Here are some links to get you started in the world of home recording as well as bringing you deeper into this to create sounds you never thought were possible! At the very beginning, you should start with the top 3 picks on this page. We are assuming you already have a PC or MAC.

Beginner Package


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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle $279.99

It all starts here. Whether you have a PC or Mac, you will need to start with a descent interface! This is an amazing package deal that comes with the Scarlett 2i2 USB interface, a mic, headphones and an XLR cable. Excellent quality, excellent tech support, get this!

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Mic Boom Stand: $20.40

With the above package, you will need a mic stand for your mic, for recording your amp, vocals or acoustic instruments.

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DAW: Cubase Elements(Ver 11): $99

This is an entry-level DAW that will be able to meet any new person's demands in the Home Recording world -it comes PACKED with 40 Audio FX plugins (Reverb, delay compression, etc), 3 Virtual instruments and 1000 sounds!! (From pianos to basses to synths and more!)

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Next Level Recording...


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EZ Drummer2 $179

I have been using these virtual drums on my recordings for almost 20 years now - Toontrack is CONSTANTLY pushing the envelope when it comes to making these instruments sound authentic. Your friends will ask you who your drummer is!

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EZ Bass $179

If you can't play bass, or don't know anyone who can play bass for your songs, this is the next best choice. You can drag and drop your recordings of your guitar (Or other rhythm instruments) and EZ Bass will actually figure out a bassline for your song!

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EZ Keys $179

So you need someone to come up with some piano chord progressions and riffs but you don't know how to play piano? EZ Keys does this for you and is absolutely amazing! You will start polishing your songs and bring your songwriting to new levels you can't even fathom!!

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Extra goods


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Arturia Keylab 49 Essential Controller Keyboard: $229

Sooner or later you are going to need a MIDI controller/keyboard and honestly, Arturia makes some amazing products. Not only does this keyboard give you direct access to conrolling your DAW, but is also comes with over 5000 amzing instruments that get installed on your PC or MAC that can be played with or without your DAW!

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My Favorite Virtual Piano: Keyscape $379

I've tried MANY virtual pianos through the years... watched WAY more videos on this topic and spent too much money on piano VST's that were unable to deliver. Go watch some "shootouts" and see this one coming up in first place over and over again. But it doesn't stop there - this comes loaded with a TON of other keyboards, electric pianos, toy pianos, Wurlitzers, Clavs, Rhodes, Harpsichords and just a ton of things in here. I'm like a kid on Christmas everytime I open this up. Unreal.

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My Favorite VST: Omnisphere 2: $479

This is the "Big Daddy" of VST's - not really budget-friendly, but a powerhouse when it comes to synth sounds - from layered patches to organ, strings, leads pads and basses, this VST is just absolutely marvelous!

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Best overal value for studio monitors: JBL Professional 306P MkII Next-Generation
6" 2-Way Powered Studio Monitors: $319

These are pretty damn good studio monitors that give a pretty good flat response. Definitly best "bang for your buck" monitors. I am currently running a set of these in my studio and they seem to work well.

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Favorite Entry-level Synth: MiniBrute 2

Arturia did an amazing job on this semi-modular synth - I can't stop playing this thing!!

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Best overall studio mic: SM57 $99

Some of the greatest bands you LOVE have used this mic on stages and studios across the globe since... 1957!
You should mic your amp with this - even try recording vocals with it!!!

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Virgil's Picks
Tampa, FL
Virgil Mandanici
virgil@tampaguitar.com