October 2026– date –

The gear you need to start DTM, explained in the order of computer, DAW, audio interface, headphones, microphone and MIDI keyboard, with a minimal kit for three levels (light, standard and advanced).

The differences between dynamic and condenser microphones in principle, sensitivity, room pickup and phantom power, how to choose for streaming and cover songs, and standard models such as the SM58, SM7B and AT2020.

How to choose a DAW (music and recording software) for cover songs and home recording. Cubase, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Fender Studio Pro, REAPER and Bitwig Studio compared by supported OS, US price, free trial, vocal pitch editing, comping and bundled instruments.

How to choose an audio interface for home recording and DTM, explained by number of inputs and outputs, a guide to sound quality, loopback and bundled software, with eight standard models compared by level.

How to choose a condenser microphone for home vocals and streaming. The difference between USB and XLR microphones, pickup patterns and the peripheral gear you need, with eight models such as the AT2020, NT1 5th Generation and TLM 102 compared by level.

OBS Studio supports only VST2 plug-ins, so VST3 and Waves plug-ins do not work as they are. Based on official information: how to use VST3 (free bridge plug-ins), Waves' official method, what to check when a plug-in does not appear, and noise reduction, compressor and EQ plug-ins that work in OBS.

The basics of EQ on cover-song vocals: a low-cut for unwanted lows, the bands where muddiness and harshness live, how to find a problem band, and how to avoid overdoing it, based on manufacturers' explanations.

ADAM Audio's D3V suits people looking for small speakers that connect by USB. We rate it on 4 criteria (room for low frequencies, adjusting to the room, ease of connecting, ease of placement) and rank it among 18 monitor speakers, using official manufacturer specifications.

JBL's 104-BT suits people who want to work and enjoy music at a desk. We rate it on 4 criteria (room for low frequencies, adjusting to the room, ease of connecting, ease of placement) and rank it among 18 monitor speakers, using official manufacturer specifications.

ADAM Audio's T5V suits people who want to hear the fine details of the highs. We rate it on 4 criteria (room for low frequencies, adjusting to the room, ease of connecting, ease of placement) and rank it among 18 monitor speakers, using official manufacturer specifications.