Technology Requirements for Music Production and Engineering (MP&E)
Music Production and Engineering (MP&E) is a major that relies heavily on music technology to record and produce music, both inside and outside of the recording studio. The department has established the following technology requirements to ensure that all students majoring in MP&E have the necessary tools to create high-quality audio content. Remaining up-to-date with current music technology software and hardware is an essential part of the engineer’s and producer’s ongoing professional workflow and will be a lifelong pursuit.
Computer Requirements
All students majoring in MP&E must own an Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer that meets specific standards established by academic leadership. Please review the pan-college entering student laptop requirements: https://www.berklee.edu/sts/macbook-pro
This is a Mac-based program. No Windows, Linux, or PC can be used. Intel-based Macs are not recommended and cannot be supported.
Hardware and Software Requirements
All students majoring in MP&E must own the following hardware and software (broken out by semester and course):
MP&E | Required Before Beginning MP&E Course |
SEMESTER 0 | |
Avid Pro Tools Studio | MP-113: Accelerated Pro Tools |
iLok | “ |
SEMESTER 1 | |
Pro-level studio headphones (e.g. Sony MV-1*, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro**, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Sony 7506) | MP-214: Critical Listening |
Apple Logic Pro | MP-225: Audio and MIDI Systems for Music Production |
25-key minimum MIDI keyboard | “ |
2-ch (minimum) audio interface (e.g. UA Volt 276P, SSL 2+ MKII) | “ |
1 Shure SM57 mic (minimum) plus mic stand and XLR mic cable | “ |
Two 1 TB-minimum hard drives: same make, model and capacity | “ |
Econ Technologies Chronosync utility software | “ |
SEMESTER 2 | |
Melodyne Assistant | MP-226: Advanced Audio and MIDI Production |
Autotune Artist (or minimum EFX) | “ |
iZotope Music Production Suite 8 – Educational | “ |
* Note: As of fall 2026, the MP&E Department is partnering with Sony to utilize their Virtual Mixing Environment (VME) software.
**Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are available in three impedance levels (32 Ohms, 80 Ohms, and 250 Ohms). The 80 Ohms model is recommended for students for its universal usage, as the 250 Ohms model requires an audio interface.
MPE students will the opportunity to be measured for free for a personalized Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) profile in Berklee’s Mastering suite (B256/160 Mass Ave.) This profile, when used with the Sony VME software and the Sony MV-1 headphones (specifically), will provide all students the ability to monitor their work as if they were seated in Berklee’s Mastering studio in the 160 Mass. Ave. building! This revolutionary technology provides a uniform listening experience in headphones to all IRP students and faculty regardless of physical location.
Note: For this reason, students interested participating in this program should purchase the Sony MV-1 headphones as the technology will not work properly with other brands of headphones.
Questions? Contact mpeinfo@berklee.edu.