Top Recording Gear of 2010: A Review

From Joe Shambro, former About.com Guide

After a very busy year in the audio world, 2011 is finally here. If there's one thing we learned in 2010, it's that getting the most bang-for-the-buck is a huge concern for many people, given the budgetary restrictions most of us have to deal with in today's economy. Finding gear that works well, is built well, and offers the most utilitarian experience became very important.

Here's my pick for the top five pieces of home studio gear released in 2010. Some's dirt cheap, some is a little more expensive, but every piece offers my favorite performance of anything I've seen introduced in 2010. From software to monitors to microphones, there was some great gear released this past year, gear with every price category in mind.

Here's my top five picks of the year for 2010. This is all gear that I've gotten hands-on with, and found personally to be a top-notch addition to any home studio. And since most people with home recording studios are also working musicians, many of these top picks also seamlessly transition to the stage for use in live performance, too.

Enjoy these top picks, and best wishes for an exciting, fulfilling 2011!

Previous

• Top 5 in 2010: An Introduction
• Top 5 in 2010: Blue enCORE 100i Microphone
• Top 5 in 2010: Ultimate Ears Capital Studios Reference Monitors
• Top 5 in 2010: Pro Tools 9
• Top 5 in 2010: Sanyo Pedal Juice
• Top 5 in 2010: KAM MC3 Condenser Microphone

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