The gear you use as a music producer can make or break your success in the business, whether you’re just starting out or are already established. Good Music Producer Equipment improves sound quality and better sound quality leads to better music. Our discussion covers 10 essential pieces of kit that every ambitious musician should consider owning. music producing equipment can make or break you as a music producer and so we have compiled a list of the top 10 music producing equipment for beginners.

so let’s dive into our music producing equipment list…

In this article, these are the 10 pieces of music producing equipment that are essential:

• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
• Studio Headphones
• Studio Microphone
• Audio Interface
• Samples / Plugins
• Laptop or PC
• Storage
• Studio Monitors
• Serum Synthesizer
• MIDI Keyboard

Music Producing Equipment For Beginners

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

In any music production setup, the fundamental element is a software application commonly referred to as a DAW or digital audio workstation. This computer program facilitates users to compose, edit and mix digital audio tracks effortlessly. Notably, several software developers such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio compete fiercely in this marketplace by offering multiple features that cater to diverse musical genres. A DAW is obviously an extremely important piece of music production equipment.

We Recommend: Ableton Live or FL Studio

Studio Headphones

To achieve ideal auditory accuracy during music production, a reliable pair of studio headphones cannot be overlooked. They enable producers to detect even the slightest nuances in their mixes so they may fine-tune them as necessary. Two distinct types exist, closed-back versions designed with better sound isolation as opposed to their open-backed counterparts which present a more natural acoustic experience.

We Reccomend: Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser HD 600 Pros:

• Neutral and accurate sound
• Comfortable for extended use
• Durable construction
• Replaceable parts

Sennheiser HD 600 Cons:

• Expensive compared to other studio headphones
• Not ideal for bass-heavy music production

To see our full list of the best studio headphones check out our article by clicking here.

Studio Microphone

A studio microphone becomes an absolute prerequisite if you aim to record vocals or acoustic instruments with precision. The nuances of sound can be captured effectively using a microphone, enabling diverse processing techniques for achieving superior audio outcomes. Numerous types of microphones can be availed for this task, such as condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and ribbon microphones. A microphone is music-producing equipment- but not everyone intends on recording so that being said if you don’t plan on recording, you can get away without one.

We Reccomend: Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B Pros:

• Versatile and suitable for various types of recordings
• Rejects background noise and electromagnetic interference
• Durable and rugged construction
• Suitable for both studio and live performances

Shure SM7B Cons:

• Expensive compared to other microphones
• Requires a preamp or audio interface with sufficient gain

Audio Interface

By linking your studio gear with your computer, an audio interface aims to enhance the quality of the sound produced while minimizing any lag that may occur. This is achieved through various input and output options available in these interfaces, including XLR, TRS and MIDI.

We Reccomend: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Pros:

• High-quality preamps and converters
• Low latency monitoring
• Compatible with various DAWs and operating systems
• Affordable

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Cons:

• Limited input and output options compared to higher-end audio interfaces

You can see a full list of our current top 5 audio interfaces in our article by clicking here.

Samples / Plugins

When it comes to the realm of music production, samples can be a game-changer. These pre-recorded audio snippets offer an array of possibilities that make them indispensable tools for modern music makers. Using choppiness and loop settings or other forms of manipulation, producers can improve upon these snippets to craft unique sounds with endless potential. While there are several online markets where one can buy quality samples, Splice is among the best. With its expansive library of high-quality audio interfaces, users have access to thousands of options that are updated regularly, affording tremendously effortless participation in various collaborations through its cloud-based platform.

You can get some free sounds and a great deal on samples & more by using our affiliate link here:

We Recommend: Splice / Loopmasters

Pros of using Splice / Loopmasters:

• Huge library of high-quality samples and plugins
• Can save time and effort in creating sounds from scratch
• Can inspire new ideas and creativity
• No big upfront cost

Cons of using Splice:

• Can become overused and lead to unoriginal compositions if relied on too heavily for samples
• Monthly subscription fees can add up over time

Laptop or PC

In the realm of music production, a high-quality laptop or PC is of utmost importance. It serves as the fundamental building block in your setup; responsible for facilitating your DAW and other software, storing your data, and adding intricate details to your tracks. One must pay heed to key factors like processing power, storage capacity, and RAM when selecting a computer for music production purposes. The choice ought to be one that caters to workflow demands while still being free of lagging or potential crashes. Obviously, a PC or laptop is one of the most important and essential pieces of Music Producing Equipment.

