Looking to put together a Pro Tools rig?
With this guide, we'll look at the best options for putting together a small Pro Tools based home studio; this is perfect for somebody with limited space, in a dorm room, or someone new to recording looking for the best way to experiment!
We've also provided links to help you find the best possible prices as well.
With this guide, we'll look at the best options for putting together a small Pro Tools based home studio; this is perfect for somebody with limited space, in a dorm room, or someone new to recording looking for the best way to experiment!
We've also provided links to help you find the best possible prices as well.
1. Digidesign MBox 2 Recording Interface
The brains of the Pro Tools system is the Digidesign MBox 2; coming in at right around $450, this is the perfect way to get started in recording. The best part about the MBox 2 is that it contains all the bundled software you'll need to get started on a PC or a Mac, including plug-ins and the Pro Tools recording software itself. For more information about the MBox line, check out my look at the MBox 2 Mini, the MBox 2's little brother. Also, for more information on the power behind Pro Tools, check out our Pro Tools tutorials.
2. Oktava MK012 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Every good studio needs a great small condenser microphone. The Oktava MK012 is an excellent value-priced option; based on a famous German microphone, and designed during the days of Soviet Russia, this microphone sounds like it costs three times as much. This is a perfect microphone for recording guitar, percussion, or drum overheads. Available for less than $200, this microphone is detailed more fully in my Top Microphones Under $200 article.3. Fostex PM0.4 Studio Bundle
To round out the studio, check out the Fostex PM0.4 Studio Bundle. You're getting everything you need to round out the studio, all for around $499. You'll get a pair of powered monitors with a subwoofer, for mixing; a pair of headphones, to use while recording; a microphone stand; an AKG Perception large-diaphragm condenser microphone, ideal for recording vocals; and all the cables you'll need to get started. This is a perfect all-in-one package to add to your MBox 2 system.For more recommendations of must-haves, check out our list of 5 things every studio needs.
