know the best guide to Music Production for success

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May 16, 2022
Music Production

Do you have a passion for producing music? Do you want to establish your career in music production? Well! Knowing genuine information is the key.

For instance, you are eager to know more about music production. So, you ask your friends, family, and classmates. You will find a lot of information from people and online.

The question is, “Are the details reliable?” Finally, you will end up being confused, and a lot of time will be wasted. So, why trust our content? We have invested hours of research. Moreover, we have asked the information from experienced music production mentors.

You need to learn about the basic information, equipment, setup, steps, tips, role, income, etc. If you ignore the same, you will miss the most useful content that can make way for your career. So, scroll down for more.

What is Music Production?

Music production is an activity that involves the creation and development of music. It is the recorded music that will be published. As a music producer, you need to focus on the songs from the scratch. The process is from writing and sound design to mastering.

If you learn it in modern times, digital tools are common. Let me tell you; the only rule is to not have one in the music production.

Your goal is to record the content and use it in your music. Creativity plays a key role in mixing genres, melodies, beats, and rhythms for the best music effect.

Important Software & Equipment for Music Production

Let me tell you, the below software and equipment are vital to produce any song. As a creative music producer, it is your job to select the best ones.

1. Digital Audio Workstation

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is music production software. And it is beneficial to record, produce, mix, write, and master music. Most importantly, you need to install DAW on your laptop or desktop.

This equipment offers choices of music. Also, it depends on your musical taste. Commonly, you will not change your DAW. However, you will function with the same DAW you chose in the beginning.

2. Laptop or Desktop

For example, you are interested in exploring music production. Then, it is compulsory to have a laptop or desktop. Moreover, your free music production software will be installed for the further process.

You have the option to select the paid version of music production software. Firstly, you need to use the free version of it.

So, the objective is to learn and get used to its interface. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to purchase a premium laptop. Basic ones will also work.

3. Audio Interface

There are two uses when you plan to use an audio interface in music production. Firstly, you can record the sounds and music of various instruments. In addition, you need to interconnect with line input or microphone.

Secondly, connect the speaker or high-quality headphones to your laptop. The purpose is to listen to the music content that you are producing.

Most importantly, it would help if you connect the USB to the audio interface. The most used connections are Firewire and Thunderbolt for music production if you are using Apple Mac.

You can make the usage of the 2-input interface. When you play instruments or sing, it can be recorded with a microphone. For instance, you or anyone play electric guitar. Then, using input is essential for recording.

4. Microphone

Most importantly, we recommend you to use the finest microphone for music production. However, you will find different kinds of microphones in the market.

It is essential to record instruments like drums, vocals, piano, and guitar. We advise you to use an audio-tech microphone due to the all-rounder mic feature for maximum benefit.

5. Plug-ins

For example, you add a plug-in to your music production. Then, you will get additional benefits in terms of quality. Many DAWs are available with several high-quality plug-ins.

Above all, they are pretty essential for mastering, production, and mixing. The commonly used plug-ins are reverb, mastering, compressor, and EQ. And they will enhance your beats in producing music.

Setting Up Music Production Equipment

A proper setup in a music production career helps your mind create engaging music. Ensure that you do a smart investment of time and money in setting the equipment.

1. Important Equipment for music production

Certainly, the below types of equipment play a role in the music product. So, its aggregate setup is necessary to produce engaging music.

Audio Interface
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Personal Computer or Desktop
Microphone
Plug-ins
Audio Interface

2. Room for music production

Most importantly, you need to have a suitable room for your music production setup. Many producers build the setup in their bedroom in their initial stage.

This setup will provide you with comfort, and it is budget-friendly. Therefore, we recommend you keep a space between the wall and speakers.

Bass traps are vital to recognize the music base, and they are readily available in the market. The alternative can be shelves with books or sofas.

3. Connectivity

Getting your studio and equipment set up is not enough, but connective is crucial. Most of the production in music gear needs multiple connections.

So, your audio interface will connect the laptop, speakers, jack cables, etc. Let me tell you; it is a beneficial practice to keep spare parts of connectivity. For example, if the cable breaks suddenly. In that case, you have them ready. Moreover, it will save your time and work.

Steps to Follow for Music Production

1. Writing Songs

Most importantly, a great song connects emotionally with the audience. Thus, having vital elements of music production like rhythm, melody, and harmony. As a music producer, your role is to combine the elements creatively.

So, the message is reached the maximum audience. Writing a meaningful lyric is not enough, but brilliant music production also is vital.

A particular melody or beat will not help you to produce a song. However, develop creative ideas for various melodies, rhythms, and beats.

You can experiment with different melodies and background beats. So, the primary aim is to merge them to form complete music.

You will find many music producers in the music industry. However, some do not write song lyrics. So, they hire lyrists or songwriters. Keep in mind that writing songs is a comprehensive process.

Above all, you can use different instruments like drums, piano, guitar, etc. The song sections include intro, verse, chorus, and bridge.

2. Recording Sessions in music production

Without recording, there is no existence of music production. In the initial stage, you can get overwhelmed. You will question yourself in the recording sessions.

