10 Items No Studio Should Be Without

It's a drag when an otherwise promising take is wrecked on account of an audibly wobbly mic stand, a sudden burst of amplified static, or a singer who couldn't really hear the backing track. All of which underscores how crucial it is to have reliable tools supporting your recording regimen. To wit, here is a short list of various studio necessities, covering microphone choices, studio-quality headphones, pro-level boom stands and other items that can help keep your operation running smoothly.

A Set of Quality Headphones
Hearing yourself is everything, and to that end a set of decent studio-quality headphones is a must. For vocal recording you'll want to use so-called "closed-back" headphones, which are fully sealed and therefore deter microphone leakage (when mixing a set of "semi-open" headphones are preferable).

Reliable Nearfield Monitors
A pair of good studio monitors not only gives your ears a break from constant headphone use, but when properly configured offers the truest representation of your recordings. Pricing on active (i.e. with built-in power) nearfield models has dropped precipitously over the years, making it more feasible to have respectable sound in your workspace.

A Good Condenser Microphone
If you're in the market for a single microphone that can cover nearly all tracking requirements while offering pro-level sound, a good large-diaphragm condenser is generally the way to go. The availability of excellent models from companies like Rode and Audio-Technica means you don't have to break the bank in the process.

A Good Dynamic Microphone
Also indispensable is a basic dynamic microphone such as the ubiquitous Shure SM57, Sennheiser's e 609 and various others. Because they are able to withstand higher levels of volume, dynamics are often the go-to mic for tracking electric guitar and other amplified instruments, but they also excel at recording drums, acoustic guitars, even studio vocals.

A Rugged Boom Stand
You'll also want a few really good microphone stands to ensure your mics stay put while recording. A boom stand with a durable, low-profile base, locking clutch mechanism and solid counterweight makes mic positioning a breeze, and is especially essential when suspending heavier mics (such as condensers) for overhead or vocal-recording purposes.

Top-Tier Connectors
To help prevent atonal emissions from ruining your sessions, set aside some funds for an assortment of high quality, heavy gauge cables outfitted with stress-resistant connectors. Companies such as Monster, Pro Co, Hosa, PreSonus and Whirlwind offer a range of microphone, instrument and monitor cables for all your patching needs.

A Decent Work Chair
It's also a good idea to make your work area as comfortable as possible, particularly if you spend hours on end in tracking mode. A sturdy (and padded) computer task chair with pneumatic height adjustment will provide back and neck support, while allowing you to sit at the proper listening level when mixing through speakers.

A Versatile Capo
For capo-using guitarists, it's imperative to have a device that's both easy to maneuver nor causes tuning issues while bouncing around the neck. Clamp-styled, spring-loaded capos offer maximum tension and movability, while some prefer the screw-down type for its tightening precision and lower profile.

Tuning Devices
Stringed instruments are prone to gradual detuning during a session, so to be sure you're staying in pitch always keep a proper tuning device handy, whether it's a guitar pedal, clip-on headstock tuner or even a basic tone generator app on your phone.

Cord Storage
Equally important as audio excellence is studio tidiness, which is why it's always a good idea to outfit your space with an assortment of hooks, wall pegs, plus large drawers, bins, etc., for neatly storing microphone, instrument and audio connectors, extension cords and any other workplace cabling.