Must-See for Beginners! Introducing DTM Bundles

Hello!
Kaoru the composer here!

This time, for those who are considering starting DTM, I would like to introduce some DTM bundles.

There are several hurdles when starting DTM.
For example:

• Financial cost
• Knowledge of equipment
• Knowledge of PCs

and so on.

From my own experience… when I was a beginner, I ended up making many unnecessary purchases due to insufficient understanding of system requirements and lack of PC knowledge… (cry)

But I don’t want those of you who are about to start DTM to go through the same bitter experience!

So!!
I’m going to introduce these DTM bundles that I can confidently recommend—you can’t go wrong if you buy any of these!

■ What Is a Bundle?

First, since this is for beginners, let’s start by explaining what a “DTM bundle” is.
Simply put, it’s a product that includes a set of equipment necessary to start DTM.

The main advantages are:

• More affordable compared to purchasing items individually
• Most bundles consist of products from the same manufacturer, giving a unified setup
• You can get all the essential items from scratch, even if you currently own nothing
• Excellent compatibility between devices

The key point here is the last one: “compatibility.”
DTM involves using various hardware and software, and sometimes even if “system requirements are met,” things may not work properly.
However, with a bundle, you’re generally safe!! (Be sure to check your PC’s OS, CPU, and installed memory!)

Now, let’s pick out some products that are especially recommended and available at Sound House!!

FOCUSRITE / Scarlett 2i2 Studio Pack (gen. 3)

A bundle from Focusrite with a very cool red and black design.
My very first audio interface was from this Scarlett series.

The package includes the following:

• Scarlett 2i2 (gen.3) (audio interface)
• CM25 MkIII (condenser microphone)
• HP60 MkIII (headphones)
• XLR microphone cable

Included software:

• Ableton Live Lite（DAW）
• Eleven Lite (amp simulator)
• Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack (plugins)
• Softube Time and Tone bundle (plugins)
• Focusrite Red Plugin-Suite (plugins)
• Addictive Keys (piano sound library)

That’s everything. Honestly… it’s incredibly generous for what you get!!!

The included software alone makes it worth buying.
What I’m particularly paying attention to is the “Focusrite Red Plugin-Suite.”
It’s extremely easy to use!

Of course, all the hardware components are also high quality!

It’s actually a very popular product and often goes out of stock, so if you’re considering it, you might want to decide sooner rather than later!!

AUDIENT / EVO Starting Recording Bundle

A bundle that includes the audio interface “EVO4,” which I use in my sub setup.
EVO4 is simple yet multifunctional, capable of handling all the basics, so I highly recommend it!!

This package includes:

• evo 4 (audio interface)
• evo SR1 (condenser microphone)
• evo SR1 (dedicated shock mount)
• evo SR2000 (monitoring headphones)
• XLR microphone cable

All of the items are perfect for building a compact setup, making it a very appealing bundle!

The evo 4 alone usually costs around 15,000 yen, but the bundle is about 25,000 yen.

In other words:

• Condenser microphone
• Dedicated shock mount
• Monitoring headphones
• Microphone cable

All included for about 10,000 yen.
That’s such a high cost-performance ratio it almost feels unbelievable… (laugh)

M-AUDIO / AIR 192 | 4 Vocal Studio Pro

The package includes:

• AIR 192 | 4 (audio interface)
• HDH40 (headphones)
• Nova Black (condenser microphone)
• XLR cable

Included software:

• Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition (DAW)
• Ableton Live Lite(DAW)
• Eleven Lite (plugin)
• Avid Effect Collection (plugin)
• AIR Creative FX Collection (plugin)
• Xpand!2 (sound library)
• Mini Grand (sound library)
• Vacuum (sound library)
• BOOM (sound library)
• 2GB of Touch Loops content (loop sound library)

The angled control panel of the audio interface offers excellent visibility even when placed on a desk!
It’s useful not only for music production but also for telework and streaming.

BEHRINGER / DTM Beginners Pack

A bundle from BEHRINGER, a brand well known for its fantastic value.

The package includes:

• UM2 (audio interface)
• CM5S (dynamic microphone)
• CPH7000 (closed-back monitoring headphones)
• MIX030 (3m XLR microphone cable)
• MST Petit (desktop microphone stand)

Additionally, a microphone holder and a hard case are included.
Unlike the products mentioned above, this bundle doesn’t include software, but at around 10,000 yen, it may be the cheapest option available.

If you only plan to use it for streaming or telework, music software is not necessary, so this should be more than sufficient!

That concludes the introduction to DTM bundles.
Although aimed at beginners, they are also perfect as a sub setup for advanced users!!

Be sure to check them out!!

Prices are as of October 2021.

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