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Music production has evolved significantly over the years, thanks to the availability of advanced technology and a wide range of equipment. Whether you're a seasoned music producer or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving professional-sounding tracks. In this short blog, we'll delve into the essential music production equipment you need and highlight some of the best options available on Amazon that i would choose👊🏻.


1. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW):

A DAW is the heart of your music production setup. It's where you'll create, record, edit, and arrange your music. Some popular DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Pro Tools. Each DAW has its unique features and workflow, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.


2. MIDI Controller:

A MIDI controller allows you to trigger virtual instruments, control parameters, and input musical data into your DAW. The Novation Launchkey, Akai MPK Mini, Arturia KeyLab, and M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini are excellent choices, offering various sizes and features to fit your requirements.


Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] - Portable 25-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator - for Music Production




AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 - MIDI Keyboard Controller with built-in Speaker and Sounds plus Dynamic Keybed, MPC Pads and Software suite




Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 Mk3 White - Master Keyboard




M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included





3. Studio Monitors:

Accurate monitoring is crucial for mixing and mastering your tracks. Look for studio monitors that provide clear and balanced sound reproduction. Popular options include the Yamaha HS series, KRK Rokit monitors, and JBL 305P.


Yamaha HS8 - PA, powered studio monitor speaker for producers, DJs and performers, in white




KRK 5" Classic Studio Monitor




JBL 305P MKII Powered Two Way Active Studio Reference Monitor – 5” Woofer and 1” Tweeter, next gen transducers, stunning detail, precise imaging, wide sweet spot, flexible connectivity






4. Audio Interface:

An audio interface connects your studio monitors, microphones, and instruments to your computer, ensuring high-quality audio input and output. Focusrite Scarlett, PreSonus AudioBox, and Universal Audio are well-regarded interfaces with different levels of features.


Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for the Guitarist, Vocalist, Podcaster or Producer, Studio Quality Sound, Red




PreSonus Studio 24c, 2-In/2-Out, 192 kHz, USB-C audio interface with software bundle including Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite DAW and more for recording, streaming and podcasting




Universal Audio Volt 4 USB Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and streaming including £895 of FREE UAD plug-ins until August 31st 2023





5. Microphones:

For recording vocals and instruments, a quality microphone is essential. The Shure SM7B, Audio-Technica AT2020, and Rode NT1-A are highly regarded choices that offer excellent sound capture.


Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone for Broadcast, Podcast & Recording, XLR Studio Mic for Music & Speech, Wide-Range Frequency, Warm & Smooth Sound, Rugged Construction, Detachable Windscreen - Black





RØDE Complete Studio Kit with NT1 Studio Condenser Microphone & AI-1 Audio Interface for Music Production, Vocal Recording, Streaming and Podcasting





Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone (XLR connection) for voiceover, podcasting, streaming and recording, Black





6. Headphones:

Invest in a pair of studio headphones for accurate monitoring during recording, editing, and mixing. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, Sennheiser HD 560, Sony MDR-7506, and Audio Technica ATH-M50XGM are popular options among professionals.


Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Limited Edition Headphones, Black





Sennheiser HD 560S, Open back reference-grade headphones for audio enthusiasts, Over Ear , Black





Sony MDR-7506/1 Professional Headphone, Black ,Pack of 1




Audio Technica ATH-M50XGM Professional Monitor Headphones, Metal, incl. Hard Case for headphones (Amazon Exclusive)





7. Acoustic Treatment:

To achieve optimal sound in your recording environment, consider adding acoustic treatment. Absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers help control reflections and unwanted frequencies, enhancing the acoustics of your space.


Advanced Acoustics 12" Slider Acoustic Studio Treatment Foam 16 Tile Pack 16sqft (1.48sqm)





Advanced Acoustics 12" (305mm) Sawtooth Acoustic Studio Foam Treatment 24 Tile Pack 0.60 NRC Covering 24sqft (2.23m2)





Arrowzoom 24 Acoustic Panels Pyramid Sound Absorbing Acoustic Treatment Tiles 25x25x5cm Recording Studio Noise Cancellation 26kg/m3 High Density Acoustical Dampening Fire Retardant 1034 PEARL WHITE





8. Synthesizers and Virtual Instruments:

Expand your sonic palette with synthesizers and virtual instrument plugins. Native Instruments Komplete, Arturia V Collection, and Spectrasonics Omnisphere offer a wide range of sounds to inspire your music.


Native Instruments KOMPLETE 14 COL. EDITION UPG Kompl. 8-14 STD. - Boxed - VST Software Instrument




Arturia V-Collection 9 ESD download licence





Spectrasonics Omnisphere




9. Cables and Accessories:

Don't forget to stock up on quality cables, such as XLR and TRS, to connect your equipment. Additionally, pop filters, microphone stands, and cable organizers are essential accessories for a tidy and functional studio setup.



