My First Beatmaking Set-up

March 18, 2008 10:22 AM

What software, audio files and other equipment does a novice who is interested in making hip-hop beats need?

Cost is a factor. I have a laptop: what is the best starter package of beatmaking technologies that would enable someone to make their first beats?

posted by jeffmshaw to media & arts (12 comments total)

Windows or Mac?
posted by junesix at 10:28 AM on March 18, 2008

Not cheap, but it has PLENTY of juice for your imagination: now and later... Reason from propellerheads.

Okay, it's more than beat making software, but I am sure that when you're no longer a "novice" you'll love the features in Reason... There are other Reason Apps specifically for "beats" and sampling, you should take a look.
posted by lonemantis at 10:32 AM on March 18, 2008

Windows system, FYI.
posted by jeffmshaw at 10:48 AM on March 18, 2008

If you have a Mac, you probably already have GarageBand. It's been bundled with Macs for free for quite a while. Or you can buy it for $79.
posted by ScarletPumpernickel at 10:51 AM on March 18, 2008

Not sure if you're particularly interested in the generation of beats or looping samples. Acid Pro is amazing for creating sample-based music.
posted by tom_g at 10:51 AM on March 18, 2008

The samples themselves are just as important, and the best ones out there that I've seen are ModernBeats.

For beginners, FL Studio (FruityLoops Edition) is $99, and can do everything you want it to. It should work fine with the ModernBeats samples as well.
posted by spiderskull at 11:13 AM on March 18, 2008

Oh, and you can download demos of both -- and here's the FL Studio website.
posted by spiderskull at 11:15 AM on March 18, 2008

Abelton Live. If you are looking for equipment, I would start with a drum machine, something the Roland Dr Rhythm to be paired later on with a sampler or groovebox.
posted by sophist at 11:16 AM on March 18, 2008

For a novice, definitely Reason.
posted by rhizome at 11:41 AM on March 18, 2008

For a novice and for hip hop I'd go with Fruityloops. Cheap, intuitive, instant good quality results and plenty of scope for growth with a nice learning curve.
posted by merocet at 12:00 PM on March 18, 2008

Yeah, while Reason is probably where you'll end up eventually, Rebirth might be a great place to start. It's by the same company, and was a precursor to Reason. It's specifically meant for beat-making, and best of all, it's now FREE!
posted by ochenk at 12:07 PM on March 18, 2008

Akai MPC 500 muthfucka. Should be able to get one for $5-600.
posted by brautigan at 2:47 PM on March 18, 2008