Resources: Music Production

Ableton Live 10 lite

If you still don’t have Ableton live, there is a way to get the most simple version of the program for 8€. At the beginning you don’t need much more than that, and if at some point you want to upgrade to live standard, Ableton offers a discount if you already have live lite.

Some hardware like audio interfaces but also some apps give you a free version of Ableton Live Lite. The cheapest way to get your hands on Live Lite is to buy the iPhone app called Triqtraq – Jam Sequencer of Zaplin Music.

So here’s what you have to do:

  • Buy Triqtraq – Jam Sequencer for 8 € from the iPhone/iPad app store and install it
  • Open Triqtrack on your iPhone or iPad
  • Press MENU at the right bottom
  • Select EXPORT in the menu
  • On the next page, at EXPORT AS select Abelton Live Set
  • On that same page select “Don’t own Live? Get Abelton Live 10 Lite”
  • A new page appears where you can fill in your email and submit
  • You will recieve an email with a free licence for Live Lite

Link to the software: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/triqtraq-jam-sequencer/id488578848

Synthesizers

U-He Tyrell N6 – Classic virtual analog synth. Easy to learn and nice powerful sound: https://u-he.com/products/tyrelln6/

Virtual instruments

Spitfire LABS – Very comprehensive collection of sampled instruments (strings, piano, drums, percussion, soundscapes…). Very good sounding and super easy to learn: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/labs/

Native Instruments Komplete 12 Start – Small collection of synthesizers, sampled instruments (band instruments, world instruments, keyboards) and a couple of effects: https://www.native-instruments.com/de/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-start/

Effects

Valhalla Freq Echo – analog delay and pitch schifter: https://valhalladsp.com/shop/delay/valhalla-freq-echo/

Tal-Reverb-4 – plate reverb with nice 80s character: https://tal-software.com/products/tal-reverb-4

Tal-Filter-2 – state variable filter: https://tal-software.com/products/tal-filter

Tal-Reverb-2 – diffuse and lush reverb, ideal for ambient sounds: https://tal-software.com/products/tal-reverb

Vallhalla Space Modulator – vibrato, chorus, flanger FX: https://valhalladsp.com/shop/modulation/valhalla-space-modulator/

Softube Saturation Knob – effective and smooth sounding one-knob distortion and saturation: https://www.softube.com/saturationknob#/

Samples

Legowelt – small but inspiring collection of synth and drum machine sounds: http://legowelt.org/samples/

Midi controllers

Native Instruments Komplete Control M32: https://www.thomann.de/intl/native_instruments_komplete_kontrol_m32.htm

Arturia Minilab mkII: https://www.thomann.de/intl/arturia_minilab_mkii_inverted_edition.htm

Audio interfaces

Steinberg UR22C: https://www.thomann.de/intl/steinberg_ur22c.htm

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm

Headphones

Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 250 Ohm: https://www.thomann.de/intl/beyerdynamic_dt770pro.htm

Microphones

Shure SM57: https://www.thomann.de/intl/shure_sm57_lc.htm

(last updated: February 5th 2020)