Recommended equipment
First of all, the first thing you need to keep in mind is
"Don't waste money."
Make sure you have clear priorities for how you spend your money when installing equipment.
What is Priority?
1. Setting up your PC environment
OS: Windows 11 home
Windows: RAM = 64GB or more, 128GB recommended
System drive: 2TB SSD or more recommended
OS: mac OS15 or higher Sequoia or higher
Momory: 32G recommended
System drive: 2TB SSD or more recommended
Comparing the two, the memory capacity is doubled to 64G and the system drive is also doubled.
A 2TB Windows machine wins, and it's also cheaper.
The first important thing to look at when using a PC for DTM is
1. Memory capacity that allows you to launch many plugins without stress
2. The system drive must be at least 2TB.
3. High-speed multi-core processor CPU.
For Windows, Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 processor or higher,
AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, but the key point is the number of cores and threads.
Check for high multi-core performance.
In this respect, Ryzen has the advantage.
This is because you will be working with multiple sound source software and effects processors running.
#Laptop CPUs such as Intel Celeron and Celeron M are not suitable for use.
The retailers are "Dospara" and "Mouse Computer", etc.
It's cheap to buy and highly recommended.
2. Communications
Make sure you have an environment where you can use Wifi 5 or higher.
Numerically, the communication speed is
Wifi5 is (6.9Gbps) and Wifi4 is (600Mbps).
The communication speed is about seven times faster.
Use Wifi 5 or higher.
Optical fiber communication is required for internet connection.
There is not much difference between Wifi5 (6.9Gbps) and Wifi6 (9.6Gbps).
You may not feel it.
In a music production environment,
The sound source and plug-ins such as effects you use can be connected via the internet.
In most cases, you will need to download and install it on your PC.
The internet connection is important.
3. About external drives
If you use an external drive, make sure it is USB 3.0 compliant.
The communication speed of USB2.0 is 480Mbps
The communication speed of USB 3.0 is 5Gbps to 10Gbps, so the difference is huge.
How to use an external drive:
Use it as a working data drive and as a backup
Of course,
Store the data of the sound source software you use,
If necessary, it will be read and used in real time.
Make sure you have a tolerable connection speed.
The sample data of the sound source used is large.
For example, software that uses drum sample sound sources
~XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2, Toontrack Superior Drummer 3,
It requires around 4GB of RAM to run.
The data is particularly large for orchestral sound source software.
Strings sound source: SPITFIRE SYMPHONIC STRINGS EVOLUTIONS
This will be 27.7GB of data, and if you add a full orchestra sound source including wind instruments, the Spitfire Symphony Orchestra will be 360GB of data.
It's best to install these on an SSD system drive.
However, for this reason, the system drive should be set to a large capacity of 2TB.
We recommend it.
However, you can also store and use tone data on an external drive.
It is possible.
In that case, it would be safer to have a USB 3.0 or higher port.
Then, when you want to record vocals or live instruments,
The data drive for recording must be external.
Recording live instruments can be hard on your PC, and if there is an unexpected power outage during recording,
If there is a problem,
It is also possible that your system drive will not boot.
Using the system drive for recording should be avoided at all costs.
When recording, if the set frequency is 48KHz 16bit, USB 2.0 can be used, but if it is 48KHz 24bit or higher, USB 3.0 is safer.
4. Audio Interface
Make sure you use an audio interface.
This can be a difficult decision to make, as there is a huge difference in price.
To put it simply,
"Sampling frequency 96KHz 24bit can be used "
Compatible with "USB 3.0"
Let's use this as a standard.
Records are better than CDs for experiencing the sound quality of live instruments.
This is something that is often said, but the reason for this is simple:
When you can hear around 45KHz (41KHz), you will feel that the sound quality is high.
That's why .
It was once said that the audible range of the human ear was between 100Hz and 25KHz.
To be precise, the audible range is from 60Hz to 45KHz.
The sampling frequency - the number used to extract sound at a fine frequency level and turn it into data - does not indicate the frequency that can be heard.
Half the sampling frequency value is the audible range.
Therefore, a sampling frequency of 90KHz is required to play 45KHz.
is.
There is another thing called bit number, which is also used to sample sound.
Naturally, the larger the sample, the more detailed the sample will be.
Therefore, it is important to judge not only by [KHz] but also by the [bit] value.
That's the right decision.
From here on, I will talk about my auditory senses.
I have been making music using analog tape recorders for many years.
In terms of experience points
The best sound captured by an analog tape recorder
It sounds the same as
There are two: 48KHz-32bit and 96KHz-24bit .
