Hottest Holiday Gifts Under $500

Giving the gift of gear can be challenging, especially when the holiday season rolls around. And it can be tough to know where to find the perfect piece of gear that’s just right for that creative person in your life! Luckily, Sweetwater is your one-stop shop for all things gear! When it comes to holiday shopping for musicians, DJs, and content creators, nobody has a better range of options than Sweetwater. Today, we’re diving into our top picks for the hottest holiday gifts under $500 in seven diverse categories, including popular items that are both exciting and easy on the wallet. So, slide over, Santa Claus — there’s a new holiday hero coming to town!

For Recording ArtistsFor GuitaristsFor DrummersFor KeyboardistsFor DJsFor Content Creators

For Recording Artists

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface

Compact and time-tested studio champ

Ask any recording musician, and they’ll tell you that few interfaces can match the quality and space-saving convenience of those found in the Focusrite Scarlett series. The Focusrite 2i2 4th Gen Scarlett model serves up a pair of microphone or instrument inputs so you can record two vocalists, vocal and guitar, stereo guitar, and much more. A simple USB-C connection plugs right into laptop and desktop computers, and it even comes with a software bundle with studio mixing essentials and modeled instruments and amps. Its per-channel gain controls and an included Easy Start function keep recording sessions streamlined and stress-free.

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Royer FlexBar Dual Microphone Utility Mount

Diversify any mic stand setup

With a Royer FlexBar mount on hand, ordinary stands will instantly double their capacity! This aircraft-grade, ultra-tough aluminum mount is a lightweight and stable accessory that is vital for studio efficiency. With its engraved centimeter markers, precision is prioritized for miking techniques that require the utmost attention to detail. Whether miking in stereo, tracking guitar and voice independently, capturing the batter and snare sides of a snare drum, or simply placing two microphones on the same stand, the FlexBar mount can accommodate. Orient as needed, and effortlessly maximize floor space in any studio.

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JBL 305P MkII 5-inch Powered Studio Monitor

A 5-inch monitor for better mixes

Reaching your audience’s ears with the proper sonic balance can be challenging, but the right monitors can make all the difference. This 5-inch JBL 305P MkII powered studio monitor is up to the task, with pro-grade transducers and a configurable boundary EQ to deliver the best sound for the space at hand. With 82 watts of Custom Class D amplification in the 305P MkII, you can use them for detailed low- or high-volume analysis. Having XLR line and 1/4-inch TRS inputs on the rear panel extends its utilitarian potential, as well!

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RODE NT1 Kit Condenser Microphone with Shockmount and Pop Filter

Flawless and crystal clear vocal tracks await

Getting that perfect vocal take doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! This RODE NT1 Kit provides studio-quality vocal sound for a fraction of the price, thanks to the mic’s handbuilt HF6 capsule. In fact, it sounds so superb that it even excels at recording acoustic instruments or guitar amplifiers. This kit also includes an SM6 shockmount and a pop filter to keep plosives from tainting your recordings. With only 4.5dB of self-noise, this workhorse mic keeps performances the central focus of every take.

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Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre 8-channel Microphone Preamp 

Extraordinary preamp for all your inputs

When working with multiple microphones, multiple line connections, or a combination of the two, all studios need a preamp they can count on — like the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre. Boasting an accommodating eight channels — each equipped with second-generation Scarlett mic/line preamps — this piece makes for smooth and transparent signal quality with minimal noise and distortion. Its impressive 24-bit/192kHz conversion and enormous dynamic range maintain tremendous conversion accuracy while its outputs are compatible with ADAT systems. The cherry on top is an included software bundle and an Avid Pro Tools Artist subscription chock-full of can’t-beat essentials for mastering your tracks!

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For Guitarists

D’Angelico Premier Tammany XT Orchestra Acoustic-electric Guitar

Bang-for-your-buck orchestra guitar with a rare look!

Orchestra acoustics like the D’Angelico Premier Tammany XT are fantastic 6-string choices because they supply the necessary acoustic projection without the unnecessary bulk. With a body of spruce-topped sapele, the Tammany XT affords guitarists plenty of resonance and clarity — perfect for songwriting sessions and performances! This guitar is easily amplified, courtesy of a Fishman Sonitone preamp system with built-in tone and volume controls. Its full binding, diamond inlays, and Sweetwater-exclusive Vintage Natural finish add elegance, making the Tammany XT a top bang-for-your-buck choice.

