Looking to make your own music?
While it may be intimidating to begin any new hobby, we’ve rounded up a list of essential equipment you will need to start your music-producing journey. Who knows? You might even be able to go professional one day.
We have it listed, from basic producer gear to editing and mixing software, so let’s look at the things you will need to start!
Computer
All the equipment you have will usually be either connected to your computer or connected to something connected to your computer. It is the root of your entire setup.
Since your computer will collect all the files and data your equipment produces, you will need a good model with ample internal storage and memory. Beginners can start on whatever PC or laptop you already have; just make sure you have good storage and memory.
If your current computer does not have good storage and memory, you can look into upgrading these features if you do not want to purchase another device yet.
Digital Audio Workstation Software
Also known as a DAW, this software is one of your essential tools for producing music. You will use your DAW to record, mix, mash, and play with tracks from your mixer or keyboard until you find a sound you are happy with.
There are a handful of good DAW options online, with varying price points and learning curves. You can look these up and compare them to each other. Remember, the best DAW for one person may not be the best for you, so it is important to read up on the software available!
Studio Headphones
A no-brainer, a good pair of studio headphones is necessary if you want to fully experience your work of art.
Studio headphones are made for professional music work, and as such, they are made and designed with this in mind. They are wholly different from the regular ones you find at your local music or gaming store. This is because they are designed to focus on sounds that may need work, thus helping the producer pinpoint which tracks need more work.
You must avoid Bluetooth-type headphones, as these diminish and distort the sound.
Studio Speakers
Different from the speakers you buy at your local computer store, studio speakers are designed to give producers a clearer and more accurate listening experience.
Like studio headphones, these are designed so a producer can exactly hear each track of their music which helps the producer know exactly how the work is going and what else needs to be done.
Studio Microphone
A must if you are looking to record vocals, a professional studio microphone will be something you will want to add to your list of essentials.
There are many different types of professional studio microphones, but you may have heard or even seen the most popular one: the condenser microphone.
You may see the condenser microphone in behind-the-scenes studio shots of your favorite singers recording their best hits. These types of microphones use a vibrating diaphragm to produce audio. The downside is this microphone is very sensitive and can easily record small noises, which is also probably why this is a favorite for ASMR audio.
Audio Interface
Producing music will present challenges, such as equipment compatibility. Your equipment may not exactly be designed to work together. And that is where the audio interface comes in.
An audio interface is essentially an external sound card. It is a great tool to translate your audio into digital files, especially if you are recording and mixing instruments. Instruments like guitars produce analog sounds, which will not work well on a digital setup.
Another plus factor is that an audio interface also has good software for mixing. While an audio interface does not exactly have everything a mixer has, it has enough mixing software for it to be a good stand-in for a mixer.
Audio Mixer
While we did mention that audio mixers are covered by audio interfaces and are therefore not necessarily a must-have, they still find a place on this list.
Audio mixers themselves have hardware features that audio interfaces do not have. Therefore, investing in a mixer may also be ideal for recording and producing music.
Cables
Since you will be working with a lot of electronic equipment, you will need a couple of cables or three. These will be used to connect microphones, instruments, and other things. Some cables will connect to equipment designed to translate the output from that equipment, and others are there to send data to your computer for saving or arranging.
Depending on your equipment, your cable needs will differ; however, a couple of cables you may need will be the TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve), TS (Tip Sleeve), XLR, RCA, MIDI, and of course, USB cables. You may already have some of these in your home.
The Bottom Line
As is with any new venture, starting can feel quite intimidating. We hope this list helped ease your thoughts, as knowing where to start may help ease any nerves you might have.
Remember, there is no definitive rulebook on what you can or cannot do with your audio. You are doing a great job as long as you enjoy and like your output! Do not be afraid to get a little bit experimental with it!