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If you’re getting started as a musician in professional production, you’re likely learning how overwhelming it can be at first.
It’s hard enough to get yourself out there, but there are so many different kinds of tech and software to choose from. You can’t possibly use all of them, can you?
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. We’re here to break down the 5 essential music producer tools that will help you get started in the industry and get your music out there.
1. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
One of the most important tools found in any functional music studio is a digital audio workstation or DAW. A DAW is a piece of software that allows you to mix and edit music.
There are various different kinds of DAWs for varying price points. GarageBand and Audacity are both free to use and have plenty of useful features, but you might consider downloading Logic Pro or Ableton Live for a bit of an upgrade.
Of course, this will also require a functioning laptop or desktop computer (you can find a business here if your current setup isn’t working properly).
2. Studio Headphones
A good pair of headphones is another recording and editing essential. A quality pair of studio headphones will prioritize sound isolation and a great quality sound.
The real key for a great pair of musician’s headphones, however, should be accuracy. You want your headphones to recreate the sound of an original recording with as much fidelity as possible.
3. MIDI Keyboard
A MIDI Keyboard (or Musical Instrument Digital Interface) will make it easier to compose music right from your workspace. With a MIDI keyboard, the music-making process can be much more intuitive and natural.
There are various types of MIDI controllers, though most mimic the appearance and feel of a normal piano keyboard. These controllers can produce various sounds, however, and just by switching settings, you can change up your instrumentals.
4. Audio Interface
When you are editing music on a digital interface, it can be a bit more complicated to connect non-MIDI sources like guitar or vocals than the previously discussed MIDI sources. That’s where an audio interface steps in.
Any live instrumentation will require an audio interface to translate the audio into a digital file. There are many different kinds of audio interfaces that you can opt to consider depending on your specific needs.
5. Quality Microphone(s)
If you intend to record any kind of live sounds, a quality microphone is absolutely essential. A studio recording microphone is designed to convert those sounds into a digital signal that you can then edit.
Again, there are various different kinds of studio microphones at varying price points. This will of course depend on your unique set-up and the kind of music you intend to record.
Music Producer Tools for Any Musician
Whether you’re just getting started as a musician or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s important to update your music producer tools to your unique needs.
As you get more experienced, you will find that your needs shift and you can experiment with more tools for more music-making options.
Continue exploring the site for more music production tips and tricks!