It’s always good to know what basic equipment (or knowledge) you need when starting a new hobby or vocation.
When it comes to music production, opinion may differ but we’re pretty sure nobody will diverge too much from this list of 5 basic items.
1. DAW
DAW stands for “digital audio workstation” and is basically the program that will allow you to create (record/produce) and edit the different audio inputs that will create your song. Some people advise to get a computer before everything. What we think they mean is “get a DAW”.
Indeed a computer is not really indispensable when starting to produce music (even though it would be considered as the go-to solution).
You can indeed produce music from a DAW on a sequencer (AKAI MPC to not mention one of the most obvious) or the one on your phone without any computer around.
2. Speakers / Headphones
Yes we do hear some screaming headphones first. It is understandable because headphones can provide a similar sound quality at a lower price that similar sounding speakers. When we say similar sounding speakers, we’re talking about specs that can be objectively assessed like the frequency response.
It is also true that with headphones, you don’t need to “play the room”. Meaning that the sound won’t change too much according to your environment (unless you’re producing in the subway but then speakers are definitely not the right choice). With speakers you do need to be a bit more aware of the acoustics of your room/studio (check our article on speaker placement).
On the other side, headphones are tiring. Do not underestimate this. Making a whole session with headphones can really have a toll on your ear fatigue.
Also, speakers can allow you to move around and hear your sound from different angles which is very important when mixing.
Anyway, if you’re starting the important thing is: get something that you will listen your music from. It can even be earphones or Logitech computer speakers at the beginning. You’ll make your own opinion later!
Well to start music production you could honestly stop here. The next ones are very important and you’ll probably get to it after a few weeks of playing with your DAW. However, they are part of what we could call a “post starting phase”
3. A midi controller
A midi controller will help you control your DAW. They can take several forms (pads, keyboard, knobs, faders…) but they do the same job. They help tremendously when it comes to the fluidity of your work. If you don’t know which one to choose, go for a small keyboard with some pads, knobs and faders such as the Arturia, Novation and so many others. They are pretty affordable.
4. An audio interface
The audio interface (AI) is really used to digitize the signal of a live instrument or voice. Meaning it will get this signal into your DAW in a binary form.
Is it useless if you don’t use an instrument or a mic?
Well not really: First of all, and sorry about the spoil, but the last piece of equipment of this list is a mic. We know certain mics can be used with mini jacks but if you get a condenser mic (needs to be powered, most often by what is called “phantom power” coming from the AI) or even dynamic mic (doesn’t need to be powered), just use an AI, it’s easy, way more qualitative and not that expensive.
Secondly the AI will also do the reverse job, which is to convert the sound coming from your computer to an analog signal for your speakers or headphones.
Even though a lot of devices can perform those 2 functions without an AI, the quality will be far less than optimal and certainly not what you would want for music production.
5. Spoiled: the mic
Even if you don’t sing, slam or rap, the mic will be super useful to produce. A lot of producers mainly use their mic to record random sounds. Whether it’s a breath, a clap or a snap, mics are recording sounds and sounds are music.
Where are the speaker stands (because we’re still posting this on Synthizer right?)?
Ah! To be honest if somebody told us they would prefer to have stands for their speakers before having a mic or an AI, we could understand. But then they would be more on the audiophile side and less on the producer side. The stands just missed this list by one place: they are snatching the 6th place of equipment to absolutely have. They are a must if you’ve passed this starting phase. So if you already have the 5 first items, you know what’s next on your list!
If you’re not producing music but are just in love with it, then a music reproduction system, speakers and stands will be enough!
Honourable mention for the speaker stands!
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