Holiday Gift Guide: Staff Picks

This year, we asked the team what they actually recommend. Gear they use, tools they trust, books they return to, and experiences worth leaving the studio for. Here are the 2025 Output staff picks for any music producer or enjoyer you know.

Lauten Audio Kick Mic - $499

The Lauten Kick Mic is built for inside kick drum placement and focuses on capturing attack and low end without excessive EQ or mic swapping. It delivers a clear, controlled sound that sits quickly in a mix and translates well across genres. Setup is fast and repeatable, which makes it reliable in both studio sessions and live environments. Our resident drum guru tells me he was able to go from one mic to two, and that "it has so much low end when placed in front of the kick, and has a super solid build." If you're looking for a solid kick mic, I'd take his word for it.

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AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Headphones - $199

The TMA-2 line is widely used by DJs and producers who need headphones that survive regular use. Modular construction allows every part to be replaced or customized, which extends the lifespan significantly. The DJ and DJ XE configurations offer strong low-end response, good isolation, and comfort for long sessions without unnecessary weight. For you critical listeners, the Studio, offered Wired, Wireless, and Wireless+, provides a flat response and is ideal for music producers who need a performant pair of headpones for all of their studio needs. We use these at HQ, and we get asked about these often, making these a perfect gift for somebody looking for new cans.

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The Creative Act: A Way of Being - $17

This was one of the picks we got when asking the team what they'd recommend, and for good reason. Rick Rubin’s book centers on attention, taste, and creative awareness rather than tactics or output metrics. The writing is concise and intentionally open-ended, making it easy to revisit during different phases of work. It is especially useful when projects start to feel over-processed or disconnected from intent. If the producer closest to you enjoys books, this is a must have.

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Arturia KeyLab mk3 Controllers - From $479

KeyLab mk3 controllers are designed to integrate cleanly into modern production setups. The keybeds feel consistent, the pads and knobs respond accurately, and DAW control works without added configuration. Of note, the 88-key model has incredible feel and playability with its fully-weighted keybed, while all models include MIDI-assignable encoders, pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls and a playable pad. Build quality is excellent, and we love the model in white.

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Teenage Engineering Choir: CH–8 bogdan - $249

We seriously love Teenage Engineering. One staff pick comes from a team member recently got a CH-8 bogdan. The CH-8 bogdan is a MIDI-controlled choir voice housed in a compact physical form that is "one of 8 singing wooden dolls that make up the teenage engineering choir." If that sounds cool, it's because it is. And completely out of left field. Leila, miki, ivana plus four others are available from TE. This model's voice is bass, and others in the collection cover ranges from contralto to baritone without complex programming. You've got to check these out! 

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Telepathic Instruments ORCHID ORC-1 - $649

The ORCHID ORC-1 is built around chord generation and harmonic exploration. ORC-1 has a single-octave focused keybed that encourages movement through progressions and variations without requiring deep theory knowledge. Multiple synth engines and a focused control layout make it useful for quick sketches as well as longer writing sessions. Availability might be hit or miss - Last we checked they are out of stock. If you can get one, it will be worth the wait!

Buy at Telepathic Instruments

Minimal Audio – Current - $199

Yes, we enjoy software from other plugin makers. And Current by Minimal Audio got high praise as a staff pick this year. Current is a modern synth platform designed with sound designers and producers in mind. Notably, the filters remain clean under modulation, and the routing system allows for complex movement and expression. It works equally well for detailed sound design and everyday production tasks. A good buy if FM synthesis, wavetable oscillators and flexible modulation are in mind.

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JJ 6V6 Power Tubes - From $55

Sometimes existing gear needs a little love. And JJ 6V6 tubes can breathe new life into old gear. The perfect stocking-stuffer, the 6V6 line of power tubes are a dependable option for maintaining or restoring a tube amp. They provide consistent performance, predictable breakup, and compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers. A practical gift that supports gear already in regular use or needs some love and care.

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Trident Mach III by Cherry Audio Virtual Instrument- $69

A seriously powerful and deep budget synthesizer, the Trident Mach III recreates a rare vintage instrument while adding modern control and stability. It is well suited for pads, ensemble textures, and layered harmonic content. The sound remains present without overwhelming a mix, which makes it adaptable across different production styles. But seriously - You can't beat a software synth that get's you a 32-step polyphonic sequencer, 17 effects and over 380 presets for such a killer price.

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Tickets to Live Events - Varies

At Output, we live and breathe music production. Live shows are no different. Seeing an artist or group, whether they're your favorite or you're looking to experience something new, means hearing music in a space designed for it, with a full audience and proper sound. It’s a straightforward recommendation for anyone who cares about how music is heard outside a studio, but also to spend time experiencing music together. There are a lot of platforms out there to find tickets, but click below to visit Bandsintown - A platform we can recommend to find the best live shows near you.

Find concerts on Bandsintown

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