Need new studio monitors but don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck, as there are plenty which give you great quality, unbiased sound at a price point that’s acceptable for most producers.
Here’s out pick of the best studio monitor speakers under $500.
…5 Best Studio Monitor Speakers Under $500 2025 Read More »
Making music on a budget? Look no further than our pick of the best studio headphones under $50.
Making music is expensive.
Not.
While it is true that music gear used to be prohibitively expensive a few years ago, the EDM boom and the resulting explosion of SoundCloud producers have ensured that music gear is becoming cheaper and cheaper.
Case in point: studio headphones.
Studio headphones are a must-have for any home studio setup. Without a pair, you have no way to accurately reference a sound.
For years, studio headphones used to cost $150+ for a starter variant. If you wanted anything that a pro studio would use, you had to shell out $300-$500.
Not anymore. All the big manufacturers – Sennheiser, AKG, Audio Technica, Sony, etc. – have created cheaper variants of their flagship studio headphones. The Audio Technica M20x, for instance, shares the same bones as its best-selling cousin, the M50x, but costs nearly a third less.
For home producers, this means you can now get accurate, reliable sound reproduction at a fraction of the price.
But which budget studio headphones are right for you? In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the best studio headphones under $50 and help you pick the right option for your needs.
…6 Best Studio Headphones Under $50 2025 Read More »
Looking for the best budget audio interface to complete your home studio setup? We’ve compiled our favorite picks for every budget in this detailed guide.
Audio interfaces are the key to building a better home studio. After all, this is what truly ties the entire setup together. No audio interface, no way to connect your physical hardware to your DAW.
The breadth of options in this category is unparalleled. You can buy $50 starter interfaces or you can splurge on $3,000 pro-tier interfaces and they’ll both get the job done. What you essentially pay for is the clarity, fidelity, and I/O options the interface brings to the table.
Apart from budget, you should also pay attention to the use case (live or studio) and DAW. While nearly every audio interface will work with nearly every DAW, some are specifically designed for certain DAWs. Focusrite’s Scarlett series, for instance, has universal compatibility thanks to the USB protocol, but it does perform better on Ableton than on, say, Reaper.
With this out of the way, let’s take a closer look at our top picks for the best budget audio interface you can buy right now:
…6 Best Budget Audio Interfaces 2025 Read More »
What are the best budget audiophile headphones on the market right now? Let’s dig into the most accurate, highest fidelity headphones that will bring out the highs, mellow down the lows, and pop up the mids!
If you’re an audiophile, you have to love your headphones.
Sure, nothing beats a great pair of speakers as far as spatial clarity goes. But speakers come up with their own problems – untreated rooms, amplification, and speaker placement, to name a few (and cost, to name a fourth).
Headphones are far easier.
A great pair of audiophile headphones will help you zero-in on the finest details without the fuss of treating rooms and perfecting placement. The fact that you can buy audiophile headphones for a fraction of the price of audiophile speakers is just the cherry on top.
Below, we’ll, look at the best budget audiophile headphones on the market and share the secrets of getting top-notch sound without spending an arm and a leg.
…7 Best Budget Audiophile Headphones 2025 Read More »
Getting your studio monitors to the perfect positioning can be challenging without the right equipment. And as I’m sure you’re aware of since you came across this article, a studio monitor stand can go a long way to helping you position your speakers and helping to achieve an unbiased sound.
But which ones are the most secure, have the most flexible adjustments, and best help you get a true reflection of your audio projects? Check our comparison of the best studio monitor stands on the market to find out now.
…6 Best Studio Monitor Stands 2025 Read More »
Looking for the best microphone for recording rap? In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the finest microphones for rappers ever made.
As a rapper, do you really need specialized microphones for your home studio?
Yes and no.
Yes, in that rapping has fast vocal movements and requires a microphone that can respond swiftly enough to the changes in cadence.
No, in that any microphone will help you rap – just that some will fare better at it than others.
Since here at MIDINation, we want to help you create the best-possible home studio experience (on a budget, of course), we’ll focus on microphones that can capture the rapid rhythmics and dynamic range of rap vocals.
Below, we’ll share our picks of the best microphones for recording rap. We’ll look at our favorite gear for untreated rooms, pro-studios, and even rappers starting out on the tiniest of budgets.
Let’s get started!
…6 Best Microphone For Recording Rap 2025 Read More »
Looking for a MIDI keyboard with aftertouch? Great, we’ve compiled a list of the best out there right now!
The aftertouch feature on all these keyboards will really add more expression, but the additional features around it (and the price point) will be the real factors for you deciding which keyboard you want.
So here are the best MIDI keyboards with aftertouch.
…5 Best MIDI Keyboards With Aftertouch 2025 Read More »
Spruce up your home studio by picking the best USB mixer for your needs and budget.
Best for home studios: Mackie ProFX6v3
“Decent preamp and onboard effects make this a winner for small studios”
Best value for money: Behringer XR1
“The XR1 packs in a ton of I/O options into an affordable digital mixer package. Good performance. Great value formoney”
Best analog mixer: Soundcraft Signature 12MTK
“If you want to go the analog route, the Soundcraft 12MTK is an affordable choice”
Most portable: Allen & Heath ZEDi
“A great audio interface/mixer combo for performers”
Most affordable: Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
“This ultra cheap mixer is great for podcasters and absolute beginners”
If I was writing this in 2006, I would probably start by talking about how USB has “revolutionized” music production and how, eventually, all mixers will be digital and USB.
But this 2020 and your studio setup likely runs entirely on USB and/or Thunderbolt.
In fact, USB has already revolutionized music production so much that you can get a basic mixer for under $100. And it would be competent enough for the vast majority of hobbyists and casual users.
