{"id":416626,"date":"2020-03-29T15:13:28","date_gmt":"2020-03-29T13:13:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/?p=416626"},"modified":"2020-03-26T16:41:09","modified_gmt":"2020-03-26T15:41:09","slug":"essential-recording-tools-for-the-modern-songwriter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/learn\/essential-recording-tools-for-the-modern-songwriter\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential recording tools for the modern songwriter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>The recording industry has changed dramatically, allowing people to record a professional-sounding album simply in their bedroom. There are tons of inexpensive good-sounding microphones, mobile-designed audio interfaces and software that helps you to create the music you have in mind, without&#8230; a band!<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>#<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">musicneverstops<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Singer-songwriters<\/strong> have always been <strong>lone<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>wolves<\/strong>. For them, the process of <strong>musical<\/strong> <strong>composition<\/strong> and <strong>songwriting<\/strong> starts and ends with a <strong>guitar<\/strong>, the human <strong>voice<\/strong> and a piece of <strong>paper<\/strong> for the <strong>lyrics<\/strong>. But what happens when you want to have a <strong>drum<\/strong> <strong>track<\/strong>, a <strong>bass line<\/strong>, a <strong>string<\/strong> <strong>section<\/strong> or <strong>lead<\/strong> <strong>guitar<\/strong>\u00a0in your <strong>song<\/strong>? What if you don&#8217;t physically have those <strong>instruments<\/strong> and want to obtain the same <strong>result<\/strong> regardless of your situation?<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.giphy.com\/media\/SWuQkwROYmLDrBNS2G\/source.gif\" width=\"500\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/software.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>plug-ins<\/strong><\/a> that can help you achieve a <strong>pro<\/strong>&#8211;<strong>grade<\/strong> result <strong>without breaking<\/strong> <strong>the<\/strong> <strong>bank<\/strong>, hiring <strong>session musicians<\/strong> and not needing to learn to play countless new <strong>musical<\/strong> <strong>instruments<\/strong> &#8211; as well as many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/studio_equipment.html?ref=intl&amp;shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjQiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>hardware<\/strong> <strong>interfaces<\/strong><\/a> that let you trigger and perform the <strong>sounds<\/strong> you want with little effort. Let&#8217;s get straight to the point!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Hardware<\/h1>\n<p>Ok, I get what you mean. <strong>We just said that you can have a digital band that can back you up. Sure<\/strong>. But you still need some basic physical gear to record your voice and control\/trigger your sounds. What we are listing here are the basic requirements to <strong>RECORD<\/strong> your song\/album\/EP. Please refer to other articles like (<em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/recording-vocals-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">THIS<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/10-accessories-home-studio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">THIS<\/a><\/strong><\/em> and <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/studio-monitors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">THIS<\/a><\/strong>)<\/em> to learn about the <strong>complete setup<\/strong> you should consider if you want to <strong>mix<\/strong> and <strong>master<\/strong> your music.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Studio microphones<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 25%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-416626 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"105\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/13949771_800-105x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-416652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/13949771_800-105x300.jpg 105w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/13949771_800.jpg 210w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 105px) 100vw, 105px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-416652'>\n\t\t\t\tApogee HypeMiC\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"90\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/8490121_800-90x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-416650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/8490121_800-90x300.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/8490121_800.jpg 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 90px) 100vw, 90px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-416650'>\n\t\t\t\tthe t.bone SC 440 USB\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"153\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14932220_800-153x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-416655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14932220_800-153x300.jpg 153w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14932220_800.jpg 305w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 153px) 100vw, 153px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-416655'>\n\t\t\t\tAston Origin\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"121\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14740566_800-121x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-416653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14740566_800-121x300.jpg 121w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14740566_800.jpg 241w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 121px) 100vw, 121px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-416653'>\n\t\t\t\tSennheiser MK4\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>To record your voice (and your <strong>acoustic guitar<\/strong>, if you don&#8217;t want to rely on the <strong>piezo<\/strong> sound) you&#8217;ll need a <strong>studio<\/strong> <strong>microphone<\/strong>. Nowadays you have tons of options at your disposal, both traditional mics with <strong>XLR<\/strong> connection and<strong> USB\/iOS<\/strong> options for <strong>mobile<\/strong> recording. Traditional offerings include but are not limited to: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/shure_sm_7b_studiomikro.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Shure SM7B<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/aston_microphones_origin_black_bundle.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Aston Origin<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/rode_nt1a_complete_vocal_recording.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>RODE NT-1A<\/strong> <strong>vocal<\/strong><\/a> set and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/the_tbone_sc400_grossmembranmikro.