This is electronica, ambient,
It also makes a big difference in IDM - Intelligent dance music.
Rather, the sounds created by these electronic sounds are
The difference is clearly recognizable.
5. Monitor environment
The monitor environment is very important. It may seem like expensive equipment, but try not to compromise on this point.
A: Headphones
The key point is that the high frequency reproduction value must be 41KHz or higher.
In the past, prices were typically over 40,000 yen, but they have become cheaper.
The most economical models are:
◆SONY-MDR-M1ST Hi-Res Studio Monitor Headphones Frequency Response: 5-80,000Hz ¥29,800
◆AKG-K371 Closed-back Monitor Headphones Frequency Response: 5-40,000Hz ¥17,800
◆Audio Technica ATH-R50x
Frequency response 5-40,000Hz ¥25,300
I use the SATOLEX-hdh0297 (discontinued)
B: Speaker playback (speakers and amplifiers)
Instead of listening at a loud volume, listen at a quieter volume to check the bass.
You need speakers.
Headphones alone won't make you sound professional.
This is also where the price varies greatly,
The economical set includes the following products:
Amplifier: Fostex AP20d
Frequency response: 20Hz to 40kHz ¥28,710
+
Speakers: Micca COVO-S 2-Way Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Frequency response: 90Hz-20kHz 60$ = ¥8,820 (set of 2)
Speaking from my experience working in a recording studio,
Recreating the same monitor environment as a recording studio in an ordinary home
It's impossible.
However, if you want to check the balance from low to high frequencies at low volume, this set is the best value for money.
Active speakers that can be connected to a PC via USB
(Speaker and amplifier integrated) should never be used.
The balance of the frequency bands is disrupted,
Even if it sounds good on that speaker, it may be completely different in other playback environments.
I can hear it.
If you can secure an environment where you can play the music at a slightly louder volume,
Speakers: Fostex P802-S
Frequency range: 150Hz to 40kHz ¥23,760
It is recommended to add a speaker selector that can be switched using the
This will give you a playback environment that is very close to that of a recording studio.
The speaker selector
LUXMAN model AS-5Ⅲ ￥15,400
However, it is designed with an emphasis on sound quality, which is great.
Additional note: About active speakers
I mentioned earlier that active speakers connected to a PC via USB are not good, but what about connecting the output of the audio interface to an amplifier?
What about connecting to active speakers?
Some of you may think so.
In that case, you can get the same effect as the Fostex & Fostex P802-S set mentioned above.
GENELEC 8331AP
Frequency response: 45 Hz to 37 kHz (-6 dB) ¥726,000 (pair)
It must be a class.
Other active speakers only have a high frequency limit of 20KHz.
Passive speakers are cheaper and provide better results when it comes to creating a HiFi environment.
6. Input Devices
A keyboard is required as an input device. The keyboard must be connected to the PC via USB.
Connect.
Others feel that having a pad to tap with your fingers is better for inputting rhythm.
Maybe, but I think a keyboard is enough.
Even more convenient than a pad is a fader knob that connects to your PC via USB.
It may be convenient. With this, you can control the knobs and other controls on the screen while listening to music.
You can move the fader.
I use a mouse with a scroll wheel.
I also play drums, so for input I have the following electronic drums:
I also use the Playtech pds250 II.
A: Master keyboard
I definitely recommend an 88-key keyboard.
This is because when inputting percussion instruments, you may need to use a sound source in which percussion instruments are assigned to all 88 keys.
If the keyboard has 25 or 49 keys, you will need to use the octave shift keys to play the tone.
Since you have to press the buttons, you can't type all at once while listening to music.
Although it can be used with a 61-key keyboard, it is not recommended.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the keys.
Is it something that is as heavy as a real piano, or something as light as a melodica?
This should be a heavy one called a hammer action.
This is because, especially when inputting percussion instruments, it is difficult to create a dynamic difference.
The weight makes it easier to see the width and differentiate between the two.
Dynamics are also important when inputting piano notes.
When inputting strings or wind instruments, the sampled sounds are programmed to switch depending on the dynamics, making it sound more realistic.
So a heavy feeling hammer action is better.
Considering the above conditions, the lowest cost
◆M-AUDIO Keystation88 MK3 ¥27,144
◆ NEKTAR IMPACT GXP88 ¥43,800
◆ ARTURIA KeyLab Essential 88 MK3 Black ¥59,840
It has 9 knobs, 9 faders, and 8 pads,
It also has the advantage of being able to be used as an input controller.
7. About DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
What DAWs can we recommend as of 2025?
