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5 Best Studio Monitors For Every Experience Level

When making music, there comes a point where your headphones or computer speakers just don’t cut it anymore. To hear your music transparently and in as much detail as possible, you must invest in a high-quality pair of studio monitors. Fortunately, there are many options available to deliver clear sound for every budget. Read on for our recommendations on the best studio monitors for every experience level.

Best Beginner Studio Monitors

1. PreSonus Eris E4.5


PreSonus Eris E4.5 2-Way Active Studio Monitor PairThe PreSonus Eris E4.5 are affordable and accurate studio monitors ideal for beginners. These speakers feature a 4.5″ woven composite woofer and a 1″ low-mass silk-dome tweeter to deliver true accuracy. Also, unlike similarly priced studio monitors, these have controls for flattening the frequency response for accurate mixing. At this price point, the PreSonus Eris E4.5 delivers serious bang for your buck.

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2. Behringer Studio 50USB


Behringer Studio 50USB studio monitors

This pair of Behringer Studio 50USB studio monitors is another excellent choice for beginners. These active two-way studio monitors are equipped with a 150W bi-amplification system that powers a 5″ woofer and 1″ tweeter to deliver high-quality sound reproduction. If you want to experience excellent studio quality without breaking the bank, give the Behringer Studio50USB your consideration.

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Best Intermediate Studio Monitors

3. M-Audio BX5 D3


M-Audio BX5 D3 Studio Monitor

The M-Audio Bx5 D3 are small and powerful studio monitors built to last. Their frequency range of 52Hz to 35kHz gives you clarity across the entire spectrum. And with fusing superb drivers, meticulously engineered enclosures, great-sounding amplifiers, versatile control options, and standardized connection facilities, M-Audio’s BX5 D3 delivers sound quality you can trust.

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4. PreSonus Sceptre S6


PreSonus Sceptre S8 8" 2-Way Studio Monitor

The PreSonus Sceptre S6 is a great studio monitor, delivering excellent sound quality and mid-range clarity. Its 1″ tweeter is positioned in front of the 6.5″ woofer, allowing for a more balanced dispersion compared to traditional two-way speakers. Also, this studio monitor is equipped with a dual-core DSP that handles crossover frequency adjustments. If you want a studio monitor that delivers stunning mid-range clarity, consider the Presonus Sceptre S6. 

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Best Advanced Studio Monitors

5. Mackie HR824MK2


Mackie HR824MK2 Studio Monitor

The Mackie HR824MK2 studio monitors are outstanding for their price point. The built-in passive radiator allows accuracy in the lower frequencies, while the wide-dispersal horn surrounding the tweeter spreads high-end frequencies out further. These high-quality speakers deliver true accuracy and are well worth the price if you’re serious about your music.

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No matter your needs, there is a great pair of studio monitors for you on this list. With any of these monitors, you can be assured that you will be able to listen to your music with high accuracy. Want to look at more options? Browse our entire collection of studio monitors.

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7 Best Microphones For Home And Live Recordings

Set-up of microphone and headset.

When recording your vocals or instruments, your microphone can make or break your production. There are many microphones on the market, and sorting through them is difficult and time-consuming. Worry not, we’ve got you covered with our list of some of the best microphones for home and live recordings. 

Best Home Office Microphones

Shure MV5 Digital Condenser Mic


Shure MV5-DIG MOTIV MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone (Grey/Silver)

Connection: USB, Lightning
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid 

If you want a stylish retro microphone that delivers excellent sound quality, look no further than the Shure MV5. It is Apple MFi certified, meaning you can plug it into any iOS device with a Lightning port, and comes with both a USB cable and a Lightning cable. The microphone is also equipped with a headphone jack for real-time monitoring and three preset DSP modes. If you need a budget-friendly microphone for your home office, consider the Shure MV5.

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Audio-Technica AT2020USB+


Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone

Connection: USB
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

Audio-Technica is highly-regarded in the professional audio industry, and for good reason. They’ve produced many iconic microphones for users of all levels. The AT2020USB+ is the USB version of their popular AT2020 microphone. This microphone features a headphone jack for live monitoring and mix control to blend your microphone signal with pre-recorded audio. Compatible with most computers, this microphone is an excellent choice for audio recordings and Zoom meetings.

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 Best Microphones For Recording Vocals

Shure SM58


Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

The Shure SM58 cardioid vocal microphone is one of the most popular microphones worldwide. In fact, famous singers use them worldwide in their performances every day. So, why are pro studios with massive budgets using this microphone? Well, it’s excellent at eliminating feedback, and its rugged construction makes it perfect for live performances. If you want a legendary vocal recording microphone that pros around the world trust, the Shure SM58 is the obvious choice.

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Shure SM7B


Shure SM7B Large Diaphragm Cardioid Dynamic MicrophoneConnection: XLR

Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

The Shure SM7B microphone has been used by music legends such as Michael Jackson over the years. It provides a rich, balanced tone and virtually eliminates feedback. Not only that, but its rugged construction and excellent cartridge protection mean you can rely on this legendary microphone for years to come. 

