CHOICE AID SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE FOR PRODUCERS
Below we explain exactly what you need when producing music, and why. Of course, we also give some good suggestions within each budget.
INTRODUCTION
Whether you're a beginner or you've been in the music production business a little longer, it's still difficult to keep fully abreast of all the technological advances in software and hardware. Which laptop is best to run your DAW on? Which monitors give the most realistic reproduction of your track? And which plugin bundle will take your productions to the next level?
In this article, we offer some guidance in choosing your new software and/or hardware. In doing so, we provide some of our top suggestions for each budget to get you started.
LAPTOP
Choosing a suitable laptop for your music production purposes can be quite overwhelming because of the huge selection and all the different elements in which laptops differ from each other. The two elements in which we break down the choice is the operating system and the performance specs.
APPLE OR WINDOWS
Do you choose Apple or Windows? Choosing the operating system remains the first concern for many producers when choosing a laptop. Let's dispel a myth right away: one is not necessarily better than the other. You just shouldn't compare a €3000 mac to an €800 Windows laptop. Of course there are differences that make some people choose Mac and others choose Windows. Mac is generally known to be very stable and this is an absolute plus especially during live events. It is also usually a bit easier to connect equipment such as audio interfaces; installing the drivers is usually a bit easier. Windows, on the other hand, is a bit more flexible in customizing to your needs, both at the software and hardware level.
An important difference, of course, is the price: a mac is usually a bit more expensive if you look purely at the specifications (specs). However, it is true that a mac usually lasts a lot longer, and remains worth a bit more. So in the long run, the prices are not far apart at all, and a Mac might be cheaper.
When you start looking at performance specs, it's mainly about terms like CPU, RAM and storage space. Your CPU (processor) determines how many processes your laptop can run simultaneously. Generally, the more cores your CPU has, the more processes (including plugins) your laptop can handle. RAM (Random Access Memories) refers to the short-term memory of your laptop and determines how much data can be stored for short-term processes. For music production, 8GB of RAM is essential, but preferably you want a little more (16GB or 32GB). Finally, of course, it is important to have enough storage space on your laptop for all your sample libraries and projects.
For Windows laptops, the performance specs can often be upgraded later by replacing individual elements. This is not possible with Macbooks, so be sure to pick a model that will last you for a while!
DAW (DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION)
When selecting a DAW, there are a number of factors you want to consider: the most important is that you have an affinity for the software and that your workflow matches the capabilities the DAW offers. The difference in functionalities between the available DAWs is getting smaller and smaller, so it is difficult to say which DAW is objectively the best. So all the more it is important that you choose a DAW that you enjoy working with. Almost all DAWs offer the possibility to download a trial version so that you can test the software for a limited time.
Although the features within many DAWs today are similar, they also have their own characteristics/specializations. For example, Pro Tools is popular with producers who work a lot with live audio recording because of its excellent audio editing. In contrast, Ableton and FL Studio are popular within electronic music production and beatmaking because of their large set of creative tools. So also check out for yourself what you want to use the DAW primarily for, and especially check off a bit with artists/producers who inspire you.
KNOWN PROS AND CONS
FL Studio: FL is of course quite cheap, and you don't pay for updates. We do find that a lot of people have problems with audio recordings; crazy delays, weird sounds, timing problems and so on. So for producers record in another DAW. It does allow you to make your music nice and fast, and the included sounds are fine.
Ableton: nice and fast and intuitive. The latest version has some cpu issues, but otherwise there are few complaints, except perhaps that it always takes quite a long time for a new update. And the sounds that come with it are not necessarily suitable for every style.
Cubase: you can really do everything with this, and that's maybe the same disadvantage. Cubase can get a bit cluttered, especially if you are just starting out. Making a good template is a must. The sounds that come with it are ok, but not very good.
Protools: very good for recording and mixing. Especially if you also use Avid hardware. For making Electronic music it is much less suitable.
Logic: good all-round program with good stock sounds and effects. One complaint you sometimes hear is that the audio editing can be a bit laborious. Logic only works on the Mac.
