What is Lofi Music?

Discovering lofi for the first time is something of a transformative moment in the lives of so many of us producers. Not only is listening to lofi a fantastic way to relax, but producing it allows us as musicians to explore ideas and melodies without the same pressure as many other genres. Lofi allows for some leg-room when it comes to the mix-master and intrinsically invites experimentation when it comes to sounds that you might not expect to work, but do!

It’s a genre where you can stop mid-beat and leave a loop playing, lay down and allow your mind to wander and get imaginative without it getting grating and repetitive. We at Mondo Loops, it’s safe to say, love Lofi Music. 

Allow us to give you the run-down on the basics of creating your own lofi pieces, including how to incorporate our range of sample packs and some of the more technical stuff!

Essential Tools for Lofi Production (DAWs, hardware, & plugins).

DAWs

Which DAW (digital audio workstation) to use is often a divisive subject amongst the avid producers, but we at Mondo Loops are agreed that it’s mainly just about which device you plan to make music on. Here are the most popular DAWs by the devices they are native to:

• Macbook/Macintosh - Logic Pro
• Windows Laptop/PC - Ableton (possibly more geared towards experienced producers and live recording) or Fruity Loops (tends to be considered as more fun and almost ‘video game-like’)
• Iphone/Ipad - Garageband

Hardware

We love that when it comes to producing Lofi, you don’t really need to buy much at all, or even anything! Most elements of Lofi production happen ‘in the box’, meaning inside your pc, laptop or even phone or laptop. You basically just need a device that can run a DAW (laptop is the best option here) and headphones (or monitor speakers).

You could buy a MIDI controller if you fancy playing the keys or drums yourself on your tracks, but it’s definitely not necessary to create amazing Lofi beats.

Plugins

Plugins are a great way to explore different ways of adding elements or effects to your track without breaking the bank. There are so many free plugins out there, here are a few that we recommend:

• Izotope Vinyl - A great little effect to add that retro sound to your mix (vinyl crackles and pitch warping) very easily and quickly.
• Vital - A free synthesizer plugin with unbelievable range.
• Spitfire Labs - A collection of fantastic sounds for free, including the famous ‘Soft Piano’ sound you’re probably heard many times!

If you’ve got the DAW of your choice, a couple of free plugins, a pair of headphones, a Mondo Loops sample pack and a dream, you’re all set. So close to becoming a lofi master.

Using Lofi Sample Packs to Enhance Your Tracks.

Lofi music is all about the vibe, and sample packs like Mondo Loops make it effortless to capture that nostalgic magic. Whether it’s jazzy piano chords, dreamy guitar licks, or mellow drum loops, our packs are packed with ready-to-use inspiration.

Need crackly vinyl textures or the soft hum of rain? Mondo Loops has it all, perfect for layering atmosphere into your tracks. Drag a loop into your DAW, chop it up, pitch it down, or drench it in reverb—it’s already dripping with lofi goodness.

With Mondo Loops, you’re not just making beats; you’re crafting cosy, headphone-worthy stories. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to get your creativity flowing.

Mixing & Mastering for that "Lofi Vibe."

Mixing and mastering is where it gets a little bit more intense technically, so here’s a video to help you out:

Check out this bad boy: How to Mix and Master Lofi Hip Hop (Chillhop) For Big Playlists! [Free Ableton Master Rack]

Don’t, however, think for a second that every lofi track has to sound like that or be mixed identically. Get creative, experiment and find the mix that makes you (and your ears) feel the best. That’s what production is all about.

Adding Ambient Sounds Or Crackle To The Mix

This is a bit of a cheat code when it comes to instantly making your beats sound more lofi, but we still love it. We think everybody in the world of lofi loves it to be honest! Get a loop of something ambient to put quietly in the background of the mix and let it rip. This could be:

• A vinyl crackle sound
• The sound of rain 
• The sound of the rainforest 
• Someone giving a speech or just speaking
• Street sound/train sounds
• A restaurant or cafe
• A cosy campfire or fireplace
• The options are endless. Be creative!

It’s very important to note that these ambient layers should (in most cases) not be overpowering the other elements of your track! This is a great technique to add depth, but don’t go overboard. An EQ or a low-pass filter can be a great way to ensure that ambient elements fit cohesively into your mix.

Sit Back & Enjoy

Producing lofi should be a relaxed and pleasant experience, so don’t put pressure on yourself to be the best, especially not straight out the gate! Just have fun and try out different things, and eventually you’ll be creating sounds that you love and the people you love love. 

Now get out there and make some fantastic lofi beats.