These are the products I personally use and recommend for GarageBand, Logic Pro, iPad and Mac music production. I’ve tested dozens of alternatives over the years, but these are the products I consistently return to.
Audio Interfaces
An audio interface lets you connect microphones, guitars and professional headphones to your iPad, iPhone or Mac. If you’re serious about recording music, it’s the first upgrade I recommend.
Best Audio Interface for Most People
Motu M2
Why I recommend it:
- Excellent sound quality
- Great metering
- Works with Mac, iPad and iPhone
- Beginner friendly
Best Audio Interface for Beginners
Audient ID4
Why I recommend it:
- Excellent sound quality for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Simple, beginner-friendly setup
- Dedicated guitar input
- Compact design that’s built to last
Best Budget Audio Interface
M-Audio M-Track Solo
Why I recommend it:
- Very affordable
- Great first interface
- Simple setup
Headphones
A good pair of headphones helps you hear more detail in your recordings and mixes. Closed-back headphones are best for recording, while open-back headphones are usually better for mixing.
Best headphones for recording
Sony MDR-7506
Why I recommend them:
- Closed-back design prevents sound leaking into microphones
- Comfortable for long recording sessions
- Detailed sound without being fatiguing
- Easy to drive from audio interfaces and laptops
Best headphones for mixing/mastering
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Why I recommend them:
- Open-back design creates a wider, more natural soundstage
- Excellent detail for balancing and EQ decisions
- Comfortable enough for extended mixing sessions
- Easy to power without a dedicated headphone amp
Microphones
Dynamic microphones are generally best for bedrooms and untreated home studios. Condenser microphones capture more detail but perform best in quieter recording environments.
Best Budget Condenser Microphone
Lewitt LCT 240 PRO
Why I recommend it:
- Clear, detailed sound that’s perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments
- Excellent value for beginners building a home studio
- Simple to set up with any audio interface
- Performs well above its price point
Best Condenser Microphone for Most People
Rode NT1 Signature Series
Why I recommend it:
- Exceptionally clean and detailed vocal recordings
- Ultra-low self-noise captures every nuance of your performance
- Versatile enough for vocals, guitar and podcasting
- Professional sound quality at a very reasonable price
Best Budget Condenser Microphone
Shure SM58
Why I recommend it:
- Industry-standard microphone trusted for decades
- Handles loud vocals without distortion
- Extremely durable and built to last
- Great choice for untreated rooms and live recording
Best Dynamic Microphone for Most People
Shure SM7B
Why I recommend it:
- Rich, broadcast-quality sound for vocals and speech
- Excellent background noise rejection
- Works brilliantly for singing, voiceovers and podcasting
- A long-term investment you’ll never outgrow
MIDI Keyboards
A MIDI keyboard makes it easier to play software instruments, record performances and control GarageBand or Logic Pro. While you can create music using your computer or iPad screen, a MIDI keyboard is one of the best upgrades you can make to your workflow.
Best MIDI Keyboard for Beginners
Arturia MicroLab Mk3
Why I recommend it:
- Compact design fits easily into any home studio setup
- Plug-and-play with GarageBand, Logic Pro and iPad apps
- Great-feeling keys for a keyboard of this size
- Affordable and ideal for learning MIDI recording
Best MIDI Keyboard for Most People
Novation Launchkey 37 MK4
Why I recommend it:
- 37 keys provide plenty of room for two-handed playing
- Deep integration with GarageBand, Logic Pro and other DAWs
- Pads, knobs and faders make music production faster and more hands-on
- A keyboard you’ll be happy using for years as your skills grow
FAQ
What gear do I need to start recording in GarageBand?
To get started, I recommend an audio interface, a pair of headphones and a microphone. You can begin with just an audio interface and headphones if you’re recording virtual instruments.
Do I need an audio interface for GarageBand?
No, but an audio interface dramatically improves recording quality and allows you to connect microphones, guitars and studio headphones.
What is the best audio interface for GarageBand?
For most beginners, I recommend the Audient Evo 4 thanks to its excellent sound quality, simple setup and compatibility with Mac, iPad and iPhone.
What headphones are best for GarageBand?
For recording, I recommend the Sony MDR 7506s. For mixing, I recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X.