AUDIO INTERFACE
Your audio interface is responsible for translating analog inputs to your DAW, and the digital signal from your DAW to your analog outputs. In other words, recording instruments and vocals and then sending it to your monitors to play back the sound.
The main elements that the audio interface consists of are inputs, outputs, microphone preamplifiers, audio converters (AD/DA), a monitoring section (volume knob, headphones volume) and the computer connection. These are therefore directly the various components that will play a role in choosing a suitable sound card.
When you only want to record vocals for your productions you will need a lot fewer inputs than when you want to track a whole band. And when you work entirely 'in the box' you will need fewer outputs (and inputs) than when you have a studio full of outboard gear. For microphone preamps and AD/DA converters, as a general rule, these elements get more expensive as the quality increases. Here it is important to realize that the sound quality in your studio depends on the combination of the different elements: a chain is as strong as the weakest link! It makes no sense to go for a top-of-the-line AD/DA converter if your monitors are unable to reproduce the subtle difference in quality. So make sure you have a good balance.
HEADPHONES
When choosing the right headphones, it is important to ask yourself the following question: what am I going to use the headphones for? This is because different applications of the headphones require different features.
If you want to use headphones for eavesdropping while producing and mixing, i.e. as a replacement for monitors, you will probably go for open-back headphones. These headphones are partially open, allowing sound (and thus air pressure) to escape, as well as sound to enter. This makes for a somewhat more natural sound and less intense bass.
However, if you want to use the headphones while recording vocals, open-back headphones are less useful since you may get crosstalk of the "leaked" sound from the headphones into the microphone. Here, closed-back headphones are the way to go. There are also semi open-back headphones that have characteristics in between the above mentioned types.
Of course, it is also important for the headphones to be comfortable, especially if you will be wearing them for long periods of time. So be sure to take the time to test different models in a music store before ordering directly online.
STUDIO MONITORS (SPEAKERS)
Studio monitors come in all shapes and sizes, with corresponding price tags. The first distinction is between active and passive studio monitors. The first already has a built-in amplifier and can simply be connected to your audio interface and turned on. The second needs to be amplified and for this you will need some additional gear. For most setups you will prefer to go for an active monitor because it saves some cost and effort, but there are (vintage) passive monitors for which you definitely want to go the extra mile such as the classic Yamaha NS-10 speakers that are still very popular in studios worldwide.
When determining the right monitors for your setup, it is also very important that the monitors fit the room you are working in. A larger speaker generally means a greater range in the low frequencies, i.e. more sub-bass. However, good quality 6-inch speakers can also get reasonably close to 20Hz (lowest detectable frequency for the human ear). If you're working in a small space is you want to make sure that the low frequencies don't take over and clutter up your mix and so you will want to put down a slightly smaller speaker rather than in a large main studio.
Furthermore, a distinction is made between two-way and three-way monitors. With two-way monitors, the frequency range is divided between two amplifiers and diaphragms, where with three-way monitors it is divided between three. Many monitors in the higher price segment use the three-way system because they are able to provide a somewhat accurate representation of your sound source.
PLUGINS
Most DAWs already come with an extensive package of stock plug-ins with which you should be able to make your first productions. However, if you want to create some more unique sounds or perform some more advanced audio processing, third-party plug-ins can help you with this.
Plugins can be divided into virtual instruments and audio processing tools. With the first you create sounds, and with the second you process the sounds. So it is important to consider in which area you want to expand your possibilities before buying just any bundle. Speaking of which, many plug-ins come in bundles which are often cheaper. Of course, that only applies if you need all those plugins. Furthermore, as a student at Master The Mix, you are also entitled to student discounts at some companies and that can sometimes really save a lot of money! For example, at Fabfilter you get 50% off the full bundle.
SUGGESTIONS
Below you will find some good options for every budget. Still have questions? You're always welcome to get in touch!
EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNT
Also remember that if you do a training course, you get around 50% discount on most software. You just need confirmation of enrollment from us for this.
BUDGET UP TO 500 EUROS (WITHOUT LAPTOP)
DAW
Image Line FL Studio Producer Edition - 199,- EUR-.
