Getting Ready for Spring: Time to Upgrade Your Recording Setup!

Hello everyone! I’m Yuki Kito, a guitar instructor.
So, how do you all plan to spend this spring?

As for me, I’m still the same old gear monster, but fortunately, I’ve been saving up this year. I’d like to take this opportunity to upgrade my recording setup, including interfaces and speakers.

I’m definitely interested in guitars and effects pedals, but since I’ve been doing more music production lately, I feel the need to invest (that’s my excuse!).

Today, I’d like to introduce some equipment to help those of you starting new schools or jobs this spring to quickly set up your recording environment. Let’s dive in!

Item #1: Speakers

First up, let’s talk about speakers. In the Sound House categories, this falls under ‘Powered Studio Monitors’.

Powered monitors come with the necessary amplification built in, making them quite cost-effective. While some enthusiasts may prefer to set up separate power amplifiers and speakers, many arrangers use powered monitors without any issues.

Recommended Speaker 1: JBL 305P MKII

The first speaker I recommend is the best-selling JBL 305P MKII. It has a high rating with 58 reviews on Sound House, boasting an overall score of 4.7 out of 5, which is outstanding!

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a speaker is to check the size and see if it fits on your desk. Since desk sizes vary greatly from person to person, considering a slightly smaller-sized speaker might be a good option.

Recommended Speaker 2: IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Compact Reference Monitor

Next up is the iLoud Micro Monitor from IK Multimedia, known for products like Modo Bass and various plugins. It’s a smaller size compared to JBL, making it a space-saving option.

Honestly, when I first saw it, I thought, “Can it really monitor well at this size?” Contrary to my expectations, it has received very high ratings. With 14 reviews on Sound House, it has an impressive score of 4.4.

One particularly helpful review pointed out, “It’s no surprise it sells well; the sound characteristics are quite similar to those of iPhone speakers or the included earphones.
When creating music, it’s important to consider how the listener will experience the sound environment. Considering this, the benefits of using these speakers are immense.”
- Source URL: Product Page IK Multimedia / iLoud Micro Monitor Compact Reference Monitor
- Review ID: 99665

This insight is significant, especially as I’ve heard that major international artists are checking how their music sounds through Apple AirPods or iPhone speakers to understand the listener’s experience.

Item #2: Audio Interface

Next, I believe an audio interface is essential to add to your setup. Many articles already cover this, so I’ll keep it brief.

Recommended Audio Interface 1: MOTU M4

Once regarded as a niche choice for professionals, MOTU has recently released more affordable yet high-quality products like the M4 and M2.

The M4 features a loopback function, making it a great option for those considering live streaming.

Recommended Audio Interface 2: Universal Audio VOLT 276

Debuting with a bang at the end of last year, the Universal Audio VOLT 276 features a vintage button that emulates vintage mic preamps, along with a one-button compressor that sets it apart from competitors.

It’s also a bonus that some UAD plugins come bundled without requiring DSP. Unfortunately, this unit doesn’t have DSP for running UAD plugins. Instead, it includes plugins that run on regular CPU power, like the Marshall Plexi Classic Amp Bundle (Softube) and the Ampeg SVT-VR Classic Bass Bundle (Plugin Alliance). Having quality amp simulators included is a nice perk!

So, that wraps up my recommendations for equipment to set up your recording environment! The interface and speakers play significant roles as the input and output of sound in computer music.

I’m hoping to upgrade at least one of these soon! I hope this information helps you in choosing your equipment.

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