dubstep

If I needed to set up a home recording studio that was quick, easy and cheap first package I'd take a serious look at would be Digidesigns Pro Tools Bundles.

Digidesign has put together 4 of these bundles ranging from around the 600 dollar mark up to about a thousand. (talking big sale price here not list) They are:

1. Digidisign Pro Tools Mbox 2 Bundle

2. Digidisign Pro Tools Mbox 2 Pro Bundle

3. Digidisign Pro Tools Mbox 2 Factory Bundle

4. Digidisign Pro Tools Mbox 2 Pro Factory Bundle

All 4 bundles share these 5 main components:

Mbox interface

Pro Tools LE 7 Software

Studio monitors

microphone

Ignition Pack (bunch of software)

Main difference #1:

Notice that bundles 1 and 3 have the Mbox 2 and bundles 2 and 4 Mbox 2 Pro. The regular Mbox 2 uses USB port connectivity and the Mbox 2 Pro is FireWire. Some may argue that the latest USB technology may be even faster than FireWire, while this may be true for some applications but not for recording music. For recording audio FireWire is faster than USB, which will give you slight audible delay called latency. I often do use a USB Mbox and redirect the monitoring to a mixer which can bypass the latency problem but it won't even be there with the FIreWire boxes.

Main difference #2:

Next are the studio monitors. The 2 lower priced bundles 1 and 3 (same bundles that have the USB Mbox 2) come with a pair of Fostex PMO.4 Powered Studio Monitors. These are slightly inferior to the M-Audio BX5a Active Studio Monitors that come with the slightly more expensive 2 and 4 bundles.

Main difference #3:

The microphone with bundles 1 and 3 is the Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. A decent mic and good for digital recording. Bundles 2 and 4 come with an AKG Perception 200 Condenser Mic which has a bigger diaphragm and frequency range than the Audio-Technica.

There are some other differences like the Ignition Pack. Even though all the bundles come with it, the 2 higher priced bundle packs have a few more goodies like the IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ plug-in. This is an excellent EQ and mastering tool which alone sells for about $300. Still, they all include some excellent software like Reason, Ableton Live, Sampletank, and Amplitube.

Like I said, for someone who wants to get recording on Pro Tools right away with everything you need and more, then one of these Digidesigns Pro Tools Bundles has your name on it.

Oh... and they all come with a mic stand and cords!

Johnny Ferreira is a professional musician and home recording studio enthusiast. Learn more about Digidesigns Pro Tools Bundles and other ideas for your home recording studio at http://www.YourHomeRecordingStudio.com