10.Ergonomic Desk and Chair:

An often overlooked but crucial aspect of a music production setup is the desk and chair you use. Investing in an ergonomic desk and chair can significantly impact your comfort and productivity during long production sessions. Look for a desk with adjustable height, sufficient space for your equipment, and cable management solutions to keep your workspace organized. A comfortable chair with proper lumbar support will help prevent fatigue and discomfort, allowing you to focus on creating music without any distractions.


3 Tier Home Music Studio Desk - Furniture for Pro Audio & Recording




EUREKA ERGONOMIC Standing Desk with Keyboard Tray, 182.7x 76 cm Large Studio Music Desk, Height Adjustable Gaming Desk with LED Convertible Shelves, Electric Dual Motor, Slot Design




FLEXISPOT ESD1 Electric Music Standing Desk Home Office Electric Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk 150 * 70cm Wood Top with Drawer & Fast USB Chargers (Black Frame+Wood Top)




JWX Gaming Desk with Removable Speaker Stand, 72'' Large Studio Wing-Shaped Gaming Desk with Headphone Stand, Cup Holder for Live Streamer, Social Media Influencers & Music Recording




Chair


Vinsetto Racing Gaming Chair with Swivel Wheel, Footrest, PVC Leather Recliner Gamer Desk for Home Office, Black





Neo Gaming Computer Home Desk Office High Back Swivel Recliner Reclining Massage Chair Adjustable Footrest Support (Black Leather)




HINOMI H1 Pro 3D Lumbar Support Ergonomic Office/Gaming Chair - 5D Armrests Leg Rest Included Hybrid Mesh Relieve Back Pain, Foldable, Work from Home Office with Adjustable Headrest (H1PRO)




Blisswood Executive Office Chair For Home, 8 Point Massage Office Chair With Footrest & Lumbar Support, Computer Desk Chairs Swivel Recliner Chair For Home Office (Grey)…




Creating music that resonates with your audience requires the right music production equipment. With the advancements in technology, you can now access a wide variety of tools to help you bring your musical ideas to life. The equipment mentioned in this blog is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more options available to cater to different preferences and budgets. As you explore the world of music production, remember that your gear should complement your creativity and enhance your musical journey.


Take advantage of the a free 30 day Amazon Prime trial - Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/tryprimefree?tag=cengengineer-21


This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.


All the best

Ricky 👊🏻



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Supercharge Your Apple Mac Pro Experience with These Must-Have Accessories


When it comes to powerhouse computing, the Apple Mac Pro stands in a league of its own. Built to cater to the demands of professionals and creatives, this workstation offers unparalleled performance. But why stop at just the Mac Pro itself? Elevate your productivity and creativity even further with these essential accessories that are the perfect companions for your Mac Pro setup.


Below are some of my personal recommendations:


Case

SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Case for MacBook Pro 14 Inch (2023/2021) A2779 M2 Pro / M2 Max & A2442 M1 Pro / M1 Max Case with Touch ID (Black)



Link below - £32.99



UESWILL - Case

UESWILL Compatible with 2021-2023 MacBook Pro 14 inch Case Cover Model A2442 A2779, Matte Hard Shell Case for MacBook Pro 14 with M1 M2 Pro/Max chip & Touch ID + Microfiber Cloth, Black


Link Below - £17.99



Keyboard

Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad: Bluetooth, rechargeable. Works with Mac, iPad or iPhone; British English, silver

Link below - £116


Logitech K380

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac with Compact Slim Profile, Easy-Switch, 2 Year Battery, MacBook Pro,Macbook Air,iMac,iPad Compatible - White


Link Below - £39.97



External Drive

Toshiba 1TB Canvio Flex Portable External Hard Drive for Mac, Windows PC and Tablet use, compatible with most USB-C and USB-A devices, Silver (HDTX110ESCAA)


Link Below - £49.99



Flashdrive

SanDisk Ultra 128GB Dual Drive Luxe Type-C 150MB/s USB 3.1 Gen 1 , Silver

Link Below - £15.70



USB adapter

LENTION USB C Hub with 100W PD Charging, 4K HDMI, SD/Micro SD Card Reader, USB 3.0, Compatible 2023-2016 MacBook Pro, New Mac Air/Surface, Chromebook, More, Stable Driver Adapter(CB-CE18, Space Gray)



Link Below - £19.99



Guide Reminder - Shortcuts

SYNERLOGIC Mac OS (Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur/Catalina/Mojave) Keyboard Shortcuts, M1/M2/Intel No-Residue Clear Vinyl Sticker, Compatible with 13-16-inch MacBook Air and Pro



Link below - £5.95



Screen protector

UPPERCASE GhostBlanket Screen Keyboard Imprint Protection Microfiber Liner and Cleaning Cloth 13" Compatible with MacBook Pro 13" Macbook Pro 14" and MacBook Air 13"



