Build a home studio for under $500

🎧 The Ultimate Audio Setup for Under $500

If you're building a home studio or upgrading your audio workflow, you don't need to spend thousands to get clean, professional sound. I’ve tested and curated a setup that delivers real performance—for under $500. No gimmicks, no fluff—just gear that works.

🔌 Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

Price: ~$120
Link: Buy on Amazon

Reliable, low-latency, and built like a tank. The Scarlett Solo gives you one XLR input and one instrument input—perfect for solo creators. It also includes Ableton Live Lite and other software to get you started.

🎙 Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020

Price: ~$100
Link: Buy on Amazon

This condenser mic is a workhorse. Crisp highs, solid mids, and enough low-end to handle vocals and acoustic instruments. You’ll need an XLR cable and phantom power (provided by the Scarlett).

🔊 Studio Monitors: Edifier MR4

Price: ~$130
Link: Buy on Amazon

Flat response, compact footprint, and surprisingly good stereo imaging for the price. These monitors are ideal for mixing, editing, and general playback without coloring your sound.

🎧 Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

Price: ~$100–150
Link: Buy on Amazon

Closed-back, comfortable, and accurate. The M50X is a staple in studios worldwide. Great for tracking, editing, and late-night mixing when monitors aren’t an option.

🧠 Bonus: Free DAW Software

When you buy the Scarlett Solo, you get access to Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, and other plugins. That’s a huge value-add for beginners and pros alike.

💡 Final Thoughts

This setup gives you everything you need to record, mix, and produce high-quality audio without breaking the bank. It’s modular too—upgrade the mic or monitors later as your needs evolve. For under $500, this rig punches way above its weight.

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I trust and use myself.

Linux Audio For Live Setup - OIdie but Goodie!

Okay, so many years ago I created a setup for performing live using Linux on my old laptop. This was a wonderful setup using 4 main tools: Qjackctl, Jack-Rack, Seq24, and Qsynth.

Recently, I’ve re-released an album I recorded live with this setup called At Terra Firma. I titled it this simply because it was the name of the venue in Brooklyn, NY where I performed the piece. To this day, it’s one of my favorite fully electronic performances.

Since my YT channel was hacked—and I got it back—I’ve been going through old videos I thought were lost forever. I found this one I made around the time of that performance. The setup I show in this video is the EXACT one I used on the album!

Unfortunately, two of the most crucial tools I used in this setup are no longer available in the Debian repos. I was determined to get it working again, so I tracked down two .deb files that seem to work fine in Debian 13. Actually, Jack-Rack was an RPM file, but I converted it to .deb using Alien—and it works!

I've zipped these up and offered them for download here if you're interested. Use at your own risk—there’s no security threat, but they may rely on dependencies not present on your system, so I can’t guarantee they’ll work.

Anyway, I just thought I’d share. Enjoy!

EZ Drummer 3 just got serious competition and it's on sale for only $39!

BFD 3.5 is the third generation of FXpansion’s flagship acoustic drum software, and it’s currently on sale exclusively here for just $39—a steep drop from its usual $199. This isn’t just another drum plugin; it’s a full-blown virtual studio designed to deliver ultra-realistic, mix-ready drum performances straight into your DAW.

The core library is massive: 51 kits and 60 presets recorded by top engineers like Andrew Scheps and Rail Jon Rogut. You get brush and mallet articulations, tom resonance modeling, cymbal swell simulation, and two distinct room ambiences. Whether you're crafting jazz ballads or heavy rock anthems, BFD 3.5 gives you the sonic flexibility to dial in exactly what you need.

One of the most powerful features for drummers is its compatibility with electronic kits. Much like EZDrummer 3, BFD 3.5 can replace your module’s onboard sounds via MIDI. That means you can trigger BFD’s high-fidelity samples directly from your e-kit, transforming your performance into a studio-quality drum track without upgrading your hardware.

The plugin’s internal mixer lets you retune, dampen, and process multiple mic channels with surgical precision. You can sculpt your sound using built-in EQ, compression, and reverb, or dive into mic bleed and room ambience settings to create a truly custom kit. It’s like having a drum engineer on call 24/7.

The built-in Groove Editor is another standout. You can select from a wide range of rudiments, import MIDI files, or use performances from legendary drummers included in the library. The result? Drum tracks that feel alive, dynamic, and tailored to your music.

BFD 3.5 supports VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats and runs on both Windows and macOS—including Apple Silicon. While the install process requires a separate license manager and the download size is hefty (over 55 GB), the payoff is a deeply customizable drum environment that feels like a virtual recording studio.

The interface has been redesigned for smoother workflow, with a new sound browser and mixer layout. You can save custom kits, tweak mic placement, and simulate different room acoustics. It’s ideal for producers who want total control and drummers who want to elevate their recordings.

Right now, BFD 3.5 is available for just $39—a limited-time offer through my exclusive link. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your drum software, this is the moment.

Watch the video above to hear BFD 3.5 in action. From subtle ghost notes to thunderous kicks, this plugin captures the nuance and energy of real drumming. Whether you're producing beats, tracking live performances, or building custom kits, BFD 3.5 gives you the tools to shape your sound exactly how you want it.

Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your drum setup with BFD 3.5 for just $39. It’s more than a plugin—it’s a full-fledged drum studio in your DAW.

Even though I love Paistes, Zildjian Makes the Best Cymbal Pack On The Market when it comes to value/quality

The Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set: The Best Cymbal Pack on the Market

If you’re looking for a professional-grade cymbal set that delivers legendary sound across any genre, the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set is hands down one of the smartest purchases you can make. These cymbals are not only versatile and musical—they're the very sound you've heard on countless iconic recordings across rock, pop, jazz, funk, and everything in between.

