5 Essential Pieces of Gear for an Optimized Studio One Workflow 🎛️ 🎹

Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share with you the five pieces of gear that have transformed my Studio One production workflow. These tools not only make the process faster and more efficient but also a whole lot more fun! Let’s dive in.

1. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 🎹

First up, we have the Komplete Kontrol A25 by Native Instruments. This is a recent addition to my studio setup, and it’s quickly become indispensable. If you’ve followed my previous setups, you’ll know I used to rely on the FaderPort 16. While it’s still a fantastic tool, having a keyboard like the A25 right in front of me is a game-changer for production.

This 25-key version from their A series (budget-friendly) offers everything I need. Sure, the S series has more features, but for my needs, the A25 is perfect. The keys feel great, but the real magic lies in its seamless integration with Studio One. Just plug it into your computer, and you’re set.

You’ve got your basic transport controls – play, stop, record, pre-count, loop, click track, and even a tap tempo button. Plus, you’ve got undo and redo functions and an easy quantize button for quick edits.

What truly stands out are the eight encoders at the top. These automatically map to the volume faders of eight channels in your session, dynamically changing based on your current selection. This feature is a huge time-saver and helps keep everything streamlined.

2. PreSonus FaderPort (Single Fader) 🎚️

Next, let’s talk about the PreSonus FaderPort. While it comes in several versions (8 faders, 16 faders), the single-fader version is my favorite. It’s another production controller, but because it’s a first-party product, its integration with Studio One goes way deeper.

You get all the basic controls plus niche tasks like solo, mute, and arm for any track. But the real star here is the dynamic fader. Unlike the encoders on the A25, the FaderPort’s fader instantly maps to whichever track you click on. This makes it incredibly efficient for managing large sessions.

Another cool feature is the foot pedal slot on the back. You can map this to any command or macro in Studio One. I use it to trigger a “redo recording” macro, which is a lifesaver when recording guitar – allowing me to quickly re-record without having to stop and reset manually.

3. Logitech MX Master Mouse 🖱️

Now, hear me out – the Logitech MX Master Mouse might not be the first thing you think of for music production, but it’s incredible. I know trackballs have their fans, but for me, this mouse is superior for a few reasons.

Firstly, it’s ergonomic, keeping my hand in a natural position. Secondly, it has seven customizable buttons that can be programmed to any Studio One command or macro. The scroll wheel, thumb button, side buttons, and even a side scroll wheel give you tons of options for customization.

For instance, I use the scroll wheel button to create and toggle loops, the thumb button for quick deletions, and other buttons for tasks like muting events and jumping back to the start of a track. This mouse keeps everything at your fingertips without having to move your hand, which is a huge plus for long sessions.

4. Elgato Stream Decks and Foot Pedals 🔲🦶

Moving on to the Elgato Stream Decks and Foot Pedals. These are essentially macro pads with customizable buttons allowing you to map then to even more shortcuts and macros – I truly believe mastering any DAW involves learning and using keyboard shortcuts effectively.

I have a few of these – a regular Stream Deck, a Stream Deck Mini, and two foot pedals. Each Stream Deck button can be assigned to different tasks. I have profiles for production, recording, and editing, with each profile containing specific commands tailored to that workflow.

For example, my production profile includes buttons for duplicating VSTs, converting MIDI to audio, and opening specific tabs in the browser. The foot pedals allow me to do more without taking my hands off my instruments – super handy for hands-free control during recording sessions.

5. PreSonus Atom 🥁

Finally, we have the PreSonus Atom. This MIDI controller might seem redundant given the other gear, but it’s fantastic for programming drums and getting a more human feel in your beats.

The Atom also doubles as a full Studio One controller, with the ability to manage transport controls, record, and more. It’s a versatile tool, especially if you prefer tapping out beats on pads rather than keys.

Bonus: Free Studio One Workshop 🎓

Before we wrap up, I want to mention that Studio One, in my opinion, is one of the most intuitive DAWs on the market. But I get that it can be overwhelming for beginners. That’s why I’ve created a Free Studio One Workshop to walk you through the basics and get you up to speed. It’s about 30-40 minutes long and completely free. If you’re interested, click the link above to access it.

Wrapping Up 🎧

These five pieces of gear have significantly improved my workflow in Studio One. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your setup, I hope you find these recommendations helpful.

If you have any questions or want more in-depth tutorials on any of this gear, feel free to let me know in the comments. Happy producing! 🎵

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