Ableton Live Intro - 79,- EUR-.
Steinberg Cubase Elements - 99,99 EUR-.
Presonus Studio One Artist - 99.22 EUR-.
Apple Logic Pro - 199,20 EUR- Pro Tools Artist - 9,20 EUR per month
Audio Interface
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen - 149,- EUR
Motu M2 - 199,- EUR
Tascam US-2x2HR - 149,- EUR
Audient iD4 MkII - 128,- EUR
Solid State Logic SSL 2 - EUR 189,-.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 - 89,- EUR
Headphones
Sennheiser HD 206 (closed back) - 43,- EUR
Sennheiser HD 25 (on ear, DJing) - 135,- EUR
Sony MDR-7506 (closed-back) - 99,- EUR-.
AKG K-72 (closed-back) - 42,- EUR- Samson SR850 (open-back) - 32,- EUR-.
AKG K240 Studio (semi open-back - 59,- EUR
Monitors
Presonus Eris E5 active two-way studio monitor, 5.25-inch woofer - 215,- EUR per set
M-Audio BX5 D3 active two-way studio monitor, 5-inch woofer - EUR 99.- each-
Macie CR4-X active two-way studio monitor, 4-inch woofer - 109,- EUR per set-.
Alesis Elevate 5 MKII active two-way studio monitor, 5-inch woofer - EUR 124.- per set
Plugins
Waves Audio Bundles - Less than 100,- EUR (almost always On Sale)
Plugin Alliance Plugins - Less than 50,- EUR each (almost always On Sale)-.
Acustica Audio Plugins - Between 50,- and 200,- EUR each-.
Promotions at Plugin Boutique - Discounts up to 90% on diverse offerings
BUDGET 500 - 2000 EUROS
Laptop
Macbook Air M2 Chip (8GB unified memory or higher, 246GB storage or higher) - From 1140,- EUR-.
Dell XPS 13 (Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage) - From 949,- EUR-.
Acer Nitro 5 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage) - From 999,- EUR-.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage) - From 949,- EUR
DAW
Image Line FL Studio Signature Edition - 299,- EUR-.
Ableton Live Standard - 349,- EUR-.
Steinberg Cubase Artist - 329,- EUR-.
Presonus Studio One Professional - EUR 399.30-.
Apple Logic Pro - EUR 199.20-.
Pro Tools Studio - 31.20 EUR per month
Audio Interface
Solid State Logic SSL 2+ - 249,- EUR-.
Universal Audio Apollo Solo - 666,- EUR- Audient iD44 MkII - 399,- EUR-.
Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre - EUR- 398.
Focusrite 18i20 3rd Gen - 485,- EUR
Headphones
AKG K-701 (open-back) - 125,- EUR-.
Sennehider HD25 - 125,- EUR
Focal Listen Professional (closed-back) - 199,- EUR
Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro (open-back) - 135,- EUR-.
Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro (closed-back) - 135,- EUR-.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X (closed-back) - EUR 135,--.
Sennheiser HD 560S (open-back) - 159,- EUR-.
Monitors
Adam Audio T7V - active two-way studio monitor, 7-inch woofer - 199 EUR each-
Kali Audio LP-8 - active two-way studio monitor, 8-inch woofer - 239,- EUR each-.
Yamaha HS8 - active two-way studio monitor, 8-inch woofer - 289,- EUR each -.
KRK Rokit RP8 G4 - active two-way studio monitor, 8-inch woofer - EUR 226.- each
Plugins
Fabfilter Total Bundle - 999,- EUR (499,- EUR with Educational Discount!)-.
Oeksound Plugins - Just under 200,- EUR-.
Universal Audio Bundles - Between 200,- and 600,- EUR- Acustica Audio Plugins - Between 50,- and 200,- EUR each or a subscription.
BUDGET 5000 EURO OR MORE
Laptop
Apple Macbook Pro 14 Inch (M1 Pro, 16GB Unified Memory or higher, 512GB SSD Storage or higher) - From 1940,- EUR-.