This makes choosing the best USB mixer a lot harder. The number of options has exploded. Every popular brand like Behringer has literally dozens of models to choose from. And the differences between individual models are minuscule – practically every mixer in the same price range boasts similar features.
That’s why I put together this guide to help you buy the best mixers for your needs. Below, I’ll look at the top offerings across categories and share my pick of the best USB mixer for your specific budget and needs.
Here’s a closer look at our favorite mixers for different needs:
Make no mistake: I don’t think that this Mackie is the best USB mixer around. Rather, I think it’s the best mixer for most home studios – the majority of our audience. It doesn’t have the performance of its more expensive competitors, but it does what it’s supposed to fantastically well. And for this reason, I call it the best USB mixer for home studios.
Mackie presented the FX6v3 among the three-series classics with useful upgrades. In addition to the new design, there are now Onyx microphone preamps, 2 × 4 USB recording, 24 practical GigFX effects, and an extensive software package for download. The Mackie ProFX6v3 is a much smaller version of the series.
This compact mixer offers six channels of which the two mono inputs 1 and 2 are equipped with combo sockets. Microphones can be connected here. Line signals can also be fed in using 6.35 mm jack plugs. Channel 3/4 is a classic stereo line-in with large jack sockets. Channel 5/6 also works in stereo but has a 3.5 mm stereo socket ready for its line signals.
The small format of this so-called mini jack is becoming more and more popular. It, for example, allows playback from smartphones, MP3 players, or digital recorders in an uncomplicated way.
While the stereo channels offer no other options apart from a single volume control (rotary potentiometer), the mono channel strips are more extensively equipped.
This mixer has Onyx preamplifiers. It is already printed on the metal surface of the small mixer. These low-noise preamps are not only known for their good sound.
They also offer up to 60 dB gain. They, thus, also help dynamic microphones with low output on the jumps. And yes, condenser microphones can also be connected, because 48-volt phantom power can be switched.
With the compact dimensions of the Mackie ProFX6v3 of 74 x 191 x 213 mm (H x W x D), you can’t expect a fader. So, rotary controls ensure the desired mixing ratios.
With 24 GigFX effects, Mackie offers an impressive collection for polishing up the sounds throughout the new series. You can choose from, for example, reverb, chorus, delay, overdrive distortion, and more.
The USB interface offers good added value. This mixer can be used as a 2 × 4 audio interface. To do this, however, you should download the appropriate driver from the Mackie website. The interface works with 24 bit/192 kHz and offers very good sound quality. The stereo signal can be recorded in a DAW via USB and two independent stereo streams from the computer and can be fed into the mixer.
What I don’t like
There is no tap function for delay. Also, there is no fader or graphic master equalizer.
Recommended for: Starting producers, hobbyists, and casual users who want a feature-rich but affordable USB mixer. . vocals) as well.
With the MG12XU, Yamaha’s compact mixer series “MG” is now in its third round. In order to offer the best sound in the smallest of spaces, high-quality microphone preamps from Yamaha’s high-end studio consoles are used in the small mixers. And, last but not least, the MG series mixers are equally suitable for live and studio use.
These are, of course, quite high demands when you look at the retail price of the device.
The USB-compatible small mixer is delivered in a sturdy cardboard box. Two styrofoam molded parts ensure the safe transport of the device and the (non-slip) storage of the print material. Surprisingly, the MG12XU did not come with a power cable. But the real star of the package is not just wrapped in plastic. It is wrapped in a soft bubble bag that is gentle on the surface of the device, and that is also recyclable. The product also includes a download version of the Cubase AI DAW software.
The mixer includes a maximum of six microphones or twelve-line inputs, the latter of which are divided into four mono and four stereo inputs. There is also a group channel. The whole thing is rounded off by two aux channels, which also include an internal effects engine. The “SPX processor” offers 24 effect programs, which the manufacturer advertises as “high quality”.
The inputs of the mono channels 1-4 are designed as combo sockets. This is why both XLR and jack plugs can be plugged in to feed in microphone or instrument signals. Channels 5/6 and 7/8, on the other hand, are available in stereo. They are consequently fed with left-right signals either via a symmetrical XLR socket or two additional non-symmetrical jack sockets.
A pad circuit is available for channels 1-4, which lowers the input signal by 26 dB. Also, channels 1-8 have a high-pass filter working at 12 dB octave. It cuts off frequencies below 80 Hz.
The channel-wise level adjustment is made using the gain control. It ranges from +20 to +38 dB or from -6 to +38 dB with the pad function switched on. The integrated single knob compressors of channels 1-4 are a specialty. Neither ratio nor threshold nor attack or release times need to be set here. Instead, it is simply a matter of turning the corresponding potentiometer up or down, and that’s it! The switchable 48V phantom power of channels 5/6 and 7/8 also enables the use of condenser microphones.
A special feature of the UX version of the MG mixer is its USB interface. This offers two additional inputs and outputs in 24-bit, 192 kHz quality. The mixer thus also functions as an audio interface.
What I don’t like
The MG12XU did not come with a power cable. Also, the USB port is not placed well.
Recommended for: If the Mackie is too underpowered for you, or if you’ve graduated to a small semi-pro studio, you’ll appreciate the Yamaha MG12XU. It’s the best USB mixer currently for small studios that need pristine preamps but have limited I/O needs.
Preamp design from Soundcraft, effects from Lexicon, and Dynamics from dbx: that sounds like an enticing compact mixer. Especially since the Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK is generally not expensive at the friendly music equipment dealer. It even has a 14-channel, bidirectional USB interface on board.
