Through out my career as a musician and audio engineer for the past 15 years I've used a wide variety of equipment ranging from a $40 Entry level Microphone to using the professional $4,000 Nueman U87 Microphone. Having used such a wide variety of diferent pieces of gear it's allowed me at this point in my life be able to know exactly what I want vs need and what will actually get used daily vs a piece collecting dust. The items listed hear I have personally used at some point in the past. Nothing on this list is there because of Reviews, Hype, or marketing. I have been selling my old stuff to help fund the items on this list but the entry level gear I had leaves a wide gap in funds to get to the professional gear I need. These are what I call my End game items. I wont need to buy another Microphone because the Sphere LX is as versatile as 20 Mics. I wont need to buy another compressor because the distressor like the microphone is insanely versatile I wont have to worry about buying Pre amps or EQ's because the UAD Audio Interface has a technology that is able to emulate the worlds best analog gear in impressively accurate ways. My point is, although this stuff may seem exspensive I have spent way more over the years buying crap alternatives trying to attain the quality that I now know cant be produced by using entry level or "Home Studio" gear. So now I've come to terms with the cost knowing that Im at the pinacle and no longer will have to waste time, energy and money investing in equipment that shouldnt be invested in. Every Piece is chosen with the mindset of "I will be using this for the next 30 years" Thats why versatility is equally as important as quality for my list. - THE SMALL LIST WITH A BIG PRICE - Universal Audio Sphere LX Empirical Labs Distressor (Single or Dual Channel) Universal Audio Apollo Twin X USB Pioneer DDJ REV7