4 Equipment Essentials Every Music Producer Need

Producing music in the comfort of your home is easier than it has ever been. Despite the ease of accessibility, you still need to invest in some basic equipment to get started. Let’s look at four essentials you need to build a home music production studio.

Computer

A powerful computer is the most important tool for a modern music producer. It handles audio recording, sequencing, editing and many other functions in the production process, so

it’s vital to get a machine which is capable of handling the workload. The bare minimum for music production is a computer with an Intel i5 processor. However, if you can afford one with more power, such as an i7, then you should get it. Make sure you get as much RAM as possible too on your machine. Other factors to look out for include:

· The number and type of ports it has

· Disk drive speed and capacity

· Display

· Battery life

· Keyboard

Audio Interface

An audio interface handles input from external audio devices to your computer such as microphones, and output from your computer to external devices such as studio monitors. Having an expensive microphone doesn’t mean much if the preamps on your interface are of poor quality. Poor quality preamps can compromise the end product of your recordings. It’s vital to get an interface that is of high quality, has enough inputs/outputs and durable. Avoid skimping on this aspect because if your interface doesn’t work well, it can affect the way you make and perceive your music.

Companies such as Focusrite, Avid, Native Instruments and M-Audio make great interfaces at an affordable price.

Note: To learn more, check out Reviews of 10 Best iPad Audio Interfaces

Studio Monitors

Studio monitors are most likely be your second biggest expense, after your computer, when setting up your production studio. The whole point of getting studio monitors is to hear your music as accurately and uncolored as possible. That needs to be the primary factor when selecting studio monitors.Different monitors work well for different genres. The fact is that most people don’t have enough money to buy multiple sets of monitors, so it’s best to buy one model you like and stick to it. The key is to understand how your speakers sound. Once you do that, it becomes easier for you to mix on them, and you can mix virtually any song using what you have.

Microphone

One of the ways you can stand out as a producer is through your sound selection. There are countless virtual instruments and sound libraries available on the market. However, having your own sounds that you record is a sure-fire way to guarantee that the sounds you have are 100% unique to you. One of the ways you can make these sounds is to record them with a microphone. Microphones vary in size, design, and sound capturing capabilities. No microphone is suitable for all situations, so having a wide selection can be beneficial. A microphone is also handy when you need to record vocals or capture atmospheric sounds.

Conclusion

These four essentials are the basic building blocks of your home studio. Try your best to get robust, durable, high-quality equipment within your means. In many cases, if you purchase high-quality equipment and you take good care of it, you may not have to replace it for years to come. So don’t skimp. It’s a direct investment in your craft.