>>>WHAT YOU NEED: INSTRUMENTAL EQUIPMENT

To record performances rather than programming, all you really need is a good microphone and something to connect it to your Mac. A MIDI keyboard enables you to play or program all the virtual instruments in your music app.

KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 $249 native–instruments.com

We’ve used these to record albums and to turn our laptops into live rigs. With six inputs, six outputs, two headphone outs, 48V power and a Kensington security slot, they’re a great choice for live recording and performance.

SE ELECTRONICS SE2200 $299 seelectronics.com

Amy Winehouse recorded her vocals for Back To Black with one of these, and it can be used for vocals, broadcasting, and podcasting. It’s a warm and detailed microphone for voices and acoustic instruments.

AKAI APC MINI $94.05 akaipro.com

There are lots of MIDI controllers out there for apps such as Ableton, enabling you to control and mix your clips and scenes in real time. The APC mini is cheaper than most, really easy to use, and offers typical AKAI quality and rock–solid reliability.

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT SOLO

Around $155 focusrite.com

This is the device for home music makers, enabling you to connect a microphone and/or guitar or bass to your Mac via USB–C. Built–in preamps make vocals really sing and there’s 48V power for mics.

LAUNCHKEY MINI MK3

Around $141 novationmusic.com

The LaunchKey offers the best of both worlds: it’s a MIDI keyboard and a MIDI controller too, with pads that enable you to control apps such as Ableton. The Mini is the 25–key version, which is super–portable for mobile music.