What do I need to start recording and producing music?

Whether you are a seasoned musician looking to branch out into recording and production of your own music or new to the world of music technology, with so many options to choose from, the shopping list of gear to kit out a recording set up can seem a daunting prospect. However, regardless of level, the basics of equipment required remains the same from beginner to seasoned professional. This guide aims to simplify and inform your selection process, as well as serving as a check list to make sure you have everything you need to get started on your music production journey!

• Number of Inputs/Outputs: Simply put, what are you going to want to record? Just vocals, then you just need 1 XLR input, which is fine when getting started but you may wish to expand. So look at a few inputs above what you currently need, just in case.
• Type of connection (USB/Thunderbolt): This depends on your device; many devices, such as the Lenovo Legion Go, iPad Pro and most modern laptops will have a Thunderbolt port. But older devices, or iOS devices up to the iPhone 16 Pro, still use USB3.
• Portability: Are you going to want to take this around? The Smaller the interface, the easier it is. Whilst a rack unit will give you ultimate connectivity, it's not easy to transport
• Bus Powered or Not: If an interface is Bus Powered, it means it just needs to be plugged into a device to work, most 2 to around 4 input interfaces will just need a USB cable to your device. Larger interfaces will usually require a mains supply.

An audio interface performs several crucial functions as part of a recording and production set-up. It is the two-way link between the digital and physical realm, enabling the recording of an instrument or microphone into a computer and providing a connection for headphones or speakers to monitor the processed audio.

While it can be tempting to focus solely on buying an interface with as many inputs and outputs as possible. Unless you plan on setting up full acoustic drum performances in your studio, then the ideal format for most situations is a two or four channel interface with quality converters (the chips responsible for converting analogue to digital and back again).

Opting for a two-channel interface still allows, for example, a guitar and vocal performance to be recorded simultaneously, while remaining compact enough to take out and about for location recording or mixing on the go. It can also be tempting to jump to the cheapest option; however, investing in a unit that'll stand the test of time is important. This will save you money in the long run as better-built interfaces will last longer, but also their converters won't become outdated as quickly.

• What’s in the box? Some microphones come with a shock mount and/or pop filter included. These accessories can be very important additions that'll save you from needing to acquire them separately.
• Frequency Response: Microphones are like an instrument; they do colour the sound, and some more than others. More expensive microphones tend to have a better frequency response due to having higher-quality capsules.
• Polar Pattern: What are you recording? Most commonly, this will be a cardioid pattern, which focuses on what's in front. Are you recording an interview? A figure of 8 will allow you to record in front and behind at the same time, saving you an entire other microphone in the process. Lots of microphones actually have multiple patterns, which can be controlled via a switch on the unit.

The ability to record a vocal, instrument or other source is key when it comes to all aspects of music creation. Learning how to get a good recording from a microphone is a key skill to gain and is crucial when striving to achieve a polished, professional result from a project.

There are a few types of microphones available; however, by far the most versatile is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. This type of microphone is great for capturing detailed, clean recordings of whatever they are pointed at. When deciding, it is worth looking for a complete set that includes a shock mount and pop shield, which both aid in achieving professional results by minimising unwanted vibrations and noise from picking up on a recording.

Commonplace in professional studios and home setups across the world, a quality condenser mic is a valuable investment for anyone who plans on making music of any genre.

• System Requirements: All software has a minimum set of specs needed to operate, but there will also be a recommended amount. We recommend you make sure your machine is closer to the recommended specs, as this will give you a better experience.
• Operating System: Today, most DAWs will work on both macOS and Windows. Linux is becoming a more popular operating system on portable devices, so it's good to check if your DAW of choice supports the OS you're working with.
• Workflow Preference: All DAWs will give you the tools to build something amazing. But, all also have their own flavour of workflow; it's very much personal preference.
• Free Trials: Pretty much all DAW companies offer some sort of "Lite" or trial version. Try before you buy!

Digital Audio Workstation or ‘DAW’ is the name given to the specialist software used to create, write and record music on a computer. There are various platforms to choose from, but as with most things in the creative world, personal preference is a key factor when deciding on which is right for you.

