How to Make Electronic Music
Contents
A beginner’s guide to making electronic music. Learn about the equipment you need, the different genres of electronic music, and the basics of composition.
Get Started with the Right Equipment
In order to make electronic music, you will need a computer with music production software and a MIDI controller. Once you have the basic equipment, you can start experimenting with different sounds and create your own unique tracks. In this article, we will show you how to get started with making electronic music.
You will need a laptop or computer
To get started, you will need a laptop or computer. You will also need a MIDI keyboard and a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). We recommend Ableton Live for beginners.
You can start with just a laptop or computer, but we recommend investing in a MIDI keyboard. A MIDI keyboard will make it much easier to create and record melodies.
You will also need a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). A DAW is software that you can use to create and record music. We recommend Ableton Live for beginners.
Invest in a good audio interface
Any home studio worth its salt needs a good audio interface as the beating heart that everything else runs through. These devices handle all of your audio needs, from recording vocals and instruments to monitoring playback and getting a solid connection to all of your other studio gear.
There are a lot of different audio interfaces on the market, so it’s important to find one that fits both your budget and the needs of your home studio. If you’re just starting out, you may not need all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models. On the other hand, if you’re planning on expanding your studio down the line, it’s worth investing in an interface with more inputs and outputs so you won’t have to upgrade later on.
Once you’ve got your audio interface sorted, the next step is to start building up the rest of your home studio gear. In general, you’ll need some sort of input device (like a microphone or MIDI keyboard), speakers or headphones for monitoring, and software for recording, editing and mixing your tracks.
Get a MIDI keyboard
If you’re new to music production, you might be wondering what kind of equipment you need to get started. The MIDI keyboard is one of the most important tools for any producer, so if you’re just getting started, this is a great place to start.
MIDI keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, from small 25-key controllers to full-size 88-key pianos. They can be standalone devices or they can be built into a larger controller, like the Akai MPK249. Regardless of the size or features, all MIDI keyboards serve the same purpose: to allow you to control your software with physical keys.
MIDI keyboards come with a variety of different features, but the most important thing to look for is MIDI compatibility. All MIDI keyboards will work with all DAWs (digital audio workstations), but some cheaper models may not have as many buttons and knobs as more expensive ones. If you’re just starting out, a basic 25-key MIDI keyboard will suffice. But if you’re looking for more control over your productions, look for a keyboard with drum pads and assignable knobs and buttons.
As far as price goes, you can find decent MIDI keyboards for under $100. But if you’re looking for something more high-end, expect to pay anywhere from $200-$500.
Choose Your DAW
In order to make electronic music, you will need a digital audio workstation (DAW). This is a program that allows you to record, edit, and produce music on your computer. There are many different DAWs available, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you. In this article, we will be discussing the different features of each DAW and how to choose the best one for you.
Logic Pro X
Apple’s Logic Pro X is a full-featured DAW with an excellent suite of plug-ins and sounds. It’s one of the most popular DAWs on the market, and for good reason. It’s easy to use and has a lot to offer both beginner and experienced producers.
If you’re new to Logic, there are plenty of resources to help you get started, including Apple’s own Logic Pro X 101 course. The course is free with an Apple Music subscription, and it’s a great way to learn the basics of the software. Once you have the basics down, you can start exploring all that Logic has to offer.
Logic Pro X features a wide range of built-in instruments, effects, and sounds. You can also use external MIDI controllers and instruments with Logic Pro X. It supports a variety of audio file formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, and AAC. You can also export your projects as audio files or share them directly to Soundcloud orYouTube.
Logic Pro X is a great choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive DAW with plenty of features and flexibility. It’s easy to use, yet powerful enough for even the most complex productions.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation developed by Ableton for Windows and macOS. It can be used to create and produce music. It is also used by DJs, as it offers a suite of tools for live mixing. The software is able to automatically match the tempo and timing of different songs, making it easy to create seamless transitions between them.
FL Studio
FL Studio is a complete software music production environment or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It is known for its ease of use and wide range of features.
FL Studio has a graphical user interface based on a pattern-based music sequencer. The program is available in four different editions for Microsoft Windows and macOS, including Fruity Edition, Producer Edition, Signature Bundle, and All Plugins Bundle.
FL Studio was originally created by Didier Dambrim but was later developed by Image-Line. The first version of FL Studio was released in 1997, and the most recent version is FL Studio 20, which was released in April 2018.
Start with the Basics of Sound Design
If you’re interested in making electronic music, it’s important to understand the basics of sound design. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of sound waves, how to create different sounds, and how to manipulate them. With a basic understanding of sound design, you’ll be able to create the foundation for any type of electronic music.
Learn about synthesis
Synthesis is the process of creating waveforms, either through additive or subtractive processes, and then shaping those waveforms to create sounds. In order to better understand synthesis, let’s first take a quick look at how sound is produced.
Sound is created when something vibrates. That vibration causes the air around it to vibrate as well. Those vibrations travel through the air (or any other medium) and eventually hit your eardrum, which vibrates in response. The vibrating eardrum then sends signals to your brain that are interpreted as sound.
In an electronic music context, synthesis generally refers to creating waveforms using oscillators and then manipulating those waveforms using various tools such as filters, envelopes, and LFOs (low frequency oscillators).
