Don't Make These Huge Mistakes when Shopping for Audio Equipment!

First off, I'd like to warn you about audio gear from some specific companies that I just can't stand:

Products by M-audio. I dislike this company with a passion. Some of their equipment is acceptable, however, they are slow at updating their drivers on old products when new technology comes out. Their build quality is usually cheap plastic, which means that M-audio products won't last forever. This makes most M-audio equipment overpriced despite what it looks like when compared to the competition. Stay away.

Products by Protools / Digidesign. I don't like Protools and Digidesign. They are way overpriced, but with decent build quality. I'm sorry, I just have to say it again. Waaaaay overpriced. Digidesign also tries to get you to upgrade to their giant protools prepriatory system which is even more overpriced than their consumer gear. Digidesigns audio sequencer: Protools is just crap compared to Logic or Garage band on the macintosh. I can't think of one reason to recommend protools for someone trying to save their cash. Budget musicians can count them out.

Audio interfaces by Mackie. I wanted to buy into mackie's excellent reputation for audio gear, but when I contacted them to get a mixer with built-in audio interface they couldnt tell me if it would work on my macintosh computer. Wrong answer. I didnt buy from them. Mackie's software and support division is not good enough for me.

What the budget Musician really needs: Buy an intel based Macintosh laptop direct from Apple.

Apple has always been about more than ipods. I can't recommend anything else but a macintosh to make computer music. I have used both Windows and Mac OS X in recording environments and I have found that the Mac is more suited to all mixing applications because of it's Core Audio technology, which reduces latency and gives you unlimited streams of recording power. Latency causes slowdowns and if it gets bad enough, your musics rhythm will be delayed. Windows XP has horrible latency. I was also getting pops in the audio on Windows because it was too slow. This occured on a brand new computer. It might just be my case, but you don't want this to happen at all. Another reason to go with Apple: They make sure to support alot of 3rd company's drivers. Your going to spend alot of time on your CPU doing mixing, and you want to be able to use any piece of audio equipment via USB or firewire without hassle. This compatibility from Apple also gives you more flexibility with the free mixing software Garage Band. Lots of goodies here. If you are worried about windows compatibility in the end - don't. You can boot into windows on any intel-based mac.

Audio Interfaces: This is where you plug your stuff in.

Motu 828 Mk2 - For keyboard guys
Okay, yes. This one is a little bit out of the price range I was shooting for but I stand by it. In the end buying this one will actually save you money...more later. Mark of the Unicorn knows what they are doing. They were the first company to support their old products with updated drivers when the intel based macs came out. M-audio did not! MOTU is on top of things. The 828 has all the sound inputs you'll ever need. If you have multiple pieces of gear that you'd like to plug in, say a keyboard or drum machine, this will work. The 828 is less expensive because with so many inputs to your computer, you'll never need a tradtional powered mixer. This option saves you lots of space and lots of money. The 828 has been around a long time. This updated version just gives it more of a reputation.

Line 6 TonePort for a single traditional musician
If you play guitar and sing by yourself, then this will work out. If you do anything other than this, say you plan to plug in a keyboard ever or anything at all, then get the 828 by MOTU above instead. I think the TonePort will work for a basic musician. Its the coolest looking interface and the price is right. The old style stereo level meters are the nicest touch ever. Plug in your guitar and mic and just play! It has some software control panel that is pretty nice too. Its also very red.

The Presonus Firepod - Hook it up to your entire band.
This is the one you want if your going to record your entire band at the same time. It has multiple preamps so you won't have to buy anything else. Just hook up all your friends mics into it. It looks very sturdy with blue anodized knobs and silver metal finish. It uses firewire. The recording quality on Presonus products are great.

Software: Your going to need it

Software is a critical choice as well. The most critical. Your going to spend alot of time in this mixing environment on your computer. Put your ideas in all the way to the final product via software. Theres only a few sequencers that are good enough to be worth your time and money.

