Technology Requirements
All Berklee NYC graduate students must own an Apple laptop computer that meets specific standards established by the academic and technology leadership. Your computer must be capable of running the most current Apple OS X operating system. In most cases, if your computer is less than three years old, your computer will meet the needs of your coursework. Please note, however, that, over time, older computers may become incompatible with newer applications and operating systems. Any of the current MacBook Pro laptop models meet the requirements. Additionally, review the entering student technology requirement guide for your specialization below.
You may also opt in to purchase a core software package that includes Apple Logic Pro X, Avid Pro Tools, Earmaster, MakeMusic Finale, and Microsoft Office.
These requirements ensure that all creative media and technology students have the tools to create high-quality audio and visual content using their own equipment. This software and hardware will ensure that the student can complete the required coursework, collaborate effectively, and interface with the Power Station.
Requirements for Each Specialization
Songwriting & Production: Technology Requirements
Computer Requirements
There are many options for computer specifications. Classes will be held using Mac computers and much of the media-making will be using Apple Pro applications, which are only available on Apple computers. There are minimum requirements outlined here, but because we are media makers and creating video and audio content is computer intensive, we recommend a well-equipped computer and large amounts of hard drive space.
| Minimum Computer Specifications | Recommended Computer Specifications |
2021 MacBook Pro M1 Pro 16GB RAM 1TB Storage | 2024 MacBook Pro M3 Max 36GB RAM 2 TB |
Peripheral Equipment Requirements
Students at Berklee NYC must have the equipment necessary to create high-quality audio recordings, playback audio on accurate headphones, input MIDI data, and connect to a wide range of audio and visual systems on and off campus. The equipment listed below are cost-effective options, but Berklee NYC students are encouraged to substitute these pieces of equipment with equivalent or more capable choices.
| Device | Equipment Notes | Class Use |
| External hard drive | 4TB solid state hard drive such as the Lacie Rugged SSD Pro (Thunderbolt 3), or Samsung T7 or T9 (USB-C) | A hard drive is used regularly to transfer large files between each other and after events and to backup creative works. A solid state external hard drive is highly recommended. |
| Backup System | A cloud backing up such as BackBlaze is suggested because it is the most reliable and secure method. | A backup system is absolutely necessary to make sure all your hard work is not lost when your equipment is lost or malfunctions. |
| Thunderbolt / USB C adapters | 1G Gigabit Ethernet, Active HDMI, (2+) USB-A 3.0 or better, (2+) USB-C 3.0 or better (These may be combined into a hub, but please make sure it is compatible with your computer) | Students regularly connect to networks, sound systems, video systems, and transfer data to and from hard drives and SD cards. |
Audio Interface: | A USB class-compliant 4-input and 4-output audio interface, such as the Focusrite 4i4 Gen 3 or higher (more channels if you intend on using playback) or UAD Apollo Twin | Audio recording and playback capability is necessary for all classes |
| Microphone | A large diaphragm condenser microphone such as Perception 220 along with a pop filter, XLR cable and mic stand. | Throughout the program, students are recording vocals. |
| Headphones | Studio-grade closed-back headphones such as Sony MDR7506. | Accurate listening is essential for creating high-quality media and will be particularly necessary in the vocal production and mixing and mastering classes. |
| MIDI controller | MIDI keyboard such as an Akai MPK. | Inputting MIDI into a digital audio workstation is essential throughout the program. |
*Please remember that each student is responsible for providing their own cables and adapters for data and audio for their personal devices.
