AI in music production: how artificial intelligence is revolutionising your sound

What once sounded like science fiction has long since become a reality: artificial intelligence has become an established part of the music production process. Whether in mixing, mastering or even composing, AI tools are now standard for many artists and producers. But how good is the technology really? And where are the opportunities and limits? Let’s take a look. Maybe it’s something you’re into right now?

From autotune to algorithm: AI has been around for a long time

Many of the tools that we use today – virtually without thinking about them – are based on AI or machine learning. IZotope’s Ozone Mastering Assistant analyses mixes in seconds and suggests matching mastering chains. At recordJet, for example, we also offer AI mastering – AI mastering with Masterchannel.

Stem splitters such as LALAL.AI or Spleeter also make it possible to break down songs into individual tracks – for remixes, edits or karaoke versions. All of this is based on neural networks that have been trained with millions of data points.

How does this work technically?

A stem splitter is a tool that splits a finished song (e.g. an MP3 or WAV file) into its individual components – so-called “stems”. For example:

Vocals

Drums

Bass

Harmonies or instruments (guitar, piano, strings, etc.)

This allows you to extract different tracks from a single stereo song – almost as if you had the original multitrack from the studio.

This requires artificial intelligence – more precisely, neural networks:

• These tools (such as LALAL.AI or Spleeter) have been trained with millions of example songs.
• They have “learned” what typical parts of a song sound like – for example how to distinguish a voice from a drum kit.
• When you upload a new song, the tool uses this training to detect which sound belongs to where and to separate it accordingly.

So this is not a simple filtering technique; it is an intelligent algorithm that audibly understands what vocals, drums, bass, etc. are – even if they overlap.

AI as a creative sparring partner

Even in the creative field, AI tools are becoming more and more widespread: artists can use plugins such as Orb Composer, AIVA or Amper Music to generate melodies, harmonies or complete arrangements at the touch of a button. What’s particularly exciting is that the tools learn, adapt their style and input, and can be a real source of ideas when fully programmed.

AI has not (yet) replaced artists, but can rather be seen as creative sparring partner. It provides creative impulses, suggests alternatives or accelerates processes.

Mix and master by machine

Mixing tools such as Neutron from iZotope or Gullfoss from Soundtheory use AI to analyse EQs and dynamics and make automatic suggestions. This can be a real gamechanger, especially for newcomers – instead of struggling through the frequency jungle, you immediately get a solid foundation.

However, the “AI mix” is never final. It needs human refinement – and that is a good thing. After all, sound is a matter of taste and taste remains – at least for the time being – human.

A controlling authority or a creative engine?

The big question is: where is all this going? Will artists soon simply just choose from what the machine suggests? Will the studio become an AI interface? The answer is: maybe. But it is just as likely that a new understanding of roles will develop. Artists will not be replaced, but will be working with new tools. However, this requires media competence and a sense of when and how to use AI sensibly.

A preview: what’s on the horizon?

Currently, more complex tools are being developed that generate entire songs, including lyrics, voices and styles. Initial examples such as Suno or Udio show where we are heading. Voice cloning with AI (e.g. for virtual duets or voice morphing) is also a field that will explode further.

The crucial question remains: as an artist, how do you retain creative control? And how do we protect originality in a world where everything seems reproducible?

In summary:

AI is no longer a stranger in the studio – it is part of the normal workflow. And if you are aware of its possibilities and use them wisely, you can produce more efficiently, more creatively and more independently. The future lies not in machines – but in the connection between man and machine.