Logic Audio Express. This one is comparable to steinberg's old cubase products, except its by Apple and has all the Logic Audio Pro fuctionality. This is what I use to compose and mix just about everything. I have been using it for over a year and haven't run into any significant limitations with it. Sure you get more with the pro version, but theres just no need. This version supports high bitrate recording and everything. Logic Express is #1

Digital Performer: For nutty people
Err...this one is a little bit nutty, but functional. If you compose and write music traditionally with staffs then you'll like it alot. However, I find that its more for obsessive people. The interface is not as good as Logic. It is a MOTU product and it works okay on the mac, so I'll give it a go on my recommendations list. Don't buy Digital Performer unless your getting a package deal, and don't buy it with out trying it first. Just get Logic Express if your unsure.

Ableton Live 6: $200 on Windows and Mac
Okay this product is great!!! Check out that price!! Ableton live broke the mold with its ability to automatically time stretch audio when you drop it in. Kind of like those beginner Acid loop programs, but more on the professional side. People are making insane DJ mashups with Ableton. This one is for the really creative. It also now accepts midi and audio input for recording. Definitely for remixers.

The final word on software sequencers: Remember that Garage Band is all you may need, and its FREE with the purchase of a new intel mac! If you desire more power, then go with one above.

Speakers: Oops I mean "Monitors"

These will help you make your music sound good on everyone's home audio system
So here we come to another pricey decision....Or maybe not. I actually mix on some old speakers that were not being used in my basement. They are hooked up to a regular Sony amplifier. Theres nothing wrong with this it all. I don't think you could tell the difference if I mixed on these or something more expensive. It gives me a flat sound, and I learned how to make it work. Still I think most people want to get professional "monitors" to hook up to their new setup eventually, so here are some good ones to look at.

Event Monitors. I have been recommended these by actual audio engineers. Monitors by this company are probably what I would look into getting. The sound quality and flat frequency response is what you desire. $500 is not alot of money for something that your going to use over and over. You have to remember that your buying something that is going to affect your ears for long periods of time. You want to feel comfortable with them.

KRK RP5, The little tank. KRK has amazing build quality. They look like killer bees. KRK Sound is pretty comparable to other brands and is worth the price you pay. I have heard that some of their series sound a little too punchy, but I think if you mix music with alot of bass then its something you'll come to appreciate. These are for the really budget conscious.

Mackie HR824, The ultimate. It costs $600 for one speaker. I know that people have saved up and just the one, then later purchased the other. I guess if a guy wanted these so bad that he didnt care if it was mixing in MONO, they must be crazy good. These are also a lifelong, one-time purchase. Remember not to go cheap like M-audio/Behringer style...if you do, you'll go through speaker after speaker and will end up spending more than you would have if you would have gone with a nicer Mackie. Mackie monitors are good!!!

Accessories: Cables, Mics, Effects

Just get them cheap on ebay. Well, hey, you probably really wanted to know which mic or whatever to buy to make you sound really really awesome. I have no idea. The problem is that I don't know what your voice sounds like or if you can even sing. I don't know what guitar and amp you use either...So lets just try out some cheap things from ebay. Real audio engineers experiment. Be careful, because there are so many people making bad recommendations about mics you need to buy. Ones that maybe came out in the 1970s or this sort of thing. I think its totally a personal choice. Experiment.

Extra tips:
Buy the cheapest cable. If its shielded, then its just fine. Hosa is a good brand for just about anything. I use their midi cable. Its probably even better to get this at your local music shop rather than online. I found its even cheaper that way. Effects? Ebay.

In Conclusion:
So thats the basics for a good sounding computer based musician setup on a budget. I know some of those components were really expensive and you probably spend over $2000 dollars to get it all going, but it was worth the cost!!! So much so. You won't have to spend that again. Now you can keep your gear much longer than everyone else will because these pieces will last, and you bought from reputable companies that will give you support for many years to come!

-Allan Drake

ChipCollection.com audio engineer/music producer, Allan Drake, AKA "Sammy Taters", got obsessed with making music and vintage keyboards in 1997 and has been hooked ever since.