Without Breaking the Bank
Computer-based music production (MAO) has never been more accessible. But to get started—or to level up—you need to invest smartly. Here are 5 must-have tools for producing high-quality music in 2025, even on a tight budget. Comparisons, advice, and links included.
1. The DAW: Your Production Brain
A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is the software where you’ll compose, record, mix, and arrange everything. Here are some of the most popular ones:
| DAW | Approx. Price | Pros | Cons | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio One | Free (Prime version) or €99+ | Intuitive interface, very capable free version | Less common than others | https://www.presonus.com/products/Studio-One |
| FL Studio | €99 to €299 | Great for beats, lifetime updates | Unconventional workflow for some | https://www.image-line.com/ |
| Ableton Live | €79 (Intro) to €599 | Ideal for electronic/live performance | Expensive, steep learning curve | https://www.ableton.com/fr/ |
| Reaper | €60 (license) | Highly customizable, lightweight | Raw user interface | https://www.reaper.fm/ |
2. Audio Interface: For Clean Sound
This device lets you record with high-quality audio and low latency. It’s essential for connecting a microphone or an instrument.
| Audio Interface | Approx. Price | Strengths | Weaknesses | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | ~€150 | Reliable, good preamps, industry standard | A bit pricey for beginners | https://focusrite.com |
| PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | ~€99 | Great value, simple setup | No direct monitoring with zero latency | https://www.presonus.com |
| Audient EVO 4 | ~€120 | Compact, smart gain, modern design | Few physical outputs | https://evo.audio/products/evo-4/overview/ |
3. Studio Headphones: For Accurate Mixing
Studio headphones help you mix accurately without the sound coloration found in regular consumer headphones.
| Headphones | Approx. Price | Pros | Cons | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony MDR-7506 | ~€100 | Industry standard, neutral sound | Non-detachable cable | https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/mdr7506 |
| Audio-Technica M50X | ~€130 | Great isolation, foldable, robust | Slight bass boost | https://www.audio-technica.com |
| AKG K240 Studio | ~€70 | Comfortable, great value | Semi-open, less isolation | https://www.akg.com |
4. VST Plugins: Your Sound Arsenal
No need to buy everything. There are powerful free VST plugins available. Here are a few favorites:
| Plugin | Type | Price | Highlights | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vital | Synthesizer | Free | Modular, visual, pro-level sound | https://vital.audio/ |
| Spitfire LABS | Real Instruments | Free | Excellent strings, pianos, pads | https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/ |
| Valhalla Supermassive | Reverb/Delay | Free | Exceptional space and depth | https://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-supermassive/ |
| iZotope Elements Suite | Mastering/Mix | €49 to €99 | All-in-one starter mastering tools | https://www.izotope.com |
5. MIDI Controller: Create with Feeling
A MIDI keyboard lets you play virtual instruments, build beats, and automate effects.
| MIDI Controller | Approx. Price | Strengths | Weaknesses | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKAI MPK Mini MK3 | ~€99 | Compact, great pads, pitch joystick | Small keys | https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-mk3 |
| Arturia MiniLab 3 | ~€119 | Stylish design, Analog Lab presets | No pads | https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/minilab-3/overview |
| PreSonus ATOM | ~€120 | Great for Studio One, sensitive pads | Less piano-friendly | https://www.presonus.com/products/ATOM |
🎯 Conclusion
You don’t need a €10,000 studio to make professional music. With a solid DAW, a clean audio interface, reliable headphones, carefully chosen VST plugins, and a compact MIDI controller, you can create studio-quality tracks from your bedroom.
💡 Pro Tip: Download trial versions, explore communities, follow tutorials, and build your setup step by step.
Want to submit your music to us? https://www.audiartist.com/
