Hey there composer! Welcome to another edition of The Media Composer Vault. Today, let’s talk gear. If you think becoming a media composer means building a studio that rivals A-list Hollywood pros, pump the brakes. Sure, those setups are impressive, but trust me, they're not where you need to start.
When I first dove into composing, I made the classic rookie mistake: throwing money at shiny equipment I didn’t need. The result? An empty wallet and a lot of gear gathering dust. So, to save you from my fate, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide to just the essentials you need to kickstart your composing journey—plus a few optional extras that actually add value.
Bonus: I’ll reveal one must-have that nobody talks about—you’ll want to stick around for that. (Clue: it’s the last tip)
Whether you’re gearing up for your first project or rethinking your setup, this list will help you stay focused, budget-savvy, and ready to compose like a pro.
The Tools You Can't Compose Without
Let’s cut to the chase: If you’re serious about composing, you’ll need a computer and a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). These two are the dynamic duo of media composing, and there’s no way around it.
1.The Computer — Your Ultimate Wingman
This is where you’ll live—no, seriously. Whether you’re recording tracks or tweaking the tiniest details, your computer is your creative command center. Most, if not all, your work will be done on a computer so choosing the right one that’ll last you years to come is essential. My pick? The MacBook Pro. Yes, it costs a pretty penny, but consider it a long-term investment. It’ll save you from the horrors of the “SYSTEM OVERLOAD” warning that haunts lesser machines. I’ve been there—tears were shed.
Pro tip: Don’t stress about getting the fanciest model right out of the gate. Any MacBook Pro will handle your early projects. If your budget’s tight, skip the extra RAM for now—though if you can swing it, more memory never hurts. My MacBook Pro is three years old, and it’s still faster than my caffeine-fueled brainstorming sessions.
https://www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro/ (It's a bit pricey, but the model's the best I've found. I'm using it myself and wouldn't recommend it if I didn't think it was top-notch.)
If you don’t want to spend the big bucks on a brand new computer (trust me, I understand), you can find links to refurbished or second hand MacBook pros here, and here.
2.The DAW — Your Creative Playground
A DAW is where the magic happens. It’s the software that lets you record, edit, and craft your music. Logic Pro X is my personal favourite—and yes, it’s Mac-exclusive (another reason to consider that MacBook Pro). Of course, other DAWs like Cubase are fantastic too, but after a decade with Logic Pro, I’m sticking with what works best for me. It comes with a ton of instruments, perfect for when your starting out No need to buy all the expensive VSTs out there, the stock libraries in Logic Pro are more than enough.
Remember: These tools aren’t just gear—they’re an investment in your productivity and creativity. Start with these essentials, and you’re well on your way to composing greatness.
https://www.apple.com/uk/logic-pro/
3.The MIDI Keyboard - A Must Have for Productivity
Alright, now that we’ve tackled the priciest gear, let’s talk about another absolute essential: the MIDI keyboard. If you’re thinking, “I can just click in all the notes,” let me stop you right there. Trust me, you don’t want to do that—unless your goal is carpal tunnel and a permanent scowl.
Here’s the deal: This list is all about productivity, and the MIDI keyboard is a game-changer. It’ll save you time, effort, and countless headaches. Think of it as your productivity sidekick, making your composing process faster and way more efficient. And yes, it’s as essential as that snazzy computer we talked about earlier.
Why MIDI Keyboards Matter
Clicking in notes with a mouse? Painful. Playing them on a MIDI keyboard? Smooth as butter. It speeds up your workflow and keeps your creative juices flowing. Personally, I recommend a 61-key MIDI keyboard. It’s the perfect balance—not too big, not too small. While you can go for 49 or even 25 keys, those can feel limiting as your compositions grow more complex. 61 keys are the Goldilocks zone for getting stuff done.
What to Buy
My top pick? The M-Audio Keystation 61. It’s affordable, reliable, and comes with nifty features like a modulation wheel and a fader (perfect for expression and modulation). I’ve had mine for three years, and it’s still going strong—zero issues. Plus, having that built-in fader means you can skip splurging on a MIDI fader when starting out.
Reliability? Excellent. Functionality? Top-notch. A MIDI keyboard isn’t just a tool; it’s a must-have for any serious composer.
Here’s what other composers have to say about this topic (I’m not the only one with great ideas:))
You can find links to M-Audio Keystation 61 here, and here.
4.Headphones - The Cherry on Top
You may not think this is a must-have when starting out but let me explain:
Well, unless you've got a personal mixing engineer on speed dial (lucky you!), you'll need to learn the art of mixing and mastering your own music. And let's face it, your laptop speakers just won't cut it.
