How to Optimize Your Computer for Music Production: 6 Tips

If you are planning to make it as a musician and make money, it is natural that you need reliable work tools. Otherwise, the whole dream of producing music is unlikely to come to fruition.

A computer is one of the most important tools. In all fairness, this importance is obvious not just in the music industry but other types of work as well.

Having said that, you want a computer that runs optimally, particularly if the music software you use is high-end and requires a lot of resources.

You do not want to end up in a situation where you have to deal with random crashes, freezes, overheating, and other similar computer issues.

Keep Enough Free Storage

Let’s start with the basics. Even though audio tracks you produce are not necessarily storage hogs for a computer, it is still necessary to keep an eye on the overall state of a computer’s drive. For instance, if you have a MacBook, you may want to look into getting one of the available mac clean apps to have an easier time dealing with temporary system storage and other junk that accumulates because of the software you use and other processes on a computer.

Overall, the more free space on the drive, the better the performance. In addition to temporary system files, you should also remove other data you no longer need. In case you want to take a different approach, you can take advantage of cloud storage and move files there. Or, get an external hard drive. The bottom line is that you need to keep the computer’s drive free.

Make Sure to Update the Software

Software updates should be pretty obvious, but they are not prioritized by some. Work software that you rely on should be prioritized because updates often mean improved performance, security, and even new features.

An operating system is also worth noting. You want to run the latest version of OS for similar reasons we mentioned about work software.

Some people might be reluctant to download and install updates because they can take a while to complete, and it is understandable. However, the benefits of an update outweigh the time you have to wait for them. And if you are really impatient, leave the downloading for when you are not actually using a computer.

Avoid Potential Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats should not cause you problems if you are using a computer only for producing music and surfing the net for some information.

Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that you might encounter a virus or another threat. Therefore, use reliable antivirus software that can detect and solve these issues before they end up on your computer.

Other than using antivirus software, it is also recommended to be smarter about what you click on while surfing the web. Some shady URLs and ads or banners might redirect you to malware-infested landing pages, and you cannot guarantee that an antivirus tool is enough to protect yourself.

Clean Dust Inside Regularly

Cleaning the dust inside a computer is a good piece of advice in general. It becomes even better for music producers who need to focus and hear the sound without distractions.

Too much dust inside a laptop or a PC case results in overheating and loud noises. Not only are these distracting, but they also signal that your computer’s hardware is at risk.

You might be reluctant to clean the computer’s dust yourself, but it is a necessary step to take to keep the computer in check. In case you do not want to risk damaging the hardware, leave the dust to someone who knows what they are doing.

Local computer service stores often offer services to clean the dust inside both desktop computers and laptops. It means paying money, but leaving the device in the hands of a professional is a good approach.

Seek Software Alternatives If Necessary

There are many different ways to produce music, thanks to available software. As a producer, you likely have one you prefer, but switching to an alternative might be an option if it means having a better experience on a computer.

Since some music production tools demand a lot of resources, those with outdated hardware have an option to either upgrade their computer or stick to different software.

Disable Notifications and Sound Alerts

Distractions are a hindrance as they disrupt your workflow. Music production requires focus, so you should do your best to get rid of any potential sources that get in your way.

Disable notifications and random alerts as well as sounds on a computer. Leave only the production software so that you can focus on it and nothing else.