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 Best Microphones For Recording Guitar

Shure SM57


Shure SM57-LC Instrument Microphone

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

Many regard the Shure SM57 as the industry standard for recording guitar amps. This microphone handles high sound pressure levels easily and picks up on high and low frequencies. It also has high feedback before gain functionality, making it perfect for stage use. The Shure SM57 is practical, cheap, and packs a punch, making it the standard microphone for many, including the President of the United States’ official podium. 

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Sennheiser e 609


Sennheiser E 609 Silver Dynamic Supercardioid Guitar Amplifier Microphone

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Supercardioid

Explicitly designed for miking guitar cabs close to the source, the Sennheiser e 609 has the features you need to record your electric guitar. First, the flat design of this microphone allows it to kiss your amp. Second, the supercardioid polar pattern isolates the instrument from other sounds, which is especially useful for on-stage performances. So, if you’re looking for one of the best microphones for recording your guitar, look no further than the Sennheiser e 609. 

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Shure SM81-LC


Shure SM81-LC Instrument Microphone

Connection: XLR
Pickup Pattern: Cardioid

For isolating your acoustic guitar, the Shure SM81-LC microphone is a fantastic choice. The frequency response is flat; however, the selectable low-frequency response is an option if you wish. Since it is a condenser microphone, it does requires a phantom power source with a decent pre-amp to get an optimal sound level out of the mic. However, if you want a great microphone for recording live acoustic guitar, consider the Shure SM81-LC. 

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Pick up one of these great microphones to sound your best in your next recording session. Hopefully, our list helps you find the best microphone for home and live recording needs. Want to browse more microphones? Check out our wide range of recording devices!

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6 Best Power Amplifiers for Live Sound

Three musicians performing a concert

Musicians need to ensure that they have the right power amplifier for their performance to give their audience clear sound quality. Need help choosing the right one for you? Well, then check out our list of 6 of the best power amplifiers for live sound.

1. Behringer EP2000


Behringer EUROPOWER EP2000 Power Amplifier

The Behringer EP2000 is a great all-around choice for musicians, delivering superb sound quality, durability, and reliability. It can provide 2 x 1,000 watts at 2 ohms, 750 watts at 4 ohms, and 2,000 watts at 4 ohms in bridge mode. It has precise power, signal, and clip LEDs to allow you to monitor performance, and its XLR and 1/4″ TRS jacks allow for compatibility with any source. Also, the selectable low-frequency filters let you remove distracting infra-sound frequencies, and the independent DC and thermal overload protection on each channel prevent your amp from overloading. For musicians looking for a high-quality, reliable amp, the Behringer EP2000 is an excellent choice.

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2. Behringer NX4-6000


Behringer NX4-6000

Need something ultra-powerful? Then, consider the Behringer NX4-600. It is a 6,000-watt (4 x 1,600 watts at 2 ohms; 2 x 3,000 watts at 4 ohms) 4-channel Class-D power amplifier. All of this punch is packed into a lightweight (13.4 lb / 6.1 kg) and rack-mountable powerhouse. Thanks to its reliable overload protection and SmartSense Loudspeaker impedance compensation, you can run this amp at full-power for hours-on-end. For musicians wanting to go all-out, consider the Behringer NX4-6000.

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3. QSC GX5


QSC GX5 700W P.A. Amplifier

The QSC GX5 is ideal for musicians who require maximum performance and portability. The 2-channel amp delivers the right amount of power to the most popular speakers entertainers use. Also, adding a subwoofer is simple with the crossover switch to allow for louder playing. Its built-in GuardRail protection prevents overloading while delivering peak power, avoiding unprofessional distortion levels and shutdowns. If you want a power amp with a dramatic appearance, easy set-up and adjustments, and excellent quality, the QSC GX5 is an outstanding option.

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4. Behringer KM750


Behringer KM750 Power Amplifier 750W

The Behringer KM750 is a professional two-channel 750-watt (750 watts in bridge mode; 2 x 400 watts at 4 ohms; 2 x 200 watts at 8 ohms) stereo power amplifier. Behringer’s Accelerated Transient Response technology perfectly synchronizes your speakers with the power amp’s signal. This feature provides your sound with the ultimate punch and clarity every time. Also, the LEDs and controls make operation simple. Need a reliable, robust, and responsive unit? Consider the Behringer KM750.

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5. QSC RMX 1450a


QSC RMX1450a Power Amplifier

A compact amp delivering clean sound quality, the QSC RMX 1450a is excellent for touring acts. With two channels delivering 400 watts per channel at 4 ohms, the unit incorporates renowned QSC designs. The features include a dual mono, high-current power supply, clip limiters, selectable low-frequency filters, and signal and clip LED indicators for performance monitoring. For those looking for QSC quality in a compact package, check out the RMX 1450a.

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6. QSC GX7


QSC GX7 P.A. Amplifier

The GX7 provides power, portability, and professional sound quality. The GX7 can operate in stereo or mono modes and has a 2RU chassis for installation in any standard equipment rack. The GuardRail protection lets you go all-out without any overloads. And since the crossover switch allows you to add subwoofers, the GX7 is a superb choice for any musician looking for reliability and great sound.

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Each of these amps is an excellent choice for today’s musicians. Be sure to look over each of these amps to find the right one for your demands. Need to do more research? Check out our full selection of power amplifiers for live sound.