- The season is upon us.
- Unsure what to buy your musician/producer/DJ friends and loved ones this year?
- Here’s our Xmas gift guide for all your music-loving friends.
- Also check out our Christmas Audio Deals Guide for a roundup of the best discounts.
We hope that your holiday season will offer some well-earned rest, eating, drinking and relaxing…
… Yeah, right.
We know as much as anyone that Christmas can sometimes be more stressful than its worth, especially when picking out the right gift for friends or family.
Don’t forget to also check out our separate Christmas Music Production Deals Guide.
Picking The Best Christmas Gifts For A Music Composer/Producer
Us music producers can be a picky bunch. Add to that the fact that the things we DO want tend to be either expensive, over-complicated to buy or just odd and finding the perfect present can be a nightmare.
But here at Producer Hive we want to take the worry out of your Christmas and make finding the right gift as easy as a few clicks.
For the musician, producer, singer or even someone who just dabbles in audio we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of gift ideas to suit any budget.
The Orba is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and sports 8 pressure and aftertouch sensitive pads. It incorporates an accelerometer allowing you to program it to pitch-bend, filter, and more. These functions can be controlled with the flick of your wrist or an extended press on one of the pads.
- Bluetooth/USB connectivity
- Compact
- Low price
Iconic gadgets don't come along every day. The Stylophone is a household name in the music world, known for its super-fun stylus design, compact design, and unique retro sound. Used by everyone from David Bowie to The White Stripes.
- Compact
- Small
- Fun
Small enough to fit in your backpack, this diminutive, USB bus-powered MIDI controller gives you 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action mini keys, Octave Up/Down buttons, and an ergonomic 4-way thumbstick for pitch-bend and mod duties.
- Compact
- DAW Integration
- 8 Assignable Knobs
- Portable
This ultra-vibey instrument features a classic Jazzmaster body and all the appointments and design that make it a great uke for live performance be it on stage or your living room.
- Sounds Great
- Transportable
- Fun!
Courses & Subscriptions
Nowadays there is a subscription service for pretty much anything including music production! Subscriptions tend to be payable monthly or yearly and often come with great perks such as tips from top producers or free software. Give the gift of learning!
Masterclass
Watch thousands of lessons from the best as they share their stories, skills, shortcuts, failures, and successes.
There are a slew of music production courses you get access to with the yearly subscription, including:
- EDM With DeadMau5
- Beatmaking With Timbaland
- The Art & Soul Of Guitar with Carlos Santana
- Dance Music with Armin Van Buuren
- Jazz with Herbie Hancock
- And many more…
The great thing about the yearly pass is you get access to not just the music courses, but also everything else they have on offer. Learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay, become a business leader under the guidance of Howard Schultz, or even take up photography with Annie Leibovitz!
Noiselab
In this FREE course, you'll develop a strong understanding of Ableton Live's interface and its many preference settings. Understand how to use Live's browser to quickly sample sounds in your tracks without having to spend time inefficiently searching your computer. They also discuss the build blocks of Live - clips.
- Focussed tutorials
- Free
If you’d like to read our full review of the course, click here.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Aspiring electronic music producers looking to take their skills to the next level. Especially useful for beginner to intermediate producers using Ableton.
Education & Bass Online
While many other courses offer techniques for ‘mainstream’ genres, E&B does one thing really well and that is sharing their extensive knowledge of bass music production secrets and techniques. They also assist with getting your music heard, and their "E&B Sounds" feature adds a ton of value.
- Teachers are all successful producers
- Insane amount of courses
“Spending only just a week digesting the content of the course, I uncovered little nuggets of wisdom that made me go from “how did I never discover that feature before?” to “I have to try this right now”. I often found myself pausing the videos just to open up Ableton and try out the techniques myself.” – Sean (Editor @ Producer Hive)
Check out our full review here.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Any budding producers who are passionate about dubstep, drum & bass and other similar UK underground electronic music styles.
Loopcloud
Loopcloud gives you the tools to sound like you, and no one else. The award-winning app & plugins give you access to millions of sounds in the worlds most fully-featured sample manager.
