Which DAW should I use?

Start with whatever came with your interface. Most beginners do well with Ableton Live Lite, GarageBand, or Reaper. The DAW matters far less than learning to use it well.

Do I need a MIDI keyboard?

If you make beat-based or electronic music, a 25-49 key MIDI controller is nearly essential. For guitar-based production, it is less critical but still useful for programming drums and synths.

Best Setup for Home Music Production 2026