STACK #256 February 2026

TECH FEATURE

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MUSIC PRODUCTION

Got the music-making bug? Or want to become a superstar DJ? Or both?! Today’s tech makes it easier than ever to get musically creative – just add your talent to the mix! Words Amy Flower

of analogue audio like vocals and guitars to be combined with computer-tracked sounds and samples, then mixed and processed with effects, ready for sharing with the world. If you have MIDI-equipped gear, you may also need a MIDI interface to hook into your computer, while a decent audio interface

What are you actually creating?

The essential tech

When recording vocals or performing live, you’ll need a good microphone suitable for voice – that cheapo karaoke mic might get you by in a push, but won’t give you great results. In studio environments, large-diaphragm condenser

Today there are many outlets for music, but it’s also tougher than ever to get heard. So, what exactly do you want to create musically, and where do you hope to get it heard? Options abound. You can go the traditional singer/songwriter route – easier than ever with today’s tech. You can create songs for others to sing, or perhaps get a duo or band together. Then there is the beats side of things – many DJs augment their mixing skills with their own creative input to great effect. Alternatively, you may wish to create music to accompany other creative pursuits (yours or others) such as background music for podcasts, or TikTok and YouTube videos. Soundtracks for films – short or long-form – is another popular field. Or maybe you just want to get creative for your own fun and fulfilment. There aren’t any rules, but it’s a good idea to have a plan so you know what gear you’ll need.

microphones are preferable for their sensitivity, wide frequency response, and ability to capture detail and nuance in a vocal performance. You want your sound to be captured at its best. Something needs to make the actual music. If you’re looking at creating electronic music, the most popular route is a PC – desktop, or laptop for portability

is a necessity. This will let you connect a microphone, guitar, bass, or old school synth to your computer, acting as a conduit for analogue signals to be converted to digital. Finally, a decent set of headphones for monitoring is a must. Look for studio-focused ones that don’t colour the sound – you want it to be as pure as possible.

– coupled with a keyboard controller and DAW. That’s a “Digital Audio Workstation” – software such as Ableton and Studio One that allows you to record, edit, and produce audio. A DAW is basically a recording studio inside your computer, allowing recordings

Pioneer Two Channel Scratch Style DJ Controller

Arturia MiniFuse 1 Audio + MIDI Interface

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 USB Keyboard Controller

Shure BETA 58A

SuperCardioid Vocal Microphone

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Professional Open Back Headphones

28 FEBRUARY 2026

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