The Best Equipment to Make Electronic Music

You can make electronic music with a lot of different kinds of equipment. Here’s a list of our favorite pieces that will help you get started.

Synthesizers

A synthesizer is an electronic instrument that creates sounds by generating electrical signals that are converted into sound waves. These days, there are many different types of synthesizers available on the market, from simple hardware units to complex software instruments.

Analog Synthesizers

Analog synthesizers are musical instruments that use analog circuits to generate sounds. These synthesizers typically have multiple oscillators that can create a wide range of sounds, as well as filters and envelopes that can shape the timbre and character of the sounds.

Analog synthesizers have been used by a wide range of artists, from early pioneers like Bob Moog and Wendy Carlos to contemporary electronic musicians like Aphex Twin and Deadmau5.

While digital synthesizers have become more popular in recent years, there is still a strong market for analog instruments. Many electronic musicians believe that analog synthesis offers a warmer, more organic sound than digital synthesis.

Digital Synthesizers

Digital synthesizers use technology to generate sounds. They are often cheaper and more versatile than their analog counterparts. Analog synthesizers use electronic circuits to create sound, while digital ones use computer algorithms.

The most popular type of digital synthesizer is the software synthesizer. This is a program that you can download onto your computer and use to create sound. There are many different types of software synthesizers, but they all work in basically the same way. You can use them to create any kind of sound you want, from replicating the sounds of classic analog synthesizers to creating completely new sounds.

One advantage of digital synthesizers is that they can be very portable. If you have a laptop, you can take your entire studio with you wherever you go. Another advantage is that they can be very affordable. You can find some great software synthesizers for free or for very little money.

The main disadvantage of digital synthesizers is that they can be more difficult to use than analog ones. If you’re not familiar with programming or music theory, it can be tough to get started with making music on a digital synthesizer.

Drum Machines

Drum machines are one of the most important pieces of equipment in making electronic music. They provide the backbone for the rhythm and can create a wide variety of sounds.

Analog Drum Machines

If you’re looking for that classic, vintage drum machine sound, you’ll want to check out an analog model. Analog drum machines use stored electrical charge to generate and shape their sounds. This makes for a warmer, more organic sound that can be harder to replicate with digital models.

One of the most popular analog drum machines ever made is the Roland TR-808. First released in 1980, the 808 was used on some of the biggest tracks of the decade, including Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.”

Today, there are many companies making new analog drum machines. One of our favorites is the Arturia DrumBrute, which comes with 17 drum and percussion sounds, as well as a 64-step sequencer. If you’re looking for something with a little more personality, check out the Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm, which comes in a variety of colors and has built-in games to help you create patterns.

Digital Drum Machines

Digital drum machines offer a wide variety of sounds and features, making them ideal for electronic music production. Many digital drum machines have built-in sequencers that allow you to create and save your own patterns, making them perfect for live performance as well. Some models even come with USB connectivity, allowing you to connect to a computer for even more flexibility.

Samplers

A sampler is an electronic or digital musical instrument which uses a sound recording of an instrument or other sound as its basis for creating or synthesizing a new sound. Samplers may use either analogue or digital technology, and are often controlled by a musical keyboard.

Hardware Samplers

Hardware samplers are physical units that allow you to record and play back audio samples. They usually come in the form of a module that can be added to a larger synthesizer setup, or as a standalone unit.

Pros:
-You can record your own samples, or use pre-recorded samples.
-You have full control over the sample playback, including pitch, looping, and other effects.
-Most hardware samplers include a built-in keyboard for triggering samples.
-Many units also include sequencing capabilities, allowing you to string together multiple samples into a complete song.

Cons:
-They can be expensive, especially standalone units.
-They can be complex to use, with a steep learning curve.

Software Samplers

There are two main types of software samplers: standalone and plug-in.

Standalone software samplers are programs that run on their own, without needing any additional software. They usually come with a wide range of features and sequencing tools, making them ideal for ambitious producers. However, they can be more expensive and harder to use than plug-in samplers.