A good pair of headphones will let you hear every nuance of your music, from the subtlest bassline to the highest-pitched melody. It's like having a superpower for your ears!
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Do I really need headphones?" Well, technically, no. Some composers swear by mixing on cheap headphones or even laptop speakers. They argue that since most people listen to music on these devices, it's the most realistic way to gauge your sound.
Personally, I'm a big fan of headphones. They give you the freedom to experiment and fine-tune your music without disturbing anyone. Plus, a good pair of headphones can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment.
If you're looking for a reliable option, I recommend the DT 770 Pro. They're industry standard for a reason: they're durable, comfortable, and they sound incredible.
So, there you have it! Headphones: optional, but highly recommended. Now, go forth and create some amazing music!
Links to the DT 770 Pro can be found here and here.
5. Hard Drive: The Organised Person's Best Friend
So, you've got your DAW, your instrument, and your headphones. But what about your precious projects? Where are you going to store them?
The Desktop Dilemma
You might be tempted to save your files directly to your desktop. But let's be honest, that's a recipe for digital chaos. Your computer will slow down, and you'll spend hours searching for that one elusive project file.
Enter the Hard Drive Hero
A hard drive is like a digital filing cabinet for your music. It'll keep your projects organised, your computer running smoothly, and your sanity intact.
SSD vs. HDD: The Great Debate
Now, you've got two main options: SSDs and HDDs. SSDs are faster but more expensive, while HDDs are slower but more affordable. If you're just starting out, an HDD is a great choice.
My Top Pick
I personally recommend the Seagate 2TB external hard drive. It's reliable, affordable, and more than enough storage for most budding composers.
So, while a hard drive isn't strictly necessary, it's a wise investment that will save you time, stress, and potentially a lot of lost work.
Happy organising!
Seagate 2TB external hard drive.
6.Social Media - The One and True Essential
Now here is the one nobody talks about.
Yes! Social media, or any kind of online platform. We've already covered why social media is an essential for composers (if you haven't read it yet, you can do so here).
But to summarise, putting your music out there, especially when starting out, is a great way to build your confidence and more importantly start building a portfolio for potential employers to see. It's your digital resume, your virtual stage, and your secret weapon for finding your next big break. SoundCloud, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, whichever one, it doesn't really matter, so long as your fans and potential employers can see your work and have an idea of who you are and the world you come from.
Personally, I think social media is the most important asset you can have for being a composer in today’s age. It’s like having a backstage pass to the world—minus the bad snacks and weird smells. People are genuinely interested in the faces behind the music, and social media is the perfect stage to showcase your talents and personality.
Think of your feed as a concert where every post is a hit song. You can share everything from snippets of your latest compositions to the odd cat meme that makes you giggle (because let’s be real, every composer needs a bit of humour). Engaging your audience lets them feel like they’re part of your creative journey, and who doesn’t love that warm, fuzzy feeling of being connected?
Plus, employers often scroll through social media to spot talent. You could be just one catchy tune away from landing that dream project—no pressure! So, dust off those hashtags, film a few behind-the-scenes clips, and let your followers in on the process. Remember, a little humour goes a long way; after all, we don’t just want to be seen, we want to be remembered! Now go out there and compose your way into the hearts and feeds of many!
CONCLUSION
Well that's it, all the things you need to start composing.
(And yes, I bet you didn’t think social media would make the list, did you? Surprise!)
Now, I know there are a million things to consider (and if you haven’t checked out my blog on “3 Reasons Why You WON’T Make It as a Media Composer,” you’re missing out on some juicy insights—seriously, it’s a must-read!).
I’ve compiled this list of the absolute essentials that will keep your composing game strong without breaking the bank. 🎹💰
If you need any more help on gear and equipment, shoot me an e-mail, I’d be happy to help in any way I can! I’ve spent countless hours sifting through gear reviews and tutorials so you don’t have to. (Seriously, I think I once spent 3 whole days, non-stop, searching for the best computer; I understand the struggle of finding the perfect gear that’ll last, whilst at the same time, not break the bank)
What’s Next?
Share this blog with a fellow composer who might need a little guidance! And keep your eyes peeled—I'll be updating the Vault soon with more free tips and resources to help you on your musical journey.
Thanks for sticking with me through this newsletter! I genuinely appreciate it, and I hope this info helps you as much as it would have helped me when I was starting out. Got thoughts on the blog? Good or bad, I’m all ears! And if you need more gems to avoid the pitfalls I stumbled into, just let me know.
Until next time, stay creative! 🎼✨
Keep Composing!
-Theo