Ben Redmond
This project explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern music production. The project investigates whether AI tools such as Suno, Udio, and AI-assisted mixing software such as iZotope Ozone and Neutron can replace human producers or function as creative tools within professional workflows.
Through practical music production experiments, listener surveys, and AI limitation testing, the research compares AI-generated and human-produced music in terms of creativity, quality, and control. The findings suggest that while AI can improve efficiency and idea generation, human creativity and artistic decision-making remain essential in music production.
The project objectives were to research whether Artificial intelligence can perform at the same level as music producers and be used as a valuable tool or function as a replacement for music producers.
To do this, I conducted three methods of research:
Method 1: AI-generated vs Human-produced tracks
Can Suno produce tracks that are more creative and of higher quality?
Method 2: Mixing and Mastering Comparison (AI-Assisted vs Human)
Can AI-assisted tools, such as iZotope Ozone and Neutron, provide professional-level mixing and mastering comparable to human mixing and mastering?
Method 3: The Suno AI Limitation Test
This involved three tests:
Consistency test: Can Suno produce consistent outputs based on BPM, genre, sound and structure?
Precision test: Can Suno follow precise instructions that music producers can do with ease?
Suno Studio test: Can Suno Studio function as a replacement for traditional digital audio workstations? (DAW)
In completing this project, I created two original tracks, one for Method 1 (AI-generated vs Human-produced) and one for Method 2 (AI-assisted vs Human). I created two mixes and two masters for Method 2 and conducted a survey for both Method 1 and 2.
I discovered that listeners struggle with identifying AI-generated content. While AI can't compete in creativity, it can compete in quality and enjoyment. AI-assisted mixing still has a long way to go, and for mastering, it competes well due to mastering being a more technical process. AI still has many problems in areas like BPM and rhythm accuracy and automation, and Suno Studio provided lacklustre control compared to traditional DAWs.
I learned that while AI is capable of producing technically convincing music, human creativity, originality, and artistic decision-making remain essential elements of the production process.
An unexpected development during the process was the release of Suno 5.5, which led me to redo the Method 3 tests, which provided some improvements, but the core problems from the previous version still remained.
The most accurate answer to the research question is not that AI will replace producers, but that the role of producers is evolving, and those who understand and engage with AI as a tool will be the ones who shape what the role looks like next. The evidence in this study suggests that human creativity still leads. Maintaining that creative edge will be the responsibility of the producer.
This thesis investigates whether artificial intelligence will make music producers obsolete or whether it will evolve into a tool that enhances creativity and technical workflow. The rapid advancement of AI tools such as Suno and Udio has raised some concerns about the future of human creativity in music production.
A mixed method approach was used, combining practical audio production, listener surveys and controlled AI limitation testing. Fifty-one participants completed a listening survey evaluating an AI track against a human track, while three audio engineers assessed AI-assisted and human mixing and mastering. Three controlled tests were also conducted to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of Suno.
The findings show that while AI music was perceived as technically competitive in terms of quality, it was rated lower in creativity and originality. Enjoyment was split evenly between both tracks, and listeners were mostly unable to reliably identify the AI track. AI-assisted mastering performed reasonably well, though mixing still required human input. Suno demonstrated notable limitations in precision, consistency and studio-based control.
These findings suggest that AI will not replace producers but will become a tool within the production process. Human creative input remains essential to the artistic identity of a track, and producers who learn to integrate AI effectively into their workflow will be best positioned in the evolving music industry.
I am a BA Creative Music Production graduate at IADT with a strong interest in electronic music, music technology, and the emotional impact of sound within media such as games and film. I began making music at a young age and have always been fascinated by how music can shape atmosphere, storytelling, and human emotion. I have always had a passion for creation and learning new things, and I hope to expand my skills into other industries like game development, film, and plan to build an audience with my own music.
