Essential tools for home music production

When I began, computers were only just starting to be used for audio mixing, but you needed a dedicated desktop computer and really expensive software. Nowadays, if you’re dipping your toes into production for the first time, one of the biggest things to get your head around will probably be the software.

To start understanding how making music on a computer works, the absolute basics you’ll need are:

1. Computer

2. DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

3. Headphones or speakers

Absolutely you can. If you already have a computer and headphones (or speakers), there are several free DAW software options out there such as Garageband (Mac), Cakewalk (PC) or Pro Tools Intro (Mac & PC) which we’ll talk about later on.

Obviously as a beginner, you won’t necessarily have the money or the will to buy the best. In fact, I recently mixed a some music down on a really low-spec laptop and the results were surprisingly good (although there were limitations). The main factors to consider when choosing a computer for music production are processing power, RAM, storage, and budget. Here’s what to look for:

• Processor: Choose a multi-core processor with at least four cores. Intel i5/i7 and AMD Ryzen 5/7 are good options.

• RAM: Minimum 8GB, but 16GB or more is ideal for smoother multitasking and handling multiple plugins.

• Storage: Opt for an SSD over an HDD. Aim for at least 256GB, but 512GB or more is better for large project files.

Budget laptops for music production

If you are considering buying new, here are a few current recommendations (2024):

• Acer Aspire 5: Recommended for its Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, 8GB RAM, and 256GB/512GB SSD. It offers good performance, upgradability, and solid build quality. Price around $500-$700.

• Dell Inspiron 15 3000: Features Intel Core i3, i5, or i7, up to 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. It’s affordable with decent ports, though screen brightness and battery life are average. Price around $400-$600.

• Lenovo Ideapad 3: Equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. Compact, lightweight, and provides good performance at an affordable price. Price around $450-$550.

• MacBook Air (M1): Though above budget, it’s highly recommended for its powerful M1 chip, long battery life, and compatibility with music production software like Logic Pro and Ableton Live. Price starting under $1000.

MAC or PC: Which is better for music production?

This is a really hotly contested question. MacBooks seem to be much more stable as a DAW and offer a smoother plug-and-play experience. However, you will need to shell out more money. If you enjoy customizing and tweaking settings, Windows offers flexibility, but may have some minor issues.

Personally, I have always used Windows for music production and nowadays it rarely crashes (but it still does).

No matter what computer you have, you'll need to install a DAW.

A DAW is essentially the software where all your music creation happens. It allows you to record, edit, mix, and produce audio tracks (as well as MIDI tracks, but we’ll talk about that later).

When I started, there were not many choices out there for a DAW. I began on Cubase VST and later moved on to SONAR (Cakewalk). But now there are plenty of paid and free options available. Generally they are quite similar in the way they look and work, but if you are a complete beginner, I suggest getting started on something you already have (GarageBand) or downloading one of the many free DAWs.

Below, I've selected some of the best free DAWs available:

Mac only:

• GarageBand: User-friendly with built-in instruments and effects, perfect for entry-level production.

Windows only:

• Cakewalk by BandLab: Professional-grade DAW with advanced audio editing, MIDI support, and virtual instruments.

Cross-Platform:

• Pro Tools Intro: A free version of the industry-standard DAW with essential recording and editing tools.

Other free options:

• Tracktion T7: Unlimited audio/MIDI tracks and built-in effects.

• LMMS: Open-source DAW for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

• Audacity: Simple cross-platform audio editor and recorder.

No matter which DAW you have chosen, they all have similar features and functions. For an introduction, take a look at Grammy-winner, Chris Kasych explain some of the basic settings and what a DAW can do.

If you want to learn more about how to record your first song at home, Chris Kaysch has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry (Adele / Olivia Rodrigo). Try out his Recording for Beginners course for free with your 7-day FREE trial.

I'm sure if you are a music lover, you have headphones or a speaker setup at home. But if you feel like investing in something for more accurate monitoring, here are a couple of recommendations.

Whilst headphones are great for detailed listening, studio monitors offer a more accurate representation of your mix.

Recommended headphones and studio monitors

• Headphones:

  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Excellent sound quality and comfort.

• Studio Monitors:

  • KRK Rokit 5: Budget-friendly and popular among beginners.

With a computer, a DAW and some headphones (or speakers), you have the absolute basics you need for music production. The trickiest part can be getting to grips with the software, so just spend some time exploring it. You’ll find loads of tutorials online to guide you — just jump in and start experimenting. The more you play around, the quicker you'll pick it up.

Download free audio for DAW practice

For me, the best way to start was to set up a project and download some audio tracks to get a feel for how things work.

• In our Recording for Beginners course, Chris provides audio files and projects you can freely use.

• Cambridge Music Technology has an online download library of more than 50 unprocessed multitrack projects, all of which are free to use for educational purposes.

Key audio controls in music production

Now, you've got some audio files loaded into your DAW, it's time to start experimenting with the core elements of audio production. Here’s a guide to the main audio controls you should explore as a beginner.

► ARTMASTER TIP: Ever wondered what a music producer does? Music production is the artistry that transforms ideas into polished tracks. Check out our guide — How to become a music producer.

Even if you are main interested in working with audio files, it will really add versatility to your productions if you can understand and use MIDI. Fortunately, you can experiment with MIDI without using a MIDI controller (a music keyboard you plug into your computer).

What is MIDI?

• MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a way for your computer to talk to virtual instruments—software versions of instruments like pianos, synthesizers, and drum kits. It sends information such as which notes to play, how long to hold them, and how loud or soft they should be, allowing you to create and control sounds within your DAW.

Why MIDI matters

• Versatile control: Control virtual instruments and effects directly within your DAW.

• Easy editing: Modify notes, timing, and dynamics without re-recording.

