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. Align with the standards of the times.
Strive to achieve sound quality that
exceeds the standards demanded by the market.
2. My production method
Clarify whether you compose music primarily using
live instruments, rely heavily on sampled sounds
like a DJ, or use a combination of both.
3. Use it wisely
Actively incorporate
high-quality free plugin instruments and effects.
4. My own preferences
Create an environment where you can fully utilize
the synth sounds and acoustic instruments you love.
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
Recommended storage: 32GB
System drive: 2TB SSD or larger recommended
When comparing Mac and Windows systems,
a Windows machine with double the memory (64GB) and
double the system drive capacity (2TB)
actually comes in at a lower price.
The key points to prioritize when choosing a PC for DTM (Desktop Music) are:
1. Sufficient memory to run numerous plugins without performance issues.
2. A system drive with a minimum capacity of 2TB.
3. A high-speed multi-core processor (CPU).
For Windows, this means an Intel® Core™ i5 or higher,
or an AMD Ryzen 5 or higher;
the crucial factor is having a high number of cores and threads.
Look for strong multi-core performance.
Ryzen holds an advantage in this regard.
This is necessary because
the workflow involves running multiple virtual instruments
and effects simultaneously.
# Budget-class laptop CPUs, such as Intel Celeron or Celeron M,
are not suitable for this purpose.
It is best to choose a vendor that
allows you to customize the system yourself.
2. Communications
Regarding your network setup:
A wired connection is the best option if possible.
If you are using Wi-Fi, ensure your environment supports
Wi-Fi 5 or higher.
In terms of raw speed,
Wi-Fi 5 offers 6.9 Gbps, whereas Wi-Fi 4 offers 600 Mbps;
this represents a roughly sevenfold difference in speed.
You should use Wi-Fi 5 or higher.
A fiber-optic internet connection is essential.
You might not notice a significant difference
between Wi-Fi 5 (6.9 Gbps) and Wi-Fi 6 (9.6 Gbps).
However, in a music production environment,
you will frequently need to download sound libraries,
effects plugins, and the like
from the internet to install them on your PC,
so the quality of your internet connection is important.
3. About external drives
If you use an external drive, make sure it complies with
the USB 3.0 standard.
There is a vast difference in transfer speeds:
USB 2.0 offers 480 Mbps,
while USB 3.0 offers 5 Gbps to 10 Gbps.
Regarding how to use an external drive:
While it can certainly serve as a drive for active project data and backups,
you should also ensure the transfer speed is fast enough to
store data for your virtual instrument software
and load it in real-time during use.
Sample data for virtual instruments can be very large.
For instance, software using drum samples—
such as XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 or Toontrack Superior Drummer 3—
requires around 4 GB of RAM to operate.
Orchestral virtual instruments involve particularly large amounts of data;
"Spitfire Symphonic Strings Evolutions" alone requires 27.7 GB,
while a full orchestral library like "Spitfire Symphony Orchestra" requires 360 GB.
Ideally, these should be installed on an SSD system drive,
which is why we recommend a high-capacity system drive of at least 2 TB.
However, it is also possible to store and use instrument data on an external drive.
In that case, using USB 3.0 or higher is recommended for reliability.
Furthermore, if you plan to record vocals or live instruments,
you must use an external drive for the recording data.
Recording live instruments places a heavy load on the PC,
and if an unexpected issue—such as a power outage—occurs during recording,
it could potentially prevent the system drive from booting up.
You should absolutely avoid using the system drive for recording purposes.
If you are recording at 48 kHz/16-bit, USB 2.0 is sufficient,
but for settings of 48 kHz/24-bit or higher, USB 3.0 is the safer choice.
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.
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 2026?
1. Fender Studio Pro 8
Price: ¥29,800 (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.
2. TAL-BassLine:
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.
◆Recommended Plugins (Paid Version)
These are recommended paid effect plugins.
B:Effector
This includes effects such as adding reverb or delay to the tone, or using EQ to shape the frequency spectrum.
Generally speaking, you will achieve better results by using paid effect plugins.
Some synthesizers are offered for free after a certain amount of time has passed since their initial release by the manufacturer.
Among them, there are some that are actually quite capable in terms of functionality.
Some synthesizers are offered for free after a certain amount of time has passed since their initial market release.
Among them, there are some that are actually quite capable in terms of functionality.
This is particularly common with effects processors, which are often sold at significantly reduced prices.
They are used as promotional tools to help market newer products.
Since the ideal effects processor depends heavily on the type of music you are creating, I can offer specific recommendations tailored to your needs—so please feel free to consult with me directly.
The list here presents only a portion of them.
◇.Reverb
This is an effects unit that imbues the sound of an instrument with the sonic characteristics of the space where it is being played.
It can recreate the acoustics of various environments, such as a cave, a live music club, or a concert hall.
1.Valhalla VintageVerb:
Price：50＄
This is such a great product that you might feel it’s the only reverb you need.
It sounds excellent and offers a wide variety of options. At $50, the price isn't high for a reverb unit, either.
◇:Delay
This is an effect unit that adds a repeating, echo-like sound.
1.Valhalla Delay:
Price：50＄
It offers all the essential features and is easy to understand, making it very user-friendly.
◇:EQ:
This processes frequencies to make the sound thicker or to sharpen its definition.
1.WAVE-F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ
Price：Regular price\￥23,760 >76%OFF￥5,610
This single tool handles a wide range of editing and processing tasks, allowing you to visually grasp the adjustments and their results.
It is great to have a product that lets you visually perceive changes in the EQ.
Waves products go on sale frequently, so be sure to purchase at the right time.
◇:Compressor
A compressor is an effect gear that you really need to try out to understand, even after having it explained to you.
It is an essential tool for creating those "cool" sounds—such as vintage or lo-fi tones.
UAD 1176 Classic FET Compressor
Price：¥3,092
A great place to start is with software emulations of the 1176—a legendary piece of gear that has made history.
Compressors are essential effects for drums in alternative and hard rock, as well as for funk guitar. I will explain everything to you in detail.
◇:Limitter
A limiter is an essential effect for final sound pressure adjustment.
A.O.M.INVISIBLELIMITERG3
Price：￥26,620
A limiter is an essential effect for making final adjustments to sound pressure levels.
Functionally, a limiter belongs to the same category of effects as a compressor, but it is used by inserting it into the final output stage.
Although it is somewhat expensive, it is a master bus compressor/limiter that will serve you for a lifetime.
With just the effects units mentioned here, we are fully capable of producing quality that ranks at the top level of the global market.
There are other modulation effects that are effective for creating Lo-fi sounds.
I recommend acquiring those only after you have made progress with your production and have a better idea of what you need.
There are also bundle products like this.
◇Waves-Waves Platinum
It is an industry-standard bundle containing essential plug-ins for any situation.
It includes 67 plug-ins, such as compressors, EQs, reverbs, delays, and mastering tools.
Regular price: 319,000 JPY (tax included)—though it sometimes goes on sale for 31,900 JPY (tax included).）
While it certainly seems like a great deal, not all 67 plug-ins support the current global standard of 96kHz/24-bit audio.
You should carefully consider this point before purchasing.
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 soundcreate.studio free seminars.