Software Requirements
A range of different software is necessary for the Berklee NYC student. All available software discounts are found on the manufacturer's website through their standard educational discounts linked below.
| Software | Class use |
| Ableton Live 12 Suite is used in the electronic production for songwriters and advanced electronic production for songwriters classes. Ableton playback will be used heavily in Berklee NYC productions. | |
| iZotope Ozone will be used in multiple production classes. | |
| Autotune is an essential tool for the modern producer. Antares Autotune will be used in vocal production and mixing and mastering. | |
| Melodyne Editor | Melodyne is an essential tool for the modern producer. Editor will be used in vocal production and mixing and mastering. |
Live Music Production and Design: Technology Requirements
Computer Requirements
Live music production and design classes require a Mac computer as a minimum requirement. Due to the media creation and editing involved, we recommended having a well-equipped computer with a significant amount of memory and hard drive space. This will ensure that the computer can handle the computer-intensive tasks involved in creating video and audio content, resulting in a better experience for the student.
| Minimum Computer Specifications | Recommended Computer Specifications |
2021 MacBook Pro M1 Pro 16GB RAM 1TB Storage | 2024 16” Macbook Pro M3 Max 36GB Ram 1TB Storage |
Peripheral Equipment Requirements
Students in the LMPD program must have the equipment necessary to create high-quality audio and video recordings, playback audio on accurate headphones, input MIDI data, and connect to a wide range of audio, video, and lighting systems on and off campus. The equipment listed below includes the most economical choices, and Berklee NYC students are encouraged to substitute with equivalent or more capable options.
When establishing a career in the technology of live events, investing in equipment is necessary, personal, and expensive. Students in the LMPD program receive in-depth education into the equipment of live events so that they can make informed decisions about purchases. The LMPD program equipment requirements listed here are the minimum and are flexible. The curriculum is designed to support each student as they build a kit of equipment to meet their personal artistic and career goals.
| Device | Equipment Notes | Class use |
| External hard drive | LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 2TB Professional Solid State Drive. | A hard drive is used regularly to share large files, and to back up events and creative works. A fast solid-state hard drive is required. |
| Thunderbolt / USB C adapters | 1G Gigabit ethernet, active HDMI, USB Type-A, SD card reader. | Students regularly connect to networks, sound systems, video systems, and transfer data to and from hard drives and SD cards. |
| MIDI controller | Small portable MIDI keyboard such as Akai MPK mini. | Inputting MIDI into a digital audio workstation is essential in the Sound and Stage class, and using a MIDI controller in a live performance is fundamental to the show control class. |
| Audio Interface | A 2-input and 2-output audio interface such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (Gen 3 or higher.) | Audio recording capability is necessary for use in the sound and stage and show control classes. |
| Microphone | A single high-quality microphone is required; Stage performance style dynamic: Shure SM58 | Throughout the program students create high-quality audio content. In the sound and stage class, students record voices and a variety of other sound sources. |
| Headphones | Closed-back studio headphones such as Sony MDR7506, or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. | An accurate listening environment is essential for creating high-quality media and will be particularly necessary in the sound and stage class. |
| Camera | An application for a cell phone camera that provides manual camera controls of exposure, white balance, focus, zoom, and ISO is an absolute minimum. A DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a 50mm lens or equiv. (Example Canon Rebel T5i or later) is highly recommended. Used equipment is great! | Cameras will be used extensively throughout the lighting, 3D design, and projection mapping classes. Cameras are often the primary audience at live events. |
Software Requirements
A range of different software is necessary for the Berklee NYC LMPD student. All available software discounts are found on the manufacturer's website through their standard educational discounts linked below.
| Software | Class use |
| Ableton Live Suite 12 | Ableton Live Suite 12 is an industry-standard for playback engineering and live sound design; this software is used extensively in the sound and stage and show control classes and in all the Berklee NYC presentations. |
| Resolume Avenue | Resolume Avenue is an industry-standard media server and VJ software and is used extensively in the video design for live events class and in all the Berklee NYC performances. |
| Adobe Creative Suite | The Adobe Creative Suite contains essential tools for creating content for live events. They are used extensively in the content creation for live events class and in creating content for all of the Berklee NYC live performances. |
| Dante Virtual Soundcard | Dante is an essential audio networking protocol used throughout the program; this software allows the LMPD student to connect to all of the audio systems in the Power Station. |
| Vectorworks 2024 | Vectorworks is used extensively in the 3D design class and throughout the lighting and projection mapping core classes. |
| TouchDesigner | TouchDesigner is used extensively in the interactive experience design class. |
| Qlab | QLab is powerful macOS software for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues. Day license for required classes/ Or Buy Full Version. |
Writing and Production for Musical Theater: Technology Requirements
Computer Requirements
There are many options for computer specifications. Classes will be held using Mac computers and much of the media-making will be using Apple Pro applications which are only available on Apple computers. There are minimum requirements outlined here, but because we are media makers and creating video and audio content is computer intensive we recommend a well-equipped computer and large amounts of hard drive space.