Plug-in software samplers work alongside other music production software, such as DAWs. They tend to be cheaper and easier to use than standalone samplers, but they usually have fewer features.

The best software sampler for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you’re just starting out, a plug-in sampler may be all you need. But if you’re looking for a more powerful solution, a standalone sampler could be the way to go.

MIDI Controllers

A MIDI controller is an essential piece of equipment for any electronic musician. MIDI controllers come in all shapes and sizes, from simple pads to all-in-one units. If you’re just getting started in electronic music, you may not know where to start. This article will help you choose the best MIDI controller for your needs.

Keyboard MIDI Controllers

There are two main types of keyboard MIDI controllers: those with keys and those without. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Keyboard MIDI controllers with keys are great for playing melodies and can also be used for chord progressions. However, they can be more expensive and take up more space than their non-keyboard counterparts.

Keyboardless MIDI controllers, on the other hand, are more affordable and compact, making them ideal for traveling musicians. They’re also perfect for producers who prefer to use drum pads or triggers instead of keys.

Pad MIDI Controllers

Pad MIDI controllers are devices that allow you to control music software with pressure-sensitive pads. Pad controllers are often used for playing drums and percussion, but they can also be used for playing melodies and bass lines. Many pad controllers have built-in drum sounds and arpeggiators, making them ideal for producing electronic music.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a pad MIDI controller. The first is the number of pads. More pads means more control, but it also means a higher price tag. The second is the sensitivity of the pads. Some pads are velocity-sensitive, meaning they will play louder or softer depending on how hard you hit them. Other pads are pressure-sensitive, meaning they will respond to how hard you press down on them. Choose a pad controller with the sensitivity that best suits your needs.

The third thing to consider is the size of the controller. Some pad controllers are very compact, while others are much larger. Choose a size that is comfortable for you to use and that will fit in the space you have available.

Here are some of our favorite pad MIDI controllers:

-Akai MPD226
-Novation Launchpad Pro
-Alesis V Minibrute 2S

DAWs

A digital audio workstation, or DAW for short, is what you need if you want to start making music electronically. But with so many different kinds on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the best DAWs on the market today.

Logic Pro

Logic Pro is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Apple Inc. for macOS. It was originally created in the early 1990s as Notator Logic, or Logic, by German software developer C-Lab who later went by Emagic. Apple acquired Emagic in 2002 and renamed Logic to Logic Pro.

Logic Pro provides a complete set of tools for sound designers and engineers. Its main features include a wide range of virtual instruments, samplers, and drum machines; an advanced MIDI sequencer; a score editor; and complete support for multitrack audio recording, mixing, and effects processing.

In addition to its MIDI and audio editing capabilities, Logic Pro also includes a wide variety of plug-ins and Native Instruments hardware that can be used to further enhance your productions.

Ableton Live

DAWs, or digital audio workstations, are necessary for anyone looking to get into producing or recording electronic music. While there are a variety of DAWs available on the market, Ableton Live is one of the most popular among artists in the electronic music scene. Ableton Live is a versatile DAW that can be used for a variety of purposes, from recording and mixing to live performance.

Ableton Live offers a wide range of features and functionality, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced producers alike. One of the most unique features of Ableton Live is its ability to be used for live performance. Ableton Live’s Session View allows users to create sets of musical phrases that can be triggered and played back in real time. This makes it perfect for live performers who want to add electronics to their set. Additionally, Ableton Live’s Arrangement View allows users to record and arrange their music in a traditional linear fashion.

Whether you’re just getting started in electronic music production or you’re a seasoned veteran, Ableton Live is a great DAW to add to your arsenal.

FL Studio

FL Studio is a complete software music production environment or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Representing more than 20 years of innovative development it has everything you need in one package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music.

FL Studio is now one of the world’s most popular DAWs and is used by the most creative artists.