Pros of using a laptop for music production vs a PC:

• Portable and can be taken anywhere
• More power and flexibility than a mobile device
• Can be upgraded or expanded over time

Cons of using a laptop for music production vs a PC:

• May require additional peripherals such as an external hard drive or monitor
• Not as powerful as a PC

Recommendation: MacBook Pro or custom-built Windows PC with high processing power and storage capacity. We have a great article on laptops for music production

Storage

Music producers require a dependable storage solution for handling bulky files, comprising project files, audio files, and samples. Due to their portability and extra capacity, external hard drives make a popular choice among music professionals besides ensuring the safekeeping of their essential files.

Recommendation: External hard drives such as the Seagate Backup Plus or Western Digital My Passport

Studio Monitors

For any music producer worth their salt, it’s impossible to work efficiently without reliable studio monitors. These custom-designed speakers have been engineered to produce highly precise sounds that capture the nuances and subtleties in your musical composition with utmost accuracy. It’s crucial to factor in parameters such as cabinet dimensions, wattage output ratings, and frequency range when picking out these sophisticated devices for optimized performance during mixing and mastering operations.

Industry Standard/Recommendation: KRK Rokit or Yamaha HS Series

We have a good write-up on some of the best studio monitors, If you are looking for some, check it out!

Serum Synthesizer

Within the vast universe of software synthesizers, few stand out as remarkably as Xfers Serum. The VST boasts an impressive range of lush, rich synthesized sounds- spanning traditional analog vibes to modern digital textures transformation—making it a compelling option for professional music producers alike. What sets this particular instrument apart is its innate ability to offer an intuitive interface that empowers users to craft their desired soundscapes by harnessing fundamental synthesis techniques through exclusively designed tools. We even have a complete overview of serum for beginners.

Pros of Serum Synthesizer:

• Offers a wide range of sound design possibilities
• Easy to use and manipulate sounds
• Widely used in the EDM and electronic music genres

Cons of Serum Synthesizer:

• Expensive
• May require a high processing power computer to run smoothly

MIDI Keyboard

Capable of controlling virtual instruments and software synthesizers, a MIDI keyboard is a useful device for both amateur and professional musicians. Comprising keys, knobs, and sliders that adjust several sounds in your desired manner when playing on the instrument provides ease in making melodies or chords during performance or recording sessions alike. Moreover, it is an indispensable accessory for artists who prefer using digital means of production rather than opting for traditional means. A Midi keyboard nowadays is considered to be an important bit of music-producing equipment.

We recommend: Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

Pros of the MPK Mini MKII:

• Compact and portable
• Affordable
• Offers a wide range of features

Cons of the MPK Mini MKII:

• May have a limited number of keys
• May not have the same feel as a traditional piano keyboard

Honorable mention

Desk

If you are reading this article then you probably have a good-quality desk. That being said, most people overlook the importance of a desk. Choosing a good desk is essential for producers. Placing your high-value equipment and accessories should be safe. Using a cheap desk is no fun if you intend on stacking it with various things such as speakers and amps.

Buying a good quality desk is a must and lucky for you, we have a great article on some of the best audio production desks.

So that’s about all for our music production equipment for beginners!

The art of music production requires essential tools for success in producing high-quality tracks effectively. A major obstacle facing new producers is determining which tools to use since the selection process can seem overwhelming initially.

Acquiring top-notch equipment specifically designed for music production purposes such as digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI controllers, studio headphones/interfaces/monitors/keyboards plus reputable software applications like Serum Synth & storage options are vital investments ultimately leading to more positive outcomes while promoting growth progression. If you are just starting out on your journey then check out our article on tips to becoming a music producer.