While some DAWs lean more towards the requirements of creating electronic music, others cater more to the recording and production of more traditional genres of popular music. With that in mind, they can all handle the basics of recording, processing, mixing and mastering audio to a high standard, and it is typically the nuances and workflow that focus them to one genre or another.

As mentioned before, it is important that you check if a specific DAW meets the minimum system requirements of your computer in order to run the software effectively. If you are not sure which one to go for, most DAW manufacturers offer a free trial period, so why not try a few out and find the best fit for you!

• Driver Size: This is how big your woofer is. Usually, the bigger the woofer, the more low-end you’ll hear. Most commonly, 5” is a good size to get started with, 7” if you’re working on more bass heavy tracks.
• Footprint: How much space do you have? It’s better to have smaller speakers you can place properly, rather than bigger speakers you can’t place properly.
• Frequency Response: This tells you the range of sounds your speakers can reproduce, wider ranges mean more detail at the low and high ends.

Studio speakers or ‘Monitors’ are a great addition to any production or recording space. While not technically an essential, the ability to listen through a quality pair of monitors can be extremely beneficial to all stages of music creation and can be game-changing as an experience. They can provide a more accurate stereo image than headphones, are less fatiguing on the ears and facilitate collaboration with other musicians in the room, to name a handful of benefits. The ideal set-up is hybrid, utilising both headphones and monitors, allowing reference of how a mix or production sounds in both, often leading to a more cohesive result.

Studio monitors are available in several speaker cone or ‘driver’ sizes, which have a direct effect on their performance and frequency response. While larger monitors (usually configured with 8-inch drivers) typically provide greater bass response, this can overpower the mid and high frequencies and acoustics of a small room and often are not ideal. The recommended size of monitor for most applications is between 5 and 7 inches and has a front-firing bass port (a hole built into the front of the cabinet to allow airflow in and out). While 5 and 7-inch monitors provide a good balance of performance to compact size, if the dimensions are still too large for your space, the bass response of a smaller set can always be reinforced with the addition of a studio subwoofer, which can be situated underneath your desk to save room.

• Frequency Response: How much of the low, mid, and high range your headphones can reproduce, a balanced response is key for mixing.
• Open or Closed Back: Open backs sound more natural but leak sound, closed backs give better isolation for recording vocals or acoustic instruments.
• Comfort: You’ll likely wear them for hours, so padding and weight matter.
• Detachable/Replaceable Cable: A removable cable can save your headphones if the cable gets damaged, saving you a huge chunk of change.

It goes without saying that a quality set of headphones is an essential tool for any musician. At all stages of music creation, a flat frequency response and crisp, detailed sound are the keys to achieving a polished and professional result.

The discerning musician will require headphones that not only sound good but can also be trusted to provide an accurate image of what’s happening in a mix, allowing them to train their ears and build an understanding of how frequencies and processes interact. Comfort is also an important factor, as the headphones will often be worn for extended periods of time.

Open-back headphones are preferable in this respect as they allow more air flow, as well as typically providing a flatter and more transparent audio reproduction. Closed-back headphones are recommended in recording situations where microphones are used, as they tend to allow less audio to bleed back into the room and onto the track, a vocal recording session, for example.

Lastly, build quality. We aren't saying you're going to throw these around, but they might come off whilst rocking out, fall off a desk, accidents happen. Some of the more expensive headphones tend to have a better build quality, meaning they'll last you a very long time and save you money on repairs or likely a replacement.

•   Number of Keys: From 25 keys for portability to 88 keys for a full piano range, pick what fits your playing style and space.
•   Key Size (Mini/Full Size): Mini keys save space, full-size keys feel more like a real piano.
•   Extra Features (Drum Pads, Faders, Encoders etc): Built-in controls can speed up your workflow without touching the mouse.
•   Included/Free Bundled Software: Many controllers come with DAWs, synths, or sample packs to get you started.

A MIDI keyboard is an invaluable piece of equipment for anyone who plans on creating music with a computer and DAW as part of their setup. Working much like a musical equivalent of a typical typing keyboard, if it’s not connected to the computer, it will not do anything or have any function other than control of the software.

