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Recording Studio Essentials
50
items Essential tools for daily life in a studio space… even a home studio space… the not-so-sexy stuff every studio space needs.
Sections
6
Diagnostic/Repair/Maintenance Tools
Tape, Ties, Brackets, Screws
Stands, Clips, Pop Filters
USB Cables, Adapters, Hubs, Wall Chargers
Studio Decor, General Aesthetics, Seats
Studio Headphones
Diagnostic/Repair/Maintenance Tools
These are essential tools every studio needs to help keep their gear in properly functioning order.
Every studio needs a good multimeter. This has been a solid unit over the years. Flukes are nice, but you don't need to spend a ton to get a decent multimeter (as long as it is accurate). Every engineer has had to test (or build) cables at some point...
Extech MN25 MiniTec Digital MultiMeter
I, honestly, do not know what I would do without this stuff. This stuff is amazing for cleaning out dirty potentiometers, input/output jacks, or just about anything that could brink about crackling into your recordings. This stuff is non-conductive a...
DeoxIT D5S-6 Spray Contact Cleaner
Every studio space should have a good thermometer/hydrometer. Guitar players know that proper humidity levels are important to proper care for guitars (pianos suffer from improper humidity levels as well). I love that this connects to a smart app and...
Govee H5075 Bluetooth Digital Hygrometer
Tape, Ties, Brackets, Screws
There are things that are not very sexy to talk about, but every studio needs to have on hand. I couldn't go without having any of these on hand in my studio.
Gaffer tape is a must for any engineer or musician. I don't know what I would do without this stuff (definitely not use duct tape… lol). This stuff holds strong without leaving any residue. There's nothing worse than having cables strewn about causin...
Pro Tapes Pro Gaff Premium 2-inch Gaffer's Tape - 55-yard Roll - Black
I love using these things to help keep random cable clutter at bay. The great thing is that I'm able to undo the run of cables and re-apply (unlike using zip ties). these work wonders when you need to tidy up cables, but know you will have to move or...
200 PCS 8" Reusable Adjustable Cable Ties
I love using zip ties for more permanent cable management situations. I use zip ties to help manage runs of cables behind desks and racks that I know will rarely ever move or I just need out of the way.
Zip Ties 700 Pack Assorted Sizes 4-12 Inch
These things have worked great for me when I need to zip ties cables out of the way in a more ‘permanent’ solution.I've used them on the back of desk legs and inside the backs of studio racks to hide unsightly cable clutter via zip ties.
XHF 100 PCS 3/4" Black Self Adhesive Cable Mounts
I've been using these for quite some time to hang my extra sets of headphones in my storage closet. Having headphones on hooks has allowed me to grab them quickly when I need to grab an extra pair for a client. I really like how these fold up when yo...
ZEYU 5Pcs Folding Wall Hooks Heavy Duty
These rack screws have worked well for me in my studio. I have used a few different types of rack screws over the years which have had extra lips around the head of the screw. This can cause issues with some rack gear that doesn't have a flat surface...
Gator Rackworks Standard Rack Screws
Stands, Clips, Pop Filters
Recording is pretty hard without mic stands and clips. Having extra stands allows you to be ready for whatever a recording session may hrow at you.
Every one of my low profile stands, in the studio, are these stands. I've used some with smaller bases that don't hold some heavier mics very well. I haven't had to worry about damaging a mic, due to the stand falling over, with these stands. These b...
OnStage MS7920B Amp & Bass Drum Mic Stand
I have a ton of these mic clips for situations where I might need an extra clip. I use these clips, a lot, in live situations but they also work great in the studio. They've worked well for me, over the years, in both live and in-studio situations. g...
OnStage MY330 Shock-Mount Wireless Mic Clip
I typically use these live, but also in the studio. Not every situation calls for a heavy weighted (and, usually, expensive). mic stand. These have been great for situations where I need to throw up a dynamic mic or a Shure SM57 (or the like) to get ...
On-Stage MS7701B Euro Boom Mic Stand
These work great for the moments when you need to do some overhead mic'ing of drums, or have a heavy condensor microphone.
OnStage SMS7630B Hex Base Studio Stand
These things are awesome for when you have a need for a heavier mic, but have used up all your weighted stands… and only have the lighter weight three-legged stands. Adding these on the ends of the boom arm help to counter weight so the stand doesn't...
