A simple prompted software installation from the supplied disc puts Pro Tools SE onto your Mac or PC along with the necessary drivers for the neatly diminutive M-Audio Fast Track audio interface that comes with it.

Plug the interface into a spare USB socket and it springs to life, no mains supply necessary. Boot up the SE software and load in one of the many demo songs and you can start to explore the workings of the program.

What you don’t get in the box but which is vital for using the plethora of software instruments is a USB MIDI controller. The similarly priced Avid KeyStudio bundle does come with one of these but omits the audio interface, so you can make your choice.

Along with the software you can install 3GB of loops of different styles which will help you to kickstart your music making career.