1. PRESONUS Studio One Pro 7
Price: ¥28,000 (download delivery)
2. STEINBERG-Cubase Pro 15
Special price: ¥41,580 (download delivery)
However, the reason is the sound quality and price.
It covers all the necessary features so there's not much difference.
#.IMAGE-LINE / FL STUDIO Producer Edition Download Delivery
Price: ¥28,800
FL STUDIO lets you create songs by connecting sampled phrases
Think of it as a DJ tool, and it's great for club music.
There are many interesting features for producing (House, EDM, IDM, Downtempo).
I am collaborating as "BosatsuBeat"
German Downtempo artist Landhouse
I use FL STUDIO.
However, in that case, a large amount of phrase sampling data would be required.
You need to ensure it.
Furthermore, if you combine phrase sampling,
Pitch correction is essential, but the only way to do this is to
The higher version of FL STUDIO Signature Bundle is ¥33,800
You will need it.
Pitch correction is available in both Studio One Pro 7 and Cubase Pro 14.
#Reaper
It is famous as a free DAW software. I also installed it on my PC.
It has been done.
In conclusion, it is difficult to understand for those who are using DAW software for the first time.
I think it's difficult to use.
Reapere is a DAW software that has been around for a long time and is suitable for people who have used various DAW software.
To make it easy for me to use
Adjust and program to create your own DAW system.
It might be good for people who like that kind of process.
I need the tools to create the music I want,
I don't want to spend time on technical programming other than music production.
I stopped using it.
#Ableton Live-ABLETON Live 12 Standard Email delivery Price: ¥52,800
Live using phrase sampling and sampled phonemes
It is a software suitable for performance.
Therefore, those who want to specialize in club-style EDM, and DJs who are proactive
It's good for people who want to be active.
My main focus is playing instruments and creating music.
Of course, sampling data is often used,
I also played the drums for the DrumnBass drum phrases myself.
It's a production method that allows me to realize my image faster by creating it.
I have been using Studio One and Cubase for a long time.
A8.Plug-in software
In DTM, a plug-in is a general term for software sound sources, software sound sources, audio effects, and MIDI effects.
Users can add their favorite plug-ins to play various instruments,
You will be able to get new effects.
Adding "instruments" such as orchestral and synthesizer sounds
Instrument plug-ins,
Effects plug-ins that add reverb, compressors, etc.
There are also other tools such as phrase generation using AI,
There are a wide variety of plugins available.
There are three main standards for plug-ins, and when considering introducing a plug-in, you need to pay attention to the standards that can be used in your environment.
Typical plug-in standards
VST (Virtual Studio Technology)
This is an industry-standard plug-in specification that has dramatically advanced music production since it was released by Steinberg in 1996. It is used by many third-party products and is compatible with the widest range of operating environments.
AU (Audio Unit)
A plug-in standard developed by Apple for the macOS environment. It can be used with Apple products such as Logic Pro, Garageband, and MainStage, as well as third-party DAWs such as Studio One, Live, FL Studio, and Digital Performer.
AAX (Avid Audio eXension)
A proprietary standard developed by Avid exclusively for Pro Tools. It replaces the 32-bit standards "TDM" and "RTAS" that were used up until Pro Tools 10, and was born as a new 64-bit standard. There are two types: AAX Native, which uses CPU processing, and AAX DSP, which achieves low-latency processing on a dedicated DSP card.
#The current version of Studio One is 8, and the latest version of Cubase is 14.
Be sure to check the standards your DAW supports and be careful not to purchase the wrong one.
◆Things to be careful about with plug-in specifications
Master of Music allows you to set the sampling frequency for your production.
We recommend 48KHz-32bit and 96KHz-24bit.
Even if your audio interface is set to 96KHz-24bit
If the plug-in software only supports up to 48KHz-16bit,
You won't get the 96KHz-24bit performance you're looking for.
In particular, many of the free plugins are up to 48KHz-16bit.
Please be careful.
In particular, the effect called reverb, which adds reverberation,
High resolution is required, so the sampling frequency should be as high as possible.
It would be better if it is compatible.
On the other hand, compressors and filters are effective when creating a break beat.
Effects pedals require a high sampling frequency.
It may also have the opposite effect.
I would like to make this point clear to you.
◆ Recommended plugins (free version)
Here are some good free plugins:
A: Synthsizer
1. Lennar Digital Sylenth-Sylenth v3.067.VST :
A virtual analog synthesizer that rivals the sound quality of hardware synths.
It has a very well-organized interface, is easy to use, and has low CPU load. It also has a wide range of sounds, so it's enough to create the basic subtractive analog synth sounds.
