Disclaimer
A website, service, company, venue, or piece of software being listed here is not an endorsement. Proceed at your own risk.
Starter Gear
Low-cost gear that is more than good enough for 99% of applications
Always buy audio gear from a reputable source like Sweetwater, B&H, or Vintage King. All three provide excellent customer support that will know what they are talking about and you know you aren't getting a fake knock-off product. Stay away from Amazon!
Headphones: Sony MDR-7506
Everyone should have these. You'll find a pair of these in nearly every recording studio. They aren't the best sounding headphones but they're cheap, they're an industry standard, and they're easy to repair!
In-ear Monitors: MEE M6 PRO or KZ ZSN Pro X
All performers should have a pair of these. Wedge monitors will kill your ears. Most venues will have wireless IEM systems available to rent. They also make great for great ear-buds.
Audio Interface: Audient EVO 4
A fantastic and low-cost audio interface.
Dynamic Microphone (Instrument): Shure SM57
A classic and an industry standard. You will find one of these at every studio and performance venue in the world.
Dynamic Microphone (Vocal): Shure SM58
Condenser Microphone: AT2020
Pretty inexpensive while still sounding great.
XLR Cable: Look for any cables with Neutrik connectors
Don't cheap out on cables. A shorted cable will ruin your day.
Instrument Cable: Look for any cables with Neutrik connectors
For guitars and other unbalanced instruments: stay away from cheap fun-looking cables. Basic boring cables will usually last longer and won't short out on you.
Tech Suite
Software
RedNet Control 2 (free) — Used to configure RedNet Dante devices in the Tech Suite
Dante Controller (free) — Used to configure all Dante devices and routing
Dante Virtual Soundcard ($49.99) —
Dante Via ($59.99) —
DVS / Dante Via Bundle ($69.99)
Software
DAWs
For the most part, all modern Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are capable of doing all the same stuff. Its just a matter of what workflow (and price) suits your needs the best.
Ableton — A powerful and popular DAW mainly designed for composition but also does decent DIY recording.
Free unrestricted 90-day trial (you can start a trial for each major release)
Students who want or need Ableton for a class should contact techsuite@umich.edu
Both editions come with a decent library of built in instruments and effects
Paid updates (discounted with existing license)
Reaper — A great low-cost yet extremely functional DAW for composition and recording. Really good for multichannel composition.
60 day fully functional evaluation period — the 60-day timer only runs while Reaper is open, and technically it doesn't prevent you from continuing the evaluation after the 60 days are up
$60 non-commercial license (see terms on website)
License lasts for two major updates (i.e. if you buy v6 your license lasts until the end of v8 updates)
Logic Pro (Mac-only) — A very functional DAW for composition and recording that can be found in many major studios.
Comes in the $199 Apple Pro Apps educational bundle (includes Final Cut, MainStage, Motion, Compressor)
Comes with a decent library of instruments and effects
One-time purchase with free updates
Pro Tools — An old industry standard still found in most major studios.
Studio edition educational pricing — $99/year or $9/month
Comes with a decent library of instruments and effects
Subscription
FL Studio — A great lowish-cost DAW mainly made for composition but can also do recording pretty well.
Signature edition comes with a decent library of instruments and effects
$99 version with only MIDI and effects functionality (no audio editing)
One-time purchase with free updates
MuseScore (Free) — Incredibly powerful music notation software
Audio
Audacity (free) — A must-have pocket knife of an audio editor
Max — A visual programing language for generative audio (and video)
Audio.com — Free audio hosting
Freesound — Free audio samples
VCV Rack — Virtual Eurorack
Hype Machine Merch Table — Scan Spotify playlists and find albums on Bandcamp. Support artists directly and avoid the impending collapse of Spotify!
Live Video
Coming soon...
Misc Tools
Figure53 Studio Projects - Timecode and other misc tools
Plugins
Free VSTs
A very incomplete list. There are hundreds of places to find free VSTs.
Paid VSTs
Max
ICST Ambisonics (Free)
Max for Live
Surround Panner (Free)
Cycling 76' Audio Routes (Free)
Hardware
Free Checkout
Rental
Coming soon...
Facility Reservation and Rental
Campus Facilities
These are facilities that are available to all students. With adequate notice, PAT is able to provide support for all the following spaces. However in order to provide support the space/location must be reserved/rented.
SMTD Facilities (via the scheduling system)
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Wedding venues can also be rented for other events. Email rental coordinator for details.
Facilities & Operations Outdoor Event Request (incomplete list of potential locations)
Local Venues for Rent / Booking
This is a likely-incomplete list of venues in Ann Arbor that are available for booking and rental. We may or may not be able to provide support for these venues.
We do not have any formal or informal relationship with these venues. We carry no liability if you choose to peruse working with these establishments.SMTD Services
Equipment Checkout — Log in with your UofM ID
Live Streaming Services — Must be booked through a faculty or staff member