The Logic Pro Studio That Actually Works
After 15+ years and $22,000+ in gear experiments, here's what I actually use and recommend. No clichés, no typical gear site recommendations—just honest advice from someone who's made all the expensive mistakes so you don't have to.
Full Transparency
This page contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Some gear mentioned was provided by manufacturers for evaluation, though I only recommend what I'd buy myself. These aren't just random recommendations—this is gear I actually own, use, and can speak to from real experience.
Audio Interfaces
I used to swear by more expensive interfaces, but the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen completely changed my mind. Don't let the 'budget' reputation fool you—this thing is robust, feature-packed, and I can even control it from my iPhone. Multiple firmware updates since I got it have only made it better:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
$219.99
Perfect for getting started - vocals, guitar, or keys. When you're ready to record full bands or need more I/O, that's when you'll want to upgrade.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (4th Gen)
$699.99
This is what I'm actually using daily and loving every minute of it. Robust, feature-packed, and constantly improving with firmware updates.
Apogee Symphony Studio
$2,199 - $3,999
When you need serious I/O count for larger projects or Atmos mixing. The conversion quality is pristine. And the Symphony Studio covers all necessary speaker calibration & monitor control duties.
Microphones I Actually Use
Shure SM4
$299 (Bundle)
Perfect for vocals, voiceovers, and instruments. I use it for all my video work. The built-in RF filtering and included accessories make it ideal for any recording situation.
United Studios Tech Twin87
$599.00
Models TWO versions of the legendary Neumann U87 for way less money. Built-in RF filtering. My pick over the typical AT2020 recommendations everyone else makes.
Shure SM57
$109.00
The desert island microphone. If I could only own one mic, this would be it. Bulletproof and sounds great on everything.
Studio Monitors
I'm not recommending the typical Yamaha HS8s everyone else suggests. The iLoud series has room correction that actually works, and they're designed specifically for home studios:
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
$499.99/pair
The smallest monitors I'd recommend, but they still include ARC room correction - something you won't get from KRKs at any price.
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MkII
$699.99/pair
These are what I use for my Atmos surround speakers. Huge sound, compact size, designed specifically for home studios.
IK Multimedia iLoud Precision MkII
$1,599.99 - $1,999.99/pair
My main stereo pair for critical mixing decisions. Same philosophy as the MTMs, but flagship sound quality.
MIDI Controllers & Workflow
Here's something most gear sites won't tell you: your iPhone or iPad with Logic Remote is incredibly powerful. But when you want dedicated hardware, these controllers tightly integrate with Logic Pro.
iPhone/iPad with Logic Remote
Free!
Apple's Logic Remote app is incredibly powerful and you already own the hardware. This is often overlooked but it's genuinely useful for mixing, recording, and creative work.
Novation Launchkey MK4
$129.99 - $319.99
When you want dedicated hardware, Novation's integration with Logic Pro is excellent. Skip the typical recommendations—this is what works.
Novation Launchpad
$129.99 - $219.99
Perfect for electronic music production in Logic Pro. Grid-based workflow that just makes sense.
Nektar Tech CS12
$399.99
Finally! A single-channel control surface for Logic Pro. Works like a dream.
Headphones - What I Actually Use
Sennheiser HD 600
$499.95
My mixing headphones. These have been industry standard for decades for good reason.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
$99.95
My recording headphones. Closed-back, comfortable for long sessions, built to last.
Apple AirPods Pro (2, 3 or Max)
$249.00
Essential for Atmos work. These are what most consumers use to listen to spatial audio (and stereo!), so you need to check your mixes on them.
Level-Up Hardware
When you're ready for dedicated hardware that actually makes a difference, this is where to invest.
Cranborne Audio Camden EC1/EC2
$499 (single channel) - $999 (dual channel)
When you're ready for dedicated preamps that actually make a difference. British engineering and analog saturation. I use the 500 series version.