| Minimum Computer Specifications | Recommended Computer Specifications |
2021 MacBook Pro M1 Pro 16GB RAM 1TB Storage | 2024 MacBook Pro M3 Max 36GB RAM 1 TB |
Peripheral Equipment Requirements
Students at Berklee NYC must have the equipment necessary to create high-quality audio recordings, playback audio on accurate headphones, input MIDI data, and connect to a wide range of audio and visual systems on and off campus. They should also have the equipment necessary to transfer large files to and from their computers, connect to the Power Station audio/visual systems and backup their creative work. The equipment listed here features cost-effective options, but Berklee NYC students are encouraged to substitute these pieces of equipment with equivalent or more capable options.
| Device | Equipment Notes | Class use |
| External hard drive | 1TB solid state hard drive such as the Lacie Rugged SSD Pro (Thunderbolt 3), or Samsung T7 or T9 (USB-C) | A hard drive is used regularly to transfer large files between each other and after events and to backup creative works. |
| Thunderbolt / USB C adapters | 1G Gigabit Ethernet, Active HDMI, (2+) USB-A 3.0 or better, (2+) USB-C 3.0 or better, and an SD Card Reader, USB A to B cable, USB C to B cable, (These may be combined into a hub, but please make sure it is compatible with your computer) | Students regularly connect to networks, sound systems, video systems, and transfer data to and from hard drives and SD cards. |
| Audio Interface | A 1-input and 2-output audio interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 3 or better. For students new to audio recording, the “Scarlett Solo Studio” package is a good option to get an interface, microphone and headphones in a single purchase. | Audio recording and playback capability is necessary for demo and arranging class, and for all classes when work is not being shared live in the classroom. |
| Microphone | Shure SM7B, XLR cable, and appropriate microphone stand for home use | Audio recording and playback capability is necessary for demo and arranging class, and for all classes when work is not being shared live in the classroom. |
| Headphones | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Accurate listening is essential for creating high-quality media and will be particularly necessary for demo and arranging. |
| MIDI controller | MIDI keyboard such as Akai MPK. | Inputting MIDI into a digital audio workstation is essential throughout the program. |
Software Requirements
A range of different software is necessary for the Berklee NYC student. All available software discounts are found on the manufacturer's website through their standard educational discounts.
| Software | Class Use |
(Logic ProX and MainStage 3.6) | Apple Logic and Mainstage are used for orchestration elective and will be a focus for Demo and Arranging Recording for Musical Theater. |
| QLab V5 | QLab is powerful macOS software for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues. Day license for required classes/ Or Buy Full Version. |
| Audacity (Free) | |
iMovie (Free) or Adobe Premiere | |
| Finale or Sibelius | Notation software is essential for Demo and Arranging Recording for Musical Theater class, orchestration elective, and for the rehearsal process of all culminating experience showcases. |
Blackhole Audio 2ch (Free) |
EDU software discount links
- Pro Apps: $199
- Ableton: 40% off
- Resolume: 50% discount
- Antares: 50% discount
- Adobe $20 per month discount
- Splice 30% discount
iZotope: 50% discount: You must email support@izotope.com
- iZotope will need the following information from the student:
- Proof of enrolment
- Class Schedule
- Receipt of enrollment
- Student ID
- Proof of enrolment