I can say it.
This is also a typical subtractive analog synthesizer.
Can be used for synth bass and lead sounds.
3. TAL-Elek7ro : Plugin sales site pluginboutique :
From the main page menu bar
You can get it at [Free>Instruments>synth>TAL-Elek7ro].
This is also a typical subtractive analog synthesizer.
4. Analog Lab Play
Plugin sales site pluginboutique /
From the main page menu bar
You can get it at [Free>Instruments>synth>Analog Lab Play].
5. Klavir :
You can get it from the menu bar on the main page by going to [Free > Instruments > Virtual Instrument > Klavir ].
It's produced by a company called MNTRA Instrument, and it's a really fun Lofi track.
This is a company that produces virtual instrument sound sources.
This is an upright piano sound source that has an interesting Lofi & Chill sound.
6. CollaB3-V2 FREE :
You can get it from the menu bar on the main page: Free > Instruments > Virtual Instrument > CollaB3-V2.
Hammond B3 organ simulation sound source.
It also comes with a rotating Leslie speaker.
7. Odin 2.4.0 :
24-voice polyphony, known as a wavetable oscillator
It's a synthesizer.
◆推奨プラグイン（有料版）
有料プラグインのエフェクターで推奨できる製品です。
B:Effector
音色に残響をつけたり、ディレイを付加したり、周波数を加工するEQなど
エフェクターは基本的に有料のものを使った方が、良い結果が出ます。
シンセサイザーは制作会社がマーケットに発表してから時間が経って
ほぼいきわたっていると思われるものを無料で提供しているケースが
あります。機能的には悪くないものは確かにあります。
エフェクターの場合は大幅に値下げをして販売するケースが多いです。
そうして新商品への動線にしています。
またエフェクターは、どういう楽曲を制作するのかによって
細かく分類してご提案できるので、是非、直接ご相談ください。
ここではごく一部だけを提示させていただきます。
◇.リヴァーブ
洞窟の中か、ライブハウスの中の響きか、コンサートホールの現場か、
など空間の広がりをつけるエフェクターです。
価格：50＄
ほぼ、リヴァーブはこれ一つでよいと思われると思います。
音が良いし、種類も豊富です。50＄の値段も、リバーブとしては
高くはありません。
◇:ディレイ
やまびこのような繰り返しの響きをつけるエフェクターです。
価格：50＄
基本的な昨日はついていて、使い方がはっきりしているので、
使い安いです。
◇:EQ:
周波数を加工して太くしたりエッジをきかせたりします。
1.WAVE-F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
価格：通常\23,760 >76%OFF￥5,610
当分これひとつで良いと思います。視覚的に調整と結果が理解できるので、
この方式でEQの変化を感じることをお勧めいたします。
WAVE社の製品は頻繁にセールを行いますので、適切なタイミングで購入してください
◇:Compressor
コンプレッサーは説明されても使ってみないとわからないエフェクターですが
いわゆるカッコいい音には必須のエフェクターです。
UAD 1176 Classic FET Compressor
価格：¥3,092
この実機1176のシュミレーションソフトから始めると良いでしょう。
コンプレッサーはオルタナやハードロックのドラム、ファンクのギターには
欠かせないエフェクターです。丁寧に御説明させていただきます。
◇:Limitter
リミッターは最終的な音圧調整に欠かせないエフェクターです。
価格：￥26,620
リミッターはコンプレッサーと機能的には同じ種類のエフェクターですが、
最終的な出力部分にインサートして使います。
少々お高いですが、マスターバスコンプレッサーリミッターとしては
永久的に使えます。
以上、ここで上げたエフェクターだけでもグローバルマーケットのトップレベルのクオリティーを十分につくることができます。
他にモジュレーション系のエフェクターがLofiのサウンドをつくるときには
効果的なものがあります。
他は自分の制作が進んで何が必要なのかが分かってきてから、
手に入れることをお勧めします。
こういうバンドル製品もあります。
あらゆる場面で必須のプラグインを収録した業界標準バンドル
67種類のプラグイン：コンプレッサー、EQ、リバーブ、ディレイ、マスタリング用プラグインなどを網羅
価格：通常価格：319,000円（税込）が 31,900円（税込）
確かにお得な買い物ですが、
私は67種類すべてが現状の世界標準96KHz-24bitに対応しているわけではない
という理由で購入はしません。
Ultimately, you may be wondering which DAW software is best for you and how to get the right plug-ins.
Feel free to take advantage of Master of Music's free seminars.