Entering the world of audio and music production is both an exciting and daunting proposition. Nowadays, the quantity and quality of tools to produce diverse musical works is staggering, and widespread accessibility lets you make high-quality creations from the comfort of your home.
However, the drawback is the steep learning curve beginners must pass to get to grips with their digital audio workstations and the multitude of plugins and digital instruments on offer. We'll go through some good practices when passing through these first steps to give you a boost up the learning curve.
Select a Digital Audio Workstation
One of the first steps involved in embarking on your producing journey is selecting and downloading a digital audio workstation (DAW). These programs, which you can find and download online, are the central hub through which you will create, edit, and produce your audio.
To choose the right DAW, you should consider some of your creative objectives, and whether you'd benefit more from a paid or free DAW. If you prefer a free option, look into these free DAWs for beginners.
For more intricate control of your audio and effects, you will want to look into some paid DAWs, such as Logic Pro X (Mac users only), Pro Tools, and Ableton Live 11. If you choose Logic, see our beginner's guide to Logic Pro.
Track Types and Audio Creation
Once you've opened up your DAW, you have the choice to record or import sounds via two track types: digital/software instrument tracks and audio tracks.
Digital Instrument Tracks
Software instrument tracks let you record digital instruments, such as synthesizers and real-life instrument imitations, via the use of an in-built typing keyboard (your laptop/computer's keyboard) or a MIDI controller.
This track type creates an audio signal by first generating MIDI files, then your DAW reads the MIDI files and converts them into audio. In short, MIDI files tell your software instrument when, how, and what notes to play. For more information on MIDI, look into what MIDI and MIDI files are.
MIDI Controllers
MIDI controllers are little or large keyboards or pads that you connect to your computer. These will generate your MIDI files and make for a smoother, more streamlined experience when creating with digital instruments.
Audio Tracks
Audio tracks let you record live instruments, such as vocals or guitars, with a microphone.
The tools you have to edit audio regions vary from those used to edit MIDI regions; for example, fading edits can only be applied to audio regions. If you want to apply fades or other audio-unique edits to MIDI regions, you will first have to bounce your MIDI region to convert it into an audio file.
Audio tracks are also where you will drag any audio files or loops that you've found in your DAW, your personal files, or third-party audio loops or samples. Generally, if you see an audio file with .mp3 (standard audio quality), .wav, or .aif (high audio quality), these can be dragged into audio tracks in your DAW.
Loops, Sample Packs, and Sample Libraries
Loops are easily defined as an audio loop for a specified number of bars. An example could be 16 bars of a hip-hop drum kit or 32 bars of a bluesy piano in E major. The end will nicely lead back into the beginning, hence the name loop. Where things get a little less defined is the use of the word sample to describe different musical audio sources.
In its most basic form, an audio sample is simply another name for an audio file. This could be a one-note audio file (also called a one-shot), a few seconds of some musical idea, or even longer musical sequences (such as a guitar part in A minor) that are similar to loops. Check out the best audio loop and sample websites if this is an area that interests you; your DAW will most likely have its own loop/sample library too.
You also have sample instruments and sample libraries. Sample instruments are often made up of one-shot samples/recordings of a live instrument, e.g. a violin, which are combined along with different articulations (play styles). This provides a life-like violin that you can play on your keyboard as a software instrument.
Sample libraries are collections of sample instruments (and other audio samples). Look into the best guitar sample libraries or the best orchestral libraries to transport professional-grade guitar and orchestra sounds into your DAW.
Learn the Keyboard Shortcuts of Your DAW
Now that you have an idea of the creative tools at your disposal, it's important to streamline and improve your workflow in your DAW.
One of the best ways to do this is to learn and memorize useful keyboard shortcuts. If you're a Logic user, see these useful keyboard shortcuts in Logic Pro. Don't underestimate how much time you can save by shaving off a few seconds from each stage of editing and music production with keyboard shortcuts.
Read Tutorials for Digital Instruments and Plugins
Plugins and software instruments represent the core pillars of music production. The best way to learn an intimidating software instrument or plugin is to look up tutorials online and/or read their manuals.
The frustration that comes with not knowing how a tool works often interrupts your creative process as you just can't produce the sound you're after. Learn how specific controls work and put them into practice; this will ensure a rapid climb up the learning curve.
To get you started, look into how EQs work and how to use automation in your DAW. Then, you can learn when to use the different types of reverb, delay, and distortion in your musical works.
Start Your Music Production Journey on the Right Foot
Don't get intimidated by the steep learning curve in music production, and download a DAW that's right for you. Use your typing keyboard or a MIDI controller to create sounds with software instruments. Then, record your instruments, and drag and drop any loops and samples you've chosen into your audio tracks.
Remember to learn your DAW's keyboard shortcuts and look up tutorials and manuals for your favorite digital instruments and plugins. Do so, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a good, perhaps even great, music producer.