4 essential pieces of equipment to start producing music
Starting to produce your own music has never been easier and cheaper. The key is simply to get your hands on the appropriate equipment and to start! Not sure what equipment you need? That’s what this post is for!
An audio interface
An audio interface connects to your computer (usually via USB), allowing microphones and other music related connections to be made. The interface converts this analogue information into a digital format your computer understands. Interfaces are generally much higher quality audio than a standard computer sound card. For this reason, try to avoid USB mics that plug directly into your computer if you want a good sound. For starters check out the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (for just under $150) or the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (for just under $220.00).
Studio speakers and/or headphones
If you are going to be producing music, it almost goes without saying that you need a good way to listen back to what you are doing. I’d almost always encourage to use speakers over headphones especially when you first start mixing but if you must, headphones will do. Luckily, studio speakers and good headphones are also inexpensive, and you can find them well under $200. Take the Presonus Eris for example ($170.00). You can find decent headphones like the Audio Technica ATH-M20X for under $80.00.
Microphone (optional depending on the music you are producing)
Ok, let me unpack this a little. If you play and acoustic instrument and want to record yourself, then a decent microphone is a must! For home recording make sure to get a condenser mic. There are so many under the $100.00 range that will do the trick at any local music shop here in Australia.
Keep in mind, there are situations a microphone is not needed: if for instance you are just going to be recording electronic music, using midi controller may be more useful; or you may not need either if you are primarily a composer using notation software to compose and produce music with programs like Dorico and NotePerformer.
Digital Audio Workstation: DAW
Finally, you will need a DAW. Think of it as the operating system for audio (if you like computer analogies) or what Microsoft word is for writers. This computer program does everything related to audio: it receives the audio from the interface and from there you can record, mix, edit, add effects, VST’s, other plugins and so much more.
There is now an overwhelming list of DAWS on the market, and most of them will do a great job especially in the beginning stages of recording and producing. Which one you prefer largely will depend on the direction you want to go musically later on down the line, or most likely you will stick with the one you learnt originally.
Luckily for you, many DAWs have a free introductory version and/or free 30-day trials are available if you want to try a few different options.
Here is a list of very powerful DAWs:
Free:
• Studio one Prime (Mac & PC)
• Ableton Live lite (Mac & PC)
• Garage Band (Mac only)
• Protools Intro (Mac or PC)
Paid:
• Studio one Professional (Mac & PC)
• Ableton Live (Mac & PC)
• Logic Pro (Mac only)
Did you find this post useful? We hope so!
Darryn