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>t.bone SC 400<\/strong><\/a>. <strong>USB<\/strong> alternatives include the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/apogee_hypemic.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Apogee HypeMIC<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>t.bone SC 440 USB<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/sennheiser_mk4.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Sennheiser MK4<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and the stand-equipped <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/m_audio_uber_mic.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>M-Audio Uber Mic<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"advads-content-injection-before-2-h2 advads-entity-placement\" style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"advads-237254714\"><div class=\"advads-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div id=\"advads-2066783030\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/index.html?utm_medium=display&#038;utm_source=partnersite&#038;utm_campaign=branding&#038;utm_content=thoshop&#038;utm_term=gemischt\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01-300x37.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\"   \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Audio interfaces<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-416626 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14226632_800-300x201.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-416660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14226632_800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14226632_800-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14226632_800.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-416660'>\n\t\t\t\tFocusrite Scarlett 2i2\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10082215_800-300x265.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-416659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10082215_800-300x265.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10082215_800.jpg 678w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-416659'>\n\t\t\t\tAudient iD14\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"253\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14612948_800-300x253.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-416661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14612948_800-300x253.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14612948_800.jpg 712w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-416661'>\n\t\t\t\tUAD Apollo\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/usb_audio_interfaces.html?viewMode=block\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Audio interfaces<\/strong><\/a> are necessary if you want to record with an <strong>XLR<\/strong>-equipped <strong>microphone<\/strong> and\/or<strong> jack input<\/strong>. Say you want to record your <strong>acoustic<\/strong> <strong>guitar<\/strong> (through a piezo pick-up, with a jack cable) and your voice: you&#8217;ll need <strong>two inputs<\/strong> and the ability to <strong>monitor<\/strong> <strong>yourself<\/strong>. As with microphones, there are plenty of offerings with <strong>traditional<\/strong> <strong>cabling<\/strong> (USB) and <strong>mobile<\/strong>&#8211;<strong>ready<\/strong> interfaces. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/motu_m4.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Motu M4<\/strong><\/a> and the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/audient_id4.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Audient iD4<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/audient_id14.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iD14<\/a><\/strong>. At a higher price you can get the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/search_dir.html?sw=universal+audio+apollo&amp;smcs=665a73_2940\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Universal Audio Apollo<\/strong><\/a> series (available with USB, <strong>Thunderbolt 2<\/strong> and <strong>Thunderbolt 3<\/strong> connections depending on the model), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/rme_fireface_uc.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>RME Fireface UC<\/strong><\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/apogee_duet_for_ipad_mac.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Apogee Duet<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you like to make music on your <strong>smartphone<\/strong> or <strong>tablet<\/strong>, be aware that interfaces such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ik_multimedia_irig_pre_hd.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/apogee_jam_450400.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Apogee Jam+<\/strong><\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/focusrite_itrack_solo_lightning.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Focusrite<\/strong> <strong>iTrack Solo Lightning<\/strong><\/a> were specifically designed for mobile applications in mind.<\/p>\n<p><strong>HINT<\/strong>: if you have a <strong>newer<\/strong> <strong>iPad<\/strong> (or if your iPad is compatible with the <strong>Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter<\/strong>) you can actually plug in <strong>selected USB-equipped sound cards <\/strong>and use them with <strong>GarageBand<\/strong> or any software that is compatible with external devices.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Portable recorders<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-container brlbs-cmpnt-content-blocker brlbs-cmpnt-with-individual-styles\" data-borlabs-cookie-content-blocker-id=\"youtube-content-blocker\" data-borlabs-cookie-content=\"PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUtbm9jb29raWUuY29tL2VtYmVkL0ttaGEydlBwaXlBIiB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbj0iYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuIj48L2lmcmFtZT4=\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-preset-c brlbs-cmpnt-cb-youtube\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-thumbnail\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/borlabs-cookie\/2\/brlbs-cb-youtube-main.png')\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-main\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-play-button\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-content\">\n<p class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-description\">You are currently viewing a placeholder content from <strong>YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-provider-toggle\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-show-provider-information role=\"button\">More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-buttons\"> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-unblock role=\"button\">Unblock this content<\/a> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-accept-service role=\"button\" style=\"display: inherit\">Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want to use a <strong>laptop<\/strong> or <strong>mobile<\/strong> device to <strong>record<\/strong> your <strong>song<\/strong>, you can have a look at portable recorders. Products such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/boss_micro_br_br80.htm?ref=intl&amp;shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjQiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Boss BR-80<\/strong><\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/zoom_r8.htm?ref=intl&amp;shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjQiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Zoom R8<\/strong><\/a> are portable <strong>multi-track recorders<\/strong> that are equipped with several extra functions (such as <strong>eBands<\/strong>, <strong>direct-to-SD card<\/strong> <strong>writing<\/strong> and much more). Other products such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/izotope_spire_studio.htm?ref=intl&amp;shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjQiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>iZotope Spire<\/strong><\/a> take a <strong>revolutionary<\/strong> approach by allowing <strong>stereo<\/strong> <strong>recordings<\/strong> with <strong>battery<\/strong> operations, a <strong>free<\/strong> app to share music and <strong>collaborate<\/strong> with <strong>friends <\/strong>(see<strong> video above<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Headphones<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-416626 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/9372021_800-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/9592876_800-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/9536210_800-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>A good pair of <strong>closed<\/strong> <strong>headphones<\/strong> is vital for <strong>recording<\/strong> and <strong>monitoring<\/strong> yourself through the audio interface (and also to mix and eventually to master your song). <strong>Popular<\/strong> <strong>offerings<\/strong> include but are not limited to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/beyerdynamic_dt770_pro80_ohm.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 ohms<\/a>,<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/audio_technica_ath_m50_x.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Audio-Technica ATH-M50X<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/akg_k_240_studio_kopfhoerer.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>AKG K240 Studio<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re not sure about the <strong>impedance<\/strong> (ohm values) you have to choose for your next pair of headphones, check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/features-i-consider-buying-new-headphones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">THIS ARTICLE about the features you should consider when buying some<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Launchpads &amp; MIDI Keyboards<\/h2>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 25%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-416626 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/9013115_800-300x254.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/9013115_800-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/9013115_800.jpg 708w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10509378_800-300x201.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10509378_800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10509378_800-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/10509378_800.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"231\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/12540542_800-300x231.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/12540542_800-300x231.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/12540542_800-768x591.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/12540542_800.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"226\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14539568_800-300x226.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14539568_800-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14539568_800-768x580.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/14539568_800.jpg 795w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Now here comes the fun part: as a singer-songwriter you&#8217;ll have to rely on<strong>\u00a0samples and loops<\/strong> to create the <strong>backing<\/strong> <strong>track<\/strong> you want to have in your song. This includes using <strong>drum<\/strong> <strong>machines<\/strong> (most of the time built inside your <strong>DAW<\/strong> already), <strong>loops<\/strong> and <strong>samples<\/strong> that need to be triggered by pressing a key\/button. Wether you like to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/daw_controllers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>square<\/strong> <strong>pads<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/midi_keyboards_up_to_49_keys1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>keyboard<\/strong><\/a> keys is up to you and it also depends on the <strong>style<\/strong> of your <strong>song<\/strong> (it&#8217;s visually easier to compose a <strong>drum beat<\/strong> on a launchpad, as it is simple to lay down a string melody with a keyboard).<\/p>\n<p>Popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/daw_controllers.html\"><strong>Launchpads<\/strong><\/a> include the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/novation_launchpad_x.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Novation Launchpad X<\/strong><\/a>, its little brother <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/novation_launchpad_mini_mk2.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Launchpad Mini MK2<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ableton_push_2.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ableton Push 2<\/strong><\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/akai_apc_mini.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Akai APC Mini<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keyboard<\/strong>-wise, if we take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/midi_keyboards_up_to_49_keys1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>49-key format<\/strong><\/a> as a standard, which is popular due to it&#8217;s size\/price ratio, you won&#8217;t be disappointed with either the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/arturia_keystep.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Arturia Keystep<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/native_instruments_a49.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Native Instruments Kontrol A49<\/strong><\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/m_audio_code_49_black.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>M-Audio Code 49<\/strong><\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/nektar_impact_lx49_395176.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Nektar Impact LX49+<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-416626 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"151\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11121765_800-300x151.