Most music production setups include a laptop or a computer — but these don’t usually come with the dedicated inputs and outputs required by those working with sound. That’s where an audio interface enters the picture.At its core, an audio interface is essential hardware that converts analogue signa

The kick drum is a crucial element in many modern genres, especially in electronic and dance music. It creates the foundation around which the rest of the track can groove, so it’s important to get it right. You could just pick a decent-sounding kick sample and be done, but to get the best results,

Thirsty for new creative ideas in your music-making? A little extra knowledge, a fresh perspective, or simply a spark of inspiration can make all the difference.Sure, the web is packed with freely available resources from YouTube videos to deep-dive production forums. But, sometimes, the best way is

Launched in 1998 as a simple MIDI drum machine named FruityLoops, FL Studio has become one of the production community’s most beloved DAWs. Its intuitive interface and robust feature set have attracted a diverse user base, from those at the very start of their journey to seasoned pros like Martin Ga

Behringer is no stranger to a teaser campaign. Since 2017, the German brand has been trickling out information regarding new synthesizers and drum machines inspired by studio gear legends.The clones have been somewhat of a touchy subject in the gear industry, compelling the brand to issue a statemen

Physical drum machines are brilliantly tactile and can give you punchy percussion sounds that aren’t always immediately available in your DAW. However, there are plenty of plugins that can get you in the groove and shake up your workflow with functions that most hardware is simply not capable of ach

Rotary DJ mixers may seem like a contemporary fad but the reality is quite the contrary. DJs began their reign on these knob-laden machines back in the 70s, with the first few mixers including UREI’s 1620 and Bozak’s CMA-10-DL2. Their revival was, in part, thanks to the release of the portable E&

We’d all love to be vinyl aficionados and Walkman fanatics but, for better or for worse, the most popular way people consume music is on streaming platforms. But which ones are the best?The leading streaming platform in 2024, with over 350 million users and 150 million subscribers and counting, is S

Since bursting onto the music production scene in the late 90s, granular synthesis has become an indispensable weapon in the sonic arsenals of many producers. But where did it come from, why was it so late to the synthesis party and, most pertinently, what exactly is granular synthesis anyway?What i

Making music for free has never been easier. All you need is a computer – or even just your phone – to start cutting tracks using nothing but freeware. Here, we compile our roundups of the best freeware music-making software, apps, instruments and plug-ins that every producer, musician, beatmaker an

Once the preserve of specialists, hobbyists and geeks, Linux is nowadays a wholly viable solution for everyday desktop computing. Moreover, and for various reasons, Linux tends to be less demanding of system resources than Windows and macOS, and so can give a new lease of life to older hardware that

Whether you’re mixing in your home studio, recording in a professional space or making beats on the go, having a reliable pair of headphones to work on is vital. But – ‘closed-back?’ ‘Impedance?’ What do these terms mean, and how should they factor into your decision when searching for the perfect p

Mobile apps for phones and tablets are the perfect way to make beats and tracks on the move and even in the studio, often capable of transferring projects and data to your desktop computers via the cloud. With some incredible paid apps now available, including pro-level DAWs like Logic Pro for iPad

If you use Ableton Live but are looking for a more inspiring, tactile music-making process, an Ableton Live controller is the hands-on solution to your problems. A controller that’s compatible with Ableton Live will personify the DAW’s fundamental aspects, such as faders and knobs, so that you can h

Although software synths are outrageously powerful and affordable, getting hands-on with their hardware counterparts can reward a different workflow. A synthesizer used to be an extortionate investment – a Yamaha DX7 would set you back $1,995 upon its initial 1983 release which, adjusted for inflati

The modern studio is more compact and affordable than ever before. And, although opting for larger, more expensive monitoring solutions can garner the most accurate results, smaller speakers can offer a surprising amount of clarity for audio production.READ MORE: The best synths to buy in 2023: 17 b

Stem separation has long been a fascination in the audio world, with the end goal of splitting a mixed track into separate parts without any noticeable glitches or audio artefacts. A few years ago, it felt like the stuff of science fiction, but more powerful computers and access to machine learning

Vocals are often the most recognisable part of a song — the human voice is, after all, our oldest musical instrument. Because we’re so attuned to its qualities, it’s also where listeners are most likely to pick up on poor recording or mixing mishaps.READ MORE: Here’s my perfect vocal chain and the p

The digital audio workstation – or DAW, as it’s affectionately known – is the backbone of modern music production. If you’ve ever wanted to compose or record music, there’s a strong chance you’re at least somewhat familiar with what this piece of software does.Put simply, DAWs provide musicians, pro

You might think finding good sounds requires meticulously scouring through old records or dropping your paycheck on expensive sample packs. That’s not entirely wrong, of course — but there’s a world of free sample libraries out there too. Used in context, these free sample websites are perfect for t