It can be used to input notes and play instruments within a DAW, and depending on the model, is programmable to control pretty much any other parameter within the software, allowing for creative freedom and tactile input, which yields more musical results than solely relying on the click and drag of a mouse. While you may not have any experience or understanding of music theory or keyboard skills, incorporating a MIDI keyboard into a setup will help to build and develop this aspect of music creation and add another string to your bow.

Size can be a deciding factor when choosing a controller keyboard, as limited desk space often dictates the final selection. Available in formats from 25 mini keys all the way up to a full-size 88-note hammer action keyboard, there is a suitable MIDI controller for every situation.

•   Number of Pads: More pads give you more samples or sounds to trigger without switching banks.
•   Additional Controls: Knobs, faders, and buttons give you hands-on control over effects and mix levels.
•   Bundled/Free Software: Often comes with beat-making or production software to start creating right away.
•   Integrated Sequencer/Arpeggiator: Lets you program beats or melodic patterns directly on the hardware.

MIDI Pad Controllers serve a similar function as the MIDI Keyboards discussed earlier in this guide, with a few key differences. They are designed primarily for rhythm input and are great for finger drumming. Ideal for inputting and controlling software drum and percussive instruments, they provide finer control and greater sensitivity than using a MIDI keyboard for the purpose and often have powerful built-in sequencing functions. If you are looking to save valuable desk space, there are a number of MIDI Keyboards available that also include an integrated pad controller. While these may have more limited functionality than a dedicated controller, they are still a great option for rhythmic input.

•   What Are You Connecting? Make sure the cable type matches your gear, XLR, TRS, RCA, USB, etc.
•   Balanced or Unbalanced? Balanced cables reject noise better for long runs, unbalanced cables are fine for short distances.
•   Standard or Premium Grade? Premium cables can be more durable and offer better shielding, often lasting longer before needing to be replaced.

Cabling is an aspect that is often overlooked; however, using the wrong type of connections or poor-quality cables can quite literally create a weak link in the chain. Understanding the difference between balanced and unbalanced audio cables can be the key to capturing a clean, low-noise recording. In short, most audio interfaces use balanced ‘TRS to Male XLR’ cables to connect to monitor speakers. If you are plugging in a guitar or keyboard, unbalanced ‘instrument leads’ or ‘TS’ cables are needed. Investing in high-quality cabling not only helps to mitigate issues with noise from interference, but it is also a more economical choice in the long term.

The connectors and material quality in professional-grade cabling are designed to stand up to the abuse of a modern studio or stage, which means they will need to be replaced less often. Some premium brands even offer a lifetime or extended warranty, allowing them to be replaced for free in the event of failure.

•   Type of Stand (Boom, Straight, Desk Clamp): Choose based on your recording space and mic placement needs.
•   Weight: Heavier stands offer more stability, especially for large microphones and will likely last longer.
•   Adjustability: A stand with multiple adjustment points gives you more precise positioning.

While not as exciting as the rest of the check list, a sturdy microphone stand is an important studio accessory in many respects. There is nothing worse than being halfway through a tracking session and watching helplessly as the microphone droops to the floor. A boom style microphone stand provides versatility, allowing for optimum positioning and adjustment, also doubling up for use in location recording and live performance. If limited space is a consideration, a quality desk mounted stand is a great way of setting up in a compact studio, while still allowing for adjustment and positioning as required.

Building your first recording setup doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your creative toolkit, the core essentials remain the same: a reliable computer, a DAW, an audio interface, quality headphones, a microphone, and the right cables and stands to tie it all together. From there, you can expand with optional tools like studio monitors, MIDI controllers, and pad controllers to suit your workflow. The key is to balance budget and quality, investing in gear that will serve you well for years while matching your creative goals. With the right foundation in place, you’ll be ready to capture, create, and bring your musical ideas to life.

If you still find yourself scratching your head after reading through this guide, you can contact us, as we have a dedicated team of Hi Tech and Pro Audio specialists on hand and ready to answer any further questions you may have and help make sure that you have everything you need to get creating!