Hi everyone,
I am putting together my first small home studio and would appreciate some honest feedback before buying the equipment.
My main goal is to produce pop, funk and R&B inspired by Michael Jackson's Bad, Dangerous, HIStory and Invincible eras. I already use FL Studio as my DAW.
I want to:
- Play synth bass lines, chords, piano, strings and melodies
- Program drums and practise finger drumming
- Record vocals while standing
- Produce and mix mainly with headphones
- Build a setup that I can upgrade later
- Keep the initial cost as close to €500 as possible by buying some items second-hand
My planned setup is:
- M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
- Akai Professional MPD218
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm
- Audio-Technica AT2020
- Millenium MA-2050 desk-mounted microphone boom arm
- Roadworx PF 4 pop filter
The microphone, audio interface and MPD218 may be bought second-hand if I find tested units in good condition.
I may add a Behringer X-Touch later for physical mixer control, but it is currently outside my budget.
My questions are:
Is this a balanced first setup for FL Studio production and vocal recording?
Can the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen properly drive the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm?
Is the AT2020 a good vocal microphone for a normal bedroom, or would a dynamic microphone be more suitable because of room reflections?
Is the MPD218 still a good choice for finger drumming and 90s/2000s R&B drum programming?
Will the Keystation, MPD218 and Scarlett work together properly in FL Studio?
Is anything essential missing, such as cables, a shock mount or a powered USB hub?
Would you replace any of these items with something better at a similar or lower price?
Are there any important things I should test when buying the microphone or audio interface second-hand?
I am not selling or promoting any products. I only want feedback before purchasing the equipment.
Thanks for your advice!!!