Music Gear

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MIDI Keyboard

I had a Keylab Essential at my previous workplace and absolutely loved it, so when it came time for me to upgrade my personal setup, grabbing a Keylab Essential 88 Mk3 was a no-brainer! Not only do I believe this is the best bang-for-your-buck MIDI keyboard in the sub-$1000 price-point, but it’s also a great option for anyone looking for an under-desk pull-out option, since it’s one of the shorter / thinner options on the market. The semi-weighted keys have the perfect premium bounce to them and there is almost no ‘key clunk’.

Although mine is the full 88-key version, this keyboard is also available in 49 or 61-key versions.

Recording Microphone

The LEWITT 540S is my favorite microphone for recording vocals. I just love how it sounds and I even prefer it to many mics that ring in at double the price. I use this thing for everything — almost all of my covers since 2023 have been recorded with this. Here’s an example!

Did I mention that this mic comes with a super-sleek magnetic pop filter and secure travel case?

Overhead Microphone

Sennheiser, the company that owns Neumann, has a great lineup of affordable German-manufactured microphones, one of which being the Sennheiser MK4. I’ve used this condenser to record many vocals over the last few years (here’s an example), but these days it’s found its home looming over my desk to be used as a streaming and quick-recording mic. I love having a microphone directly in front of me so that I can record demo vocals or ideas while I work. Because Sennheiser microphones are professional quality, there’s no need for me to re-record vocals in my LEWITT if I don’t need/want to.

If you’re looking for a versatile, neutral-sounding microphone, this is the one for you.

I have it paired with a Sennheiser desk-mounted 3-point boom arm.

MIDI Controller

I’ve had many colleagues tell me I should upgrade from the built-in MIDI keyboard faders to some nice 100mm ones for an extended expression range, so I finally picked up one of these Souffle Brise controllers. It measures 15cm long x 10cm wide (so it fits perfectly on my slide-out keyboard tray), and I absolutely love the look of its stone / resin casing and mahogany top panel.

I use this primarily for modulation and expression, but the extra knobs are always a nice bonus.

Speakers

I’ve had my trusty KRK Rockit 5’s for close to a decade now — they’ve moved with me half a dozen times and have served me well! The newest generation of KRK’s classic Rockits boast 3 new voicing modes, onboard DSP, and an updated tweeter, all at a super affordable price ($335 for the pair).

Audio Interface

Another trusty piece of gear that has been with me for many years: my Scarlet2i2. There’s a reason so many people opt for one of these units — it does its job effectively and offers a plug-and-play experience all at a very affordable price-point. I’ve always been a fan of the build quality and brushed metal finish on these units as well.

HEADPHONES

Audio Technica’s ATH-M50x headphones have been my go-to headphones over the past decade. Firstly, I must mention how incredibly comfortable they are. I’ve owned many-a-pair of headphones that have left my ears feeling sore after long mix sessions, but these specific headphones have never caused me any issues.

I find that the ATH-M50xs have a nice, neutral and detailed sound, which make them a pretty good all-rounder for many types of music.

Although they’re a bit bulky to travel with, they’re a good pair for a desk setup.

Weighted Keyboard

While the semi-weighted keys on my MIDI keyboard are my go-to for most things, they just don’t cut it when it comes to playing or recording piano parts. Enter: my Yamaha P-125. This is an excellent piano keyboard in the mid-price range with GHS action keys. It checks all the boxes that a piano keyboard should for any beginner-intermediate player.

KALA

You may have noticed the majority of the instruments on my wall, including my ukuleles, tenor guitar, baritone uke, and guitar, are all from Kala Brand Music. My recommendations list wouldn’t be complete without a brief mention! I love Kala, and their instruments are truly a premium product at great prices. I would especially recommend this Baritone Ukulele as well as this Tenor Guitar, both of which I own and use regularly.

Use code 590CE04AA7A at checkout for 10% off your order.