The steel housing is robust; all connections are screwed and accessible from above. While my eyes are still wandering, it captures many nice details. These include three aux busses, pre/post switches, and an effects device with two-parameter potentiometers. And if you remove the plastic side panels, the mixer can also be placed in a rack using the optional mounting kit.
The Soundcraft Signature 12 is a twelve-channel compact mixer that can mix input signals “in two in two”. Of the twelve advertised channels, eight have an almost identical structure. The 60-millimeter faders are accompanied by two buttons with which the signal can be routed to the master and subgroup. There is also a PFL button and a mute button, the activity of which is acknowledged by a red LED. If the channel is not muted, the lamp shows overload.
It continues with three aux sends, with the third one being routed to the internal effects device and the aux socket. This is followed by a three-channel tone control with semi-parametric mids and the mandatory potentiometer for the input gain.
Channels 7 and 8 each have two jack sockets because they are combined mono/stereo channels. If a microphone is plugged into the XLR socket or the left jack, the channel works monophonically; if both jacks are used, it is a stereo channel.
Two further differences can be seen: For channels one and two, simple on/off limiters from dbx can be switched on, channels five and six also have Hi-Z levels at the touch of a button. I think that’s a clever distribution of the goodies. This way, I can prevent two microphones from clipping and still supply the electric bass and electric guitar.
What I don’t like
Its USB output is too low. You can only get a maximum of -32db from the computer.
Recommended for: The Soundcraft Signature 12MTK is ideal for capturing the stereo mix from a rehearsal or live performance. It’s also suitable for playing music through your computer, thanks to the two-channel audio interface. Get it if you have a lot of analog gear and need a good mixer to connect them all together.
The British manufacturer is gradually expanding its range of ZED consoles. After the series with the ZED-6, the ZED-6FX, and the ZEDi-8 was rounded down, the ZEDi-10 and the ZEDi-10FX now follow.
The ZEDi-10FX has four mono and three stereo inputs, an effects processor, and a USB audio interface. The USB2 interface offers 4 inputs and 4 outputs and that at 24 bit, 96 kHz. There is also Cubase LE from Steinberg for Mac and PC and the Cubasis LE app for iPads from version 2.
Also included are two power cables, a USB cable, and operating instructions. Also, there is the Cubase LE download info with serial numbers and a leaflet about the software with the upgrade information.
The four mono inputs each have an XLR socket for microphones and a jack input for line signals. The first two channels have a Hi-Z option so that guitars (and basses) can be connected directly. A PAD switch with -20dB is available for channels 3 and 4. The rest of the equipment is identical for the four entrances: gain, a three-band equalizer, aux, and FX send, panorama, and level. Finally, there is a PFL switch on each channel.
The stereo channels are structured quite differently. With the ST1, the signal is fed in via two jack sockets. The tone control is only equipped with high and low in two volumes. Gain, Aux, FX, Balance, and Level are available, and the PFL is not missing.
The main outputs of the ZEDi-10FX are available as balanced XLR sockets. While all other level controls are designed as potentiometers, Allen & Heath offers a 60 mm fader here.
The recording works straight away without any problems. There is the possibility to record up to 24 bit, 96 kHz.
Conclusively, with the ZEDi-10FX, Allen & Heath offers a small mixer in proven quality. The 4 × 4 audio interface, the very good microphone preamps, and the good sounding effects processor are the highlights of the equipment.
What I don’t like
There are some inconsistencies such as the noisy instrument inputs and the sometimes inflexible routing.
Recommended for: The ZEDi is a studio solution that goes well beyond the scope of a pure audio interface with tone control, FX, and many outputs. I also recommend the ZEDi to those who are mainly live, because of the tunable mids. For portability and flexibility, I can conclusively say that this is the best USB mixer in this price range.
Behringer’s X Air XR18 digital mixer is making use of a current trend: wireless remote control via tablet computer. Coming straight out of the box, the Behringer X Air
XR18 turns out to be a rather inconspicuous slide-in module. You can make it 19-inch wide with the help of two included adapters. The front panel of the metal housing is densely populated with sockets. Meanwhile, the connection for the power cable, the main switch, and ventilation slots are located on the sides.
The XR18 is completely convection-cooled and therefore silent. But it produces plenty of heat, and the case becomes significantly warmer than lukewarm. Therefore, when mounting the rack, make sure that there is some distance to neighboring devices, and there should be no heat build-up in the case.
The XR18 comes with a fully parametric four-band equalizer. Each +/- 15 dB gain is possible; the filter quality varies continuously between 0.3 and 10. Optionally, all filters also work as high-pass filters or shelving. As a bonus, the EQ has an analyzer (RTA) that provides information on the frequency mix of the signal with the help of 100 bands.
Behringer has 61 plug-ins to choose from. This ranges from reverb and delay to modulation effects, graphic equalizers, exciters, and transient designers.
The six aux buses and the main sum also have compressors and fully parametric four-band equalizers. These are transformed into graphical 31 bands at the push of a button. It is not possible to delay channels and buses. This is perhaps a little too much to ask for a “musician’s desk”, but it would definitely be nice to have.
What I don’t like
It is not possible to delay channels and buses. This is perhaps a little too much to ask for a “musician’s desk”, but it would definitely be nice to have.
Recommended for: The XR1 is our top recommendation for digital mixers. While there are better sounding mixers on the market, the XR1 is priced extremely competitively. For the sheer value for money, I rank it as the best USB mixer on the market currently.
With the Xenyx series, Behringer has brought nuanced products onto the market. The Behringer Q802USB mixer is a comfortable, simple, and practical device to create your recordings and play them with your colleagues. This console was created to enhance and refine audio recordings and create a noise-free single track.
