Music Gear I Use to Record Killer Tracks at Home
What’s up, ya’ll. I don’t talk about music gear much. Why? Because I take a more minimalist approach to my setup. But, as time has passed, my home recording studio and music gear have evolved. Have I bought things I regret? Absolutely. Have I bought things I need? Of course. Did I buy things I didn’t need? Oh yeah. But now, after years of refining, I’ve finally got my setup almost where I want it. This is the music gear that helps me create dope tracks—every single day.
You don’t need the best, most expensive music gear to create great music. What you need is reliable equipment—something sturdy that fits your space and workflow. For me, being surrounded by nature means I limit how many condenser mics I use. There’s always the risk of some random outdoor sound sneaking into the recording, like a bird squawking or some other unexpected noise. That’s why I rely on dynamic mics most of the time.
But even in my small home studio setup, having one good condenser mic like the Neumann TLM 103 is essential. I’ve built my studio to be minimalist—simple, and in harmony with the natural world around me. It’s all about removing distractions. Too many gadgets would mean more time tinkering with tech and less time actually making music. This space, like everything else in life, started out as a passion project—something fun. Now, it’s a serious part of my creative process, but the heart of it remains the same. If there’s one piece of music gear I can’t live without, it’s my Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO.
Limitations & Creativity with Music Gear
I have two audio interfaces—the Focusrite and the Apollo. Both are solid, and I use them differently depending on the situation. At The T House Studios, I stick to the Scarlett 18i20 Focusrite, but when I’m working remotely, I take the Apollo. Tools don’t make the artist, but the right music gear can help. It’s not about the gear itself, but how it integrates into your workflow. The Apollo’s built-in compressors are great, and the Focusrite has that awesome “air” feature that adds nice clarity.
I use Yamaha HS8 studio monitors in the studio. Because the space is triangular (hence the “T” for triangle house), sound tends to build up in the corners, so I built my own bass traps and panels—four bass traps and six panels. I also use Sound Reference ID to help fine-tune the acoustics. The room you’re in affects what you hear, and that goes beyond music.
Mastering Imperfection Using Music Gear
I keep it simple—just two mics. I pick which one to use depending on the person’s voice. One thing I’ve learned is that the microphone alone won’t make your track better. It’s not about the gear; it’s about how you use it. For mixing and mastering, I stick to stock plugins. They all do the same thing in the end—it’s about how you use them. When it comes to mastering, the most important part is loudness. The magic is in the input; if the initial recording sounds bad, no amount of effects or editing will fix it. That’s why I also outsource for feedback, because sometimes you need someone else’s perspective.
Music Gear and Distribution: Staying Prepared
I’ve been asked about online music distribution so many times that I decided to offer it as a service. I help artists get their tracks onto all major platforms. One big mistake I see is artists not preparing properly for their release. Things like cover art, promo materials, and metadata are often overlooked. That’s why I created a distribution calendar to make sure everything’s lined up before the release date. If you’re just starting out, I recommend DistroKid or TuneCore. They’re straightforward and reliable for independent artists.
By the way, if you’re interested in streamlining your own process, check out the DIY Artist Checklist I built in Notion. Also, swing by my Gumroad store and YouTube channel where I break down tips on music production and music gear to give you a transparent look into my creative process.
Balancing Sound & Life
They balance the sound in my space, especially since smaller rooms like mine tend to trap harsh frequencies. If you’re looking for an affordable fix, try the Kaotica Ball or Halo—both are great for capturing clean sound in smaller setups. Be mindful of your room size and layout—smaller rooms can make sound harsher, and glass panels can wreak havoc on your acoustics.
My process for producing indie and alt-RnB is pretty straightforward. First, I get the demo from the artist. Then I build the track, record the vocals, and polish everything in the production phase. I always ask for an inspiration playlist from the artist, which helps guide the vibe. Being in nature adds a flow to the creative energy—it’s like the sounds of life mix with the music.
Looking back, my studio has come a long way. It started in my bedroom, and now it feels like a professional space. But the music gear itself doesn’t define the work. It’s how you use it that matters.
If you’re ready to produce your best tracks yet, don’t be afraid to follow the formulas of the artists who inspire you. Once you’ve found your groove, that’s when your true sound will start to emerge.
My Essential Music Gear:
- Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
- Yamaha HS8
- Neumann TLM 103
- Kaotica Ball
Ready to level up your sound? Book your session at The T House Studios or explore our studio!