Gear and tools we recommend

Two inputs for a mic and a guitar, simple setup, widely supported.

• Auto Gain and Clip Safe help set safe levels
• Two combo inputs for mic or instrument

• Only two inputs
• No MIDI ports

One mic input plus a separate instrument input, two headphone outputs.

• Separate JFET instrument input
• Two headphone outputs

• Only one mic input
• No MIDI ports

Two inputs, clear level meters on the front and loopback for streaming.

• Clear front-panel level meters
• Loopback for streaming
• MIDI in and out

• Only two inputs

Two inputs with a Vintage mode that adds preamp colour.

• Vintage mode adds preamp colour
• MIDI in and out

• Only two inputs
• No built-in compressor (that is the Volt 276)

Closed-back, light and a long-time studio standard.

• Light and foldable
• Low cost for a studio standard

• Cable is not detachable
• Bright treble can tire your ears

Closed-back with detachable cables and a folding design.

• Detachable cables included
• Folds for travel

• Pads get warm in long sessions
• Bass is a little emphasised

Closed-back, comfortable velour pads, several impedance versions.

• Very comfortable velour pads
• Good isolation for recording

• Cable is not detachable
• 250-ohm version needs a strong headphone output

Open-back with a natural, detailed sound; not for recording.

• Natural, detailed sound for mixing
• Replaceable parts

• Open-back leaks sound, not for recording
• 300 ohms: needs a decent headphone output

Subscription credits for royalty-free one-shots and loops.

Subscription library with an in-DAW browser and editor.

Store for plugins and sample packs, frequent sales.

Bundles of synths, sampled instruments and effects.

Free, simple, and projects open in Logic Pro.

Free browser and mobile DAW with unlimited projects.

Fast pattern workflow with lifetime free updates.

Session view for jamming, strong warping and sampling.

Mac App Store purchase or Apple Creator Studio subscription; large sound library.

$60 discounted licence after a 60-day full evaluation.

The most visited AI music site; no public affiliate program found.

Music generation alongside ElevenLabs' voice tools.

Generates and edits instrumental tracks for video and content.

Listens through your mic or MIDI and guides you through lessons.

Large song library with a mode that waits for the right note.

Guitar, piano, bass, ukulele and singing with game-style practice.

Short video lessons organised into learning paths.