The A Zildjian line has defined cymbal excellence for generations. Drummers from Buddy Rich to Travis Barker have leaned on their clarity, responsiveness, and tonal richness to cut through mixes with precision and warmth. If you're building your kit or upgrading your current setup, this pack gives you a powerhouse set of tools that’ll shine in any recording or live setting.

What’s Included in the 391 Box Set?

The Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set includes:

• 14" New Beat Hi-Hats – universally loved for their perfect balance of crisp "chick" and smooth wash.
• 16" Medium Thin Crash – fast and bright, excellent for accents without overpowering.
• 18" Medium Thin Crash – slightly deeper tone, complementing the 16" with layered textures.
• 21" Sweet Ride – warm stick definition, shimmering wash, and that signature bell tone every drummer dreams about.

Each cymbal is a heavy-hitter in its own right, but together they form an all-star cast that can adapt to any musical situation—from tight studio sessions to high-energy arena gigs. This pack isn’t just about convenience—it’s about unlocking timeless tone with a single purchase.

Massive Savings & Value

Here’s where it gets even better. Buying these cymbals individually would set you back a serious chunk of change. On average, purchasing the ride, crashes, and hi-hats one-by-one could cost you upwards of $1,200 depending on the retailer.

But with the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set, you're saving several hundred dollars. Zildjian has bundled some of their most popular and sought-after models into one affordable, studio-ready package. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an ambitious hobbyist, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat.

Hear Them in Action

Still need convincing? Check out this video demonstration below. It showcases each cymbal in the pack with a clean mix and proper miking so you can hear their true sound—crashes with sparkle and punch, hats with tight articulation, and the ride with lush definition:

Final Thoughts

If you’re building your dream drum setup, the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set is more than just a smart buy—it’s a legacy sound in a box. You’re getting cymbals that have stood the test of time, and they’ll elevate your playing no matter where your musical journey takes you.

Ready to make the upgrade? Don’t miss out—check out the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set today and experience legendary tone at a killer value.

Never run out of royalty free samples for your music!

Elevate Your Production Game: Exploring Loopcloud with Ableton Live and Beyond

Modern music production is all about speed, creativity, and flexibility. That’s where Loopcloud shines. Whether you're working in Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, or any other DAW, Loopcloud brings a powerful, cloud-connected workflow right into your studio, redefining how producers find, organize, and manipulate samples.

What is Loopcloud?

Loopcloud is a sample subscription platform developed by Loopmasters that gives you access to over 4 million royalty-free loops and one-shots. But it’s more than just a library—it’s an integrated tool that syncs with your DAW, letting you audition and edit samples in real time, all without breaking your creative flow.

Seamless Workflow in Ableton Live

If you're an Ableton user, the integration with Loopcloud is seamless. You can preview samples in time and key with your project, drag-and-drop audio directly into Session or Arrangement View, and tweak everything with the Loopcloud Plugin Suite—all inside your Live session.

Want to see it in action? Check out this demo that shows how producers are using Loopcloud creatively inside Ableton:

Why It Works in Any DAW

Loopcloud isn’t just for Ableton fans. Producers working in FL Studio, Logic, Studio One, Bitwig, and even standalone apps benefit from its drag-and-drop simplicity and plugin architecture. You can slice, pitch, reverse, and build full arrangements using the Loopcloud Editor before committing anything to your DAW.

Key Features at a Glance

• 4M+ royalty-free samples
• Cloud-based sample management
• Time-stretching and key matching to your DAW
• Built-in effects and editing tools
• Automatic BPM and key detection
• AI-based sound suggestions
• Offline access with sample storage

Creative Inspiration on Tap

Stuck in a loop (pun intended)? Loopcloud's constantly updated collection ensures you always have fresh inspiration to spark your next beat or full production. And with the ability to test sounds inside your DAW before purchasing, it’s budget-friendly too.

Final Thoughts

If you're ready to upgrade your workflow and gain access to a goldmine of samples, effects, and editing tools, give Loopcloud a try. It’s more than just a sample library—it’s a creative engine built for modern producers.

Click here to explore Loopcloud and start building your next masterpiece.

How to get free loops for making music

 

Creating music with Loopcloud is an accessible and inspiring process, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned producer. Loopcloud is a cloud-based sample library and music creation platform that integrates seamlessly with most digital audio workstations (DAWs). It offers millions of royalty-free samples, loops, and one-shots, all of which can be auditioned and edited before importing them into your project. The strength of Loopcloud lies in its ability to let you search for sounds by key, tempo, genre, and instrument, making it easy to find exactly what fits your track.

To get started, download and install the Loopcloud desktop app and connect it to your DAW using the provided Loopcloud plugin. This plugin allows real-time syncing, so you can preview how loops will sound with your project’s tempo and key before committing. Once connected, start by browsing the extensive Loopcloud library. You can drag and drop loops directly into the timeline, or use the internal editor to slice, rearrange, pitch-shift, or add effects before exporting them.

Loopcloud also features built-in tools for music creation beyond just samples. The Loopcloud DRUM and Loopcloud PLAY plugins allow you to design drum kits and instruments from the vast sample database. You can program beats, melodies, and basslines using MIDI, and then process them with effects like delay, reverb, and filtering—all without needing third-party plugins.

Ultimately, Loopcloud streamlines the creative process by giving you powerful tools to organize, manipulate, and audition sounds on the fly. Whether you're sketching out a new idea or adding the final layers to a mix, it encourages experimentation while keeping your workflow efficient and musical.

Get a free 14 day trial here!