Getting
Started With Beat Making
MIDI controllers
If you're looking for a MIDI controller for beat
making, you have several choices. You can get a traditional keyboard controller
with a dedicated beat pad or use a MIDI controller with a range of buttons for
tap-out grooves and experimenting with different patterns. Keep in mind that
MIDI controllers for beat making should be durable so they can withstand the
wear and tear of a studio.
MIDI controllers are ideal for beat makers and
producers because they allow you to edit your recordings if you make a mistake.
MIDI controllers also allow you to use any instrument that you'd like. Some
even come with pads to simulate drum sounds, adding a human element to your
production.
The type of controller you need depends on your
preferences and workflow. Some people may prefer to click around the piano roll
with their fingers while others may prefer to use faders to control the
parameters of their plugins.
Ableton Live
If you've never used Ableton Live, you may be
wondering what the best way is to get started. Luckily, there are many ways to
make beats with the software, including using the audio channel, the MIDI
interface, and the drum rack. But before you start making music, you should
learn some basics first.
The first step in making beats is to learn about
rhythm, one of the most important elements of music. Ableton comes with an
intuitive piano roll that you can use to quickly create melodies and chord
progressions. Simply click a note, drag the edge of it to lengthen it, and
press the play button to see the result.
Ableton Live is easy to use, and it has an
extensive library of sounds. Depending on your needs, you can purchase the
Lite, Standard, or Suite editions. All three versions come with a library of
about 1,500 sounds. The suite and Standard editions also have expanded audio
editing tools. The software also offers pitch shifting and sample-slicing
tools.
GarageBand
GarageBand has a large library of pre-recorded drum
loops that you can use in your music. These loops are useful for creating your
own music, especially for singer-songwriters. However, anyone with a basic
understanding of music production can also benefit from this library.
You can use GarageBand to create basic beats with
drums and bass. You can export your beats as MP3 files or share them via email,
Soundcloud, Facebook, and Twitter. It also allows you to add multiple Audio
tracks. Once you have completed your first beat, you can create a full song by
adding multiple tracks.
GarageBand is a very intuitive music production
program. You can use it on your iPad, iPhone, and iPod. You can also download
free plugins for GarageBand that will let you add instruments and effects to your
tracks. You can also try experimenting with VSTs, which are synthesizers and
samplers that can enhance the sound of your beats.
Cubase
When you're getting started with beat making,
you'll want to learn how to use Cubase. This software is designed to allow you
to record multiple takes using different lanes and then edit, mix, and master
the finished product. The basic features of this program will get you started
quickly, but advanced techniques such as parallel compression and parallel
tracking won't be covered in this guide.
The sampler track in Cubase lets you play and
manipulate samples using chromatic and modulation functions. It also offers
direct offline processing, which is a great feature for creating songs. Once
you're done recording, you can use the channel strip to adjust the volume of
each sample and create a new version.
The program includes a large library of sounds and
presets. These presets cover everything from hip-hop beats to synth-wave and
house. There are also many effects that you can use, including the ability to
create loops.
