Making hot beats take more than talent, it takes having a top beat making program that is easy to use and comes with all the features that encourages creativity.
What to look for in a top beat making program:
- User friendly Interface
- Edit Window
- Mixer Window
- Effects
- Sound Kits/ Loops
- Sequencer
- Sampler
- Master Section
User Friendly Interface
You want a program that has everything you need in front. You should be able to get to anywhere inside the program from hitting one button or switch. Old programs and beat machines had sub menus that you had to click on to reach editing and mixing functions (Korg Triton) that takes a lot time and may frustrate you.
Edit Window
A good beat making program should intuitive editing capabilities such as: cut, paste, drag and drop files right into the beat making program. There should be easy access edit tools right from drop down menu fast. A beat making program should also have a loop functions, auto zoom, crop, repeat section, pencil tools, solo buttons etc. Bottom line an edit window should do exactly what it name says. EDIT!
Mixer Window
Once you've recorded your music, now it's time for the next step, mixing! The mixing section is Very Critical because this is the part that can make or break a song. A mixer section should have a track channel that can input inserts (plugins); most top beat making programs will have a standard EQ on every channel.
Your beat software should also have at least two sends and returns for your reverb and delay effects. Lastly, you want a way to create Aux busses for new track groups. The mixer section is what gives good beat software its power...
Effects
To create a good mix, you need powerful effects and dynamic plugins to get the job down. Effects like: Reverb, Delays, Choruses, Compressors, Limiters, Equalizer, and master buss effects.
Sound Kits/Loops
Always remember, it starts with sound kits and loops. Quality sounds and loops will make mixing a breeze. In a beat program, you want master quality loops and sound kits, most really good beat software will give you tons of sound kits and loops to get you started!
Sequencer
A stable midi sequencer should have 16 midi tracks and versatile in connecting external gear to it. Most music production software will work with midi keyboards; this is an absolute must in beat production.
Sampler
Today's electronic music uses a lot of sampled music from other popular songs. Without a sampler, you are wasting your time and money. A good sampler will allow you to record audio into it, make auto chops, time stretch and pitch shift to change the sound and feel of the sample.
Master Section
The master section is where you finalize your mix into a complete master and bounce it down to two-track stereo for user consumption. A solid beat program will include master plugins; bounce options and a way to normalize your files.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options on the beat software market to choose from. What's really exciting about beat programs is they are getting cheaper with the use of IOS devices. We are also seeing smaller beat program companies sprouting up on the internet offering some great software for low prices and what's really nice is you can download the software right to your desktop.
For more information on a top beat making program, music production tips, and the how to on making beats, please follow me on my blog below.
