Music Production & Recording for Beginners

High quality & connectivity with an audio interface

In addition to your computer and software, we recommend using an audio interface – an external sound card for processing the audio signal. It not only delivers better sound quality but also provides connections for speakers, headphones, microphones, or instruments.

Our recommendations for the best beginner audio interfaces

Your voice matters!

With an audio interface, you can easily connect microphones to your software and instrument, allowing you to record vocals or play melodies live. Depending on whether you want to record drums, wind instruments, or your voice, different microphones are suitable.

Best entry level microphones for voice recording

Best entry level microphones for instruments

Studio headphones for the perfect sound

To hear and shape the sound as neutrally and in as much detail as possible, good headphones or monitor speakers are essential. Studio headphones come in open or closed designs, each with its own character: Closed studio headphones are particularly suitable for recording and vocals, as they prevent sound from leaking in or out. The bass in the lower frequency range is also more pronounced due to the closed construction.

Closed studio headphones for beginners

Open headphones

Open and semi-open headphones generally produce slightly less bass and are often described as more detailed and clearer. They are particularly suitable if you want to hear the room acoustics and the mix at the same time.

Open & semi-open studio headphones for beginners

Headphones & Ohms – what it really means

High-impedance headphones often sound better because their voice coils are made of extremely thin and lightweight wires. Since these coils have less mass to move, they can reproduce sound signals more precisely and with less distortion. In addition, the fine wires can be wound more tightly, creating a stronger magnetic field and therefore a clearer sound. However, high-impedance headphones require higher voltage to reach a certain volume level, which is why headphone amplifiers are necessary in some setup configurations.

Headphone amplifiers for beginners

Studio monitors for a more spacious sound

Nearfield monitors offer a more spatial listening experience compared to headphones, as the sound waves from the left and right speakers blend in front of your ears. While headphones often isolate details, studio monitors allow for a more realistic assessment of depth and stereo width. They sound more neutral than hi-fi speakers and cause less ear fatigue during long sessions than ear-enclosing headphones. For beginners, they are essential for creating mixes that work equally well on different systems – from smartphones to club sound systems.

Our selection of studio monitors for home use

MIDI keyboards for controlling digital instruments

With the setup you have so far, you can record yourself, whether it is vocals, drums, or another instrument. If you do not want to play additional virtual instruments in your DAW using your computer keyboard, you can expand your setup with a MIDI keyboard. There are full workstations with an extensive range of features, as well as affordable basic keyboards that do the job and can control all your virtual instruments.

Our selection of MIDI keyboards for beginners

What to avoid & keep in mind when producing

Common mistakes:

• Using too many plugins & sounds
• Thinking loud = good
• Comparing yourself with professionals
• Using unlicensed samples
• Thinking about mastering too early

Tips for healthy & efficient work

• Use fewer but high-quality sounds
• Listen to reference tracks
• Work at low volumes to protect your hearing
• Take regular breaks

Find the right equipment!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our experts.

Consulting team

Phone: +49 (0)221 / 88 84 - 1550
Email: recording@musicstore.de