• Broad use: MIDI is useful for all music genres, from electronic to orchestral.

Using MIDI in your DAW without a controller

As I said, if you don’t have a physical MIDI controller, you can still create and manipulate MIDI in your DAW using various tools. Here are a few methods to get started:

1. Piano roll editor

• Click and draw notes: In most DAWs, you can open the "Piano Roll" or "MIDI Editor" and simply click on the grid to draw in notes with your mouse. You can click, drag to adjust the length of the note, and move it up or down to change the pitch.

2. Computer keyboard as a piano

• Musical typing: Many DAWs have a feature that lets you use your computer keyboard as a piano. For example, in some DAWs, the keys on your keyboard (like QWERTY) correspond to different notes, so you can play and record melodies just by pressing keys.

3. Using pre-made MIDI clips

• Drag and drop MIDI files: Some DAWs come with built-in MIDI loops or clips (like drum beats or melodies). You can drag these onto a track, and then open the piano roll to edit them if you want to change something.

4. Step recording

• Step input: This method allows you to enter notes one at a time. You select a note length (like quarter notes), then press a key on your computer keyboard to place that note in the timeline. It’s like building your melody step by step.

What are virtual instruments?

Virtual instruments are software-based tools that generate sound from MIDI data. They can simulate a wide range of instruments, from pianos and guitars to synthesizers and drums. Many DAWs come with free virtual instruments included, giving you a variety of sounds to start with.

• How to use them: Load a virtual instrument in your DAW, then use the methods mentioned earlier (like the piano roll, step input, or your computer keyboard) to create and experiment with different sounds.

Now that you’re getting familiar with your DAW, let’s take a look at other hardware you may need along the way.

► ARTMASTER TIP: If you want to learn more about MIDI and how to use it effectively, try out Alex Moukala's course for beginners on composing, arranging, and mixing professional-sounding orchestral tracks.

Depending on what type of music you are into, there are generally 2 main ways to head when considering your next (or first) purchase.

1. Essential tools for recording real instruments

If you want to capture the sound of a real instrument, you'll need an audio interface and a microphone (plus some cables)

Audio Interface

• What it is: An audio interface connects your instruments and microphones to your computer, converting analogue signals to digital for high-quality recording.

• How do you connect it: Audio interfaces connect to your PC via Thunderbolt, USB-C, USB 2.0, FireWire, or PCIe. Once connected, you can then plug in your electric instrument or microphone.

• Why you need it: If you’re recording live instruments (acoustic or electric) or vocals, an audio interface gives you clear, professional-grade recordings with minimal latency.

• Recommended models: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, PreSonus AudioBox USB, or Universal Audio Apollo Twin.

Microphone

• What it is: A microphone captures sound from your voice or instrument and sends it to your audio interface.

• Why you need it: A quality microphone is necessary for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.

• Recommended models: Shure SM58 (dynamic mic), Audio-Technica AT2020 (condenser mic), or Rode NT1-A (condenser mic).

Additional considerations:

• For recording vocals, a condenser microphone is usually preferred for its sensitivity and clarity.

• Dynamic microphones are more durable and are often used for recording louder sound sources like drums or amplified instruments.

2. For producing electronic music

MIDI Keyboard

• What it is: A MIDI keyboard is a device that allows you to control virtual instruments and synthesizers within your DAW. It sends MIDI signals, which can trigger sounds from your software instruments.

• How you connect it: A MIDI controller typically connects to your PC using a USB cable.

• Why you need it: If your focus is on electronic music, a MIDI keyboard is a versatile tool for composing melodies, creating beats, and controlling various elements within your DAW. It can speed up your workflow and add a tactile element to your production process.

• Recommended models: Akai MPK Mini, Novation Launchkey, or Arturia KeyLab.

Additional considerations: Look for a MIDI keyboard with pads, knobs, and faders if you want more control over your software instruments and effects.

Combining both worlds

Hybrid approach: Audio Interface + MIDI Keyboard

Many producers create music that blends real instruments with electronic elements. This setup allows you to record live instruments while also programming and controlling electronic sounds and effects within your DAW.

As you get more comfortable using your DAW, try experimenting — this is a fundamental (and fun) part of music production, and numerous famous producers have created groundbreaking tracks using simple, inexpensive gear:

• The Beatles: While recording Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles used tape loops, found sounds, and basic recording equipment to create innovative effects that were ahead of their time.

• Aphex Twin: Richard D. James, known as Aphex Twin, famously used cheap Casio keyboards and basic home recording setups to produce some of his most influential tracks, proving that creativity trumps expensive equipment.

• Billie Eilish and Finneas: Billie Eilish’s debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? was mostly recorded in a bedroom studio with minimal gear. Finneas, her producer and brother, often used simple tools and inexpensive software to craft the album’s unique sound.

Ideas for experimenting with budget gear:

• DIY recording techniques: Use your smartphone or a basic USB microphone to capture interesting sounds around you. Even a cheap microphone can add character to your recordings when used creatively.

• Lo-fi effects: Embrace the imperfections of low-budget gear. For example, record vocals through a cheap microphone to create a gritty, lo-fi sound, or use free plugins to add tape saturation or vinyl crackle to your tracks.

• Re-purpose everyday objects: Turn household items into instruments. Tap on glasses, bang on pots, or use a rubber band as a makeshift guitar string. Sample these sounds in your DAW and manipulate them to create unique beats and textures.

• Explore free and low-cost software: There are many free virtual instruments, and effects plugins available online. Experiment with different combinations to see what you can create without spending much money.

Now we have covered the basics, if you want to learn to record your first song at home, Chris Kasych’s "Recording for Beginners" course is excellent. Plus, it offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from someone who has worked with industry giants like Adele and Olivia Rodrigo.

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