The Q802 USB Mixer, the big brother of the Q502, is an all-in-one solution for young musicians or musicians. One could use it for quick tape recordings/demos.
Two mic preamps/line-in (combination jacks) are each equipped with a compressor, 3-band equalizer, FX, and pan potentiometer. An external analog device can be played as an effect via dedicated jack sockets. And its intensity can be regulated for each channel. The preamps are okay for this class, but certainly not “high-quality.”
After 12 o’clock (potentiometer setting), it is of course noisy.
Beginners will enjoy the one-knob compressor and the existing EQ. But please do not expect anything majestic as advertised on the manufacturer’s website. Channels 3/4 and 5/6 have jack inputs (6.3mm), 2-track in and out in stereo chinch. The signal is digitized via USB.
Although a power switch is missing, Behringer has to compensate with the phantom power supply. The condenser microphones can also be used.
Although this mixer is not one of the smallest in its range, it is very comfortable and practical to add to your desk. You can easily move to other places to make recordings with other colleagues.
The input configuration allows you to adjust and integrate sounds like bass for better quality. Thanks to the sound meter, the frequency and intensity of the sound can be clearly seen on the PC, laptop, or tablet.
The microphone reduces excess noise. The console has a button that allows you the ability to control external noise once you have included the microphone.
What I don’t like
This mixer is only used to connect headphones or small speakers. You can only connect it with small accessories. So if you are thinking of using this device in a large event, it is better that you start looking for another model.
Recommended for: Beginners and casual users who want an ultra-cheap yet effective entry-level mixer. It’s great for podcasters, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a barebones unit that with multiple I/O options. Given the price, I have no hesitation calling it the best USB mixer for beginners.
It’s a great time to be in the market for a USB mixer. The prices have come down and you can get pretty competent offerings for under $200. Hopefully, this list will help you find the best USB mixer for your needs.
For more suggestions and recommendations, email us using this contact form.
Check our other recommendations
References:
What’s the Best USB Mixer in 2025? Unbiased Reviews Read More »
As a DJ, a DJ controller is your primary instrument of choice. But sometimes, you also need a MIDI controller to help you launch clips and control your DJ software. Which is why we’ve looked at the best MIDI controller for DJing in this article.
I’ve always maintained that “MIDI controller” is a misnomer these days. While any performance-focused controller has MIDI connectors, an increasingly larger number of controllers also have USB, or often, USB-only.
It makes sense from a usage perspective. USB is available on every computing device on the planet and takes care of the power issue. Sure, it doesn’t have the analog signal quality of MIDI, but the compromise in ease of use is worth it, at least for the vast majority of non-professional producers and DJs.
This is why every DJ controller, keyboard, and drum pad can be said to be a “MIDI controller”. If you can plug it into a computer and use it to control a software – a DAW or DJ software – it would be classified as a MIDI controller.
Among these MIDI controllers, what’s the best option to choose as a DJ? What kind of controllers should you look for?
I’ll share some answers in this roundup of the best MIDI controllers for DJing.
About your reviewer
Ryan Harrell is the founder of MIDINation and an experienced producer/DJ. His first experience with electronic music production dates back to Cubase 3.0 in the summer of 1997, and he’s been a fan ever since. He prefers Ableton as his primary DAW these days, though he is still partial to Cubase and Pro Tools. He lives in San Diego and freelances as a producer and part-time DJ.
Pioneer is the undisputed king of the DJ controller market. While it has a ton of better controllers (you can see our best pick here), the entry-level DDJ-SB3 is a great pick for budget-conscious DJs. It combines tons of useful features and a “grown-up” DJing experience in a package that’s surprisingly affordable.
If you’re simply looking for a useful DJ controller to connect to your computer, you can’t go wrong with the best-selling DDJ-SB3.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 DJ controller looks impressive right off the bat. It is an entry-level DJ controller, and this is obvious in the lack of some features. Nevertheless, the controller looks solid and professional. As a budget controller, it is one of the best ones I have tested. It is undoubtedly one of the best entry-level controllers on the market.
The manufacturer decided to add a specific button to be used for scratching. While some folks are upset by this new addition, I find it a very nifty tool. It elevates the performance of the device, in my opinion. The controller does not look flashy; rather, it comes with muted colors that give it a more professional appearance.
It comes with 8 performance pads, its own channel filters and quite a number of buttons and controllers existing in professional and more expensive controllers.
During testing, I found the performance quite satisfactory. As pointed out in the features, it comes with Serato DJ Lite. Although it is a toned-down version of the Serato Pro, it is still a good fit. With the app, beginners can fully grasp the basics of mixing.
I found using the controller to be a breeze. All the knobs and all the buttons are quick and responsive. As for the jog wheels, they are solidly built and super-reliable.
Integrated into the controller are the transport buttons. These deliver decent performance and are very good for beginners learning the basics of manual beat mixing and professionals who already know how to use them.
There are 3 effects from each of the pair of effects engines. Without bias, I thoroughly enjoyed using this controller. As an entry-level controller, it is one of the best MIDI controllers for DJing you can buy for cheap.
What we don’t like
The size of the jog wheels is small for me.
Recommended for: DJs who want something cheap as backup, beginners DJs, and anyone with a passive interest in the craft will be comfortable with this controller.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
Incredible performance. That’s all I can say about this controller. If you use this controller along with Ableton Pad, you have a powerhouse capable of great things. The design of this controller is simple, while durable. It is a portable controller that can easily fit into your backpack and whipped out and setup in no time. The rubber bottom makes it stick to surfaces and prevent slipping.
During use, I found this controller to be impressive. It is very easy to use. As you use it, it displays to you the active clips, the inactive clips, and the armed clips. All of these and other features make for easy sessions without you requiring glancing up every second at your laptop.
