You will need access to several microphones as a sound engineer, for different recording setups. A Michigan recording studio boasts a Neumann TLM 127 amongst other mics. This is a large-diaphragm studio microphone, costing about $2,500. You can switch between five directional characteristics, effectively creating five different microphones. They also have an Oktava MK-319 condenser microphone, favored by many professionals, a small diaphragm AKG C451B and several Shure models. The Shure SM-57 is a multi-purpose microphone, often used to capture acoustic or amplified instruments.
When mixing, you use a mixing console to combine sound signals. A console, or mixer, needs to have enough line and mic inputs for the kind of work you want to do. Mic preamps are a useful feature, as is high quality EQ, or equalization. Aux sends, direct outs and effects are also desirable. Mackie is one of several manufacturers who sell a large range of mixers, including compacts with small footprints, small format live models for mixing at concerts and gigs and mid-format live analog consoles.
The recorder is the equipment that captures your sounds. There are several types, including analog, digital, field and portable studio recorders. Analog recorders include tape machines, such as Ampex, ReVox and TEAC models, which were very popular in studios for many years. However, digital recorders are now more common. These can cost many thousands of dollars. Field recorders and portable studios are smaller, easily transportable units that you can use "in the field" at live events.
Most studios have several key pieces of software. Avid Technology's Pro Tools, Image-Line Software's FL Studio and Cakewalk's Cakewalk Sonar are digital audio workstations that are widely used by professionals for sound engineering. Sony's Sound Forge is digital audio editing software with a broad range of tools, processes and effects. MOTU's Beat Production Machine is rhythm programming software that allows you to combine kits, patterns, and loops. Many other pieces of software are also in regular use.