Is creativity in the music will be acceptable to the listeners? It is a common question for all music producers. But you will make some mistakes in the starting session. Remember, improving it needs to be your goal.

Most importantly, headphones and microphones are needed. For instance, you prefer to listen to the beats and instruments. Then, mute your monitor speakers.

3. Editing

Editing is nothing but improving music into a final song. For example, you find some gaps in the music production. Then, modify them. The process involves making changes in volume, length, and speed.

Editing software is needed on your laptop or desktop. It plays a significant role in eradicating unwanted noise. Moreover, apply compression, equalization, and saturation effect on the recording file.

4. Arrangement

In the arrangement stage, you need to decide on the ideal instruments. It can be a drum, Violin, DJ, Guitar, piano, keyboard, etc.

The instrument needs to influence the music production of a song ideally. Moreover, make sure that you are not relatively low or loud.

As per the experts, your push down can be up to 6db. As a result, you will have enough headroom. You will add a lot of instruments to produce music.

5. Mixing in music production

When you reach the mixing stage, you already have your melodies and beats structured. In the process, you need to have a perfect music production track. Later, consider the ideal music for a respective song.

Let me tell you, mixing is a challenging process because it needs constant practice. For instance, you are not excellent at it. Then, do not get discouraged.

After completing the mixing, you produce the music as per your talent and creativity. Next, you need to mix with other tracks. You can do it using plug-ins like compressor, equalization, and reverbs.

6. Recording

The recording is the procedure that involves the recording of the instruments used in the music production. You will find that every song has a track.

Every time you begin to record a new track, you need to listen to the previous tracks. Furthermore, you will be at ease in developing and maintaining the balance & effects of a track. You can involve multiple musicians and instruments in a single recording session.

7. Mastering

Certainly, you need to include creativity and intelligence in the track in the mastering stage. Your aim is to ensure that your song is at a complete optimum level.

Systems, formats, and digital platforms need to be up to mark. There is an availability of great plug-ins in music production.

Moreover, they can make your song sound fascinating. In addition, you will get various genres and styles.

Checklist for Music Production

Find the list below checklist for the music production. Preparing a checklist is essential to avoid missing the vital equipment:

Selecting the proper digital audio workstation (DAW)
Chose an audio interface
Selecting the finest microphone
Equipment setup
Select a suitable laptop or desktop.
Process and ideas for songwriting
Buying the best plug-ins with audio cables
Purchasing a high-quality speaker or headphones

Checklist for songs

Intro
Verse
Chorus
Bridge

Music Production Tips

1. Comfortable Environment

Most importantly, you need to develop your music production skills in a comfortable environment. The actual professional studio will overwhelm you if you are new.

2. Try to Produce New Music.

Do not hesitate to experiment with new music and get inspiration from creative artists. Great music creates milestones from something new that no one has ever produced.

3. Take a Break

For instance, you get exhausted and cannot proceed further in music production many times. So, it is time to take a break and rest. Moreover, you can read books, exercise, listen to music, etc.

4. Develop and maintain focus

To boost your focus in music production, it is vital to eliminate distractions. It would help if you keep your music production studio soundproof. For example, keep your television and mobile switched off.

5. Get Honest Feedback

Certainly, getting feedback from experienced music producers is an effective way to improve. So, record and make songs. Secondly, please share it with the music producer and friends.

Ask for honest feedback. It can be positive or negative. If it is positive, you will be motivated to produce more songs. In case of negative feedback, it will help you learn and grow in music production.

6. Self-motivation and Discipline

It is challenging to build a career in music production. For success, you need to have strong motivation and discipline. Many individuals have failed in music production due to a lack of consistency. It is possible to establish yourself as a music producer if you love it.

What Does a Music Producer Do?

The role of the music producer in music production is to support recording artists and musicians. They can be beatmakers, composers, directors, sound engineers, and singer-songwriters (Anyone or aggregate).

For instance, you have a desire to develop your career in music production. Then, it is essential to be creative. Moreover, build and maintain balance in the music for the artists & musicians.

How Much Does a Music Producer Earn?

As per global statistics (payscale.com), the annual average salary of a music producer is $50,983. The salary ranges from $29,000 to $99,000 (Or more).

As a music producer, you can earn through hourly rates, per day or project. Other payment includes revenue from the album (2.5% to 3%). You can get advances with the standard fees depending on your years of experience and quality.

Let us discuss the income in India. For instance, you have 1 to 4 years of experience as a music producer. So, your average annual income can be 4,60,000 INR or more.

In terms of over ten years of experience, you can earn over 20,00,000 INR annually. For example, you are famous and well-established in the music industry. Then, your income will be in crores.

Final Words

We hope you understand about the music production. The process of learning can be long and stressful. However, the earnings can go from lakhs to cores depending on your creativity, marketing, and talent.

Most importantly, trust the learning process to pave the way to success. So, what are you waiting for? Take a step to develop your music production career at MB music academy (MBMA). For more details, visit our site: https://mbmusicacademy.org/courses/