Edmwarriors Team
Let's say you have decided to start producing tracks on your own, either for your releases or to sell on ghost production platforms. Obviously, you would need some sort of music production equipment for this, so where do you start looking first?
Should you buy a MIDI controller, or should you spend that money on plugins and sample libraries instead? In this blog post, we will go over some fundamental things you will need to start making your own tracks.
What Equipment Does a Producer Need?
Any producer, whether it's EDM, hip hop, or pop, is in need of some basic beginner producer equipment. In this blog post, we'll look at what they are and answer why they are important and what their functions are so you can understand your need for them.
You may be aware of the need for some of these like a good laptop or computer and good headphones, but there are other important instruments. In the following sections, we'll show you exactly what a would-be producer needs to start creating EDM tracks.
We will not mention the need for a good laptop or computer, this is probably clear to everyone in this technological time. Some other tools are also needed to create music. Here is what is the recommended equipment for any music producer.
Get a DAW
One necessary piece of music producer equipment is a DAW ( Digital Audio Workstation). A digital audio workstation, or DAW, is the software that’s used to produce music that gives you the option to do recording, production, mixing, and mastering all within the comfort of your home. It can also be very useful and suitable as part of your beat music equipment. It functions essentially as a virtual recording studio with a variety of tools and capabilities for producing audio and musical output. Here are the reasons why it is a much preferred and must-have tool for every producer:
Firstly, a DAW allows music producers to record and edit multiple tracks of audio. They can use it to capture performances from multiple instruments or vocalists and manipulate the recorded audio to create the desired sound. Additionally, a DAW offers a range of tools to edit and mix the tracks, including equalizers, compressors, and reverb plugins. With these tools, producers can refine their mix and create a polished final product.
Secondly, a DAW provides access to a vast library of virtual instruments, synthesizers, and effects plugins, which can be used to create new sounds and textures. These tools can be used to add layers to a track, experiment with different sounds, and create unique sonic landscapes.
Thirdly, a DAW allows music producers to collaborate with other artists and producers from anywhere in the world. It provides tools for sharing and collaborating on tracks, which makes it easy for multiple people to work on a single project.
DAW offers a range of automation tools that can be used to automate various aspects of the production process. This automation can save time, eliminate errors, and make it easier to create complex arrangements.
There are alternatives, such as recording analog audio via tapes, but these options are cost-prohibitive and require massive amounts of talent to utilize in a meaningful way. Some good options for new producers Logic Pro or Ableton are two of the best options depending on what you want to accomplish with your sound.
Audio Interface
An Audio Interface is an important piece of music-producing equipment, as it offers a range of benefits that can help them create high-quality audio recordings.
When used to connect microphones, musical instruments, and other audio sources to a computer, this equipment offers high-quality audio inputs and outputs. When recording and creating music, having inputs and outputs that can deliver clear, accurate audio signals is essential.
It provides low-latency monitoring, which enables real-time audio monitoring without any audible lag. When recording voice or playing an instrument, this is crucial because it enables the artist to hear themselves clearly, without being sidetracked by any delay.
An audio interface provides access to high-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters that can be used to convert audio signals between different formats. These converters' capacity to generate high-quality audio might be vital when producing audio content of the highest professional caliber.
Finally, an audio interface is a tool that offers a variety of extra capabilities that can aid in enhancing the sound quality of the audio recordings, including phantom power for microphones, preamps, and headphone amplifiers.
It's crucial to keep a couple of things in mind when employing it.
It's crucial to pick an audio interface that fits your requirements and price range.
The audio interface must be connected to the instrument or microphone using high-quality cables.
Make that the audio interface is properly set up and configured to function with your computer and software.
Why you need it: A suitable audio interface is necessary when working with live instrumentation in order to convert the nuances of the acoustics into digital audio files. Analog instruments, like pianos or guitars, are recorded as analog electrical impulses in a digital audio system, which are subsequently transformed into digital audio signals. Different audio interfaces will perform better than others depending on your demands.
What Are Some Good Options: Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is compact enough to fit comfortably into a backpack and offers two audio input channels for singer-songwriters.