Apple Macbook Pro 16 Inch (M1 Pro, 16GB Unified Memory or higher, 512GB SSD Storage or higher) - From 2440,- EUR-.
Dell XPS 15 or 17 (Intel Core i7 or i9, minimal 16GB RAM, minimal 512GB storage) - From 2348,- EUR-.
Razer Blade 15 or 17 (Intel Core i7 or i9, minimal 16GB RAM, minimal 512GB storage) - From 2000,- EUR-.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G - From 1500,- EUR
DAW
Image Line FL Studio Signature Edition - 299,- EUR-.
Ableton Live Suite - 599,- EUR-.
Steinberg Cubase Pro - 579,- EUR-.
Presonus Studio One Sphere - 164.30 EUR per year-.
Apple Logic Pro - EUR 199.20-.
Pro Tools Studio - 31.20 EUR per month
Audio Interface
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad Heritage - 1555,- EUR-.
Universal Audio Apollo x8 - 2699,- EUR-.
RME Fireface UFX II - 1999,- EUR-.
Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Synergy Core - 1989,- EUR-.
Apogee Symphony Desktop - 1438,- EUR.
Headphones
Ollo Audio S4R Recording headphones (closed-back) - 399,- EUR (25% educational discount)-.
Ollo Audio S4X Reference headphones (open-back) - 399,- EUR (25% educational discount)
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 (open-back) - 348,- EUR-.
Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X (open-back) - 248,- EUR-.
Focal Clear MG Professional (open-back) - 1390,- EUR-.
Monitors
Adam Audio A7V - active studio monitor, 7-inch woofer - 694,- EUR each-.
Neumann KH 120A - active studio mono motor, 5.25-inch woofer - 679,- EUR each-.
Focal Shape 65 - active studio monitor, 6.5-inch woofer - 666,- EUR each-.
Kali Audio IN-8 - active studio monitor 8 inch woofer - 289,- EUR each
Plugins-
Fabfilter Total Bundle - 999,- EUR (499,- EUR with Educational Discount!)-.
Izotope Music Production Suite 5 - 999,- EUR (but almost always On Sale for 499,- EUR)-.
Oeksound Plugins - Just under 200,- EUR-.
Universal Audio Bundles - Between 200,- and 600,- EUR-.
Acustica Audio Ultimate Dreamware Studio Collection 2 - 1999,- EUR
SOUNDS AND INSTRUMENTS
789TEN.COM
These are not only the best samples, but also master classes and project files from well-known producers in all kinds of genres. Definitely worth checking out! You get their entire package for free with our Music Producer course.
SPLICE.COM
Many people use Splice to get their samples. You can get a subscription there for €7 and then buy samples or presets individually.
ARCADE
Off-the-shelf loop machine with nice sounds, but very off-the-shelf....Nice to get ideas, but of course coming up with your own is much more fun.
SERUM
Super synth from Xfer Records and very easy to use. If you should buy 1 synth this is it.
VITAL
A very good free alternative to Serum. A little less features, of course.
SOUNDBETTER.COM & FIVERR.COM
Need singers and vocalists? Check out these websites.
ORCHESTRAL/FILM MUSIC
We are especially fans of Spitfire Audio. These libraries are used in the biggest productions because of their realism. A good alternative is East West Quantum Leap. Super comprehensive libraries with a somewhat more commercial "Hollywood" sound.
KONTAKT
Very good all-round sampler with super many expansion options.
OMNISPHERE
Beloved especially among hiphoppers. Beautiful sounds, large library. The question is whether, if you master your DAW or Serum well you can't achieve exactly the same result without spending €400.
IN CONCLUSION, GET TO KNOW YOUR DAW COMPLETELY FIRST
There are of course many more options. Just get to know your DAW as well as you can before you buy additional plugins and sounds. You must first know for sure what you are missing.
We hope this has helped you get started a bit. Please let us know if you have any more questions!
0 Likes
Share
Older PostHow do Ibecome a DJ?
MASTER THE MIX ACADEMY BV, 7 EEMNESSERWEG, HILVERSUM, NH, 1221 CT, NETHERLANDS
Copyright Master The Mix Academy BV 2020