Starting out in music production can feel like a maze. Luckily, the best electronic music production software for beginners is out there. This article will guide you through top picks that make creating tracks simpler and more fun.
Keep reading to kickstart your journey.
Understanding DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
DAWs, or Digital Audio Workstations, are the heart of music creation. They let you make, record, and edit music on a computer. Famous ones include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X.
These tools are perfect for beginners in electronic music production. With a DAW, you can mix different sounds to create new tracks. You don’t need fancy equipment to start; just your computer and a DAW.
Making great music depends more on your skills than on the software. All DAWs can give you professional results. It’s good to know that sound quality in these workstations is standardised across the board.
This means you should pick one that feels easy for you to use rather than worrying too much about which one is “best”. Start with what works for you and focus on learning how to bring your musical ideas to life.
Top Picks for Beginners
When starting out with music production, choosing the right software can be crucial. Each beginner-friendly DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before diving in.
Understanding the key features and benefits of each option will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals for your music production journey.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is famous for its use in live performances. Music producers like it because they can make songs in real time. It costs £319 for the Standard version and £539 for the Suite version.
This software works on both Windows and Mac computers, making it a great choice for many users.
It comes packed with over 5000 sounds, 18 musical instruments, and 46 audio effects plus 16 MIDI effects. That means you have everything you need to start making music right away. Even though some users find its interface a bit old-fashioned and have trouble using Wacom tablets with it, Ableton Live stands out in electronic dance music production.
The tools provided help beginners learn how to create music while also offering plenty of depth for more experienced users to explore their creativity further.
FL Studio
FL Studio stands out as top choice music production software for beginners. With prices ranging from £89 to £807.50, it fits various budgets. Image Line, the developer, has made it compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
This means more people can use it without worry about their system.
This programme shines with its step sequencer and Sound-goodizer. Yet, some users find its workflow a bit unusual and think the stock plugins could be better. Despite these points, FL Studio keeps winning fans around the world among beginner music producers.
Its easy learning curve makes it great for those new to music production who want to start making tracks right away.
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X, made by Apple, costs £199 but only works on Mac computers. This software has tools like scale quantisation and pitch correction that help you make music sound right. You get a lot of stock plugins for mixing and creating sounds.
But there are some downsides. It can be buggy, doesn’t stretch time well, and sadly, there’s no free trial to test it out.
With Logic Pro X, Apple aims to give electronic music producers everything they need in one package.
Despite these issues, Logic Pro X is still a top choice for many artists making electronic music. The lack of Windows support limits its users but if you have a Mac, this could be your go-to software for producing tracks.
Keep in mind the pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right tool for you.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing music production software, look for a user-friendly interface and a good variety of built-in sounds and effects. Access to virtual instruments and ease in recording audio are also crucial.
Read more to explore the best options available for beginners in electronic music production.
User-friendly interface
A user-friendly interface makes music software easy to use. It lets beginners find their way without getting lost. Logic Pro X and Ableton Live are good at this. They help you focus on making music, not figuring out how the software works.
Logic Pro X looks great and doesn’t cost too much. It’s less than £500, which is affordable for new users. Ableton Live is also friendly for recording voices with special features.
Both have easy layouts so you can start creating right away.
Variety of built-in sounds and effects
DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X come packed with sounds and effects. These tools help music producers create unique tracks. For example, Ableton Live has over 5000 sounds.
It also offers 46 audio effects for mixing and mastering your tracks. FL Studio is known for its piano roll feature, making it easy to create melodies.
Logic Pro X doesn’t stay behind either with its 69 effect plugins and over 7000 sounds. This variety allows producers to explore different music styles without needing extra plugins.
With these DAWs, creating professional-quality music in the comfort of your home becomes possible.
Essential Equipment for Electronic Music Production
Securing the appropriate equipment is paramount for anyone intending to commence with electronic music production. This apparatus will facilitate the creation, refinement, and honing of your tracks to a professional standard.
- Strong CPU Computer: A potent computer is central. Music production software, particularly outstanding DAWs like FL Studio and Ableton Live, place heavy demands on your CPU. There’s no necessity for an Apple Mac, as numerous top DAWs function efficiently on both Windows and Mac.
- High-Quality Audio Interface: This device connects your computer to other implements. It enables recording of instruments with minimum noise and high-quality reproduction of your creations.
- MIDI Keyboard: A MIDI keyboard is imperative for the creation of melodies and beats. It forwards notes to your DAW allowing the use of virtual instruments.
- Studio Headphones: Clear audio is vital for the process of editing and mixing tracks. Studio headphones allow you to discern every detail.
- Monitors (Speakers): In conjunction with headphones, possessing a quality set of studio monitors provides a true representation of your mix’s sound in the natural world.
- Microphone: If your plans include recording vocals or acoustic instruments, a good-quality microphone is essential.
- Side-Scrolling Mouse: It might seem straightforward, but a side-scrolling mouse simplifies maneuvering through your DAW, thereby accelerating your workflow.
- DAW Software: The backbone of music production—choose one that is beginner-friendly but also offers room for progression. Options like BandLab offer free versions to initiate without immediate investment.
The amalgamation of all these tools empowers newcomers to confidently explore the realm of music production across their chosen genre.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, whilst delving into the realm of electronic music production, bear in mind that selecting the appropriate software is a personal journey. Take into account your preferences and requirements to discover what best fits your needs.
Remember to explore Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Apple Logic Pro X for a bespoke experience. Don’t hesitate to try out various tools and techniques until you discover your perfect match.
Happy producing!
References
- https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-beginner-daws (2024-12-10)
- https://www.productionmusiclive.com/blogs/news/best-daw-2021?srsltid=AfmBOoom3OaVsmEb0QR27ENFstgJWefFP8EflpZcP18385QroCu8F-mp
- https://basicwavez.com/best-electronic-music-production-software-for-beginners/
- https://www.audesign.store/articles/producing-software-your-ultimate-guide-to-studio-music-software
- https://www.rpmusicstudios.com/blog/which-music-production-software-is-best-for-beginners (2024-12-11)
- https://www.productlondon.com/best-software-for-beginner-music-producers/ (2024-04-30)
- https://www.learnhowtoproducemusic.com/blog-how-to-start-music-production/best-music-making-software-for-beginners-music-production-daw
