Technology Requirements for Music Production & Engineering (MPE)
Technology Requirements for Music Production & Engineering (MPE)
Music Production & Engineering (MPE) is a major that relies heavily on music technology to record and produce music, both inside and outside of the recording studio. The Music Production and Engineering 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 Music Production and Engineering 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 Music Production & Engineering must own the following hardware and software (broken out by semester and course):
MPE | Required before beginning MPE course: |
SEMESTER 0 | |
Avid Pro Tools Studio | MP-113: Accelerated Pro Tools |
iLok | “ |
SEMESTER 1 | |
Pro-level studio headphones (e.g. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro*, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Sony 7506, Sony MV1) | 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 | “ |
(*) 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.
Student software and hardware discounts
Please refer to the following page for current Berklee student discounts and accommodations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ihxcA1paqLuM_UFR573FMznD8RglvGXH6vfxBg1yIXo/edit?tab=t.0
Please contact the Music Production and Engineering Department at mpeinfo@berklee.edu with any questions.