This article covers the basic music equipment we think you need to get started with making music.
Your music equipment will be the foundation of your music-making process.
In the beginning, we all want to be like the big music producers we see online with a room full of music equipment, but you don’t need all that when you are getting started, and here is why:
- Budget – Music equipment is expensive. Many new music producers are on a budget, so limit your spending to the basic equipment at first, and then buy more advanced gear later when you know you need it.
- Time & Learning – The more equipment you buy, the more equipment you have to learn, and less time is spent on perfecting your craft. You want to spend more time on actually creating music and less time on acquiring new gear.
Music Equipment Overview
Remember this:
It’s not about the music equipment or software you are using, but about the person using the equipment. Your ear for music, skill, and talent matters more than the equipment you are using.
Dr. Dre’s music equipment didn’t make him the big music producer he is today. His ear and talent for music did. So don’t think you need a big studio to make good music.
Basic Music Equipment
Here are the very basics of what you need to make music.
1. Computer
A computer is a must to run music software.
2. MIDI Keyboard
Making beats is much easier and more creative when you have a keyboard. MIDI Keyboards
3. Studio Monitors
Studio monitors are great for listening to your beats.
4. Music Software
Music software is essential for making beats and mixing down audio.
5. Headphones
Headphones will let you hear all the subtle elements when making music.
6. External Hard Drive
Hard Drives are important for backing up your work, and they provide additional storage space.
Common Questions:
I don’t have money for music equipment, what can I do?
If you have a computer you can use any of these free music production software programs to your computer and make music for free.
We highly recommend you get a MIDI keyboard, which you can get for as low as $50.
Leave a comment if you have suggestions on picking music equipment for new music producers.
This article is a part of the How to Make Beats series.
What are your favorite pieces of musical equipment?
Describe your music setup in the comments.
Related: Music Studio Desks | 15 Home Recording Studio Equipment Essentials
MY MPD 26. I DONT EVEN USE MY MIDI KEYBOARD MUCH ANYMORE UNLESS I NEED A BRIGHT SOUND FOR A MELODY BUT OTHER THEN THAT IT’S THE MPD
My music collection… I love having hours of listening and sampling!
Maschine
Reason 6 because I know it better than anything else out there. I also have a love for the Ensoniq EPS classic
Aside from the soul. That axiom 61 midi is gold for the upcoming man.
Although I love the seamless workflow of my Maschine, I can’t deny or let go of my love for the gritty rawness of my MPC’s. Draw.
MPC 4000 & Reaper right here
mpc 2kxl, motif xs rack, pro tools, and a whole bunch of mpc sounds loops and samples. hardware for me!.. I still can’t get the feel for software beat-making. don’t get me wrong, some of yall are making some bangin’ a** beat from software, but I still can’t get the groove of putting a beat together with only software. if you know of any software that is really similar to sequencing like an mpc? let your boy know… maybe a midi keyboard with pads and sequencer and it all tracks out into pro tools one channel at a time…
My MPC 2000xl. Over time I’ve put a CF card reader in it, upgraded the pads, bought black pads for it and most recently the 8 outs option. I’ll never sell it. The drums are just so much crunchier and more punchy than with software (for me.)
MPD 32 is my baby..I had it modded and completely mapped to make it do whatever I want/need it to.