Your Music Production Starter Kit (7 things I use)
I love making music. I learned on my mom’s old acoustic guitar that was stashed away in my parent’s old century home. Eventually, I started dabbling in producing, which took things to a whole new level.
So if you’re stoked on starting your own journey, then you’ll need the right music production equipment. So this is my complete starter kit.
It’s everything you’ll need to get started (and what I still use to this day).
So let’s do this!
Hey, just a quick heads up that some links in this post may be affiliate links. This is at no extra cost to you, but helps me keep the lights on. Thanks for your support!
My Music Production Equipment List (TL;DR)
What Is Music Production?
Music production is the process of recording, developing and preparing a song — usually for release.
It’s a modern musical skill that takes practice, patience, creativity and technical finesse.
And it’s totally worth it.
Explore more:
➤ Make Music Without Instruments
Essential Equipment for Music Production (the starter kit)
1. A Solid Computer
If you don’t have a decent computer, this’ll be your biggest music production expense (when starting out).
I use the 2020 13” MacBook Pro (M1 chip).
It’s been an awesome investment and I absolutely love Apple products for creative work like music production. But of course, there are other (cheaper) options too.
So if you’re looking for something other than a MacBook, here are some specs to look for:
At least an i7 core processor
64-bit operating system
Good internal storage (256GB+)
Decent size screen (just makes things easier)
At least 16GB of RAM
2. A DAW (digital audio workspace)
A DAW, or digital audio workspace, is a software interface for actually making digital music. It’s your home studio.
There are tons of options on the market today, but I use Logic Pro (Apple’s native DAW), which costs $199.99.
I started out with Reaper (which you can try for free), and only switched because I prefer the simplicity of Logic’s interface (and the fact that I have a MacBook).
But if you learn music production from a specific person or YouTube channel, it may behoove you to use what they use (so you can easily follow along in their tutorials).
Here are some other popular DAWs:
FL Studio (from $99)
Ableton (from $99)
Cubase (from $99.99)
Logic Pro ($199.99)
Reaper (from $60)
GarageBand (free with Macs)
Cakewalk by BandLab (free)
3. A MIDI Controller
A MIDI controller is a device that sends MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) data to MIDI-enabled devices (like your DAW).
There are so many options and styles of MIDI controllers. But if you’re just starting out, a simple one with just a couple octaves and a drum pad is enough.
My first MIDI controller was the Alesis V25 (25 key). I still use this when I travel.
I also use the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV). This is a bigger options (featured in the image above).
Finally, I use the M-Audio universal sustain pedal.
And quick note, you can technically go without a MIDI controller and just type directly into your DAW. But IMO, keys are way more intuitive, especially for learning.
4. An Audio Interface
If you want to produce music, you probably want a way to record audio. So you’ll need an audio interface.
An audio interface is a device that converts microphone or live instrument signals into a format your computer and DAW understands.
Again, there are tons of options on the market.
I use the U-Phorio UM2 by Behringer.
But another popular (slightly more expensive) option is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. This is probably my next purchase.
Before you buy one, just check to make sure it comes with a phantom power option.
This gives your interface an extra boost so you can live track vocals on a condenser mic without any delay issues.
5. A Mic (+ cables)
If you’re not tracking vocals or only using samples and loops, you could get by without a mic. But it’s definitely something worth learning and eventually investing in.
When it comes to mics, there are two main types:
A dynamic mic
These are good for capturing loud sounds or live performances
A condenser mic
These are good for softer sounds, studio singing and higher frequencies
I started with the Marantz Professional MPM 1000 XLR condenser mic (cable included).
6. Studio Headphones
Admittedly, I dragged my feet on buying a good pair headphones. But once I finally invested in a pair, I realized how important they are.
Studio headphones will help you hear frequencies and nuances more effectively, so you can make better decisions with your music production mixing and sound selection.
There are many styles and options on the market – closed back, open back, semi open – but ultimately, it will depend on your goals, preferences and budget.
I use the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X professional studio monitor headphones.
These are the same headphones that Finneas uses. So, if they’re good enough for him and Billie Eilish, they’re good enough for me.
7. A Pop Filter
There’s one more small item to complete your music production starter kit: a pop filter.
A pop filter is a mesh screen that goes in front of a mic and reduces the sound of plosives or other harsh, unwanted noises when tracking vocals.
They also help to keep singers at a good distance away from the mic.
There are tons of options out there. But I just grabbed the cheapest one with the best reviews. For example, this pop filter should work fine.
Explore more:
➤ Essential Equipment for Singers
Extras
Eventually, you’ll expand your music production toolkit. This means investing in things like:
Sample libraries and loops
Distributor membership
Presets
Plugins
etcetera
One of my go-to tools is LANDR. It’s my one-stop shop for distribution and release management, networking, AI mastering, plugins, samples and more.
But paying for premium products is really only necessary once you’re ready to take things up a notch. Everything else in this post will get started.
Just remember to practice and cultivate a musician mindset.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you can buy a quick effect or preset to shortcut your way into music production glory.
Later ✌️
The right tools make all the difference. Luckily, getting started with music production doesn’t require a large studio or thousands of dollars (unless you want it to).
Your computer is the biggest expense. And you find decent mics, interfaces and MIDI keyboards for pretty reasonable prices.
The most important thing is to have fun and go with a minimalist approach in the beginning.
Don’t try to learn every tool, technique and software out there. This leads to musical burnout and overwhelm.
Enjoy the ride and focus on the day-to-day.
Now go make some epic music!