On-Stage Counterweight (CW-3)
Every studio should have extra pop filters on hand. These things don't have to be expensive… all they need to be able to do is break up the sound enough to keep the mic from popping. These work well for any mic setup and clip to the mic stand.
On-Stage ASVSR6GB Pop Blocker with Replacement Liners
These mic clips are great to have around for pencil condenser microphones and will hold the smaller cigar-style mics without allowing them to slip/fall out of the clip… plus, the in-built shock mount is a great addition as well.
On-Stage MY320 Condenser Shock-Mount Mic Clip
These are another great option for low-profile mic stands. I have a couple of these for when I need to extend the boom just a little further than my other low-profile stands will be comfortable with.
On-Stage MS7311B Kick Drum / Amp Mic Stand
USB Cables, Adapters, Hubs, Wall Chargers
Every studio space needs USB-C cables and chargers on hand. If it's not for the benefit of clients, a studio engineer will run into the need to charge various devices within the studio.
These things have come in handy on many occasions where I have to plug a newer USB-C device into a computer without USB-C ports. I use one of these adapters to plug a PreSonus io44 portable interface into a laptop without USB-C ports when I'm on the ...
XAOSUN USB C Female to USB A Male Adapter 2-Pack
These adapters work great when having to adapt older/legacy hardware to newer devices. I have a couple older hard drives that use USB-A, and these work great to allow me to connect to devices with USB-C.
UGREEN USB C to USB Adapter 4 Pack 10Gbps
The problem that most studios have is way too many USB devices with not enough USB ports in their computer. I have been using this hub to fix that problem. This has allowed me to plug in external USB midi controllers, control surfaces, external xontr...
WENTER 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub with SD/TF Reader
Every studio should have some extra USB cables laying around. You never know when you need to plug in an extra USB-C device, or a client (or yourself) will need to charge a phone or tablet, etc. I love that this has a display on the end to show the c...
SOOPII 10FT 100W PD Fast Charging USB-C Cable
This is another cable that I've been using to charge devices while I'm in the studio. I love the display showing me the charging rate so I know how much juice is going into my devices. I can see myself switching fully over to these cables so I can al...
Baseus 100W USB C Cable with LED Display
I love having a couple right angle USB-C cables in the studio. I have been using one of these cables for quite some time to connect my PreSonus io44 mobile interface to computer/phone when I'm on the go. These are great for more permanent situations ...
AINOPE USB C to USB C Cable 60W 2Pack
I love using this USB-C hub when I'm on the go. I have had a couple hubs, over the years, that have the cable shooting straight out of the device… which I haven't liked when throwing them in a bag. I love that this one has a means for storing the cab...
Baseus USB C to HDMI 7-in-1 Hub 4K@60Hz
I've been using this charging adapter for qiute some time. I am not one to typically use the fast charging setting on my phone, but even at 45W this will be plenty for most modern phones. I really love how small and portable this one is.
Anker 45W USB-C Foldable Fast Charger
I've been using this charger for situations where the 45W isn't enough. This thing has come in handy on many occassions, and has been a great asset for charging needs within the studio (or, when a client wants to fast charge their device).
Anker 67W USB C 315 Wall Charger PIQ 3.0
Studio Decor, General Aesthetics, Seats
Studios should be warm and welcoming for clients. If you have a home studio space, it should be an enjoyable (and comfortable) space in which to work.
I've been using this with a pillow for aded back support while spending those longs days/nights in the studio. I love the print on this one. These work out really well, and stay plump with the right size pillow (hint… order one size bigger than the p...
16x16 Music Mixer Polyester Pillow
Seating for clients is a must for any studio to have… Some of us don't have the sprawling control rooms allowing for the large lush couches. these folding seats are padded and great for those with limited space, but still entertain multiple clients a...
Cushioned Folding Stool
These are great if you don't have a lot of space in your control room, and don't have an extra spot for a number of foldable chairs. Stackable stools help provide a solid bang for the buck to allow for seating in home studio setups that still cater t...
Round Upholstered Wood Stool, Backless (8 Pack)
These are great for those who have a little more space to allow for more than stackable/foldable seating options.
Drafting Chair with adjustable height
Solid chair option if you don't want stools and have the space to go with a traditional chair setup in your studio space (but still don't have the room for that big plush sofa seen in all those studio tours online).
