This article will cover everything you need to know about music production, including what equipment is needed and how to produce a track.
What is music production?
Music production can be described as a broad term. Music production can be defined as songwriting, arrangement, recording, mixing and mastering, or any combination. It’s simply the whole process of creating recorded music.
Music production requires not only skills and knowledge but also specific hardware and software. The first step in music production is to decide what gear you will need.
You need the essential gear to start recording music.
Computer
You will first need a computer. There are many options available for music-making, including tablets, smartphones and laptops. While a desktop computer still offers the best processing power and screen real-estate for your money, smartphones are becoming increasingly useful as music production tools due to the development of powerful and sophisticated apps.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Next is the Digital Audio Workstation, also known as a DAW. This software is at the core of modern music production. It allows you to record, arrange and edit your music, as well as mix, master, and master it.
There are many powerful DAWs available, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro and FL Studio. You can also choose to pay (BandLab or GarageBand), depending on your budget. All DAWs have the same core capabilities, but there are important differences. Some are excellent at recording audio; others excel at making beats, while others are best used as live performance tools.
Before you commit to a DAW, it is important that you take the time to understand its strengths and weaknesses before you make a decision. You can also check out our list of top-rated DAWs for free and start using one.
Monitor equipment or headphones
The most important thing in a studio is the monitoring of speakers. You can’t create and mix music on substandard speakers, no matter how great your ideas are. Monitor speakers sound different to hi-fi speakers in that they have a more transparent and less flattering sound.
Monitors are the best choice for audio playback. However, good-quality headphones can be a great place to start if space is limited or you don’t have enough budget. You need to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. These guides can help you get started.
You may require specialist gear to create music.
Although it is possible to create a track using only a computer and a DAW, you will eventually need to add more gear. The type of music that you are making will determine the gear you need.
Audio interface
An audio interface is a device that connects your computer to external devices such as microphones and studio monitors. This is the interface that converts audio signals from microphones into digital data that your computer can understand.
The interface also works in reverse. When you press ‘play’ on your DAW, an interface will convert that digital information into an audio signal that can then be played through your speakers or headphones. This is known as analogue-to-digital conversion and digital-to-analogue conversion.
This may sound confusing. An audio interface is required if you plan to record vocals and acoustic instruments.
Yes, your tablet or laptop can capture sound with its built-in mic and convert it into digital. But those converters were not designed to capture a full musical performance. When it comes to mixing everything together, the quality difference that you will get by using a dedicated interface is amazing.
Latency is another issue that can be problematic when audio recording is made. Latency refers to the slight delay between pressing a key on your MIDI keyboard and singing a note into a mic and then hearing the result through your headphones. Computers can’t process digital and analogue signals instantly. This is because they take a little time to do so.
Recording live can be difficult, if not impossible, because of high latency. If you plan to record other musicians, make sure that your interfaces have low- or zero-latency monitoring.
You should also consider the number of audio outputs and inputs that an interface has. A singer-songwriter might only require one microphone input, but if you are recording a band, you may need eight inputs.
Microphones
If you plan to record live musicians, you will need a microphone. There are many microphones on the market. It is difficult to choose the right microphone for your instrument. This guide will cover everything you need to know. But, we have the short version.
Condenser and dynamic microphones are the most common types. For loud recording sounds like drums or electric guitars, dynamic microphones are ideal. Condenser microphones are more sensitive. They need a special type of power source, often denoted with ‘+48V’. They are ideal for recording vocals because of their sensitive nature.
These microphones can be connected to your audio interface via an XLR cable. Although you might be tempted by a USB microphone that plugs directly into your computer, it is generally better to have both a mic AND an interface.
Start by balancing quality and cost. You can get amazing recordings using a low-cost condenser or dynamic microphone. There’s no need for you to spend a lot of money. Here are some suggestions:
- The best microphones for singers
- The best microphones for rappers or MCs
- Best microphones for podcasts
Controllers
Computers are everywhere in the music industry. However, it is important to remember that computers were not intended to be musical instruments. Controllers are here to help.
Controllers allow you to control sounds and virtual instruments in your DAW more efficiently by connecting the computer with the musical instrument. There are many controller options: keyboards for playing notes, drum pads to trigger samples and sliders and dials for controlling audio effects.
It doesn’t matter what type of controller you have; the important thing is to know that a controller cannot be used to create music if it isn’t plugged into your computer via a USB cable or MIDI cables. A controller does not produce sound. It only sends data (called MIDI) to your DAW, telling it which note or sample to play.
