The Best Equipment for Making Electronic Music

If you want to get into making electronic music, you’re going to need some quality equipment. Check out our list of the best gear for getting started in the world of electronic music production.

Introduction

If you’re interested in making your own electronic music, you’ll need to have the right equipment. While there are many different ways to make electronic music, some methods are more popular than others. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best equipment for making electronic music, including both hardware and software.

We’ll start with a look at some of the best hardware for making electronic music. This includes both synthesizers and drum machines. We’ll then move on to a look at some of the best software for making electronic music. This includes both digital audio workstations (DAWs) and plugins.

So, whether you’re just getting started in the world of electronic music-making or you’re looking to upgrade your existing setup, read on for our guide to the best equipment for making electronic music.

The Must-Have Equipment

If you’re looking to get into electronic music, you’re going to need some equipment. In this article, we’ll go over the must-have equipment for making electronic music. This includes a computer, a digital audio workstation, controllers, and more. With this equipment, you’ll be able to create any type of electronic music you desire.

A computer

Whether you’re a PC or a Mac user, you’ll need a computer powerful enough to run your music software. This doesn’t mean that you need the most expensive computer on the market, but you will need something with a reasonable amount of RAM (memory) and a fast processor.

Your computer will also need a sound card with audio inputs and outputs. This will allow you to connect your other music equipment, like synthesizers and drum machines, to your computer so you can record and edit your music.

Audio interface

An audio interface is a device that connects your instruments, microphones, and other sound sources to your computer so that you can record and play back digital audio. Most audio interfaces have one or more microphone inputs, line-level inputs and outputs for connecting to external devices, and a headphone jack.

Some higher-end models also have built-in preamps, which can be used to boost the signal of micrphones and other low-level sources. If you’re just starting out, you’ll probably want an interface with at least two inputs so that you can record two tracks at the same time. However, if you plan on doing a lot of recording, you might want an interface with more inputs.

MIDI controller

A MIDI controller is an essential piece of equipment for any electronic musician. MIDI controllers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from simple one-octave controllers to elaborate 88-key controllers that mimic the feel of a piano. MIDI controllers typically have a keyboard, but may also include pads, faders, and other control elements. Most MIDI controllers can be used with any MIDI-compatible software or hardware, but some are designed to work specifically with certain products.

Headphones

If you want to get the most out of your electronic music-making, you’re going to need a good pair of headphones. Not only will they help you hear what you’re doing as you’re working, but they’ll also allow you to connect with your music on a deeper level. Plus, when it comes time to perform or record, you’ll be able to hear every detail clearly, which will result in a better final product.

There are a lot of different types of headphones on the market, so it can be hard to know which ones are right for you. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out our guide to the best headphones for electronic music-making. In it, we break down the different features and specs that matter, and we also give our top picks for a few different budgets.

No matter what type of headphones you end up getting, make sure they’re comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. You don’t want your listening experience to be interrupted by discomfort, so it’s worth spending a little extra to get a pair that feels good.

Microphone

When it comes to choosing the right microphone for electronic music production, the most important factor is predicate upon what type of vocals you’ll be recording. If you’re planning on recording rappers or MCs, then you’ll need a dynamic microphone that can handle the high SPL (sound pressure level) of their voice. The Shure SM58 is a great option in this case. If you’re planning on recording singers with softer voices, then you may want to consider a condenser microphone like the RØDE NT1A.

Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing a microphone for electronic music production, such as budget, form factor (will it fit in my studio?), and polar pattern (how sensitive do I need the mic to be to sound sources coming from different directions?). These are just a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new microphone.

The Optional Equipment

While you can certainly make electronic music without any equipment other than a computer, there are a few pieces of equipment that can make the process easier and more fun. MIDI controllers, for example, can be used to create and control sounds without having to use a mouse and keyboard. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

Synthesizer

A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals that produce sounds. Synthesizers may imitate traditional musical instruments such as piano, flute, vocals, or natural sounds such as ocean waves; or generate novel electronic timbres. They are often played with a musical keyboard, but they can be controlled via a variety of other input devices, including music sequencers, instrument controllers, fingerboards, guitars, and wind controllers. Synthesizers without built-in controllers are called sound modules, and are controlled via USB, MIDI or CV/Gate using a controller device programmed to send the appropriate control signal.

Drum machine

A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument that creates percussion sounds. These sounds can be programmed by the user or they can be generated randomly. Drum machines are used by musicians to create beats and rhythms, and they are also popular among producers of electronic music.

There are many different types of drum machines, and they come in a variety of prices. The most expensive models can cost thousands of dollars, but there are also some very affordable options that are perfect for beginner producers.

Sampler

Ableton’s Push hardware instrument is the ideal sampler for music producers who want hands-on control over their sound. Push gives you plenty of pads to play with, as well as physical controls for adjusting parameters like attack, decay, and release. You can use Push to sample sounds from your computer’s library, or record new sounds using the microphone built into the hardware.

If you’re looking for a more traditional sampler, the Akai MPC Touch is a great option. The MPC Touch has all of the features you’d expect from a standalone sampler, including a built-in microphone and plenty of pads for playing and recording samples. The touch screen interface makes it easy to edit your sounds on the fly, and the dedicated buttons and knobs give you plenty of control over your sound.

If you’re just getting started with sampling, the Roland SP404A Linear Wave Sampler is a great entry-level option. The SP404A comes with everything you need to get started, including a built-in microphone and more than 500 sounds to get you started. The simple interface makes it easy to record and edit your samples, and the included effects allow you to add whatever final touches you need to your sound.

Pedals

There are many different types of pedals you can use to create electronic music. While some are essential, others are more optional. Here is a list of some of the most popular pedals:

Distortion pedals: These pedals are used to create a distorted sound. They can be used to make your sound louder or to change the tone of your sound.

Reverb pedals: These pedals add a sense of space and depth to your sound. They can be used to make your sound fuller or to create special effects.

Delay pedals: These pedals add a sense of space and depth to your sound. They can be used to make your sound fuller or to create special effects.

Modulation pedals: These pedals add movement and interest to your sound. They can be used to create chorus, phaser, or flanger effects.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best equipment for making electronic music. We covered a lot of ground, from the basics of a good studio setup to more advanced gear like modular synthesizers. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned pro, we hope you found something useful in this guide.

Thanks for reading!