Essential Equipment by Phase
DAW Software
Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro (free trials available for all three). A MIDI keyboard controller is helpful but not required — all exercises can be done with a mouse and computer keyboard.
Reference & Metering
A loudness/LUFS meter plugin (Youlean Loudness Meter is free), and access to royalty-free sample packs (Splice, Loopmasters) for the sampling exercises.
Distribution Account
A free-tier account with a distribution service (DistroKid or TuneCore) to explore the actual release submission process, even without publishing commercially.
Recommended Channels
In The Mix
Comprehensive, structured mixing and mastering tutorials that closely match this curriculum's Phase 3 and 4 content.
Andrew Huang
Creative sound design and production experimentation content, ideal inspiration for Phase 2's synthesis and sampling work.
White Sea Studio
Clear breakdowns of DAW workflow and beat-making fundamentals for absolute beginners.