You Want to Start Producing Music? Here’s Where to Begin

So, you want to start making music but don’t know where to begin? Good news: all you really need is a computer and headphones. From there, you can expand step by step—no need to dive into expensive studio gear right away. Let’s break down what you actually need, from free software to professional tools, and help you choose your own path.

Step 1: Choose Your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

 

Your DAW is the main software you’ll use to record, arrange, and mix music. Here are some of the most popular options:

 

Free DAWs

 

• Cakewalk by BandLab – Fully featured, great for recording, totally free. (Windows only)

• Tracktion Waveform Free – Modern and lightweight. (Cross-platform, limited bundled sounds)

 

Affordable & Flexible

 

• Reaper – €60 for individuals, super powerful, highly customizable. Downsides: the interface can feel a bit old-school.

• FL Studio – From €99. Extremely popular for beatmakers and electronic music. Downside: not the best for recording live bands.

• PreSonus Studio One – From €99. Intuitive drag-and-drop workflow. Some advanced features require the Pro version.

 

Professional DAWs

 

• Ableton Live – Fantastic for electronic music and live shows. €79–€599.

• Cubase – Great for composition and film scoring. €99–€659.

• Bitwig Studio – Perfect for creative sound design and modular workflows. €99–€399.

• Logic Pro X (Mac only) – €229. Affordable, with excellent built-in instruments.

• Pro Tools – The studio industry standard. Pricey, with fewer included instruments, but unbeatable for recording.

 

Step 2: Add Some Plugins (Instruments & Effects)

Plugins expand what your DAW can do: they give you new sounds (synths, instruments) and processing (EQ, compression, reverb).

 

Here are some great picks, ranging from free to pro-level.

 

Free Plugins

 

• Vital (Synth) – Visual, modern wavetable synth.

• Spitfire LABS – Beautiful free instruments, from strings to pianos.

• Valhalla Supermassive – Dreamy reverb and delays.

• u-he Tyrell N6 – A free analog-inspired synth.

 

Affordable & Premium Plugins (Available at HIROaudio.com)

 

• FabFilter Pro-Q / Pro-C – Industry-leading EQ and compression. Clean, intuitive, professional.

• XLN Addictive Keys – Expressive, easy-to-use pianos.

• u-he Diva – Warm, analog-style synth beloved by producers.

• Soundtoys 5 Bundle – Legendary creative effects.

• Native Instruments Komplete – A huge library of instruments and sounds.

 

 You can also explore:

 

• Effects at HIROaudio

• Instruments at HIROaudio

• Sample Packs at HIROaudio

 

Step 3: Don’t Overthink It

 

It’s easy to get lost comparing gear, but the truth is:

 

• You can make music today with free tools.

• What matters most is finishing tracks and developing your ear.

• Later, you can expand with plugins and sample packs that inspire you.

 

Start small. Finish something. Grow at your own pace.