- Enormous collection of sounds and samples
- Extra software
- VST plugins
Loopcloud gives producers the tools they need to start and finish projects. It’s a subscription model that gives producers access to over 3.5 million unique samples, with a super intuitive interface that integrates right into their music production software. It can also be used from their phones, tablets and other devices.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Producers of all abilities.
Price: $7.99 per month for the basic plan.
Splice
Start creating with Splice. Preview and download millions of royalty-free samples from top producers, artists, and sound designers. Available on desktop, web, and mobile.
- Endless royalty-free samples
- Pay monthly
Splice is an online subscription service that gives users access to millions of professional samples to use in their songs and plug-ins (effects which they can use in their mixes) as well as exclusive contests. Think of this as a little like Netflix but for music producers! Check out our Loopcloud vs Splice review here if you can’t decide between the two.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Producers of all skill levels
Price: $7.99 per month of $79.99 per year
Available at: https://splice.com
Point Blank Music School
Point Blank's range of online music courses are designed to help you hit your goals in the industry.
Point Blank is a fantastic music school that offers many online courses. You’ll find higher education options and some much shorter production and DJ courses making a perfect Christmas gift!
This Gift Is Perfect For
Anyone looking to up their game in producing or DJ’ing. Courses are fairly full on but come with benefits such as 1-2-1 time with tutors and industry connections.
Find out more at https://www.pointblankmusicschool.com
Synthesizers
Synthesizers are the backbone of electronic music.
They are also a great addition to any producer’s collection even if they aren’t necessarily creating electronic or dance music as they can be used to add extra depth to recordings – they also tend to be a lot of fun to just sit and play even when you aren’t recording.
Pocket Operators
Use the built-in speaker for instant sound, connect a pair of headphones for detailed personal listening, or hook up to a speaker system to shake the room!
- Built-in microphone for sampling
- 8 melodic sample slots
- 16 effects
Pocket operators are tiny, calculator-sized synthesizers that, although small, sound great and are loads of fun to use. There is non doubt a novelty to them, but their glitchy sounds are a lot of fun and can be used to create drum beats, and their small size means they are ideal for transporting.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Anyone who enjoys dabbling in synthesizers or creating music on the go. Also, for any Rick and Morty fans, the new PO-137 model is a perfect Christmas gift.
Behringer TD-3
Amazing bass line synthesizer with true analog circuitry for bass and groove sounds.
- Powerful
- Intuitive
- Based on an iconic predecessor
The TD-3 by Behringer is a replica of a classic synthesizer called the Roland TB-303. Although at the time it didn’t do too well in terms of commercial success, the TB-303 is now widely regarded as a classic model (which is also reflected in its current price tag!).
The TD-3 offers many of the same functions and sounds as the original but at a fraction of the cost. The TD-3 is also new to the market as well so could be a perfect gift for the synthesiser lover in your life!
This Gift Is Perfect For
Any synthesizer fan or even those looking to get into synthesizers
Available at Sweetwater
Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine
The volca Beats delivers unforgettably classic sounds with six analogue and four PCM-based drum parts.
Regarding synthesizers, you can’t go wrong with a Korg when buying for the musician in your life!
Volca Beats is equipped with a 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches, and the Sync In and Out functions allow clock sync of multiple instruments from the Volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
Hovering in price around $150, the Volca Beats is a lot of fun that doesn’t cost a fortune!
This Gift Is Perfect For
Any synthesizer collectors or beat makers
Available at: Amazon
Headphones
Headphones are a great gift for producers; however, knowing which ones to get can be tricky. We’d recommend staying away from ‘buds’ such as Apple’s Air Pods and go for over-ear headphones. Luckily you don’t have to spend a fortune to get great-sounding headphones:
Audio Technica ATH-M40x
The M-Series ATH-M40x professional monitor headphones are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range.
- Robust build quality
- Accurate
- Portable
Audio Technica is one of the leading audio manufacturers, and their products range from budget or entry-level to high-end pro gear. The M40x headphones are a great option which sounds great and won’t break the bank.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Bedroom producers, DJs, producers who need to mix quietly (such as at home) or laptop producers who want to create or mix music on the go.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Headphones
Together with an ingenious open-back design, the high-resolution Tesla drivers ensure a wide, dynamic and extremely natural stereo image.