Software & Apps That Actually Matter
These aren't the typical plugin recommendations—these are workflow game-changers I actually use. Most people have never heard of half of these, but they're secret weapons in professional workflows.
Essential Tools for Everyone
These genuinely improve any Logic Pro workflow, regardless of experience level:
Mastering the Mix REFERENCE
$67.00
Referencing (aka: listening to) other professional tracks/mixes is essential for helping your music sound great. REFERENCE makes the process dead-simple as you mix.
Sound on Digital Mix to Mobile
$39.00
Send your project's audio directly from Logic Pro to your phone using this sender plugin and receiver app. No bouncing, no file transfers—instant A/B testing on phone speakers while still in your session.
XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color
$98.00
When you need that vintage vibe without the vintage headaches. Perfect for adding character to overly clean Logic Pro productions.
Sonnox ListenHub
$79.99
Compare your mix against references from other apps and get clear feedback: is your mix too dynamic, competitive, loud, or squashed? Monitor everything from your iPhone/iPad while mixing.
Audio Repair & Cleanup
iZotope RX Elements
$99.00
Bertom Audio Denoiser Classic
Free
When You're Making Money From Mixing
The following are advanced professional tools. Logic Pro's built-in effects are incredibly powerful - you don't need these to make great music. These plug-ins solve very specific problems Logic Pro doesn't already have a solution for.
SoundRadix AutoAlign 2
$199.00
Oeksound Soothe 2
$199.00
iZotope Tonal Balance Control 2
$199.00
Sonnox Oxford Drum Gate
$229.99
Melda Production mAutoVolume
$55.00
Automatic level "riding" without hours of writing automation. Perfect for vocals. Set it and forget.
MiniMeters App
$20.00
Real-time metering that stays open while mixing. Still testing but feels promising.
Backup & Workflow Apps
Samply.app
Annual Subscription
Share mixes with collaborators and clients easily. Get timestamped feedback without the email back-and-forth nightmare.
Rogue Amoeba Audio Hijack
$69
Grab audio from anywhere on your Mac. Perfect for capturing reference tracks or sampling.
Carbon Copy Cloner
$49.99
Apple's Time Machine is perfect for most users. This is for those who need more customizability. Clone your entire drive. When your SSD fails (not if, when), you'll thank me.
Dropover
$5
Makes file management so much easier when you're moving and sharing samples and projects around.
Essential Free Plug-ins
- Slate Digital Fresh Air - Adds sparkle and shine to any source
- ValhallaDSP Super Massive - Massive reverbs and delays that sound expensive
- Tokyo Dawn Labs PRISM - Spectrum analyzer that rivals expensive alternatives
- Tokyo Dawn Labs NOVA - Parallel dynamic EQ. Complex but incredibly powerful once you understand it
- Hitshaper Mono - Sum to mono with a click—essential for mix checking
Complete Studio Packages
"The Logic Pro Starter Studio"
$1100
Top features
Everything you need for professional results, nothing you don't:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Shure SM4 (bundle with accessories)
- IK iLoud Micro Monitor Pros (pair)
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
- iPhone/iPad with Logic Remote (free!)
"The Professional Logic Studio"
$3,700
For serious production workflows:
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
- United Studios Tech Twin 87
- IK iLoud Precision MkII
- Sennheiser HD 600
- Novation Launchkey Mk4 (61-key)
"The Atmos Producer Setup"
$6,450+
For next-generation spatial audio production:
- Apogee Symphony Studio + 11 iLoud MTM MKII Bundle
- United Studios Tech Twin 87
- Apple AirPods Pro/Max for Atmos Monitoring
- Plus: subwoofer, stands/mounting, and cables as needed
Acoustic Treatment
Before you buy anything, get your speakers positioned correctly. The iLoud series includes ARC room correction, which helps tremendously, but physics still matters.
GIK Acoustics
$200 - $2,000+
When you're ready to treat your space properly, GIK is the way to go. They offer free room analysis and custom solutions. I've seen their treatments transform impossible rooms into viable mixing spaces.