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IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal Amplifier / Cabinet / Pedal Modeler

All the best sounds on hand

With the IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal modeler on hand, guitarists can achieve the sounds of their favorite amps, cabs, and pedals — right onstage! Fifty banks of three slots (150 presets) can be stored on the unit, with access to 1,000 Premium Tone Models from IK Multimedia’s TONEX MAX and AmpliTube 5 software. It’s also easy to sculpt, with parametric EQ, Gain, and Volume controls on hand, plus a utility effects suite with a Noise-gate control, a Compressor control, five stereo reverbs, and more. Artists can even load in their favorite custom IRs and record and store the effects of their own personal gear with the TONEX Capture software.

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For Drummers

TAMA Club-JAM Pancake LJK48P 4-piece Shell Pack

Stellar, space-saving shell pack

Just because the TAMA Club-JAM Pancake shell pack is incredibly compact doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch. Its 6-ply poplar shells speak with exceptional focus and response sensitivity. With a 10-inch mounted tom, 13-inch floor tom, 18-inch bass drum, and 12-inch snare, drummers get a surprising range of frequencies for the price. This lightweight, travel-friendly 4-piece also features chrome hardware and wooden bass drum hoops for plenty of added class. From street performances and acoustic jams to compact club shows, the Club-JAM Pancake will bring the beat.

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For Keyboardists

Roland SP-404MKII Linear Wave Sampler

Versatile sampling made simple and portable

Producers and performers love their samples, and the Roland SP-404MKII linear wave sampler is the ultimate secret weapon. Start with nine banks of 144 presets and navigate across 16 velocity-sensitive and color-codable pads to engage your favorite samples and patterns — and even finger drum! Plug in up to two headphones for easy collabs, and sample or stream to mobile devices over a USB-C connection. Pick from incredible included effects, too, from Vocoder and Auto Pitch effects via the Mic/Guitar input to Lo-fi and Cassette Simulator effects. There’s so much to discover in the SP-404MKII, and we’ve only mentioned the tip of the iceberg!

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Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

The compact hero of hybrid synthesis

Synth enthusiasts will get a serious kick out of the wildly capable Arturia MicroFreak hybrid synth. The perfect blend of analog and digital, the MicroFreak utilizes wavetable and digital oscillators with analog filters to create a hybrid synthesis experience like no other. With its unique touch plate keybed, OLED screen, and accompanying 5 x 7 modulation matrix, the MicroFreak features incredible attention to detail that is fluid for playability, navigability, and custom control. Take advantage of 320 factory preset slots, and sequence or arpeggiate to build patterns that will effortlessly push creative boundaries. Craft a sound like no one’s ever heard before!

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For DJs

Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-deck rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller

Easy-to-navigate double deck

For DJs that use rekordbox and Serato DJ, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 controller is an absolute must-have for bringing their music to life! This double-deck controller showcases Pioneer DJ’s traditional layout, which is a breeze to find your way around, and comes stocked with 16 total performance pads for cueing, jumping, and effects/sample assignment. Depend on the DDJ-FLX4’s Smart Mixing’s Smart Fader feature for smooth transitions and control over volume, bass, and more. When used with streaming services, track experimentation becomes a streamlined process, too. It’s designed for flawless compatibility with PC and Mac computers but also works well with iOS and Android devices. It’s the double deck that keeps the DJ in mind!

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Reloop Flux 3-channel 6×6 DVS Interface for Serato DJ Pro

A modern means for classic DJing

Know a DJ who still likes to spin old records? An essential puzzle piece for old-school DJs running their classic systems is this Reloop Flux 6×6 DVS interface. From auxiliary audio to CD players to full-on vinyl turntables, the Reloop Flux uses 3-channel 6-in/6-out functionality, and Serato DJ Pro provides input signal handling for the lot. Equipped with gold-plated terminals, onboard D/A converters, and a Serato DVS studio-grade sound card, this interface offers phenomenal 24-bit/96kHz audio processing. Plus, its assortment of connections, including two USB-A and two USB-C ports, means integrating devices and audio sources of all types is a much simpler task than it used to be.

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Native Instruments Traktor X1 Mk3 DJ Controller Module

Mighty module controller for Traktor DJ systems

An ergonomic solution for Traktor DJ loyalists is the Native Instruments Traktor X1 Mk3 controller module, the standalone savior for DJ controlling. It’s fully customizable, so users get to choose color-coded backlighting for performance management. Plus, five OLED screens provide all the real-time info you need — such as track names, timing, and effects — to keep your shows running smoothly. At the DJ’s disposal are four rotary encoders and eight potentiometers that allow users to handle even the most complex mapping with precision and confidence. And with Traktor Pro DJ included, all DJs can get up and running in no time.