This comprehensive guide to controllers covers everything you need to learn about this type of equipment. Scroll down to the recording section to learn how controllers transmit data to and from their computers using MIDI.
Virtual instruments
While all of this gear is great, you will also need something that can make noise. Both acoustic/electric instruments such as guitars and keyboards, as well as electronic instruments such as drum machines and synthesizers, are essential for both bedroom producers and larger studios.
Virtual instruments are great for those who don’t have a lot of space or are on the go. They can even be used in conjunction with a controller if they’re not. Most DAWs include a selection of virtual instruments and plugins to allow you to make sounds straight out of the box. This article will cover all aspects of virtual instruments. However, if you are a beginner, it is advisable to download the freest virtual instruments.
- Free software synths
- The best drum machines for free
- The best free rock instruments
Here are a few paid instruments:
- Best unusual instruments
- Best vocal instruments
- Best string instruments and best libraries
- The best software tools for sound design
In the recording section, we’ll cover virtual instruments in more detail.
Loops and samples
It is possible to create entire tracks using only loops and samples. DJ Shadow, The Avalanches, and DJ Premier are three examples of super producers who have made a name for themselves by creatively manipulating samples.
SAMPLING is an easy and quick way to create music, despite the legalities surrounding copyrights. Start with our suggestions for the best sites to download free samples. Then, move on to the more detailed tutorials:
- BandLab: How to convert free loops and samples into a complete song
- How to create a track using just one sample
- How to make pitched vocal chops using samples
- How to get the most out of Ableton Live’s Sampler
- How to make a sampled kit of drums from items around your house
- How to make unique pads using any sample
- How to make a complex multisample instrument using sounds from the house
What are the stages of music production?
Writing
Music production is often done in the service of a song. The song is an essential component of any production. It can guide the track’s sound. Songwriting is too vast a subject to cover here. Instead, you should study the fundamental principles of songwriting. You can either write and produce simultaneously, or you can edit a song already written.
Setup of session
First, you will need to create a new session in your DAW. A new session is a blank document. It’s where you will sketch, record, arrange, and so forth.
Key and Tempo
Before you can start having fun, you need to do some admin. You will need to set the BPM (beats per minute) tempo. This determines how fast or slows the track’s underlying beat will be.
If you are recording acoustic instruments, it is important to establish this at the beginning. Recording at a consistent beat will keep everyone on the same page and prevent any awkward timing issues later.
Next, you need to set the key signature for your song. You might not know what key signature to use if you are in the early stages of writing. You can always make changes later. It’s okay to play around with the key for a while.
Audio settings
The audio settings are the last. Here you can verify that your computer is using the correct type of audio device (or audio interface) and that sound is being sent and received from the correct places.
Don’t you need an audio interface? This section can be skipped. Instead, you will use your computer’s built-in speaker outputs.
Make sure your DAW is using the audio interface you have plugged in. Next, configure your outputs and inputs.
The inputs manage the audio signals into the DAW via the Audio Interface (e.g. From a microphone. Outputs are used to handle audio signals that come out of the DAW and are sent to your speakers/headphones.
You can set up the basic setup as follows: Plug a microphone into input 1 on your interface, create an audio track in your session, and set its input at ‘one. When you are ready to record, the audio signal coming from your microphone will be sent through input one. It will then be recorded onto the track that you created.
Play your recording to listen back. By default, the audio should go to outputs 1 and 2, which will be direct to your speakers.
Things can get more complicated. Although some interfaces may have multiple inputs or outputs, and many options for routing audio to different locations, the basics are fairly straightforward.
Recording virtual instruments
Virtual instruments can only exist within the computer. The software generates all sound. You don’t even need an audio interface or microphone to use virtual instruments. They are a valuable resource for music production due to their versatility and portability.
There are generally two types of virtual instruments. Soft synths are synthesized instruments. These instruments are digital and use algorithms for creating all the sounds you hear.
Sample instruments are the second type. They rely on real recordings of an acoustic instrument. These recordings, or “samples”, are loaded into your virtual instrument and can be activated as you play.
Virtual instruments can have many features and controls. If you are having trouble understanding them, there are presets that will help you get started. Presets are a collection of pre-made sounds you can use immediately. These presets can be an inspiration source and can show you the instrument’s capabilities.
