Black Friday is the best time of year to build or upgrade a home studio. Interfaces, monitors and MIDI keyboards are discounted, and the big software makers run their biggest sales of the year. Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November 2026, with Black Week deals starting around 20 November and running to Cyber Monday on 30 November.
This is a buying guide, not a live deals page yet. It covers which gear to watch, what it costs now, what happened last year and the traps that make a “deal” a bad buy. From 20 November we will update this page with the real deals.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overallFocusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
- Best for beginnersAudient iD4 MkII
- Built-in compressorUniversal Audio Volt 276
- Best overallYamaha HS5
- Best for small desksIK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Best mini controllerAkai MPK Mini IV
- Best full-sizeArturia KeyLab Essential mk3
- Best overallBeyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ω)
- Best overallShure MV7+
Prices are approximate and change often. Ad
The Black Friday 2026 dates
- Black Week: from about 20 November 2026 – most European retailers start their sales here.
- Black Friday: Friday 27 November 2026.
- Cyber Monday: 30 November 2026.
Music retailers often start earlier and run longer. Thomann’s “Cyber Week” sale in 2025 advertised up to 70% off more than 1,000 products, from 21 November to 1 December (delamar), and software makers usually run their sales from mid-November into early December.
What happened last year
- Native Instruments ran its Cyber Sale in November 2025 with up to 50% off Komplete updates and upgrades and plugins such as Kontakt 8, and smaller discounts on hardware (Synth Anatomy). Note that the bundle has since been renamed: Native Instruments released Komplete 26 in May 2026 (Synth Anatomy, Sound On Sound).
- Arturia cut much of its software by about 50% for Black Friday 2025 – V Collection 11 dropped from $699 to $349 (We Rave You).
- Plugin Alliance and iZotope also ran Black Friday 2025 sales: Plugin Alliance advertised up to 93% off (Rekkerd), and iZotope offered 25–60% off to existing customers (We Rave You).
- Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) – the best-selling interface – was discounted in the US for Black Friday 2025 ($189.99 instead of $219.99 at Sweetwater), as it is at most big sales events.
We expect a similar pattern in 2026, but that is our expectation, not a promise.
Price benchmarks: what’s a good price?
These are prices we found in October 2026. A real Black Friday deal should beat them.
| Product | Recent price we found | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) | €189 (Kirstein, Nov 2026; RRP €229.99) | Regularly discounted at sales events |
| Audient iD4 MkII | €149 (Oct 2026) | One mic input – check that’s enough |
| Universal Audio Volt 276 | €253 (Woodbrass, Oct 2026) | Built-in compressor |
| Yamaha HS5 | About €159 per speaker, ~€318 per pair (Kirstein, Nov 2026) | Often listed per single speaker |
| Adam Audio T5V | About €400 per pair | Often sold singly |
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | About €300 per pair | Sold as a pair |
| Akai MPK Mini IV | €99 (Stars Music, Oct 2026) | – |
| Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 | €199 (49 keys), €237 (61), €349 (88) (Stars Music, Oct 2026) | – |
| Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 | €144 (Oct 2026) | – |
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ω) | €149 RRP; about €125 at Amazon.de (PCGH, Jul 2026) | – |
“–” means there’s nothing special to watch for. Prices change daily, so treat these as a guide and compare on the day.
Audio interfaces to watch
For most home studios, a two-input interface is all you need: one input for a microphone and one for a guitar or keyboard. The Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) is the default choice and the one most likely to be discounted. The Audient iD4 MkII is a cheaper option with a single mic input, and the UA Volt 276 adds a built-in compressor for vocals. More detail in our best audio interfaces guide.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
The safe default for a home studio: sturdy, strong preamps, low latency and Auto-gain plus Clip Safe to stop ruined takes.
- Connection
- USB-C
- I/O
- 2 in / 2 out
- Resolution
- 24-bit / 192 kHz
- MIDI
- No
Pros
- Strong, clean preamps
- Auto-gain and Clip Safe help beginners
- Low latency
- Solid build
Cons
- Some functions need the Focusrite Control software
- No combi inputs
- No MIDI ports
Audient iD4 MkII
An excellent preamp and a great JFET instrument input at a beginner-friendly price.
- Connection
- USB
- I/O
- 2 in / 2 out
- Resolution
- 24-bit / 96 kHz
- Headphone outs
- 2
Pros
- Excellent mic preamp
- JFET instrument input suits guitar and bass
- Two headphone outputs
Cons
- No MIDI
- Needs a USB 3.0 port
Universal Audio Volt 276
A compact 2-channel UA interface with an onboard compressor and a vintage-mic preamp emulation for instant character.
- Channels
- 2
- Extras
- Built-in compressor
- Preamp mode
- Vintage-mic emulation
Pros
- Hardware compressor helps tame vocal peaks
- Vintage preamp mode adds warmth
Cons
- Costs more than the Scarlett 2i2 for similar I/O
Studio monitors to watch
Monitors are where Black Friday saves the most money, because a pair costs a few hundred euros. The Yamaha HS5 is a studio classic, the Adam Audio T5V is a popular alternative, and the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor suits small desks. See our best studio monitors guide.
Yamaha HS5
Flat, honest monitors whose mixes translate well — the long-standing reference at this price.