It comes in different modes: Mixer mode, Session mode, and 2 User modes. Each of these modes is easy to use once mastered. The User modes allow you to configure the settings for 2 different users.
What we don’t like
The pads on the controller are touch-sensitive, but they might be a little too touch-sensitive for the majority of users.
Recommended for: Every music lover with a passion for making music; Ableton users.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
This controller comes with 64 launch buttons. This makes it pack quite a punch with regards to the clip-launching power. Despite the number of buttons, it is very portable. I was able to take it on the go with me wherever I went to.
The buttons are quite responsive, although they are quite small. They also have limited colors, something that those used to Live controllers will enjoy.
Overall, the performance was satisfactory, although it wasn’t groundbreaking.
What we don’t like
The launch-pad buttons are rather small and feel cramped.
Recommended for: If you are a fan of Ableton and are looking for something that works well, and is cheap, then this one is for you.
Pros
Cons
The X1 is a very durable device. This is not surprising considering that NI is known for highly durable products. It comes in a metal and plastic casing that is quite robust.
The bottom half of the controller has LED screens, browser encoder, a long touch ribbon, and so on. The glossy materials used to make the device, look superb, and contribute to the overall sturdiness. It comes with RGB backlight to help you see all that is taking place with the controller.
As for the top half of the controller, it is full of FX controls, just as the other models of this device.
The overall performance is satisfactory, although the buttons could have been made less hard to press down.
What we don’t like
Probably because of their sturdiness, the buttons are hard and can be difficult to press down.
Recommended for: Traktor users who want to spend less time looking at a monitor and at the controls of their device will love this controller.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
The Denon DJ MC4000 is built to last. It reminds me of the old Denon DJ controllers that were built to be near indestructible. This controller recalls the strong build and high standard that Denon is known for. The complete unit screams high-quality performance. Right from the time, I removed it from the box; I knew I was in for a treat. And, boy does this controller deliver!
The jog wheels are solidly built and give no indication of breaking anytime soon. The build of the controller makes it clear that it is for the mobile or professional DJ. It comes with 2 microphone channels, a split cue button, censor feature, long pitch controls, a quartet of sample trigger knobs; that have a volume button fitted away from the cue pads.
The controller is a joy to use. Although it doesn’t have a slicer, a full slip mode, fancy lights, or even 4 software channels, it has all the necessary things for any DJ worth their salt.
It makes up for the absence of these controls with other buttons that can, when mastered, serve the same purpose.
What we don’t like
The controller gives an impressive all-round performance, more so than some of the controllers on this list; however, I did not like that the built-in Mic effect is echo rather than reverb. The master and cue gain/volume control buttons are also together. While this is usable, it is frankly confusing.
Recommended for: Professional DJs who need a controller as a backup controller will love this portable one
Pros
Cons
Key features:
The Numark DJ2G02 is a deviation from the earlier versions of entry-level controllers from Numark. This controller looks like fun while appearing serious and professional at the same time. The layout and placement of the buttons and knobs make it look good and improves its functionality. Although you won’t mistake it for a professional DJ controller, it is not at all surprising if you expect wonderful performance from it.
The layout is like other good controllers out there. As a 2-channel controller, it comes with jog wheels on either side. The jog wheels are flanked by other buttons like the cue, play/pause buttons, a pitch fader, and a quartet of pads. Each of these pads comes with 4 modes: Sampler, Auto Loop, Manual Loop, and Cue.
Smack in the middle of the controller are other functional knobs and buttons. There is the crossfader, the master volume knob, a cue volume knob, and a browse knob. Overall, the placements of the controls are similar to those found elsewhere.
As for the output ports, the controller is not found wanting in this regard. It has the headphone jack, mini-USB jack and other ports by the sides.
I especially love the portability of this controller. I can easily place it right on my MacBook. It is both light and portable enough for that.
The controller performed quite well during use. Despite being a budget controller, the performance left me pleasantly surprised. It comes compatible with Serato DJ Intro software and can be paired successfully with Virtual DJ 8 software.
The buttons, like those of the Pioneer controller, work very efficiently. Despite the slight hiccup that is the lack of a vinyl or scratch function (yeah it is a real bummer), when considered holistically, the performance is great for the price.
As it is merely an entry-level controller, the quartet of performance pads offers merely decent performance. They have 4 modes too like the Pioneer controller (The sampler, Auto Loop, Hot Cue, and Manual Loo modes).
The main reason I love this controller, aside from the portability is the short-throw pitch faders that easily enable manual beat mixing.
What we don’t like
The lack of vinyl and the scratching function takes the shine away from an otherwise good MIDI controller.
Recommended for: Beginner DJs in search of a cheap controller.
Pros
Cons
There you have it – our list of the best MIDI controller for DJing. Some of these are standalone DJ controllers. Some are portable units to assist your mobile DJ duties. And some are clip launchers and DAW controllers to help you get the most out of your setup.
For more recommendations and advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also read:
References:
What’s the Best MIDI Controller for DJing in 2025? Read More »
Find the best laptop for Pro Tools – portability that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Best for everyone: Apple MacBook Pro 16″
“With all flaws from the 2019 version fixed, the 2020 version is the best Macbook ever”
Best for Windows users: Dell Precision 5520
“Not the lightest but great specs make it a beast”
Best Windows ultrabook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1
“The X1 remains the best all-around computer for anyone who doesn’t want Apple”
Most portable: LG Gram 17
“One of the lightest laptops around – that doesn’t skimp on the hardware”
Best budget laptop: ASUS VivoBook 15
“Not the best build quality but fantastic specs for the price”
Until a few years ago, it used to be that if you were a musician (or heck, any “creative”), you would just stick to Apple.
