Top Hardware for LoFi Hip Hop Producers

We talkin’ bout, “LoFi Hardware?”
In recent years, lo-fi music has gained a massive following. People have found a connection with the genre due to its straightforward, uncomplicated, and sometimes nostalgic, sound. Short for low-fidelity, lo-fi is often identified by its subtle imperfections such as misplayed notes, tape hiss, and harmonic distortion.
Its rise has also seen a host of aspiring Lofi music producers emerge. The great thing about being a lofi music producer is that with the right gear, anyone can create a track that is laid back with a nostalgic, soothing melody.
From samplers to keyboards to MPC’s (music production center) to audio interfaces, for lofi music producers there is plenty of choice on the market. However, us here at Lofi Weekly are here to help those who are just starting out on their lofi music producing journey. Take a look at our top music gear choices for lofi music producers.
Roland SP-404 MKII
The Roland SP-404 has been a favourite amongst DJs and producers since its release in 2005. The MKII model sees the sampler be given a much-needed update. It’s a compact piece of gear that is essential for any lofi hip hop producer.
The most notable new feature of the MKII is the addition of an OLED screen. This can be used to quickly navigate through different modes, and for visual waveform editing. While a range of input and output ports (including 1/4-inch line in/out, mic/guitar input, 1/8-inch TRS MIDI) makes the MKII easier to work with other gear you have.
Internally, it holds 16gb storage and when combined with the 32-voice polyphony capability and 160 samples per project, it allows you to work on numerous producing projects seamlessly. Whereas its sampling capabilities is very impressive. The MKII allows you to edit in real-time alongside other modes such as auto-chop, auto BPM detect, pitch shift, and more.
If you’re looking for onboard effects, the MKII now includes Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator effects, joining familiar vinyl simulator and DJFX effects. For layering multiple effects, there is the Bus FX feature, allowing detailed customised textures.

SSL 2+
For any lofi hip hop producer, having a USB audio interface is key for connecting your gear to your computer. The SSL (Solid State Logic) 2+ model is the ideal home recording solution.
One of its features is the ‘Legacy 4K’ button. The analogue enhancement effect provides a high frequency EQ boost and subtle-harmonic distortion, giving your sounds a professional shine. While its preamp gain range of 62 dB and a EIN -130.5 dBu has been praised. The USB-powered SSL 2+ also includes a mix dial, allowing you mix between 0 latency and computer playback. A benefit for lofi hip hop producers is the unbalanced RCA outputs, giving you the option to send two separate mixes to each output.
Overall the SSL 2+ is a reliable and versatile USB audio interface.

GAP Pre73 MKIII Preamp
If you’re looking to boost your weak mic signal, then you’ll need a preamp. The GAP (Golden Age Project) Pre73 MKIII is a reasonably priced model that is simple to use. It offers a single‑channel mic/line preamp with a maximum gain of 80dB mic input, and a gain range of ‑20dB to +10dB for its line input.
The Pre73 MKIII provides a warm, punchy, sweet and musical sound, making it a versatile preamp. This is supported by the switchable impedance in MIC mode. At 1200 or 300 Ohms it will change the mic tone.
For lofi hip hop producers, the versatility the Pre73 MKIII offers allows you to process that additional warmth.

Yamaha Reface CP (ComboPiano)
Lofi music is known for its nostalgic melodies, often performed by piano or guitar. Although you might not be a skilled pianist or guitarist, electro-mechanical emulations keyboards gives you the opportunity to create a unique melody with ease.
Yamaha’s Reface ComboPiano is a portable piece of gear, with six emulation programs; Rhodes Mark 1 and 2 models (known as Rd1 & 2), a Wurlitzer EP200 (Wr), Hohner Clavinet (Clv), Toy Piano and CP (Yamaha CP80 electric grand). All six of them provide a vintage piano emulation.
While its interface offers octave and drive adjustments, tremolo/wah, chorus/phaser, and analog/digital delay switches. These can be combined, allowing users to create a variety of sounds and textures, adding to its versatility.
Overall the Yamaha Reface CP is an affordable, easy-to-use keyboard that offers flexibility for all lofi hip hop producers.

Akai MPC Live II
One essential piece of hardware equipment you’ll need as a lofi hip hop producer is an MPC (music production center). Akai’s MPC Live II is a standalone MPC meaning you don’t have to connect it to a computer. As a unit, it boasts everything you want in a professional-grade music production toolkit.
Some of its features include a multi-touch display, 16GB onboard storage, 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, built-in stereo monitors, and a whole host of connectivity options (3 stereo outputs, phono/line-level inputs, 2 MIDI in and out, 4 TRS CV jacks, USB, SD card, Wi-Fi, and bluetooth). While its internal rechargeable battery lasts up to six hours, expanding the MPC Live II’s portability.
Considerably, its multi-touch display is the main attraction, providing a smooth workflow allowing you to pitch and zone into samples, tweak notes, craft chords and scales and more with ease. Whereas the MPC Live II’s firmware contains ready-made samples, plugin instruments, audio effects, and key detection.
If you’re a beginner or a longtime lofi hip hop producer, Akai’s MPC Live II has a lot to offer.

Conclusion
By using any of the gear we’ve talked about, you’re sure to be creating outstanding lofi tracks in no time. Collectively, they offer endless possibilities for lofi hip hop producers, allowing you to create unique beats, samples, and sounds.