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11121765_800-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11121765_800-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11121765_800.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11970607_800-300x133.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11970607_800-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11970607_800-768x340.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/03\/11970607_800.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Software<\/h1>\n<p>Now that you have all the physical gear you need, we need the <strong>software<\/strong> to bring your songs to life.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">DAW<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-container brlbs-cmpnt-content-blocker brlbs-cmpnt-with-individual-styles\" data-borlabs-cookie-content-blocker-id=\"youtube-content-blocker\" data-borlabs-cookie-content=\"PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUtbm9jb29raWUuY29tL2VtYmVkL09xTXJnUTBiSFlvIiB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbj0iYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuIj48L2lmcmFtZT4=\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-preset-c brlbs-cmpnt-cb-youtube\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-thumbnail\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/borlabs-cookie\/2\/brlbs-cb-youtube-main.png')\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-main\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-play-button\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-content\">\n<p class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-description\">You are currently viewing a placeholder content from <strong>YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-provider-toggle\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-show-provider-information role=\"button\">More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-buttons\"> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-unblock role=\"button\">Unblock this content<\/a> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-accept-service role=\"button\" style=\"display: inherit\">Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/sequencing_software_and_virtual_studios.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DAW<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>Digital Audio Workstation<\/strong>) is the <strong>main<\/strong> <strong>software<\/strong>, the <strong>central<\/strong> <strong>part<\/strong> of your whole recording rig. There are plenty of offerings from different companies, and choosing the best one ultimately comes down to your <strong>own<\/strong> <strong>preferences<\/strong> (and Operating System). Classic choices include <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/reason_studios_reason_11.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reason Studio<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>Logic Pro X <\/strong>and<strong> Garageband<\/strong> (downloadable from your App Store), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/avid_pro_tools.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>AVID Pro Tools<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/imageline_fl_studio_10_producer_edition.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>FL Studio<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ableton_live_10_standard.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ableton Live<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/steinberg_cubase_pro_10.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Cubase Pro<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can find more <strong>in-depth information about our recommended DAWs<\/strong> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/top-7-daws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>clicking HERE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Drum samples<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-container brlbs-cmpnt-content-blocker brlbs-cmpnt-with-individual-styles\" data-borlabs-cookie-content-blocker-id=\"youtube-content-blocker\" data-borlabs-cookie-content=\"PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUtbm9jb29raWUuY29tL2VtYmVkL0YwSTJWQW5vUGV3IiB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbj0iYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuIj48L2lmcmFtZT4=\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-preset-c brlbs-cmpnt-cb-youtube\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-thumbnail\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/borlabs-cookie\/2\/brlbs-cb-youtube-main.png')\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-main\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-play-button\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-content\">\n<p class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-description\">You are currently viewing a placeholder content from <strong>YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-provider-toggle\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-show-provider-information role=\"button\">More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-buttons\"> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-unblock role=\"button\">Unblock this content<\/a> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-accept-service role=\"button\" style=\"display: inherit\">Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The easiest way to lay down a <strong>drum<\/strong> <strong>track<\/strong> for your next hit song is by relying on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/virtual_instruments_and_samplers.html?price-first=0&amp;filter=true&amp;feature-47382=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Drum Samples plug-ins<\/strong><\/a>. The industry has now reached insane levels of <strong>detail<\/strong>\u00a0and <strong>complexity<\/strong>, allowing you to compose (or choose!) a drum beat without having much drumming knowledge. <strong>Popular<\/strong> <strong>options<\/strong> used by many professionals include <strong>Get Good Drums<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/toontrack_ez_drummer_2_2.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Toontrack<\/strong> <strong>EzDrummer 2<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/slate_digital_steven_slate_drums_5.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Slate Digital Steven Slate Drums 5<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/toontrack_superior_drummer_3_420275.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Superior Drummer 3<\/strong><\/a>. If the offerings are not of your liking, you can check out the <strong>free tools built inside your DAW<\/strong> or buy <strong>Sample packs<\/strong> online.