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An Excellent Budget Setup for Today's Accordionist
Getting set up for great sound in Zoom lessons or home recordings doesn’t have to break the bank or make your head spin. Whether you’re working with me in a Zoom lesson or recording yourself at home for fun—or even collaborating with your musician friends—this setup has everything you need to sound amazing without going overboard. I’ve tested and used a lot of gear, and what I’m recommending here strikes the perfect balance between quality, durability, and affordability.
Why Dallas Recommends This
During the pandemic, I dove deep into the world of home recording and online teaching. I mean deep. I tried out different mics, interfaces, stands, cables—you name it. After a lot of trial and error, I landed on this gear as the sweet spot for anyone looking to get started with Zoom lessons, home recordings, or even small gigs.
Here’s the thing: I wanted gear that works reliably every time without headaches. This setup will give you great sound quality, won’t fall apart after a few months, and won’t need to be replaced because it’s “entry-level junk.” If anything, this gear is a foundation that’ll grow with you. Maybe down the line, you’ll pick up more specialized microphones or fancier accessories, but this setup will always have a place in your collection.
Focusrite Scarlett 4th Generation Audio Interfaces
Let’s talk about the heart of your setup—the audio interface. This is what connects your microphones to your computer and makes everything sound clean and professional. The Focusrite Scarlett 4th Generation interfaces are what I use and recommend.
Both of the models below have features like Auto Gain, which helps you avoid distortion (no more worrying about blowing out the sound when you play that big chord), and Clip Safe, which keeps everything sounding smooth. They also have excellent preamps that make your accordion sound clean and full of life.
If you’re just starting out, the Scarlett 2i2 is a fantastic option. It has enough inputs for two microphones, or one microphone for talking one instrument cable if you have microphones installed in your accordion.
In a Zoom lesson with me, you’ll use this to capture the rich, warm sound of your accordion while keeping things easy to manage. For home recording, this lets you record yourself in stereo—perfect for capturing the full range of the accordion. It’s simple to set up, and the sound quality is leagues above the basic mic plugged into your computer.
Pros:
The best entry level brand, almost unanimous across the internet
If you know you're positive you will never need more than these two inputs, this is
Cons:
Easy to outgrow because not expandable or upgradable
Now, if you’re thinking ahead or you know you’re going to be recording more than one instrument, or you want to have an external microphone on each side (recommended) and a microphone to talk into or sing into, or you're going to record yourself and also another musician or two at your house, the Scarlett 18i16 is the one to go for. This baby has a ton of inputs, so you can record multiple microphones at once—great for collaborations or recording more detailed arrangements.
Pros:
The best entry level brand, almost unanimous across the internet
can handle 4 XLR microphones
can handle an additional 4 quarter inch lines in
unlikely to quickly outgrow this interface
Cons:
more expensive than the 2i2
Harmonik Internal Accordion Microphones
If you’re looking for internal microphones (and you really should be if you can afford it) the Harmonik internal microphones are an amazing addition. These are installed inside your accordion and give you a super clean sound. And super simple - no microphone stands, no
For Zoom lessons, these mics let you plug directly into your Focusrite interface, making everything easy and seamless. For recording, they’re a dream—no external mic stands to fiddle with, and the sound capture is precise and balanced. If you’re planning to do a lot of performing, this is an upgrade worth considering.
There are other brands of internal accordion microphones, but none are as good or better than Harmonik. Harmonik introduced features that are exactly what an accordionist wants and needs.
I recommend the top model which has: amazingly effective feedback suppression, a light that goes red when you need to change the battery, a switch from mono out to stereo out.
Pros:
way easier than setting up and positioning external microphones
single cable into your interface
simpler, faster, easier
great sound
works for live performances too!
Cons:
needs to be installed by shop or if you are brave and handy you can do
each accordion you own needs to have it's own full system installed
not upgradable
not cheap
Shure SM58 Microphones
If you’re an accordion player, the Shure SM58 is going to be your new best friend. This mic is a total workhorse. It’s been used on everything from live performances to professional recordings for decades, and there’s a reason for that—it’s tough, reliable, and sounds great.
For Zoom lessons, the SM58 will pick up the accordion’s sound beautifully, with enough detail for me to hear what you’re playing clearly. For recording at home, it’s easy to position and forgiving—you don’t need a perfectly treated room or fancy tricks to get a solid recording.
And here’s the kicker: you can take this mic with you to gigs! It’s durable enough to survive being knocked over (not that we’re planning for that) and versatile enough to use for live sound as well. One mic, so many uses.
Pros:
super durable, you'll have it for decades!
unlike internal mics, the same external mic setup will work for all your accordions
classic design hasn't been improved upon
versatile for live sound
large cardioid pattern helps pick up more of the accordion
Cons:
not the absolute best quality for a great home recording
you might upgrade to higher quality (more expensive) condensor microphones after you get more experience and do research
Microphone Stands, Boom Arms, and Cables
Microphone Stands
You’ve got options here. A traditional microphone stand is perfect if you’ve got space to set it up. It’s sturdy and can hold the mic in the exact position you need for both lessons and recording. Just about any microphone stand will do, you may want to ask around for friends who have stuff they don't use anymore, and check your basement or attic.