But that’s changed in the last few years. I see more and more Windows laptops in production studios. While one of the best DAWs around – Logic Pro – remains Mac only, Windows has staked an increasingly larger share of the creative pie.
You can partly blame this on Apple dropping the ball over the last few iterations of the Macbook. The disastrous decision to change the keyboard (the notoriously awful butterfly switches), poor thermals, rising costs and general bugginess of OSX has made a lot of users swear off Apple.
At the same time, Windows seems to have found new mojo. The crashes are all but absent these days, and the UI is far cleaner than the mess of icons and colors and gradients. Windows laptop makers, too, are getting up there, or at times, even exceeding, Apple in build quality and design. The X1 Carbon, for instance, is arguably better built than any Macbook. And the Dell XPS line has better screens. And LG Gram is lighter than the thinnest Macbook Airs.
Personally, I use both Mac and Windows (switching between them isn’t as hard as you think). Mac still does the heavy creative lifting but I use Windows primarily as my work OS. I run Ableton on both systems and performance-wise, I can’t find much of a difference anymore.
For you, this makes the laptop buying decision much harder. You can’t just buy the latest Macbook and call it a day. You might be able to get the same or even better performance from a Windows laptop.
And to make things even more complicated, you now have to choose between Intel and AMD on Windows laptops. While AMD laptops are still limited, AMD’s new processors (at least on desktop) absolutely blow Intel out of the water.
So what laptop do you choose to make music? What factors should guide your decision? Let’s look for answers in this guide to the best laptop for Pro Tools in 2020.
About your reviewer
Ryan Harrell is the founder of MIDINation and an experienced producer/DJ. His first experience with electronic music production dates back to Cubase 3.0 in the summer of 1997, and he’s been a fan ever since. He prefers Ableton as his primary DAW these days, though he is still partial to Cubase and Pro Tools. He lives in San Diego and freelances as a producer and part-time DJ.
People used to buy Macbooks for their ease of use, good build quality, and general stability.
Read online and you’ll find that people also say that Macbooks have better latency because you can plug directly into the soundboard instead of obfuscating it the way Windows does. I always found that to be an exaggerated point – any semi-serious musician is going to use an audio interface anyway.
That’s how things used to be.
Apple has slipped of late. Macbooks are increasingly overpriced. Until 2020, the 2016-19 lineup had massive keyboard issues. The OS is not as stable anymore.
At the same time, things have changed a lot for Windows under Satya Nadella. The OS is more stable than ever. The UI is cleaner (though still a mess compared to Apple). And best of all, there is real competition among hardware manufacturers. Intel vs AMD is giving us consumers access to top quality processors for cheap. Dell finding its groove again is giving Lenovo stiff competition. And the renaissance of PC gaming means that you a huge reason to pick Windows over Apple.
So keeping all these things in mind, here are some of the top things you need to consider when buying the best laptop for Pro Tools in 2020.
As I said, this used to be no competition. But now it feels nearly neck and neck.
Personally, I see Mac as an OS that’s going down in quality and performance. Windows is on the up, but Microsoft keeps pulling off tricks like forcibly installing Edge which makes me not want to recommend Windows.
Here’s how I see the Windows vs Mac debate:
Choose Mac if you
Keep in mind that Macs are increasingly expensive. Apple makes it very hard to upgrade or repair their machines. Which means you have to rely on their expensive Apple Care plans. Given the high failure rate of newer Macbooks, you might have to buy a new laptop every few years instead of the 7-8 years earlier.
Choose Windows if you
Windows will be cheaper. For the same price, you’ll get a lot more computer than a Mac. You’ll also get cheaper services, repairs, and upgrade options. On my Lenovo, upgrading from HDD to SSD was as simple as opening a screw and plugging in my new drive. On Macbook, that would be much harder.
Bottomline: Choose Windows for cheaper everything. Choose Macbook for better quality hardware and more privacy.
DAW performance is mostly a function of three things:
Everything else is a moot point. You don’t need a graphics card to run Pro Tools (or any other DAW for that matter).
What you do need is fast CPU performance – preferably across multiple cores. You also need RAM, but not a massive amount. For most producers, 16-32 GB would be enough. Don’t fret too much about exact RAM speed – that’s a factor in gaming, not music production.
I won’t mention hard drives because in 2020, I assume that most of you have already made the switch to SSD.
Late last year, I built myself a new production desktop computer. Like a lot of gamers and creatives, I chose to go with AMD instead of Intel.
AMD, at least in the desktop market, has been eating Intel’s lunch over the last year or so. While Intel still has the fastest single core performance, AMD absolutely crushes it in multicore performance. Just take a look at the CPU benchmarks charts – it’s AMD all the way through.
For music production, you need both fast single core and multi-core performance. Which is why I recommend anyone building a desktop computer for production to go with AMD.
However, AMD is still largely absent on the laptop side. The new AMD laptop CPUs are as good as Intel’s – and cheaper – but most manufacturers still don’t have a lot of AMD options. If you don’t plan to buy immediately, I would highly suggest waiting a 6-8 months when manufacturers start bringing in more AMD options.
As someone who always roots for the underdog, I can’t say I’m unbiased – I have a soft corner for AMD’s resurgence!
Lastly, be very careful about the screen your laptop has.
Sure, you’re not working with design tools and don’t need exceptional color accuracy. But as a Pro Tools user, you will end up with a ton of on-screen detail during your sessions – multiple windows, plugins, views all open at the same time.