Formats for virtual instruments
One quick note on the formats of virtual instruments: The two most popular formats for virtual instruments and third-party plugins are VSTi (compatible both with Mac and PC) and AU, which is compatible only with Mac. Virtual instruments can be purchased in a variety of formats to suit both platforms. It is worth checking that the virtual instrument you are purchasing supports both your DAW as well as your operating system.
Buffer sizes and latency
Virtual instruments require a lot of computing power, especially when you are using several at once. You may need to increase your audio buffer size in your DAW if your computer is having trouble keeping up (e.g., clickings and pops).
Your DAW will work better with audio if you have a larger buffer. Your computer will work harder if the buffer is smaller.
You want a large buffer. It’s not exactly.
Although a large buffer can help your DAW process audio seamlessly, it can also cause some latency, which is, as we’ve already mentioned, a problem. It is important to strike the right balance between buffer size, latency, and acceptable buffer size. This is where audio interfaces come in handy.
Although you don’t require an audio interface in order to use virtual instruments, it can greatly reduce latency. Your computer’s built-in audio drivers (Core audio on Mac and ASIO Windows) are not designed for professional audio work. Many audio interfaces come with audio drivers specifically designed for this purpose. An interface may be worth considering if you are experiencing latency problems.
Perform with controllers
Although virtual instruments sound amazing, it is important to know how to control them and play them.
Many DAWs allow you to use your standard typing keyboard to create beats or notes. While this can be very helpful when you are on the go and working on your laptop, it is not a good substitute for a drum machine or piano.
A controller is a physical interface that acts as an instrument. It is designed to allow for a wide range of control and sensitivity. A controller will allow you to create expressive and nuanced performances using your virtual instruments.
What is MIDI?
MIDI is the protocol controller (keyboards and pads) used for communication with your DAW.
Each time you press a key on a MIDI keyboard controller, a packet of information goes to your DAW. It tells it what musical note was pressed, which note was pressed, how hard it was pressed and when the note was released.
It’s simply a way to translate the beats and melodies you play on your controller into something your DAW or virtual instruments can understand.
Is it possible to quantify performance to fine-tune it?
One of the greatest things about virtual instruments is the ability to constantly refine and reshape the performance with tools like Quantise.
Quantization allows you to quickly alter the timing of notes or beats that you have already recorded. You can also use this to move notes that have been played out of time onto a grid. This is a time saver if you have to correct a bad performance or be creative and give your music a unique rhythm.
This is an important tool that you should use with care. Listeners don’t like to hear a lack of timing, and perfectly timed music can sound robotic and soulless.
Recording external sounds
A track can be given personality and authenticity by adding external sounds like vocals, acoustic instruments, and hardware synthesizers. Even a small recording studio can help you expand your production and offer new musical possibilities.
Types and levels of audio input
You can plug in three types of audio inputs to your interface: instrument, mic, and line.
A mic input, as the name suggests, is where your microphone can be plugged in. You can plug in your guitar or electric bass to an instrument input. The line input can be used to connect external electronic instruments like drum machines and hardware synths. The line input can plug in additional audio gear, such as compressors and reverb units.
Each input has a different volume level. The microphone has the lowest input level. Because the signal is too weak to be recorded by itself, we must increase the volume with a preamplifier (also known as a preamp).
A preamp can be used to increase the level of an instrument’s input. Line level is the highest level of input; it enters the audio interface at its maximum volume. We don’t have to increase it anymore.
You should not plug a line-level signal into a microphone input. The signal is already very strong, so the preamp can cause distortion. In some cases, it could even cause damage to your speakers or eardrums.
An audio interface that has a microphone input will likely have a preamp. However, it is important to verify this before buying – some interfaces only have preamps for a few channels and not all inputs.
The right level of input
No matter what you are trying to record, your goal is to get the correct input level. This means not being too loud or too quiet. The ‘Gain dial’, which is usually located at the front of your interface, can be used to adjust the amount of signal being fed into an input.
This must be done before you press the record button. You’ll likely have to start over if you realize that the input level of your microphone was not right after you finish a great take.
Pick a quiet place
Our ears can block out noises that aren’t important to us, but microphones pick everything up.
Background noise can ruin a great take, so make sure you find the quietest place to record. You can use a room with carpeting and bookshelves to make a recording space or even your bedroom closet as a recording studio. It doesn’t matter where you are; it is a good idea to record 10-20 seconds of silence. You can listen back on headphones to see if there are any unwanted sounds.
Pop filters
A pop filter is a must-have piece of equipment if you plan to record vocals.