Adjustable Faux Leather Ribbed Swivel Chair
Great option for those who want to create a dedicated sitting space for clients that come in to the studio. These are great for those home studsios that have a bit of space to work with and want to create a dedicated listening area for clients during...
Swivel Stool, Height Adjustable, Swivel, Faux Leather
Great option for those wanting to create a dedicated listening space for clients in the control room, but do not want stools… or need to take acount for the placement of monitoring relative to the seating position for the clients when playing back a ...
PU Leather Desk Chair, Swivel, Height Adjustable
Good option for anyone with the room for a small sofa in their recording space and does not want to deal with a multi-chair/stool setup.
61" Small Sofa, Faux Leather, Mid Century
Good option for anyone with the room for a small sofa in their recording space and does not want to deal with a multi-chair/stool setup.
50'' Small Sofa - 27" Deep Seat with 2 Pillows
Good option for anyone with the room for a small sofa in their recording space and does not want to deal with a multi-chair/stool setup.
58" Mid Century Faux Leather Small Sofa
Good option for anyone with the room for a small sofa in their recording space and does not want to deal with a multi-chair/stool setup.
65" Small Mid Century Modern Sofa, Tufted
Lights are important in a studio… so is setting a vibe. Artists need to feel inspired when they come in to record. Having good “vibey” lighting is a cheap way to set a mood for the client to be able to feel comfortable during the recording process. I...
Small Table Lamp with Square Fabric Shade
These are the smart bulbs that I have been using in tiny lamps that I keep in the vocal/amp booth. There's no need to break the bank with smart lights… as long as the CRI rating is over 90 (I don't typically recommend going below 90 on the CRI rating...
TP-Link Tapo Smart RGBW Light Bulbs A19
Having some “vibey” hanging lights can help to add an extra bit of ambience in the studio/control room while also keeping the all-important floor space available for gear. These are a great option for adding an extra little “something” to your record...
Hanging Pendant Light, 15ft Hemp Rope, Beige Linen Shade
If you are looking to add a little more RGB to your recording space, these are a solid option. They're great for putting into corners and adding an extra bit of color to your studio space.
Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp 2-Pack, Alexa
These are a great option to have some extra color changing lights to set around your recording space to help add a little color to your space. I love having color changing lights while recording/mixing to help match the mood I'm going for. There's ju...
LED Rechargeable Multi-Color Ball Lights (4 Pack)
Studio Headphones
Every studio space (even home studios) should have an extra set or two of headphones. More professional studios should really have more than just 2-3. You might run into a situation where the band wants to record their songs with more of a “live” fee...
These headphones are really great for musicians when recording, while not feeling too cheap, or breaking the bank. These are a solid choice for studios to have to offer clients when coming in to record.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones - Black
Sony has been making pro-grade headphones for quite a long time… in fact, thee have been around for many years and have proven themselves over and over. These are a solid set of headphones for any studio (even home studios) to have on hand.
Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back Professional Headphones
These are a really awesome set of headphones that won't break the bank. I have used these many times while recording sound for commercials… and still go to these when I need a good solid set of headphones with good noise isolation while recording liv...
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Studio Headphones
These headphones are very solid and are a a line of headphones that all studios should have in their arsenal. Beyerdynamics have been a staple in many studios for many years and you can't go wrong having a pair of these to go to.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Closed-back Studio Headphones - 80 ohms
These are a good set of “budget conscious” headphones to have available for drummers when recording. They provide ample noise isolation to allow the drummer to hear the music when recording.
Alesis DRP100 Drum Monitoring Headphones
Another solid option for headphones for drummers when recording. Vic Firth is an industry standard name in the world of drums and offer a solid option, at a solid price, for noise isolating headphones.
Vic Firth SIH3 Stereo Isolation Headphones
PreSonus has become a household name in the world of budget studio gear, while still providing good quality. These are really good if you need extra headphones, but are on a budget.
PreSonus HD5 Pro Monitoring Headphones
These are a good option if you really need to stretch every dollar but also need to cover having enough headphones for multiple musicians… plus, they're cheap enough that if a pair breaks, you can just replace without having to worry about shelling o...
TASCAM TH-02 Closed-back Studio Headphone - Black