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Bass &amp; Guitar<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-container brlbs-cmpnt-content-blocker brlbs-cmpnt-with-individual-styles\" data-borlabs-cookie-content-blocker-id=\"youtube-content-blocker\" data-borlabs-cookie-content=\"PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUtbm9jb29raWUuY29tL2VtYmVkL25pbG0zemtFd0pvIiB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbj0iYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuIj48L2lmcmFtZT4=\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-preset-c brlbs-cmpnt-cb-youtube\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-thumbnail\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/borlabs-cookie\/2\/brlbs-cb-youtube-main.png')\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-main\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-play-button\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-content\">\n<p class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-description\">You are currently viewing a placeholder content from <strong>YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-provider-toggle\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-show-provider-information role=\"button\">More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-buttons\"> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-unblock role=\"button\">Unblock this content<\/a> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-accept-service role=\"button\" style=\"display: inherit\">Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Guitar<\/strong> is one of the most popular instruments on the planet, and there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/virtual_instruments_and_samplers.html?price-first=0&amp;filter=true&amp;feature-51201=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>countless plug-ins<\/strong><\/a> that confirm this. Wether you need an amp simulation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ik_multimedia_amplitube_4.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>IK Multimedia Amplitube<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/positive_grid_bias_amp_2_elite.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Positive Grid Bias Amp 2<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/overloud_th_u_full.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Overloud TH-U<\/strong><\/a>) or a sampled acoustic guitar (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/musiclab_realguitar_5_423948.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>MusicLab Real Guitar 5<\/strong><\/a>), classical guitar (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ujam_virtual_guitarist_silk.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>UJAM Silk<\/strong><\/a>), electric guitar or bass (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ample_sound_ample_guitar_sc_iii.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ample Sound Ample Guitar SC III<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ujam_virtual_guitarist_iron.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UJAM Iron<\/a><\/strong>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ujam_virtual_bassist_bundle.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> UJAM Virtual Bassist Bundle<\/strong><\/a>), our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/software.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>software section<\/strong><\/a> has something for you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Strings<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-container brlbs-cmpnt-content-blocker brlbs-cmpnt-with-individual-styles\" data-borlabs-cookie-content-blocker-id=\"youtube-content-blocker\" data-borlabs-cookie-content=\"PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUtbm9jb29raWUuY29tL2VtYmVkL1RUSE5EeFZRTTNRIiB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbj0iYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuIj48L2lmcmFtZT4=\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-preset-c brlbs-cmpnt-cb-youtube\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-thumbnail\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/borlabs-cookie\/2\/brlbs-cb-youtube-main.png')\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-main\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-play-button\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-content\">\n<p class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-description\">You are currently viewing a placeholder content from <strong>YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-provider-toggle\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-show-provider-information role=\"button\">More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-buttons\"> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-unblock role=\"button\">Unblock this content<\/a> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-accept-service role=\"button\" style=\"display: inherit\">Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Stringed<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>instruments<\/strong> are the most <strong>modelled<\/strong> instruments since the inception of Virtual Instruments (for obvious reasons). The offering is <strong>huge<\/strong>, starting from <strong>traditional sounding<\/strong> orchestras (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/garritan_instant_orchestra_308092.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Garritan Instant Orchestra<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ik_multimedia_miroslav_philharmonik_2.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>IK Multimedia Miroslav Philarmonik<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/steinberg_halion_6.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Steinberg Halion 6<\/strong><\/a>), to more <strong>cinematic-oriented<\/strong> samples (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/native_instruments_komplete_12.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Native Instruments Komplete 12<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/project_sam_symphobia_1.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Project Sam Symphobia<\/strong><\/a>) ending with <strong>modern sounding<\/strong> strings (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/output_analog_strings.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Output Analog Strings<\/strong><\/a>) made for <strong>contemporary<\/strong> <strong>pop<\/strong> productions.