In this paper, we present the results of an ethnographic study into the impact of AI and automated tools on music production workflow. Focusing specifically on professional participants who identified as recording engineers, mixers, and producers, we discuss their usage of common AI and automated software, as well as their sentiments on the proliferation of these tools. We discuss tensions that may be created between users and automated tools in key areas such as the need for speed and efficiency, controllability, and maintaining creative agency, and how these tensions may be alleviated through tool design.
@article{arxiv.2605.29931,
title = {It`s All About Speed: AI`s Impact on Workflow in Music Production},
author = {Finn McClellan and Fabio Morreale},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2605.29931},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
Audio Engineering Society Conference Paper - Presented at the AES International Conference on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Audio 2025 - September 8-10, London, UK