Beginner Electronic Music Production Gear: What You Really Need to Start
- Leiam Sullivan
- Mar 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 2
First DAW Setup
Getting started with electronic music production can feel overwhelming. There’s no shortage of advice, gear lists, or opinions – DAWs, plugins, controllers, synths, monitors – and it’s easy to feel like you need everything before you can begin.
You don’t.
This guide breaks down the essential beginner electronic music production gear you actually need to start making tracks – without overspending or overcomplicating things.
Your DAW Comes First
Your DAW is the centre of your entire setup. It’s where you write, record, arrange, mix, and often master your music.
In 2026, a modern DAW on its own is enough to produce fully professional, release-ready tracks.
A good DAW gives you:
Recording & MIDI – Audio capture, MIDI sequencing, editing
Virtual instruments – Synths, drum machines, samplers
Mixing tools – EQ, compression, saturation, reverb, delay
Basic mastering – Limiting, loudness control, stereo tools
You don’t need extra software on day one.
Best DAWs for Beginner Electronic Music Production Gear
There is no “best” DAW – only what suits how you think and work.
✔️ Ableton Live – Excellent for electronic music, looping, sound design, and creative workflows. Session View makes experimenting fast and intuitive.
✔️ Logic Pro X – Strong for songwriting, arrangement, and mixing. Outstanding value on Mac, with excellent stock instruments and effects.
✔️ FL Studio – Fast, visual, and popular with beatmakers. Particularly good for step-based workflows.
✔️ Cubase & Studio One – More traditional production environments with powerful MIDI and audio tools.
✔️ Bitwig Studio – A modern, modular DAW with deep sound-design potential – ideal if you enjoy experimentation.
What’s the Best DAW? The best DAW is the one that suits your workflow. The best thing to do: try them, pick one, commit to it, and learn it deeply.
A Simple DAW-Only Workflow
If you’re working entirely in the box, a typical beginner workflow looks like this:
1️⃣ Start with a basic chord progression. Use a stock instrument, play simple triads, and focus on feel rather than theory.
2️⃣ Add a bassline that follows the chords. Keep it simple – root notes are enough.
3️⃣ Build a drum groove around the harmony. Let the rhythm support the musical idea.
4️⃣ Layer a lead or texture. One melodic idea is plenty.
5️⃣ Use effects and automation to add movement. Small changes go a long way.
6️⃣ Arrange, balance, and apply gentle limiting. Finish the idea before refining it.
That’s it. No hardware required.
Do You Need Hardware to Start?
No.
You can make excellent electronic music with just a DAW, headphones, and time spent learning.
That said, adding one piece of hardware later can be creatively inspiring – not because it’s necessary, but because it changes how you interact with sound.
If you do go that route, keep it simple.
Great First Synths on a Budget
Behringer Wasp Deluxe - A gritty, buzzing mono synth that’s full of character. Despite having no polyphony, the range of tones is fantastic.
Behringer Pro-1 - A clone of the legendary Sequential Pro-One with huge bass and cutting leads. Excellent for raw analog textures.
Behringer Model D - Their Minimoog clone delivers warm, powerful analog tones perfect for electronic genres. A fantastic allrounder.
These synths are affordable, hands-on, and inspiring - perfect for a first step into hardware without overwhelming your setup. Pairing one with your DAW can expand your sound palette and creative process in big ways.
MIDI Controllers (Helpful, Not Mandatory)
A small MIDI keyboard makes playing and programming easier, but it’s not essential.
Good beginner options:
Arturia Keystep – simple, musical, well-built
Novation Launchkey / Akai MPK Mini – compact and affordable
Ableton Push – powerful, but not beginner-essential
Start small. Expand later.
Audio Interface & Headphones
Good audio quality is crucial.
• Audio Interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Universal Audio Volt): Essential for low latency and quality audio.
• Studio Headphones (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770): Reliable and affordable for precise monitoring.
Plugins: Less Is More
Your DAW already includes everything you need. Only expand once you feel a genuine limitation.
Your Computer Matters More Than Gear
Minimum sensible specs in 2026:
16 GB RAM
SSD storage
Modern CPU (Apple Silicon or equivalent)
Stability beats power.
Final Thoughts: Less Gear, More Music
It’s easy to believe gear is the shortcut.
It isn’t.
The real progress comes from:
learning your DAW
finishing tracks
making mistakes
repeating the process
Start simple. Build slowly. Make music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start electronic music production?
A computer, a DAW, headphones, and time spent learning.
Do I need expensive gear?
No. Many great records were made with far less.
What’s the best DAW for beginners?
The one you enjoy using enough to stick with.
Quick Start Checklist
✅ Choose a DAW
✅ Get headphones
✅ Add a MIDI controller (optional)
✅ Learn stock tools
✅ Finish tracks
That’s enough to begin.
Learn More: 📖 Electronic Production Blog
Happy producing! 🎶
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