Pros
- Flat, honest response
- Mixes translate well
- Balanced XLR/TRS inputs
Cons
- Bass ends around 54 Hz
- Can sound unforgiving
Adam Audio T5V
A ribbon tweeter gives a detailed top end and a consistent sweet spot.
Pros
- Detailed treble
- Consistent sweet spot
- Deeper reach than HS5
Cons
- Highs slightly flattering
- Often priced per unit — check
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
Tiny desktop monitors with DSP position compensation and Bluetooth — ideal for cramped spaces.
Pros
- Very compact
- Position-compensation DSP
- Bluetooth for casual listening
Cons
- Small drivers limit low end
MIDI keyboards, headphones and mics
A compact MIDI keyboard is a cheap upgrade that’s often bundled with software. The Akai MPK Mini IV is the best-known option, and the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 comes in 49, 61 and 88-key versions. For mixing on headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a long-time favourite, and the Shure MV7+ is an easy USB/XLR microphone for vocals and podcasts. More in our guides to MIDI keyboards, studio headphones and USB microphones.
Akai MPK Mini IV
The classic backpack controller: 25 mini keys, eight responsive pads and now USB-C plus a 5-pin MIDI out.
- Keys
- 25 mini
- Pads
- 8
- Connection
- USB-C, 5-pin MIDI out
Pros
- Very portable
- Responsive pads for beats
- MIDI out for hardware synths
Cons
- Mini keys limit two-handed playing
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3
Full-size keys at a fair price, in 49-, 61- and 88-key versions.
- Sizes
- 49 / 61 / 88 keys
- Price 49
- ≈ €199
- Price 61
- ≈ €237
- Price 88
- ≈ €349
Pros
- Full-size keys
- Three sizes
- Fair pricing
Cons
- Bigger footprint than mini controllers
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ω)
The home-studio classic: comfortable, closed-back and well isolated, so it works for recording takes as well as long editing sessions.
- Design
- Closed-back, over-ear
- Impedance
- 80 Ω (also 32/250 Ω versions)
- Frequency range
- 5 Hz – 35 kHz
- Cable
- Fixed (coiled)
Pros
- Very comfortable velour pads
- Good isolation for tracking
- Built to last, spare parts available
Cons
- Cable isn't detachable
- Treble is slightly elevated
Shure MV7+
MusicRadar's top USB mic and top podcast mic: a dynamic broadcast-style mic with both USB-C and XLR outputs and smart, zero-latency processing.
- Type
- Dynamic, cardioid
- Outputs
- USB-C + XLR (usable together)
- Resolution
- 24-bit / 48 kHz
- Extras
- Denoiser, digital pop filter, Auto Level, touch mute
Pros
- Clear, full voice sound
- USB now, XLR later when you upgrade
- Auto Level and denoiser do the hard work
Cons
- Costs more than budget USB mics
- DSP can feel a little prescriptive
Software: where the biggest discounts are
Software sales are often the biggest discounts of all, and there’s no stock to run out of. Before you buy:
- Check what you already own. Many interfaces and keyboards include free software, and upgrade prices for existing customers are often lower than buying new. Native Instruments has a support page explaining why Komplete 26 update prices differ between customers.
- “Lite” and “Intro” versions are cut down. They’re a fine start, but compare features before paying for one.
- Bundles with hundreds of plugins are only a bargain if you’ll use them. A few good plugins beat a hard drive full of unused ones.
Traps to avoid
Old-generation interfaces
Older models such as earlier Scarlett generations still work, but check the generation in the product name. A 3rd Gen 2i2 at nearly the 4th Gen price is no deal.
Monitors priced per speaker
Many retailers list studio monitors per single speaker. A “€160 Yamaha HS5” may be half of what you need. Always check whether the price is for one speaker or a pair.
Bundles with cheap extras
“Studio packs” with a mic, headphones and cables can be good value, but the extras are often basic. Compare the bundle price with the interface on its own.
Fake “was” prices
Under the EU Price Indication Directive, a shop announcing a price reduction must show the lowest price it charged in the previous 30 days as the reference. If the “before” price looks too high, check it on a price-comparison site.
Should you wait or buy now?
If you don’t need the gear for a deadline, wait for Black Week. Set a target price from the table above and buy when a reputable retailer hits it. Buying a present for a musician? Our gifts for musicians guide has ideas from €20.
How we research
We don’t test products hands-on. Prices come from retailer listings and reporting by Woodbrass, Stars Music, PCGH and inspiredbybeatz. Information about last year’s sales comes from delamar, Synth Anatomy, Rekkerd, We Rave You and Kirstein. See how we research.
FAQ
When does Black Friday 2026 start for music gear?
Black Friday is on 27 November 2026. Many music retailers and software makers start their sales a week or more earlier and run them to Cyber Monday (30 November) or beyond.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy studio monitors?
Yes. Monitors are one of the most discounted categories, but check whether the price is per speaker or per pair.
Should I buy software or hardware on Black Friday?
Both get discounted. Software discounts are usually the biggest in percentage terms, but buy only what you’ll actually use.
Which audio interface should a beginner buy?
A two-input interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) covers most home recording. If you only record one microphone, the Audient iD4 MkII costs less.