- Versatile
- Outstanding sound quality
Beyerdynamic headphones can be found in pro studios all over the world. The DT 990’s are ‘open back’ which mean they allow sound to escape from the rear of the headphones giving a more accurate sound for mixing. They are at the pricey end of the headphone market but well worth their quality.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Intermediate to advanced producers who mix and release either their own or other’s music who may need to mix quietly, at home, or on the move.
Microphones
Microphones are an integral part of music production. It can be a tricky purchase but we have a few great suggestions if you’re thinking of picking up a mic this Christmas:
Shure SM58-LC
With its warm, clear sound and frequency response optimized for vocals, the SM58 is a legend among vocal microphones worldwide.
The Shure SM58 is a microphone that defined a generation, and till today, is still regarded as an ‘industry standard’. It’s robust, sounds excellent and is at home in a studio and on a stage. This type of microphone is typically used for vocals but its sister mic, the SM57 is an almost identical model for instruments (eg recording a guitar amp). The SM models are so good it isn’t uncommon to find several in any recording studio!
This Gift Is Perfect For
Producers who are recording their own material (such as vocals or guitars) or anyone who performs live.
Rode NT1-A Microphone Bundle
RODE has truly made the NT1-A the complete recording solution by including a premium shock mount with integrated pop filter, high-quality 6m (20') XLR cable, microphone dust cover and even a bonus instructional DVD.
- 137dB SPL
- One of the world's quietest microphones
The Rode NT1-A is an excellent all-round microphone that is available as a bundle that includes a pop-shield, mic lead and dust cover. This is an excellent option for bedroom producers who may just be starting and want to get great-sounding vocals at home.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Beginner to intermediate producers who want to record vocals (or even instruments) at home.
Books & Games
As a kid books weren’t the most exciting gift, but there are some great reads for your producer friends or family.
Recording Unhinged: A Creative and Unconventional Music Recording Techniques
An excellent read for anyone into experimental recording techniques or anyone who enjoys the stories behind making some outstanding records!
Sylvia Massey is known for her unusual approach to recording, and this book is a catalog of some of the best (and craziest) recording moments.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Any producer who enjoys reading about the recording process of famous producers.
Music Production for Beginners, 2020 Edition
Amazon productIf you are a first-timer, this book will lead you in the right direction in the least amount of time. Or, if you have some experience, it will lead you to incorporate new insights into producing your best music.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Beginner musicians looking to fast-track their skills and success.
The Producer’s Manual
The Producer’s Manual is a 350+ page book full of professional tips, recording techniques and more to help manage a project from start to finish.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Beginner to intermediate producers/fans of dance music
The Secrets of Dance Music Production
The world’s leading
This Gift Is Perfect For
Producers of all skill levels, anyone who are fans of dance music.
Modern Recording Techniques
Amazon productModern Recording Techniques is the bestselling, authoritative sound and music recording guide. Whether you’re just starting or are looking for a step up in the industry, Modern Recording Techniques provides an in-depth read on the art and technologies of music production. It’s a must-have reference for all audio bookshelves.
This Gift Is Perfect For
More experienced producers who create or record their own (or others’) music.
Serving The Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain
Amazon productCasting aside the shared obsession with the angst and depression that seemingly drove Kurt, Serving the Servants is an exploration of his brilliance in every aspect of rock and roll, his compassion, his ambition, and the legacy he wrought—one that has lasted decades longer than his career did.
Danny Goldberg explores what it is about Kurt Cobain that still resonates today, even with a generation who wasn’t alive until after Kurt’s death.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Anyone into grunge, Nirvana in particular.
How To Make It in the New Music Business
Amazon productThis is the latest offering by Ari Herstand, who released a highly successful book that covered a multitude of topics in regards to becoming successful in the music industry.
This edition is his newest update to that book, and is a must-have for anyone looking to navigate the music industry.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Anyone looking to turn their music into a fully-fledged career.
Oblique Strategies
Amazon productOblique Strategies is a creative card-based method for inspiring creativity, designed by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt.
This Gift Is Perfect For
Any musician who has ever complained about hitting “writer’s block”“.
