Getting Started — Gear Reality Check
A professional composer debunks the myth that expensive equipment is necessary to start making music. He demonstrates that creativity matters more than processing power by sharing how he completed major projects using just a basic MacBook Air.
- Any computer built in the last 5 years is capable of music production
- Classic albums from the late 90s and early 2000s were made on computers with less power than modern phones
- A basic MacBook Air can handle feature film scoring, live streaming, and 4K video editing
"your creativity is more powerful than your processor"
— CreatorDAW Selection — Linear vs Nonlinear
A comprehensive framework for choosing digital audio workstations based on workflow preferences. The creator divides DAWs into linear (timeline-based) and nonlinear (experimental) categories, each suited for different creative approaches and musical styles.
- Linear DAWs (ProTools, Cubase, Studio One) work like traditional recording studios with fixed timelines
- Nonlinear DAWs (Ableton, Bitwig, FL Studio) encourage experimentation with loops and clips like 'musical Lego'
- Choose the DAW your music-making friends use for faster learning and collaboration
- Stick with one DAW and learn it inside out rather than switching between multiple options
"You could describe them as a tape machine like DA"
— Creator"They feel like you're playing the software like an instrument more than just recording with it"
— CreatorMIDI Keyboards & Audio Interfaces
Practical guidance on essential input/output equipment with a budget-conscious approach. The creator emphasizes simplicity for MIDI keyboards while explaining how audio interfaces connect all studio equipment together.
- Start with a simple MIDI keyboard under $50 from marketplace - any USB keyboard will work
- Audio interfaces enable high-quality sound input/output and connect microphones, instruments, speakers, and headphones
- Any audio interface $200 and up will sound fantastic due to quality improvements over the last 10 years
The Three Microphone Types
A systematic breakdown of dynamic, large diaphragm condenser, and small diaphragm condenser microphones. Each type serves distinct purposes, from the rugged character of dynamics to the detailed capture of pencil mics.
- Dynamic mics are tough workhorses great for loud instruments, drums, and guitars with lots of character
- Large diaphragm condensers excel at vocals and acoustic instruments but pick up everything including room noise
- Small diaphragm condensers (pencil mics) are perfect for acoustic guitars, strings, and stereo imaging
- SM58 and SM57 are essentially the same microphone - just unscrew the top to convert between them
"dynamic mics are kind of like your old school pickup. Nothing fancy, but a hell of a lot of fun to drive and they get the job done every single time"
— Creator"dynamic microphones capture energy. Large diaphragm condenser microphones capture character and your small diaphragm condenser mics capture detail"
— CreatorSpeakers vs Headphones — Debunking Studio Myths
A direct challenge to the common belief that professional mixing requires expensive speakers. The creator argues that headphones can produce excellent results and that room acoustics matter more than speaker cost, providing detailed guidance on studio headphone selection.
- Professional mixing on headphones is absolutely possible - many commercial projects are mixed this way
- Speakers only sound as good as the room they're in - untreated rooms negate expensive speaker advantages
- Studio headphones need flat frequency response, not consumer headphones like Bose or Beats
- Open back headphones offer natural sound and wide stereo image but leak sound in/out
- Closed back headphones isolate sound, perfect for recording but can exaggerate low end
- Ideal setup: closed back for recording, open back for mixing, but start with closed back if choosing one
"I dare to say your speakers only sound as good as the room they're in"
— Creator"You cannot use your Bose or Beats headphones. They're tuned for listening to music and not mixing music"
— CreatorRoom Treatment & Your Starter Setup
Final advice prioritizing room treatment over expensive speakers, with practical DIY options. The creator concludes with the essential minimal setup needed to start making music professionally.
- Buy low-to-mid tier speakers first and invest savings in room treatment for better results
- Room treatment can be purchased gradually and made DIY - even thick blankets make a massive difference
- Essential starter setup: laptop, cheap MIDI keyboard, and good headphones
"$200 speakers in a treated room will sound way better than $2,000 speakers in an untreated room"
— Creator"Don't chase the shiny thing and just keep creating because quantity leads to quality"
— Creator