Music production refers to the process of developing, creating, and preparing music recordings. It can also be used to describe the entire lifecycle of a certain piece of music from the song writing and composition to recording and sound design and mixing and mastering. Although it has quite a broad definition, the digital tools used are the one thing that every workflow in modern music production has in common. Thanks to modern technology, music production has become more accessible than ever before, and it’s possible for any musician to set up a home studio and get started with producing music for a relatively low cost today. 

What Does a Music Producer Do?

A music producer can have a few different roles depending on the workflow type and the music genre. In a traditional recording process, the music producer acts similarly to a film director, creating a vision for the material and providing artistic advice to musician. The producer may act as a coordinator during recording sessions along with providing organisational help. They are also responsible for providing creative input and feedback on the musical delivery along with technical choices made by the engineer. If you’re interested in getting into this role, then what kind of equipment are you going to need?

Main Equipment and Software

Music production setups can vary quite a lot, but the good news is that if you want to get started as a music producer you do not need a lot of expensive gear. Some of the key pieces that you are going to need include a good Desktop for Music Production, DAW and some sound equipment to listen to your pieces. 

Once you have all the basics of home music production that you need, there are various other production tools that you might want to add to your setup depending on what is best suited to your workflow. Some music producers will use just their DAW to create entire tracks, while others prefer hardware that offers more control and a tactile experience. You may want to consider adding hardware such as drum machines, effects pedals, synths and grooveboxes to your setup. 

DAW

The DAW is the digital home for music production. It would be the tape machine in a traditional environment, but it offers a lot more than this. It provides the ideal environment for each step of the music production workflow. Many producers prefer writing in the DAW by creating clips and loops of their ideas. One of the main strengths of using a DAW for your song writing workflow is the ability to structure isolated fragments into full arrangements. 

Digital Sound Tools

While the DAW is the centrepiece of your studio, the digital tools that you use inside it play just as much of an important part in the workflow. You will need a MIDI controller to send data when you hit keys, press pedals and strike pads, and there are various plugins that you can use to create different textures and tones in the mix. 

Today, modern technology has made it easier than ever for aspiring music producers to get all the basic equipment needed to set up on a budget.