There are numerous different software programs for making beats and determining which one is the best can be tricky. However, I am going to list a few of the top programs that will not cost you an arm and a leg. The best beat production software can be determined by looking at your own specific situation, and then comparing your needs and wants to the different software options. Before diving into the different choices you have for creating your beats I want to list a few key considerations. You should spend some time deciding where you fall within these important aspects of buying a beat creation program.
Cost: How much money can you realistically afford to spend on this new hobby or career path? If you have very little discretionary income left over each month then you obviously need a less expensive option. Going into debt to purchase software or hardware can be a tough road, and thankfully there are options that will not require you to pull out your overused credit card. There is no need to spend a thousand or even hundreds of dollars in order to start making beats. Technological advancements have allowed for cheaper options that don’t suffer in quality.
Time: What amount of time do you have to devote each day, week, month etc. to learning how to make beats? If you only have an hour each day, or even if you have four or five hours per day to invest in creating beats you definitely don’t want to spend a lot of time simply learning how to use the software. Instead, you should be able to quickly learn the basics of the features and tools included with the program and jump into making your first beats. Thankfully, there are production solutions that are easy to use and quick to master.
Serious or Fun: Are you looking into the various beat software options because you want a new hobby or because you are serious about making it in the music industry? If you just want to mess around with the program and put together some beats then you should probably go the cheaper route. If you are new to building beats but are serious about entering the industry then you should consider going with an easier program that doesn’t cost too much either. Once you get the hang of the basic tools, such as a drum machine, sequencer etc. then you can step it up a notch and invest in a more complicated and extremely detailed package.
In addition, if you are looking to share your beats with studios, rappers and professionals in general you will need software that allows you to export to files types other than MP3. Look for options that offer a WAV file export, and others such as BWF etc. You want your music to be taken seriously, therefore you need to be able to at least send higher quality file types.
Type of computer (PC or Mac): Another important aspect of the buying decision is to make sure that the production software you choose is compatible with your computer. Some programs only run on PCs while others have both a PC and Mac option. Most Mac users will not have a problem running a CPU heavy computer program, just make sure to not be running any videos or have other major programs open while making beats. PC users on the other hand should make sure that their desktops and laptops have enough juice, or power to run the program.
DUBturbo: For the most bang for your buck and the simplest interface, I highly suggest this wicked software suite. It comes with a drum machine, keyboard, sequencer, tons of high quality samples and the ability to export to MP3 and WAV. You have the option to use the online version or download it to your Mac or PC. There are tutorial videos within the members’ area to help you learn the basics, meaning you should be making beats quickly. You will also receive any new software updates free of charge. All of this for a one time charge of $39.95. I use the software myself and it seriously kicks butt.
Cyber Sequencer: A recent entry into the digital beat making niche, this package was made by the same people behind DUBturbo, which means you can rest assured that it is quality software. It comes equipped with the same tools as its brother program and only costs $29.95. The man behind the software was a Dj for years and worked in the music industry as well. A solid choice for any beat building beginner.
Sonic Producer: This online only beat creation machine is chock-full of wicked samples and the same tools as the two aforementioned options. However, you can only use it online and only export your beats to MP3 file format. The program does offer very similar tools, with the drum machine pads, keyboard and a solid bank of samples. If you prefer to work online, or do not want to download software to your computer then Sonic Producer is the way to go. It costs the same as the previous options and has been around since 2008. You will be making window rattling beats in no time.
Best of luck in cranking out as many banging beats as possible. Leave a comment to let me know which program you are using and how the beat building process is going.