Link Below - £9.95



Keyboard Protector

UPPERCASE GhostCover Premium Ultra Thin Keyboard Protector, EU (ISO) Keyboard Layout, Compatible with MacBook Pro 14" 16" (M1 M2 Pro/Max 2021-2023) and Air 13" 15" (M2 2022-2023), Clear



Link Below - £11.95



Laptop Sleeve

tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve for 14-inch MacBook Pro M2 M1 Pro/Max A2779/A2442 2023/2021, 13-inch New MacBook Air M2/A2681 2022 with Hard Shell Case, Water-Resistant Case Bag Accessory Pocket



Link Below - £19.19



Mouse

Apple Magic Mouse: Bluetooth, rechargeable. Works with Mac or iPad; White, Multi-Touch surface



Link Below - £71.10



Logitech MX Master 3

Logitech MX Master 3S - Wireless Performance Mouse with Ultra-fast Scrolling, Ergo, 8K DPI, Track on Glass, Quiet Clicks, USB-C, Bluetooth, Windows, Linux, Chrome - Grey



Link Below - £89.36



Powerbank

Power Banks 30000mAh External Battery Pack QC 3.0 22.5W PD 20W with LED Digital Display 3 input & 3 output mini Flashlight Portable Phone Charger for Phones Tablet etc. (30000mAh)



Link Below - £27.99



Anker Bank

Anker Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Portable Charger with 140W Output, 737 (PowerCore 24K), Smart Digital Display, Compatible with iPhone 13 Series, Samsung, Dell, AirPods, and More


Link Below - £98.99



Car Charger

Anker PowerDrive Speed+

USB C Car Charger, Anker 50W 2-Port PIQ 3.0 Fast Charger Adapter, PowerDrive+ III Duo with Power Delivery for iPhone 13/13 Mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/12, Galaxy S10/S9, Note 9, iPad Pro and




Link Below - £16.99



Charging Cable

Satechi USB-C to USB-C 100W Charging Cable for USB Type-C Devices - 6.5 Feet (2 Meters) - For M2/ M1 MacBook Pro/Air, M2/ M1 iPad Pro/Air, M2 Mac Mini, iMac M1


Link Below - £19.99



Additional Screens

Xebec Tri-Screen 2 - Removable Attachement - Integrated Kickstand - 2 Monitors - Compatible on Every OS & Laptop - 6.5MM Screens


Link Below - £429.00



Desk Mat

DawnTrees 100X40CM Non-Slip Felt Desk Pad|Desk Pad Protector |Office Felt Desk Mat |Keyboard Pad | Extra Large Felt Mouse Pad……



Link Below - £17.99



Wireless Charging Mat

Wireless Charging Mouse Pad - Wireless Charging Mat - 15W Qi Desk Pad Charger - Extra Large 800mm x 300mm - Wireless Charging Mouse Pad - Desk Mat - Officity Keyboard Mat



Link Below - £27.00



Imaging

Elgato Facecam - 1080p60 Full HD Webcam for Video Conferencing, Gaming, Streaming, Sony Sensor, Fixed-Focus Glass Lens, Optimised for Indoor Lighting, Onboard Memory, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, PC/Mac



Link Below - £139.99 to £299.99


Insta360 Link - PTZ 4K

Insta360 Link - PTZ 4K Webcam with 1/2" Sensor, AI Tracking, Gesture Control, HDR, Noise-Canceling Microphones, Specialized Modes, Webcam for Laptop, Video Camera for Video Calls, Live Streaming

Link Below - £270.99



Stand

Native Union Fold Laptop Stand – Ultra-Slim Foldable & Portable Laptop Stand – Ergonomic & Optimized Viewing Angle – For 13 to 16 Inch MacBooks & Laptops, 10 to 16 Inch iPads & Tablets


Link Below - £36.99



Incorporating the Apple Mac Pro into your creative toolkit opens the door to boundless possibilities, thanks to its exceptional computing prowess. By complementing it with these essential accessories, you're unlocking the full potential of your workstation and enhancing your productivity to new heights. Whether you're a designer, a filmmaker, or a developer, these companions will seamlessly integrate into your Mac Pro setup, providing the tools you need to bring your visions to life with unprecedented efficiency and precision. Elevate your creative journey today and watch your ideas flourish like never before.


Take advantage of the a free 30 day Amazon Prime trial - Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/tryprimefree?tag=cengengineer-21


All the best


Ricky


This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.




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Ricky Flynn

Updated: Sep 5, 2023


A coffee machine is more than just an appliance—it's often the heart of a kitchen, office, or café. Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur, the type of coffee machine you choose can greatly influence your daily routine and overall coffee experience.