As a general rule, the more tracks you want to record simultaneously, the more expensive audio interfaces become. However, businesses like Fireface provide audio interfaces with more than 30 input channels—ideal for creating live orchestras.
MIDI Controller
A MIDI controller is an essential producing equipment as it provides a wide range of benefits that can help them create, record and perform music.
MIDI controller allows music producers to play virtual instruments and software synthesizers with a physical instrument-like interface. This means that music producers can play and manipulate virtual instruments in real time, using keys, pads, knobs, and faders, providing a more intuitive and natural way to interact with music software.
It can help music producers to create and record MIDI data. MIDI data is a series of instructions that can be used to control virtual instruments and software synthesizers. With a MIDI controller, music producers can record and edit this data, which can be used to create complex arrangements, melodies, and harmonies.
This tool allows music producers to control and manipulate software effects and mixing parameters. It is simpler to build and modify soundscapes and effects thanks to the numerous MIDI controllers that have knobs, faders, and buttons that may be used to control software effects and mixing parameters.
This equipment can be used to perform live music. Many MIDI controllers are designed to be portable and can be easily connected to a laptop or other devices. This makes it easy for music producers to perform music live, using virtual instruments and software synthesizers.
When using a MIDI controller, it's important to keep a few tips in mind.
First and foremost, it's crucial to pick a MIDI controller that matches your requirements and price range.
The correct usage of the MIDI controller, including how to assign MIDI messages to various knobs, buttons, and faders, must also be learned.
Thirdly, to get the most out of your MIDI controller, you should experiment with various virtual instruments, software synthesizers, and effects.
Why you need it: When used with a DAW like Ableton Live, a grid controller like this one enables accurate drum sequencing and live performance.
What Are Some Good Options: Grid controllers are a terrific way to get started with MIDI controllers without having to invest a lot of money because of their cheaper price points.
Studio Monitors
Every music producer needs studio monitors because they are made to give an accurate and transparent depiction of the audio being created. Here are several justifications for the significance of studio monitors and how they might benefit music producers:
Realistic audio reproduction
Studio monitors are made to give a true-to-life impression of the audio being generated. Because of this, they can hear every nuance of their music, including high-frequency treble, midrange vocals, and low-frequency bass. This precision helps to guarantee that the music sounds just as it should, without being tinted or altered in any manner.
Studio monitors deliver a dependable sound that is constant throughout the recording process. Studio monitors are made to deliver a flat, uncolored response that faithfully reproduces the audio being generated, in contrast to consumer-grade speakers, which are made to color or enhance the sound. Because of this, it is simpler to guarantee that the music will sound the same on different gadgets, including headphones, home theaters, and automobile stereos.
Better mixing and mastering
Because studio monitors accurately portray the audio, music producers can mix and master their songs more easily. This accuracy helps to ensure that the levels and EQ of the different elements in the mix are properly balanced, resulting in a well-mixed and mastered track.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting your music production journey requires having the right equipment. A computer or laptop capable of running a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), a DAW itself, an audio interface, and a MIDI controller is essential tools for creating EDM tracks. Additionally, having either studio monitors or headphones is important for monitoring and making accurate mixing decisions.
When it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately depends on personal preference, budget, and the nature of the work being done. Ultimately, investing in high-quality equipment that meets your unique needs is crucial for advancing your music production skills and achieving the desired sound output.
If you want to become a good EDM producer, like some of the best and recognizable on some of the top platforms like Edmwarriors, after reading our blog post you are now ready to conquer the music business.
FAQs
What equipment do I need to start producing tracks?
To start producing tracks, you will need a computer or laptop capable of running a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), a DAW itself, an audio interface, and a MIDI controller. Additionally, having either studio monitors or headphones is important for monitoring and making accurate mixing decisions.
Can I start producing music with just a laptop and headphones?
Yes, you can start producing music with just a laptop and headphones, but you may want to consider investing in additional equipment such as a MIDI controller and audio interface to improve your workflow and sound quality.
Do I need studio monitors and headphones, or can I use just one or the other?
While the choice between studio monitors and headphones depends on personal preference, budget, and the nature of the work being done, using both headphones and monitors in conjunction can lead to more accurate and reliable monitoring, allowing producers to catch potential issues that may have been missed using just one or the other.