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Piano, synth &amp; organs<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-container brlbs-cmpnt-content-blocker brlbs-cmpnt-with-individual-styles\" data-borlabs-cookie-content-blocker-id=\"youtube-content-blocker\" data-borlabs-cookie-content=\"PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUtbm9jb29raWUuY29tL2VtYmVkL3VHTEc1SXhqTnpnIiB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbj0iYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuIj48L2lmcmFtZT4=\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-preset-c brlbs-cmpnt-cb-youtube\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-thumbnail\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/borlabs-cookie\/2\/brlbs-cb-youtube-main.png')\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-main\">\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-play-button\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-content\">\n<p class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-description\">You are currently viewing a placeholder content from <strong>YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n<p> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-provider-toggle\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-show-provider-information role=\"button\">More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n<div class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-buttons\"> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-unblock role=\"button\">Unblock this content<\/a> <a class=\"brlbs-cmpnt-cb-btn\" href=\"#\" data-borlabs-cookie-accept-service role=\"button\" style=\"display: inherit\">Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As with strings, <strong>grand<\/strong> <strong>pianos <\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/toontrack_ezkeys_grand_piano.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Toontrack EzKeys<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/waves_grand_rhapsody_piano.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Waves Grand Rhapsody<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/c._bechstein_digital_grand.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>C. Bechstein Digital Grand<\/strong><\/a>), <strong>synths (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/lennar_digital_sylenth_1.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lennar Digital Sylenth 1<\/a><\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/vengeance_sound_vps_avenger.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Vengeance Sound VPS Avenger<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/fabfilter_twin_2.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>FabFilter Twin 2<\/strong><\/a>) and <strong>organs <\/strong>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/eastwest_ghostwriter.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>EastWest Ghostwriter<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/garritan_classic_pipe_organs.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Garritan Classic Pipe Organs<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/gb\/ik_multimedia_hammond_b_3x.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>IK Multimedia Hammond B-3X<\/strong><\/a>) are being sampled since decades ago, leading to a huge array to choose from. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Please note that the playing experiences will vary a lot depending on the <strong>quality<\/strong> of your <strong>MIDI<\/strong> <strong>controller<\/strong>, in particular the <strong>keybed<\/strong> and the <strong>velocity<\/strong> <strong>sensitivity<\/strong> of the <strong>single<\/strong> <strong>keys<\/strong> and their weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Mix &amp; Master<\/h1>\n<p>Chances are that a substantial <strong>part<\/strong> of the <strong>mixing<\/strong> <strong>process<\/strong> has already been done by using virtual instruments and <strong>adjusting<\/strong> <strong>levels<\/strong> and effects while choosing the <strong>instruments<\/strong> you want to use inside your song.<\/p>\n<p>If you are not familiar with the art of <strong>mixing<\/strong>, you can <strong>educate<\/strong> <strong>yourself<\/strong> online on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>YouTube<\/strong><\/a>, on websites such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.recordingrevolution.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Recording Revolution<\/strong><\/a> or by checking popular <strong>bulletin<\/strong> <strong>boards<\/strong> all over the web. Alternatively, <strong>ask a friend to help you mix your songs<\/strong>. If budget allows, consider <strong>hiring a professional<\/strong>: nowadays, for both mixing and mastering, projects can be carried on via web <strong>remotely<\/strong> and the hourly rates are fairly <strong>accessible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For further information, check out our article that tells you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/do-you-need-mastering-for-your-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>&#8216;Why you need mastering for your music&#8217;<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Being a songwriter in 2020 is both an easy and hard task. You face lots of online competition, yet all the tools you need are just a few clicks away (in most cases). You can record a Grammy award-winning hit from your bedroom and you need just one thing to accomplish your goal: creativity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Are you a songwriter producing your own music? Which methods are you using?<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Leave us a comment below and let us know \ud83d\ude09\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"advads-content-injection-before-content advads-entity-placement\" style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"advads-2246093483\"><div class=\"advads-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div id=\"advads-2741716072\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/index.html?utm_medium=display&#038;utm_source=partnersite&#038;utm_campaign=branding&#038;utm_content=thoshop&#038;utm_term=gemischt\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/app\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2502_Gear_Banner_Gemischt_729x90_EN_v01-300x37.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\"   \/><\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The essentials tools for the 21st century songwriter: a comprehensive list.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":416642,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tblog_post_audio_url":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10720],"tags":[12397,3819,12399,7061,2324,12557,5377,12395,6983,5966,12559],"class_list":["post-416626","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn","tag-beat-creator","tag-home","tag-how-to-make-music-at-home","tag-instruments","tag-mastering-en","tag-masterinh","tag-mixing-en","tag-modern-songwriting","tag-production","tag-samples","tag-virtual"],"category_colors":{"color_key":"learn","css_classes":{"text":"cat-learn","text_light":"cat-learn-light","bg":"cat-bg-learn","bg_light":"cat-bg-learn-light","border":"cat-border-learn","text_on_bg":"cat-text-on-learn"}},"reading_time":{"minutes":8,"formatted":"8 min"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/416626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=416626"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/416626\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/416642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=416626"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=416626"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=416626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}