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For Content Creators

Shure SM7dB Active Dynamic Microphone

Legendary spirit for any creator

The Shure SM7dB microphone combines the legacy of the original Shure SM7B with an onboard active preamp for a glorious vocal mic solution with output levels that keep up with modern demands. As a result, it’s the mic of choice for content creators and podcasters who demand well-designed and good-sounding contemporary functionality. Armed with controls like bass roll-off and presence boost, in addition to electromagnetic hum resistance, every performer’s voice will sound its best. A pop filter and detachable windscreen sweeten the deal!

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RODE PSA1+ Desk-mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Arm

A broadcast boom to professionalize any studio

Valuable finishing touches for a content creation station, like the desk-mounted RODE PSA1+ boom arm, can transform the vibe of the creative space. The RODE PSA1+ is perfect for podcasts, radio, broadcasts, and beyond and provides full, 360-degree rotation with a horizontal reach of 32 inches and a vertical reach of 33 inches. With such a range, all it takes is a simple desktop attachment via the desk clamp to integrate maximum maneuverability into any studio. Hold up broadcast-style microphones (up to 2.4 pounds), like the RODE Procaster or RODE Podcaster, and always keep your miking options flexible.

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Insta360 X3 Pocket Action Video Camera

4K filmer with 360-degree capture

Phones aren’t the future of pocket-size content capturing in stunning quality — the Insta360 X3 is! This tiny but powerful video camera uses a dual-lens design to churn out 4K standard results and 360-degree 5.7K photo and video capturing for visuals that will astound audiences. You can do Timelapse in 8K and go cinematic slo-mo in 4K to bring virtually any creative vision to fruition. But that’s not all! The Insta360 X3 is easy to navigate, courtesy of an integrated 2.29-inch LCD touchscreen, and even supports wireless connections from iOS and Android devices. Its rugged and waterproof housing is primed for success outdoors, making it more than ready to take on your next adventure with conviction!

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RODE RodeCaster Duo Streaming Mixer 

Exciting and compact mixing for podcasts

Keeping all podcast elements balanced and accounted for is the perfect job for the RODE RodeCaster Duo. Its pair of USB-C connectors is easy to adapt to systems of all sorts with Neutrik combo inputs that accept microphones, instruments, and line-level sources. Mix with ease, courtesy of a quartet of physical faders, and allow the built-in APHEX DSP to keep recorded audio sounding perfect. Wirelessly stream audio from smart devices and connect RODE Series IV products like there’s nothing to it. Lastly, an assortment of six programmable SMART pads keeps sound effects on hand for instant recall when the moment arrives!

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Can’t Decide? Give a Sweetwater Gift Card!

Sweetwater Gift CardsChoosing the perfect gift has never been easier than instant digital delivery and the freedom to choose from over 63,000 music products. A Sweetwater e-Gift is the fastest way to get the giving going. You choose the dollar amount, and the music maker in your life — or maybe even you — gets exactly what they want. The perfect gift is just a few clicks away!

If you can’t make up your mind, then we have the perfect gift solution: a Sweetwater Gift Card! These can be purchased as either a digital card or as a physical card that you can use as a stocking stuffer.

For a digital card, simply click on the “Send as an e-Gift” button below, fill out your information, and choose the amount you want to place on the card. You can then email the gift card to your lucky giftee that day or choose a later date — you have up to a year to send it! Send a personal message with your gift card to make it even more special. Your giftee can pick from any of our 63,000 products, and they don’t have to spend it all on one purchase.

For a physical gift card, choose the “Send a Gift Card” option, choose the amount and the message, and we’ll handle the rest by mailing the card to either you or your recipient.

Whichever you choose, we are confident that the convenience will make this holiday season less stressful all around! These are the easiest way to make the season a little brighter.

Send as an e-Gift

Send a Gift Card

Shop Holiday Gifts at Sweetwater Today!

Finding a piece of gear that makes the perfect present this winter should be merry, not scary. And with these incredible options, plus thousands more available right now at Sweetwater.com, your title as holiday MVP is as good as guaranteed! If you’ve got questions about the gear mentioned here or want to know more about what that musician, DJ, or content creator will have on their wish list this year, then call one of our fabulous Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. Happy holidays, everyone!

Looking for more specific gifts? Check out our other awesome holiday gift guides below!
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