Other Gift Ideas!
It’s no secret that music production is a craft that takes time to master, so unsurprisingly us producers have a bit of a reputation for spending hours in dark rooms working on perfecting our tracks. While these gift ideas aren’t specific to music, they will make a great addition to any studio.
Lava Lamps
The hot volcano graphics on the base and cap match perfectly with the hot lava inside the lamp. It’s like having a mini volcano in your room (without the dangers of molten lava). 2 colors available!
- Minimal fuss and zero issues
- Beautiful, elegant flowing wax
- Iconic design
Although a little outdated in modern interior design, lava lamps can make a dark studio room seem a little funkier. Music production is all about the vibes, so if your loved one tends to lock themselves away in their studio then why not brighten their space up!
A Chair That Doesn’t Kill Your Back
The Modway Articulate packs a lot of features into an inexpensive package. It’s comfortable, breathable, and has several adjustment options.
- Comfortable
- Easy to adjust
- Breathable
OK so this is arguably the least exciting item on the list, however the importance of a comfortable chair cant be overlooked.
Spending hours hunched over a laptop or computer isn’t great for anyone, particularly if the chair is not geared for posture. A decent workstation chair is a great bet if you’re stuck for ideas and not sure what to get.
A New Workstation Desk
Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and work efficiency, this desk is perfect for the home studio.
- Functional
- Affordable
On the subject of well-being in the studio, a fully-fledged desk is an excellent option for those who create music and mix and edit in their workspace.
A Boom Mic Arm
The RODE PSA1 is the perfect arm in the 'middle of the road' price range with some great features. Two different mounts give you options, and the arm’s sections are highly flexible. It's the best seller for a reason.
Most producers don’t have the luxury of a massive room. A “scissor arm” like the RODE PSA-1 helps to clear clutter from the desk and the floor, saving space and headaches for bedroom producers.
ReVolt USB Battery Power
After a successful round of Kickstarter funding the ReVolt USB battery pack aims to replace disposable batteries that us music producers go through constantly with effects pedals and synthesisers.
It’s a simple swap; you take out your device’s batteries (either AAA, AA, C or D), put in their ReVolt bridge cable, and you are good to go. Power from the USB cable will keep your electronics going meaning it’s a reusable and environmentally friendly way of powering music gear like effects pedals and synthesizers.
Stocking Fillers
Last on our list are stocking fillers. Maybe you don’t want to spend a fortune, maybe you still aren’t sure what to get, maybe you’ve got the music producer in your group for secret Santa. Here are a few cheap and cheerful small gifts which you can’t go wrong with:
Dunlop 2-Piece Egg Shaker Set
Check it out on Amazon.
A handy little addition for any studio or performer. Great for adding a little extra touch of percussion to recordings or even as an accompaniment to an acoustic guitar!
Guitar Wall Hanger
Check it out on Amazon.
For the guitar or bass players in your life a wall hanger creates a much neater way of storing their instruments. These hangers simply screw to the wall and lock in place under the guitar’s weight.
Ukulele
Check out the best Ukulele deals on Amazon.
OK so you may not be able to fit this into a stocking but a Ukelele can be great fun in the studio. Their popularity has risen in the last few years and the great thing is they are really cheap and easy to learn. Think of either Pixar or any upbeat TV commercial and you’ll probably recognise the sound of a Ukelele!
Cable Wall Mount Hanger
Amazon productThere is nothing worse than a studio full of tangled-up cables. Most recording spaces (even at home) tend to have a never-ending pile of leads and cables. This wall-mounted hanger is perfect for organizing an untidy space.
Musical Wine Glasses
You know those people who can play music by rubbing the rim of their wine glass? These musical wine glasses are designed so anyone can do just that!
Guaranteed to be a hit after Christmas dinner (hey, its better than someone breaking out the acoustic guitar!)
Focusrite iTrack Pocket
iTrack Pocket is the best iPhone video and audio recording solution for quickly capturing, editing, and sharing all your musical performances on YouTube. Simply connect to this high-quality stereo microphone and hit record. You can even plug your guitar in and record with built-in amp simulation
After more inspiration? Here are 8 musical gadgets that break modern convention!