Happy thanksgiving! Or if you’re outside the United States, happy Thursday. Tomorrow is Black Friday 2018 on Amazon, followed by Cyber Monday after the weekend, but a lot of places are already running their sales.
While you’re vegging out after all the turkey, here are some deals to peruse. These are specifically considered in terms of light audio recording.
Black Friday 2018 on Amazon
Everybody has different budgets. So, with that in mind, I’ll try and provide deals from a range of price points. I’ll try to give an overview of all different useful things.
Chromebooks
The heartbeat of light audio recording is the Chromebook. Here are some deals!
ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02
It’s ruggedized, so it should be OK if you drop it occasionally. That can be a thing depending on your living arrangements. The C202SA is also water resistant, and that’s useful if you’re recording outside and it starts to rain. But more importantly for light audio recording enthusiasts, the keyboard is spill resistant. We drink coffee.
This Chromebook comes as a 16GB version, or 32GB. Either version has 4GB RAM. It packs an 11.6″ screen, and a 180 degree hinge. It’s refurbished, and you can save an additional $20 or so my getting it certified as such, so why would you not do that?
Dell Chromebook 11
This is the cheapest Chromebook in Black Friday 2018 on Amazon, but don’t let that fool you. It has similar specs to the ASUS.
The specs are very similar to the ASUS, but it is very much in the vein of a traditional laptop, and lacks the slickness of the more contemporary Chromebooks.
Microphones
Samples? Pffft! Directly into an interface to use plugins later? Get out of here! The best recordings use mics, and Black Friday 2018 on Amazon has some deals.
Shure SM58
If you think about what a microphone looks like, it’s probably this. If you want a shiny new version of the one I call Laura, here you go.
Audio-Technica AT2020
This is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser mic. In light audio recording, such a mic has been used for everything from vocals to guitars to shakers.
Audio-Technica are a respectable brand, and this comes well-reviewed.
MXL 770
Another cardioid microphone, but this time it’s a small diaphragm one. This should be just as versatile as the AT2020.
Instruments
You already know what you’re looking for from your main instrument. But, in recording your songs, you might decide it needs some flavor from something else.
And if that’s the extent of the use you expect of it, you’re not going to want to spend a lot of money on it.
RockJam electric guitar pack
Based of course of the Fender Stratocaster, this is a complete starter set with everything you need to start making noise. If the guitar you have is good for lows, and you need something brighter for a record, this will see you through.
This is a style of guitar that will never go out of style.
Martin Smith acoustic guitar pack
Sticking with guitars, this acoustic one from Martin Smith comes with a stand and clip-on tuner, among other odds and ends. It comes in a choice of seven colors.
If you’re looking to add some softness to a rock track, or lend a fuller sound to a folksy acoustic tune, you won’t go wrong with this.
Martin Smith ukulele pack
The ukulele is the quintessential cheap instrument, and it’s no surprise that there are a few available in Black Friday deals.
Like the acoustic pack, Martin Smith have put together this package to get you started. It’s a handy investment for adding a hint of folk music to you light audio recordings.
Other odds and ends
Nordic Essentials Guitar Capo Deluxe
If you don’t have a capo thrown in with your gear, you’re missing a trick. Amazon will look after you on Black Friday. It’s not the cheapest capo, but, I hold the mantra that you get what you pay for, therefore, this is actually a good deal.
Additionally, Nordic are offering deals if you buy multiple products, so you can pick up some spares!
Samson MK-10 Microphone Boom Stand
And finally, those mics we looked at earlier are a bit awkward without an appropriate stand. Luckily, Amazon will help you out.
This mic stand comes courtesy of Samson, so you know you’re trusting a decent brand.
It’s important to remember that Amazon is not a dedicated music gear site. So, if you’re looking for higher end gear, don’t worry!
Check out the post about Black Friday 2018 on Reverb!