A low resolution screen will make it really hard to get all these details on screen. At the very least, your screen should have:
This isn’t something people usually think about when buying the best laptops for Pro Tools, but it’s a massive factor in how much performance you get out of your machine. Some rock solid business-focused laptops, like Thinkpads, are notorious for packing in dull, low-res screens. So before you decide what to buy, make sure that the screen fits the above requirements.
With all this out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the best laptop for Pro Tools you can buy in 2020.
Based on their price and real-world performance, these are the best laptops for Pro Tools you can buy right now:
Until the 2020 edition of the Macbook was announced, I wasn’t keen on recommending it. But the 2020 edition fixed so many of my biggest issues with MBPs of late – the wonky keyboard, the bad thermals, and the smaller screen. The 16″ MBP Pro is a return to form for Apple and, once again, is the best laptop for Pro Tools you can buy right now.
Key features:
Running Pro Tools requires a powerful laptop, and it doesn’t get more powerful than the Apple MacBook Pro 16″. This is a high-end laptop that comes with plenty of features that will make running this software, with all its plugins and virtual instruments, a breeze.
Apple is the world’s biggest company and has always churned out impressive and reliable gadgets. The Pro Tools software is compatible with Mac OS, which is why we couldn’t but include the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ in this list.
This laptop is a force to be reckoned with, and while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, as it were, it comes with enhanced features that make it a good pick for anyone that can afford it.
While there are several versions of the Macbook Pro, this version is the Apple MacBook Pro 16″. It comes with just about the most powerful innards you’ll find on a laptop. It has a 9th Generation Intel Core I7 processor that gives it incredible computing power. It also has up to 16GB of RAM and storage of 12B SSD.
The design is a selling point, as the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ comes with a unibody aluminum chassis that makes it look absolutely premium.
The display is stunning, even though it isn’t a 4K display. It comes with a 16″ Retina Touch Bar display that gives stunning color at all times. The resolution looks perfect for the screen. By using an SSD storage, this is one of the fastest laptops in terms of performance and boot time. It also helps you to save battery.
The 16GB RAM runs on six cores to process data.
As it has an Intel processor, you enjoy a combination of power and speed while using as little power as possible. To help with graphics, it runs the Intel UHD Graphics 630 and AMD Radeon Pro 5300M.
With over 10 hours of run time and a lightweight build, this is a powerful option that can come with you almost wherever you go.
What I don’t like:
It is incredibly expensive, which is the biggest gripe I have with this unit. I’m also not sold on the touchbar and think it just bloats the cost without doing much in terms of utility.
Recommended for: IIf money is no problem and you want the best laptop to run Pro Tools, and are comfortable with OSX’s increasing wonkiness, then this is the laptop for you.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
Although Lenovo lists the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon as a business laptop, it is one of the best laptops for running software like Pro Tools. It comes with a slim profile and powerful hardware that will easily run most of the music production software that you might be thinking of using.
Nobody likes carrying a laptop around, and that is why most manufacturers are focused on creating small, compact laptops that are easy to transport. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an ultrabook that fits that mold and is the best in its category.
The main benefit of this laptop as far as this review is concerned is the size. It weighs just 2.4 pounds of weight and is just 14.9mm thick. Therefore, it is easy to slip in and out of your backpack without being a burden. Interestingly, despite the relatively small dimensions, it has one of the best screens to body ratios of ultrabooks on the market today.
While it is not as flashy as some other models on the market, it is a durable option that will survive bumps and impacts.
Lenovo, especially the Thinkpad series, is known for the impressive keyboard. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues this tradition and comes with a super-comfortable keyboard.
Since it has an Intel i7 processor, it easily handles intensive tasks and software.
Overall, this is a classy Ultrabook that has a premium design and offers top-level security and performance. The extra durability is another plus for the laptop. With a powerful processor and SSD storage, this is an excellent model that you will enjoy using to run your music production software.
What I don’t like
As with the Dell Precision below, battery life is a tad disappointing on this laptop. It lasts for just about six hours, which will certainly not appeal to many people like me.
Recommended for: Since this is a portable, lightweight Ultrabook, it will appeal to producers often on the move. It weighs little and is one of the hardiest laptops on this roundup. If you’re sure you don’t want a Mac, this is the best near-Macbook experience you can have on Windows.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
While the MacBook Pro we reviewed above is an excellent product, you might not be used to the MAC Os ecosystem. The Dell Precision 5520 is the Windows alternative. It is the best Windows laptop to run your Pro Tools software.
In this laptop, you get all the features that you require to run Pro Tools easily. It is one of the best laptops on the market and offers maximum features in terms of performance, memory, storage, battery life, and almost every single parameter.
It has a 15″ screen with an impressive UHD display. Therefore, colors are accurately depicted and bright. One of the most impressive design features of Dell Precision is the InfintyEdge display. With this beautiful display, you enjoy an immersive experience regardless of what you are doing on the laptop.
It is also a touchscreen laptop, which improves your user experience and ability to smoothly use Pro Tools.
While the design features are all great, what really matters is what is inside the laptop. Well, this is one of the most powerful laptops for Pro Tools.
In terms of performance, this laptop comes with 32GB of RAM that allows you to multitask seamlessly. With up to 1TB of SSD storage, you have a laptop that responds immediately to your direction.
Overall, this is one of the most powerful Windows laptops for Pro Tools.
What I don’t like
Although this laptop excels across categories, it runs uncomfortably warm when put through heavy applications. Intel Xeon processors are beast but they’re also power hungry. Also, since this one is a mobile workstation, battery life is abysmal – you’ll be lucky to get 3 hours out of it.