Types of Coffee Machines

1. Drip Coffee Maker: Perfect for making large batches, drip coffee makers are the most commonly used in households.

2. Espresso Machine: For those who love a strong cup, espresso machines offer that concentrated brew.

3. French Press: Simple but effective, it provides a rich and full-bodied taste.

4. Single Serve: Convenient for those who want a quick, no-fuss cup of coffee.


5. Percolator: Often used for camping or stovetop brewing, it’s a bit of an old-school method.

Key Features to Consider

- Capacity: Choose a size that fits your needs, whether it's just for you or an entire family.

- Programmable Settings: Some machines allow you to set a timer, so your coffee is ready when you are.

- Strength Control: This allows you to customize the strength of your coffee, from weak to very strong.


- Built-in Grinder: A feature for those who prefer to grind their own beans for fresher coffee.


Maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential for any coffee machine. Buildup of coffee oils can affect taste and machine performance. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper maintenance.


Sustainability

Look for machines with energy-saving modes and consider using reusable filters to minimize waste.


Please see my personal recommendations below of both Espresso Machines and French presses.


Espresso Machines

Espresso Machines are my personal choice, check out some of my top picks below!!


Oh, and if you didn't know....


The word "espresso" originates from Italian and is derived from the word "esprimere," which means "to express" or "to press out." The term refers to the method of brewing in which hot water is forced through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. The name encapsulates both the speed and efficiency of the brewing process, as well as the concentrated nature of the coffee that is produced. It's a brewing method that has its roots in Italy and has become popular worldwide, known for producing a rich, strong cup of coffee.


Espresso Machine Top picks


First up we have the De'Longhi Dedica Style, Traditional Pump Espresso Machine, Coffee and Cappuccino Maker, EC685M, Silver ( also comes in a variety of colours)




Features include :

🔵15 BAR PRESSURE to create your perfect espresso with a rich aroma and a nut coloured cream on top


🔵MILK FROTHER: Froth or steam milk with the Adjustable Cappuccino System to create frothy cappuccinos, macchiatos or caffè lattes


🔵CUSTOMISE ESPRESSO: Thanks to the professional barista technology, you can control every step of the Coffee-making process, from tamping your ground Coffee to setting the temperature and length


🔵HOME COMFORT: At only 15 cm wide, it’s our slimmest design yet, offering a small footprint and big features


🔵EASY TO CLEAN: Manual descaling system will keep your machine running smoothly so you can always enjoy your favorite beverages


With an overall Amazon rating of 4.4 this is a fantastic machine for £169.00!!


Second on my machine list would be

the De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM222.20.B, Automatic Coffee Machine with Milk Nozzle, Bean to Cup Espresso Machine with 4 One-Touch Recipes, Soft-Touch Control Panel, 1450W, Black.



Features include:


🔵BEAN TO CUP COFFEE: enjoy high-quality coffee in every cup as the machine grinds the beans fresh, right before brewing; includes a 250g bean container and a case for pre-ground coffee


🔵SOFT-TOUCH CONTROL PANEL: enjoy easy user interaction thanks to the intuitive soft-touch control panel with black and white icons for one-touch coffee beverages


🔵TRADITIONAL MILK FROTHER: manually prepare milk drinks with creamy foam like a barista thanks to the traditional milk frother, or use it to make hot water for tea or infusions


🔵ONE-TOUCH RECIPES: Magnifica Start can deliver 4 recipes with just one touch for the utmost convenience — steam, espresso, coffee and long or personalise the aroma and temperature of your drinks


🔵EASY CLEAN: many of the removable components of this coffee machine are dishwasher-safe for an easy care


This machine has an overall Amazon rating of 4.5 priced at £303.


Third up we have the De'Longhi Stilosa EC260.BK, Traditional barista Pump Espresso Coffee Machine, Black.




Features include:


🔵Unleash your inner barista and create all your coffee shop favourites at home


🔵15-bar pump espresso maker with a strainless steel boiler for perfect coffee extraction


🔵Steam arm to create frothy cappuccinos and smooth lattes


🔵Filter holder for ground coffee, 1 or 2 cups plus E.S.E pods. Removable 1lt water tank and removable drip tray for glasses upto 110mm.


🔵Combination of matt and glossy black finish with a stainless steel control panel and stainless steel drip tray. Anti drip system.


This is an impressive little machine rated at 4.4 on Amazon and priced at a bargain £106!!


Conclusion

Choosing the right coffee machine can elevate your coffee experience from mundane to extraordinary. By considering your lifestyle, preferences, and the machine's features, you can find the perfect brewer for you.


Whether you're a seasoned coffee aficionado or a newbie, investing in a good coffee machine can make all the difference in how you start—or end—your day.


Take advantage of the a free 30 day Amazon Prime trial - Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/tryprimefree?tag=cengengineer-21


This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.



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