How to Use the Music Production Checklist Like a Pro

You downloaded the Music Production Checklist—now what? This guide will show you exactly how to integrate this powerful 47-point workflow into your productions for consistently professional results.

Why Checklists Matter

Before diving in, let's talk about why the best producers use checklists:

• Consistency: Every track meets the same quality standards
• Efficiency: No more forgetting crucial steps
• Learning: Identify gaps in your knowledge
• Confidence: Know your tracks are release-ready

Getting Started with the Checklist

Step 1: Print or Digital?

Print Version:

• Better for studio workflow
• Physical satisfaction of checking items
• No screen distractions

Digital Version:

• Easy to update and customize
• Searchable for quick reference
• Always accessible on any device

Step 2: Integrate Into Your DAW

FL Studio Setup:

1. Open your template (or download mine)
2. Create a "Checklist" pattern track
3. Add markers for each major section
4. Reference checklist while producing

Pro Tip: Keep the checklist visible on a second monitor or tablet while producing.

Phase-by-Phase Walkthrough

Phase 1: Pre-Production (Items 1-8)

The Setup Phase

Key Actions:

• Define your track's genre and BPM
• Create reference track playlist
• Set up proper project organization

How to Apply:

1. Genre Definition

Example: "Melodic Progressive House"
BPM: 128
Key: C Major
Target: Festival main stage energy

2. Reference Tracks Choose 3-5 similar tracks and analyze:

• Arrangement structure
• Sound design choices
• Mix characteristics

3. Project Setup

ProjectName/
├── Audio/
├── MIDI/
├── Samples/
└── Exports/

Common Mistake: Skipping reference tracks. Don't do it—they're your roadmap to professional sound.

Phase 2: Sound Design (Items 9-16)

The Creative Phase

Key Actions:

• Select and design drum sounds
• Create bass layers
• Design synth sounds

How to Apply:

Drum Selection Strategy:

Checklist Item: "Kick drum selected and tuned to key"

Action Steps:
1. Load 3-5 kick samples
2. Test in context with bass
3. Choose the one that sits best
4. Tune if necessary (usually not needed)

Bass Design Formula:

Layer 1: Sub (pure sine, 40-60Hz)
Layer 2: Mid-bass (character, 100-200Hz)
Processing:
- Sidechain to kick
- EQ to remove mud
- Compression for consistency

Pro Tip: Use the checklist to avoid "option paralysis." Make decisions and move on.

Phase 3: Arrangement (Items 17-24)

The Structure Phase

Key Actions:

• Plan arrangement structure
• Add transitions
• Create variations

How to Apply:

Standard EDM Structure:

Intro (0:00-0:30): Set mood, minimal elements
Build-up (0:30-0:45): Rising tension
Drop/Chorus (0:45-1:15): Full energy
Verse/Breakdown (1:15-1:45): Contrast section
Build-up 2 (1:45-2:00): Second rise
Drop 2 (2:00-2:30): Variation on first drop
Outro (2:30-3:00): Resolution

Transition Elements Checklist:

• Filter sweeps on build-ups
• Risers and uplifters placed
• Impacts/downlifters on drops
• Reverse cymbals before sections

Phase 4: Mixing (Items 25-40)

The Polish Phase

Key Actions:

• Gain staging
• EQ and frequency management
• Compression and dynamics
• Spatial effects

How to Apply:

Gain Staging Protocol:

Step 1: Set all faders to -infinity
Step 2: Bring up kick to -12dB
Step 3: Add snare, balance to kick
Step 4: Add bass, balance to drums
Step 5: Add other elements around this foundation

EQ Workflow:

For each channel:
1. High-pass filter (80-120Hz for most)
2. Cut problematic frequencies
3. Boost character frequencies
4. Check in solo and context

The Mix Checklist in Action:

Check Frequency Spectrum:

Low-end (20-120Hz): Kick and bass defined?
Low-mids (120-400Hz): Clear, not muddy?
Mids (400Hz-2kHz): Presence and clarity?
High-mids (2-5kHz): Attack and intelligibility?
Highs (5-20kHz): Air and sparkle?

Pro Tip: Mix at low volumes. If it sounds good quiet, it'll sound great loud.

Phase 5: Mastering Prep (Items 41-44)

The Final Phase

Key Actions:

• Pre-master checks
• Export settings
• File organization

How to Apply:

Pre-Master Checklist:

Technical:
- [ ] No clipping on any channel
- [ ] Headroom on master (-3dB to -6dB)
- [ ] Mono compatibility checked

Musical:
- [ ] All elements audible
- [ ] Balance consistent throughout
- [ ] Emotional arc working

Export Settings:

Format: WAV
Bit depth: 24-bit
Sample rate: 44.1kHz (or 48kHz for video)
Headroom: -3dB peak
Naming: Artist_Track_Mix_24bit_44.1.wav

Phase 6: Release Prep (Items 45-47)

The Launch Phase

Key Actions:

• Metadata completion
• Asset preparation
• Distribution setup

How to Apply:

Metadata Checklist:

