School Audio Essentials for 2021

School Audio Essentials for 2021

Summer is quickly winding down and back-to-school season is already in full swing. Whether you are learning on location or remotely, here is a list of essential audio gear so you can record music, stream games, do podcasting, or just make some cool beats. 

 

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Recording Package

The Focusrite Scarlett Studio (3rd Gen) Recording Package includes everything you need to record quality audio for just about any situation. The package includes a Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface, a Studio Condenser Microphone with an XLR Microphone cable, Headphones for monitoring, and a robust software package including Pro Tools | First and a bunch of software plug-ins to take your recording to the next level. Check out this video, where we record an entire song with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio and the included software.

Whether you want to lay down some guitar tracks or vocals, start a podcast, improve your game stream audio, or improve your video call audio quality, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Recording Package is the perfect place to start.  

 

Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone

The Shure SM7B has become the gold standard for podcasts, game streaming, vocals, instrument recording, and everything in between. What makes the SM7B so great, is that it offers warmth and smoothness for speech and vocals, so the sound you get from the microphone feels polished and ready right out of the box. As a dynamic microphone, it excels at off-axis rejection so you can use it in an untreated room and still get great sound out of it. Here is a video we did that has sound samples of the SM7B as well as some other popular broadcast microphones:

The Shure SM7B is a classic microphone that is perfect for a wide variety of applications. From streaming to podcasting, vocals, stringed instruments, and so much more. If ever there was a desert island microphone - this would be it!

 

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator

The Cloudlifter CL-1 is an essential piece of gear for using the Shure SM7B with most interfaces and preamps. The CL-1 gives up to +25dB of clean gain to your signal, so you don't have to crank the gain as high, giving you much cleaner audio for your final project or audio stream.

 

PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone with Fat Channel DSP

If you are looking for a simpler setup to do some recording or streaming with, the PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone gives you plug-and-play versatility without breaking the bank. What sets this USB microphone apart is the Fat Channel DSP which gives you real-time processing of effects such as EQ, Compression, Voice Effects, Reverb, and more!  Here is a video we did with some sound samples:

Revelator is the first USB microphone to deliver voice processing to polish your sound and an easy-to-use loopback mixer to bring in multiple sources from other software applications—all built into a studio-grade microphone that connects right to your computer, Chromebook, and iOS/iPadOS devices. Pefect for Podcasts, Streaming, Video Calls, or recording your next demo, the Revelator easily makes our essential gear for back to school list.

 

Audio-Technica AT2005USBPK Streaming/Podcasting Pack

The Audio-Technica AT2005USB Microphone is a bread of it's own. A dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs, it gives you a clean sound in any location, whether connected directly to a computer or through a mixer or interface. The AT2005USBPK ups the game by include a desktop boom arm and a set of the highly regarded Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Studio Headphones. That essentially makes this a podcasting or game streaming package in a box. 

The rugged AT2005USB microphone is ideal for podcasting, streaming, home studio recording and voiceover use. Its cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear, and its USB output provides high-quality analog-to-digital conversion for excellent fidelity.

 

Zoom H1n Handy Recorder

The Zoom H1n is a digital recorder at its heart, but it also so much more. Able to be used as a USB microphone or Audio Interface, the H1n is a versatile tool for any student. Take it to class to record a lecture. Capture your thoughts or study session so you never miss that next great idea. Create some on location content for your next podcast. Capture some ambient environmental tones or sound samples for your next music production. The H1n is your gateway to being more productive, sounding better, and creating better content!

 

Novation Circuit Tracks Standalone Groovebox

The original Novation Circuit was a stand alone groovebox that developed a cult following after it's release. Earlier this year, Novation released the new and improved Novation Circuit Tracks, which improved upon the original Circuit in almost every way. 

Circuit Tracks in an all-in-one studio with two synth tracks, two MIDI tracks and four drum tracks: everything you need to create and perform music. Designed for electronic and dance music producers, the agile groovebox lets you lose yourself in a hands-on production workflow. Let your creativity thrive with the acclaimed, hands-on sequencer, with which you can create 32-step patterns, chainable for up to 256 steps sequences per track. Go off-grid with microtiming, and keep your music evolving with probability and pattern mutate.

Check out these videos we did on how to get started with the Novation Circuit Tracks:

Make your own beats and design your own groove with the Novation Circuit Tracks!

 

6. Novation Circuit Rhythm

Building upon the success of the Novation Circuit Tracks, Novation released the Circuit Rhythm which is perfect for making some beats no matter where you go. 

Circuit Rhythm is the powerful and versatile standalone sampler for the modern beatmaker. Samples can be recorded directly to the hardware, then sliced sculpted, reversed, looped, resampled and played chromatically — all in the box. Grid FX invigorate your live performances, with lo-fi tape, stutter, beat repeat effects, and more.

 

Whether you are studying in person or going virtual this year, you can sound your best with the gear on this list! If you have questions or want to learn more, give us a call at 855-269-0474 for a free no hassle consultation.

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