The air that comes out of our mouths when we sing can cause many problems for sensitive microphones. When we sing, the air can blow out of our mouths and hit the microphone. This will cause a low thump sound which can ruin a delicate vocal performance.
The pop filter is placed between the microphone and the singer. This pop filter breaks down these air bubbles, which ensures a clear recording. Many vocal microphones come with a pop filter, but you can make your own if necessary. Simply bend a wire coat hook into a circle and then wrap some stockings around it. Voila! Now you have a DIY pop filter.
You might have a particular recording project in mind. Check out our detailed recording guides for vocals or guitar and drums.
Mixing and mastering are the basics of audio editing.
Audio editing can be used to improve timing and creatively structure a song. The first is to cut up your DAW recordings and arrange them. This is also known as split and slip’ editing. It involves splitting an audio file and then placing it in the right place.
Time-stretch is another way to speed up or slow down different parts of an audio track. This is a faster and more efficient way to cut up audio. However, it can cause audio quality loss.
To maintain the best quality, most studio engineers still prefer to use split and slip editing. Professionally produced tracks can contain thousands of edits that are completely invisible to casual listeners.
What’s the purpose of mixing?
Mixing is the process of combining all the sounds and instruments in your track into one sound. Done. A song should not sound like a collection of ideas and elements at the end of mixing. It should have a cohesive identity.
Mixing usually happens after the recording, songwriting, etc. Mixing happens after the production (songwriting, recording, etc.) is complete, and technically they can be considered separate. Mixing is an art form that requires a lot of creativity. The line between ‘production’ or mixing can become very blurred.
What are the basics of mixing?
Peaking Volume
Mixing is essentially about balancing different sound levels. The vocals should not be too loud, and the drums shouldn’t be too loud.
Peaking is when a track or instrument becomes too loud. Peaking occurs when digital audio recordings are too loud for the computer. This is when the computer cannot handle the audio recording.
It is generally agreed that peaking digital distortion sounds awful and that you should avoid it. Each track in your DAW has a meter, a bar with a colour coded indicator that tells you how loud it is. The meter will turn bright red when your audio is louder than normal. This is a warning sign!
Stereo panning
Mixing involves moving sounds from one speaker to another to create a stereo image. This creates a feeling of space for the instruments and gives them a deeper and wider soundstage. This can be done by using the pan control, which is found on every audio track.
Shaping the “tone” of the instruments
Mixing is where you can shape the sound quality. You can add more bass, make the guitar sound ‘punchy”, or make the piano sound brighter. Mixing can make a track sound new and exciting.
Plugin effects are used to alter the sound’s character. Plugins are pieces of software that do one thing. A delay plugin can add echo to your sound, and a pitch-shifting plugin would allow you to change the pitch of a vocalist’s voice.
You can add multiple plugins to a track, and most DAWs have a variety of plugins you can use.
Bouncing (or exporting) tracks
Bouncing is the process of exporting your finished mix. You must save the track in the right format: a stereo, WAV, or AIFF audio file. It might be okay to share your track with a friend as a low-quality MP3, but it won’t be good for the final step of the music production process, mastering.
Mastering
The final step in music production is mastering. The final step in the music production process is mastering. Mastering generally involves adjustments to the stereo image and EQ to balance the treble, bass, and compression to ensure the track is loud enough.
This may all sound very similar to the mix stage of production. Mixing fundamentally affects the tone and balance of each instrument. Mastering, however, is about adding that extra polish that distinguishes a professional mix from a poorly produced track. The goal is loudness, consistency (across an EP or album), and the final product sounds great no matter what speakers it is played on.
Do you want to learn how to make your music?
Most likely not. Maybe, but not likely.
It’s not easy to be successful at it. Mastering engineers takes many years to master music. Mastering your music won’t bring you the desired results in the short term.
Another reason to send your mixes for mastering by an engineer is objectivity.
You’ll have listened to the song many times before you are done with a mix. It is almost impossible to judge how things sound. Mastering and mixing are completely separate in professional audio production.
After a mix is complete, the track can be sent to another mastering engineer, possibly in another country. The mastering engineer will listen to the song and offer a different perspective.
To give your ears a benchmark, an automated mastering service like Landr or BandLab Mastering is a great way to begin mastering.
We’ve covered all the basics you need to start music production. You will need to decide what you want to create and how you intend to do it. We have other guides that can help you delve into specific areas.
The next step is to start making things. You can’t beat hands-on experience in music-making. So get out there and have some fun.