Recommended for: If you want pure performance and are willing to sacrifice portability, then this is the best laptop for Pro Tools on Windows right now.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
The Lenovo ThinkPad T495 is an excellent laptop with an AMD processor. It offers more than decent performance and is the laptop of choice for many business owners. However, despite being a predominantly business laptop, it is still excellent for use as a companion to music producers.
It comes with a 14″ screen. From our testing, the image quality is superb and will be pleasing to most people. While Lenovo used to falter screen-wise, the Lenovo ThinkPad T495 comes with a surprisingly excellent screen. My only pet peeve is with the brightness – 400 nits is barely meeting the minimum standards.
Performance is where the Lenovo ThinkPad T495 really shines. It comes with AMD’s Ryzen Pro processor. This processor offers an extra layer of security and management features. Running on eight cores, this model offers more than enough power to run your basic audio production software like Pro Tools.
It is equipped with a 512GB SSD storage device that performed exceptionally during testing. GPU performance is also inspiring. It is handled by the AMD Radeon Vega 8 GPU, which gives lots of graphics power.
Battery life has been disappointing with many of the models we have reviewed so far. But the Lenovo ThinkPad T495 is a breath of fresh air. It runs for up to 12 hours on a single charge! And even at full brightness, it lasts for over seven hours.
What I don’t like
The lack of the Thunderbolt 3 port is a bummer. Considering the price, I expected to find it on this laptop. Like most Lenovo Thinkpads, screen brightness on the T495 is poor as well with only 400 nits brightness.
Recommended for: The GPU and AMD processor make for a zippy laptop. If you want an AMD laptop to run Pro Tools, this is the best option you can buy. Being a Thinkpad, it’s also incredibly reliable. And as an AMD, it’s at least a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than Lenovo’s Intel Thinkpads. For AMD fans, this is one of the best laptops for Pro Tools right now.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
Most of the units we have reviewed so far on this list are relatively expensive, with all of them passing the $1000 mark. The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a departure from that trend as it comes at a very affordable sub $1000 price.
Despite the reduced price, though, this unit still remains one of the favorite laptops for running Pro Tools. It comes as a colorful option that looks better than most of the other laptops in the same price category.
Made for medium-level use, it still gives some powerful performance from the sleek chassis. The speakers are loud and relatively crisp.
An Intel Core i5 processor is not the most powerful on this list, but it is aided by the 8GB RAM and NVMe SSD to boost performance. That is why, despite the relatively low specifications, it can run some software, including Pro Tools, without much stress.
I am pleased with the range of ports available on this laptop. While it doesn’t have A Thunderbolt 3 port, I am not too disappointed considering the cost of the laptop.
The size is portable, although the weight is more than expected.
The keyboard here isn’t anything special, but that isn’t to say that it is horrible. It is simply basic and should work well for whatever you want.
A standout feature is the NanoBezel screen. The minimal bezels are very nice to look at. The brightness, however, leaves a little to be desired.
What I don’t like
While the VivoBook 15 punches above its weight in some categories, it falls short due to the screen. It comes with a dull screen despite the nice bezels.
Recommended for: This is a budget level laptop that I recommend for anyone looking to run Pro Tools without spending a lot of money.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
The penultimate entry on this list is this lightweight yet productive machine with a large 17″ screen. At first glance, it is easy to assume that the LG Gram 17 is a heavy laptop. However, it weighs just under 3 pounds, which is lighter than even smaller-sized laptops on this list.
Making music from home with a small 13″ or 14″ screen might make your productivity lag. If you want a larger screen, then you should consider moving to the LG Gram 17.
It is constructed from magnesium alloy, which is durable and lightweight. There are simply no laptops with this size that are as lightweight and portable as this unit.
Despite the big screen, battery life is impressive on the LG Gram 17. It can last for up to 13 hours on one charge.
The 10th gen i7 processor is powerful enough and can easily handle your music production needs.
What I don’t like
While this is indeed an i7, it is in the ‘G’ series which is meant for low power consumption mobile applications. As such, you’ll never get the same performance as a similar i7 laptop with the ‘U’ or ‘H’ series. So performance is a bit muted despite the i7 tag. I’m also not a huge fan of the keyboard on the LG gram – it has too much ‘give’ and isn’t stable enough for fast typing.
Recommended for: If you want to increase productivity on a big screen while retaining portability, then I recommend the LG Gram 17. It might not be the best laptop for Pro Tools, but it is certainly the lightest.
Pros
Cons
Key features:
Who says you can’t have fun on your production machine?
If you like to game alongside producing music (hopefully, not at the same time!), this is the machine for you.
Gaming laptops used to be designed to replace desktops. However, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 rewrites all the rules. It is a powerful gaming laptop that can hold its own against ultraportable laptops. This is even more remarkable when you consider that it uses an AMD CPU.
Somehow, ASUS has managed to cramp an uber-powerful processor and GPU into a 14″ ultrabook that weighs 3.5 pounds. It has also managed to fit it with16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a gorgeous display.
If you are a music producer looking for a laptop that can still handle the most intensive gaming titles, then look no further than this impressive laptop.
It’s not all specs, too, because, from our testing and review, it fully delivers on performance. It is incredibly productive and fun.
Graphically intensive titles average impressive frames per second in different settings. In addition, the screen is excellent for gaming and watching videos.
Ultimately, your goal is to run Pro Tools, and this laptop completely delivers in this case.
What I don’t like
While the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 remains cool even when hard-pressed, the cooling fans are rather loud.
Recommended for: This is recommended for any music producer looking for a gaming laptop that can also run Pro Tools comfortably.
Pros
Cons
It’s not always easy to zero-in on the best laptop for Pro Tools. Hopefully, this guide will help you zero-in on the right option.
For more recommendations and advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
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References:
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