I bought these as a two pack earlier this year, and they are fine. They are functional, not too cheap. And affordable.
Desk Boom Arm
A desk boom arm is a great alternative and what I use in my office (and even travel with in my checked luggage (kinda heavy tho!!). They clamp onto your desk and keep the mic at the ready without taking up floor space.
This is the exact model I upgraded to earlier in 2024, and I'm super happy with them.
XLR Cables for your Microphones
Either way, make sure you have a good XLR cable (the one that connects the mic to your audio interface). Cheap cables can cause noise or cut out—don’t skimp here!
I purchased these as a 2 pack in 2020, and they have been working great.
1/4" Cable for your internal accordion microphones system
If you are using your internal installed Harmonik microphones and want to plug into the audio interface, you'll need what musicians call a "quarter inch cable." Aka an instrument cable.
These have been used by musicians since forever, and the quality isn't too important, the cheaper ones tend to break a little sooner at the soldering of the connector to the cable. But otherwise they are just about all the same. Just think about the length that you will need, so you don't get tied up too close to the interface.
I have not tried these, but they are the same cheap brand as the XLR's that I bought that are working fine.
Headphones: Trusted Recommendations for Lessons and Recording
When it comes to headphones, you want something reliable, durable, and with great sound quality—and I’ve got you covered. I’ve been using Grado SR125 headphones for over a decade, and they’ve been fantastic. I’ve also heard great things from fellow musicians and teachers about the Sony MDR-7506, and for those starting out, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a standout choice. Here’s a closer look at each option.
Grado SR125
The Grado SR125 headphones are the ones I’ve used EVERY ZOOM LESSON for over ten years, and I can confidently say they’re built to last. These headphones have an open-back design, which creates a natural and spacious sound that’s amazing for listening to recordings and analyzing details in your music. While the open-back design isn’t ideal for noisy environments, it’s fantastic when you’re in a quiet space and want a sound that feels more “live.”
I credit the open back design with reducing my listening and head fatigue when I have long spans with them on. The open back down
They don't look brand new anymore, but they work fine. The only maintenance I’ve ever had to do is replace the ear pads occasionally, which is quick and inexpensive. The headphones themselves are still in great shape after all these years, which speaks to their durability. If you’re looking for headphones that will give you excellent sound quality and stand the test of time, the Grados are a wonderful option.
Grado is also an American company based out of Brooklyn. And they were made in the USA too, I don't know if they still are.
Pros:
Natural and open sound, perfect for analyzing recordings and mixing.
Lightweight and comfortable for long listening or recording sessions.
Extremely durable—mine have lasted over a decade.
Replaceable ear pads extend their lifespan.
Cons:
• Open-back design doesn’t isolate sound, so you'll get a tiny bit of bleed from the track you're listening to onto your recording, but it's like so tiny it never shows in the multi track.
• ear pads deteriorate over time
Sony MDR-7506
While I haven’t personally owned the Sony MDR-7506, I've used them at countless studios big and small. These headphones are known for their clarity and detailed sound, making them a popular choice for both home recording and live monitoring. The closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, so they’re a solid option if you’re working in a noisier environment or need to keep sound leakage to a minimum.
They’re lightweight, which makes them great for long recording or practice sessions, and they hold up well over time. If you’re looking for reliable, professional-quality headphones, the MDR-7506 is a great choice.
Pros:
Under $100! (cheapest on this list)
Clear and detailed sound, ideal for recording and critical listening.
Closed-back design isolates sound effectively, great for noisier spaces.
Lightweight and comfortable for extended use.
Proven durability, trusted by professionals for years.
Cons:
Closed back gets a little more fatiguing with many hours of wear
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
For those starting out or looking for a versatile and affordable option, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is hard to beat. These headphones deliver clear, balanced sound that works well for recording, monitoring, and even general listening. The closed-back design provides great sound isolation, making them a great choice for Zoom lessons, home recording, or even noisy environments.
What sets the ATH-M50x apart is its flexibility. The headphones come with detachable cables, so you can swap out different lengths or replace them easily if needed. They’re also comfortable for long sessions and built to last, making them a great all-around choice.
Pros:
Balanced and clear sound, suitable for various uses.
Closed-back design for excellent noise isolation.
Detachable cables with multiple options for length and style.
Comfortable and sturdy design for long-term use.
Cons:
Slightly bulkier compared to other options like the Sony MDR-7506.
Ear pads may get warm during extended use.
Closed back, which makes slightly more fatigue over long use
Entry Level Home Studio and Zoom Audio Gear
The best entry-level recording and Zoom lesson gear for accordion players.