m playing the keys.

RODE PSA1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm

Other Essential Tools

Whirlwind IMP 2 1-Channel Passive Instrument Direct Box

Essential for recording guitars, bass, or keys directly, and a little cheaper than the Radial offering. I have been recording in parallel a dry signal DI from my guitar as well as the signal from my amp in case I want to go back and adjust the tone using a………….

Radial Reamp HP Compact Studio Reamper

This might be my new favorite tool overall. Great for re-recording DI tracks through real amps and pedals for sonic flexibility. I have reamped almost every instrument in my studio using this tool and it has given me a lot of creative ideas, adding guitar effects to vocals and opening up new workflows.

Thanks for checking out my list of studio gear - if yall like this I will make more!

Home Studio Gear I Love (And Entry-Level Alternatives)