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Hardware for a $0 software setup

Gear for beginner producers

Your plugins can all be free. These are the four bits of hardware worth paying for, with a well-known pick or two in each, and the free software that pairs with each one.

No prices here on purpose: they change too often. Every "See price" button goes to the product page, so you see the real current price. Specs come from each maker's official page.
Audio interfaceStudio headphonesStudio monitorsMIDI keyboard

Audio interface

Gets a mic or guitar into your computer cleanly and drives your headphones and speakers. You can start without one, but recording vocals or guitar needs it.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

by Focusrite · specs from the official page, checked Oct 24, 2026
  • 2-in, 2-out USB-C interface
  • One mic preamp with phantom power plus one Hi-Z instrument input
  • Air modes (Presence and Harmonic Drive)
  • Loopback for recording audio from other apps
  • Windows (Intel, AMD, Arm64) and macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel)
Free software to pair it with
See price and details ↗

Studio headphones

Closed-back headphones let you record without the mic picking up the click track, and mix late at night.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

by Audio-Technica · specs from the official page, checked Oct 24, 2026
  • Closed-back, over-ear
  • 45 mm drivers, 15 Hz to 28 kHz, 38 ohms
  • Three detachable cables included
  • Folds flat, earcups swivel 90 degrees
Free software to pair it with
See price and details ↗

Sony MDR-7506

by Sony · specs from the official page, checked Oct 24, 2026
  • Closed-ear professional monitor headphones
  • 40 mm drivers, 10 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Folding design
  • Includes a carry pouch and a 3.5/6.3 mm adaptor
Free software to pair it with
See price and details ↗

Studio monitors

Speakers tuned for an honest sound rather than a flattering one, so your mix translates to other systems.

Yamaha HS5

by Yamaha · specs from the official page, checked Oct 24, 2026
  • 2-way bi-amplified nearfield studio monitor
  • 5-inch woofer and 1-inch dome tweeter
  • 54 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response
  • ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM switches
  • XLR and TRS inputs
Free software to pair it with
  • SPAN ↗ Free analyzer: small monitors roll off the deep sub, so watch it on SPAN.
  • TDR Nova ↗ Free dynamic EQ for mixing.
See price and details ↗

MIDI keyboard

Play melodies, chords and drums into your DAW instead of clicking notes in. Pads help with finger drumming.

Akai MPK Mini IV

by Akai Professional · specs from the official page, checked Oct 24, 2026
  • 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
  • 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC pads
  • 8 assignable 360-degree knobs, real pitch and mod wheels
  • Arpeggiator plus Scale and Chord modes
  • USB-C, full-size MIDI out, sustain pedal input
Free software to pair it with
See price and details ↗

Arturia MiniLab 3

by Arturia · specs from the official page, checked Oct 24, 2026
  • 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys
  • 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, 8 encoders, 4 faders
  • Pitch and mod touch strips
  • Arpeggiator, Chord and Hold modes
  • USB-C, 5-pin MIDI out, pedal input
Free software to pair it with
See price and details ↗

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