Track Information:
- [ ] Title finalized
- [ ] Artist name confirmed
- [ ] Featured artists credited
- [ ] ISRC code (if available)

Assets:
- [ ] Cover art (3000x3000px)
- [ ] Alternative formats prepared
- [ ] Promo materials ready

Customizing the Checklist

Making It Yours

Add Genre-Specific Items:

For House Music:

Additional Items:
- [ ] Four-on-the-floor kick pattern
- [ ] Off-beat bass confirmed
- [ ] Vocal chops processed
- [ ] Sidechain pumping appropriate

For Techno:

Additional Items:
- [ ] Industrial percussion layer
- [ ] Dark atmospheric elements
- [ ] Minimal arrangement verified
- [ ] Warehouse energy captured

Remove Irrelevant Items:

If you never use live instruments, remove those sections.

Creating Multiple Checklists

Different Checklists for Different Stages:

1. Idea Phase Checklist (quick capture)
2. Production Checklist (full workflow)
3. Mixing Checklist (detailed mix)
4. Final Checklist (pre-release)

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Problem: Checklist Takes Too Long

Solution:

• Time yourself for 3 tracks
• Identify bottlenecks
• Streamline repetitive tasks
• Create templates for common actions

Problem: Forgetting to Use It

Solution:

• Keep checklist visible
• Set reminders
• Make it part of your opening ritual
• Use physical printout as visual cue

Problem: Rigid Workflow

Solution:

• Remember: checklist is a guide, not a rulebook
• Mark items as "N/A" when not applicable
• Trust your ears over the checklist
• Update checklist based on experience

Advanced Techniques

The "Checklist Sprint"

For tight deadlines:

1. Set timer for 2 hours
2. Complete only critical checklist items
3. Focus on: drums, bass, main elements
4. Skip: detailed sound design, extensive processing

Minimum Viable Checklist:

- [ ] Basic structure complete
- [ ] Drums and bass working
- [ ] Main melody/hook present
- [ ] No technical issues (clipping, etc.)
- [ ] Rough mix acceptable

Checklist as Learning Tool

Track Your Progress:

Create a spreadsheet:

Track | Date | Items Checked | Time | Notes
------|------|---------------|------|------
Track 1 | 2024-01-15 | 47/47 | 6h | First complete use
Track 2 | 2024-01-18 | 45/47 | 5h | Skipped 2 items

Identify Patterns:

• Which items do you consistently skip?
• Which take the longest?
• Where do you get stuck?

Integration with Your DAW

FL Studio Workflow

Project Template Setup:

1. Add empty patterns named after checklist phases:

   • "01_PreProd_Checklist"
   • "02_SoundDesign_Checklist"
   • "03_Arrangement_Checklist"
   • "04_Mixing_Checklist"

2. Color code each phase:

   • Pre-production: Blue
   • Sound design: Yellow
   • Arrangement: Green
   • Mixing: Red

3. Add notes to each pattern with key checklist items

Time-Saving Shortcuts

Create Macros for Repetitive Tasks:

FL Studio Patcher Presets:

• Standard EQ chain
• Compression settings
• Reverb sends

Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Memorize checklist navigation
• Quick save (Ctrl+S)
• Solo/mute shortcuts

Real-World Example

Producing a Track with the Checklist

Track: "Summer Vibes" (Progressive House)

Phase 1: Pre-Production (15 minutes)

- [x] Genre: Progressive House defined
- [x] BPM: 128 set
- [x] References: 3 tracks analyzed
- [x] Project folder created

Phase 2: Sound Design (45 minutes)

- [x] Kick selected and tuned
- [x] Snare layered for character
- [x] Bass designed (sub + mid layers)
- [x] Lead synth created
- [x] Pad sound designed

Phase 3: Arrangement (30 minutes)

- [x] Structure planned
- [x] 8-bar sections mapped
- [x] Build-ups placed
- [x] Breakdown designed

Phase 4: Mixing (60 minutes)

- [x] Gain staging complete
- [x] High-pass filters applied
- [x] Sidechain configured
- [x] Reverb sends set up
- [x] Automation added

Result: Professional-sounding track in 2.5 hours

Download and Next Steps

Get the Checklist

If you haven't downloaded it yet:

Download the Free Music Production Checklist →

Complete Your Toolkit

Recommended Resources:

• FL Studio Template - Professional project setup
• Avicii Production Secrets - Sound design mastery
• Suno AI Masterclass - Generate ideas quickly

Watch Video Tutorial

See the checklist in action on my YouTube channel:

Subscribe @livvux

Your Action Plan

This Week

Day 1: Download and print the checklist Day 2: Use it on your current project Day 3: Customize for your workflow Day 4-7: Use it daily, track your progress

Track Your Improvement

After 30 days of using the checklist:

• How much faster are you producing?
• How has your consistency improved?
• Which items have become automatic?

Questions?

How are you using the checklist? Share your workflow tips in the comments or reach out on social media!

Ready to produce like a pro? Get the checklist now and start creating consistently professional tracks.