Additive synthesis is the process of creating waveforms by adding together sine waves of different frequencies. Additive synthesis can create a wide range of sounds, from basic tones to more complex timbres.
Subtractive synthesis is the process of starting with a complex waveform and then removing part of it using filters. The most common type of filter used in subtractive synthesis is a low-pass filter, which removes the high frequencies from a waveform. Subtractive synthesis can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from simple tones to more complex timbres.
Experiment with different sounds
As a sound designer, it is your job to create or enhance the sonic environment of a film, video game, audio drama, or other media production. This can be accomplished by creating original sounds or by manipulating existing sounds using a variety of digital signal processing techniques. In order to create interesting and effective sound design, you will need to have a good understanding of how sound works and how it is perceived by the human ear. You will also need to be familiar with the various types of sounds that can be found in the natural world and with the ways that they can be synthesized artificially.
One of the best ways to learn about sound design is to experiment with different sounds and see how they affect the overall sonic environment of a production. For example, you might try creating a soundscape for a scene in a film that takes place in a forest by adding the sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling in the wind, and branches creaking in the trees. Or you might tryEnhancing the sound of an explosionby adding echoing reverberations and low-frequency rumbling. By experimentation, you will develop an understanding of how different sounds can be used to create specific effects in a production.
Layer your sounds
One of the most important aspects of sound design is layering. This is the process of placing different sounds on top of each other to create a more complex and interesting soundscape. When done properly, layering can add depth and dimension to your music. It can also make your tracks sound fuller and more balanced.
Layering is especially important in electronic music, as many of the sounds used are already quite simplistic on their own. By layering multiple sounds together, you can create a more complex and detailed soundscape that will better engage listeners.
There are a few things to keep in mind when layering sounds:
-Choose sounds that complement each other. This will make it easier to create a cohesive soundscape.
-Experiment with different combinations of sounds. There is no right or wrong way to layer sounds, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
-Pay attention to the overall balance of your track. You don’t want any one sound to overpower the others.
-leave room for each sound to breathe. If everything is crammed together, it will sound cluttered and messy. Make sure each sound has its own space in the mix.
Create a Drum Beat
In this section we will cover how to create a basic four on the floor drum beat. For those of you that don’t know, four on the floor means that there is a kick drum on every beat. We will also cover how to create variation in your drum beat by adding hi hats and other percussion instruments.
Find a drum loop
In order to create a drum beat, you will need to find a drum loop. You can find drum loops online or in music production software. Once you have found a drum loop, you will need to import it into your music production software.
Program your own drum beat
You can use claps, Cowbells, and Rimshots to create interesting polyrhythms and off-kilter beats.
To program your own drum beat:
1. Open a new project in your DAW and insert a drum machine on a new track.
2. Choose the sounds you want to use for your beat. For this example, we’ll use a clap, cowbell, and rimshot.
3. Use the step sequencer to program your beat. In this example, we’ll create a 4/4 measure with a clap on the first and third beats, a cowbell on the second beat, and a rimshot on the fourth beat.
4. Copy and paste your measure to create additional measures. You can experiment with different sound combinations and rhythms to create interesting polyrhythms and off-kilter beats.
Layer your drums
In electronic music, layering is key to creating a full, robust sound. When layering drums, you want to start with the kick drum, as this will be the foundation of your beat. Once you have a solid kick drum layer, you can then begin to add in other percussion elements, such as claps, snares, and hi-hats. By layering these sounds on top of each other, you will create a more textured and nuanced drumbeat that will help fill out the low end of your mix.
Write a Melody
With a few simple steps, you can create a basic melody using nothing more than a computer and some free software. In this article, we’ll show you how to write a melody using the free Audacity software.
Find a MIDI keyboard
“One of the first things you’ll need in order to start making electronic music is a MIDI keyboard. A MIDI keyboard is just like a regular keyboard, except that it doesn’t make any sound on its own. Instead, it sends signals to a computer which can then use those signals to play any sound it wants.
MIDI keyboards come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from little 25-key controllers to huge 88-key behemoths. They also come in different types, from simple keys with no extra features to advanced controllers with lots of pads, buttons, faders, and knobs.
The best MIDI keyboard for you will depend on your needs and your budget. If you’re just starting out, a simple 25-key MIDI keyboard will be more than enough. If you’re looking for something more advanced, you may want to consider a 61- or 88-key controller with extra pads and buttons.
Once you have your MIDI keyboard, you’ll need to connect it to your computer. Most MIDI keyboards use USB, so all you’ll need is a USB cable. Some higher-end models use proprietary connectors, so you’ll need to check the specifications of your keyboard before you buy.”
Experiment with different sounds
If you want to write a melody, you need to start with a sound that you like. You can find sounds by searching online, or you can create your own sounds with a synthesizer. Once you have a sound that you like, you can experiment with different pitches and rhythms to create your melody.
Layer your sounds
Start by opening your DAW and finding a kick drum sound. The most important thing here is to make sure that the sound you use has a solid low end. It should also be punchy enough to cut through the mix without being too overbearing. Once you have your kick, find a snare that complementary to it. Again, make sure that the snare isn’t too overbearing. A good rule of thumb is to keep the volume of your snare about 3-4 dB lower than your kick.