The Best Tools for Electronic Music Production Students

By Jason Cohen, Drum & Electronic Music Production Instructor

Computer

A producer’s computer is what allows them to run Ableton Live, the essential music-making software for EMP students.

Most computers will sufficiently run Ableton as long as they’re not too old (I wouldn’t recommend using any model before 2013).

• Here are the minimum requirements to run Ableton.
• Ableton works both with Mac and PC.

Laptops are great because you can make music anywhere as well as bring them to class, while desktop computers can often be more powerful and affordable while still allowing you to practice outside of class.

Headphones

Headphones provide producers with accurate, immersive sound that allows for critical listening and precise editing.

Any headphones will work! However, it is important to keep in mind that cheaper headphones often don’t properly represent certain frequencies, specifically bass, the way they’re meant to be heard, which can make musical decisions more challenging.

• I recommend eventually investing in a nice pair such as Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($150) or Sennheiser Pro 300 ($180). Note: There are plenty of other brands of headphones that are great, these are just pairs that I have had personal experience with and can vouch for.

Software (DAW)

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), such as Ableton, is a place where you can create, record, edit, mix, and master your songs. 

Luckily, there are some free options to get you started. There are plenty of student discounts available when you’re ready to purchase the full software.

• A demo of Ableton can be downloaded and used FREE for 90 days. (This is perfect to install when starting one of our 15 week long programs!) There are three different versions of Ableton:
  • Ableton Intro ($39)
    • This is a version with limited capabilities, but it is a great place to start. A lot of MIDI controllers come with Ableton Intro for FREE.
  • Ableton Standard ($̶4̶4̶9̶ $175 with student discount)
    • This has more features than Intro.
  • Ableton Suite ($̶7̶4̶9̶ $299 with student discount)
    • This is the full version and has an extensive sound library.

Midi Controller

The Job of a Midi Controller is to trigger and control sounds in Ableton. It isn’t essential for getting started, but can be a valuable tool for any serious music producer. 

When deciding what Midi Controller to get, it mostly comes down to how many piano keys or drum pads you want. Many piano players prefer to have 88 keys, but it is common for producers without piano experience to get smaller Midi Controllers. I recommend a 49 key midi controller.

• Arturia Keylab 88 Controller ($399)
  • Very similar to the midi controllers below, with the exception being it has 88 keys. This is ideal for an experienced piano player who wants the full range of the keyboard. However, it is not very portable so it most likely it will stay in your studio space.
• Arturia Keylab 49 Controller ($219)
  • 49 keys.
• Arturia Keylab 61 Controller ($250)
  • 61 keys (more ideal for producers that have experience playing piano).
• AKAI MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key ($119)
  • 25 keys, but super portable. Suitable for both beginners and experienced producers who don’t play piano as much and won’t miss the full range of keys.
• Arturia MiniLab ($109)
  • Similar to MPK Mini, but slightly cheaper.
• Just like headphones, computers, and audio interfaces, there are plenty of great choices that I haven’t mentioned. Feel free to email me for feedback on a specific option.
• Note – most midi controllers or launch pads come with a lite version of Ableton!

Audio Interface

The job of an Audio Interface is to connect your computer to musical instruments, microphones, and other audio equipment, allowing you to record, play, and process sound with your computer. 

It isn’t essential to get one at first but unless you’re trying to record vocals or an instrument.

• Scarlett 2i2  ($159)

Learning Resources

• Free Ableton learning resource

Fun Phone Apps

• Here is an app for the phone you can download
• Here is a fun sampler

Class Recommendations

• Visit our Electronic Music Production website for class descriptions, registration links, FAQs, and more.
• Email our Director of Electronic Music Production (jason@stagesmusicarts.com) for specific class recommendations or any other questions you might have about our EMP program.