My Entire Studio Fits in a Carry-On (iPad Music Production Setup

William Hopson
Aug 22, 2025
3 min read

Welcome to the first entry in my Backpack Composer vlog/blog series on portable music production. This whole project is built around the mighty M1 iPad Pro, a suitcase full of carefully chosen gear, and the dream of making a studio that fits anywhere—even in an overhead bin on a plane.

I’m not a full-time producer. I’m a hobbyist with a day job, three kids, three dogs, and almost no quiet time. This setup wasn’t gifted or sponsored—it came together through creative budgeting, tax refunds, monthly payments, and yes, some occasional side-eye from my family.

But here’s the good news: it works. Really, really well.

Why I Went iPad-First

The obvious question is: why not just use a laptop?

I started out on PCs and later worked with MacBooks. Both can get the job done. But here’s the thing:

MacBooks are expensive. For many musicians, even one machine is a major investment.
PCs are cheaper but clunky. Recording and rendering take forever, and you’re often stuck at a desk.
iPads are portable, powerful, and cheaper (with the right plan). Logic Pro on iPad is subscription-based, plugins are inexpensive compared to desktop software, and the whole device is light enough to mount on a mic stand.

For me, the iPad hit the sweet spot: power, price, and portability.

Studio in a Bag

So what actually fits in a carry-on? More than you’d think.

Here’s the core of my mobile rig:

2025 M4 iPad Pro 13.7” (2TB) – the brain of the operation
PreSonus Quantum ES2 – travel audio interface
Allen & Heath CQ12T – mixer that ties everything together
Traveler Carry-On Guitar – yes, it actually fits
Akai MPC Key 37 & MAX25 – MIDI + sound engine powerhouse
Alesis Nitro Drum Kit – portable drums when I have the space
Heavys H1H & MW75 Headphones – for mixing and monitoring
Two Rode NT-1 Mics – maybe… if I ever actually plug them in

And at home, this all integrates seamlessly with my Williams Digital Grand piano and a powered hub for running peripherals.

It’s not cheap, but it’s shockingly compact. My “bedroom producer” setup literally fits in a bag.

Apps & Plugins

Of course, hardware is only half the battle. The other half is the software—and here’s where the iPad shines.

My go-to apps:

Logic Pro – the main DAW, runs everything
Tone Stack Pro – my amp sims and effects playground
Moises – for breaking down tracks and practice
MusicPutty – pitch correction, tuning, and beyond

The best part? Most of these apps cost less than desktop plugins, and they integrate directly into Logic Pro’s workflow.

The Honest Cost

Let’s not sugarcoat it: building a portable studio isn’t cheap. Between the iPad, the audio gear, and the apps, I’ve spent a fair bit. But here’s the difference—unlike dropping thousands on a MacBook and a pile of desktop plugins, I was able to spread this investment out.

Monthly iPad payments
Low-cost app subscriptions
Gradual upgrades when possible

Instead of one giant purchase, this was a sustainable build—and in the end, it gave me exactly what I wanted: a studio that fits in a carry-on.