Music Production Software
When it comes to music production software or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) there are quite a few choices. Personally I use Cubase from Steinberg when creating tracks. When recording vocals or other audio I lean more to Pro Tools from Avid which is also my tool when mixing. However if you are a beginner these might not be the first choice for you. Frank from Ohio sent me this email the other day:
Hi,
My dream has always been to be a music producer and learn to program beats however I am not sure where to start. Is there a music production software you can recommend for beginners?
Personally I use full featured music production software like Cubase, Logic and Pro Tools. These are great programs that are used in top recording studios today. However, for beginners they can be a little overwhelming to learn and are pretty expensive. A decent Pro Tools system with an audio interface cost anywhere from 5-600 dollars to several thousands.
If you can afford it and don’t mind the steep learning curve I would certainly recommend going for one of these. However if you just want to get quickly into creating music and don’t have the budget for a high-end DAW and audio interface there are a couple of very cool alternatives. If you are on a Mac you can use Garage Band. The latest version is pretty advanced but still fairly easy to learn. However if your computer is a Windows PC you should check out a fun program I recently came across called DubTurbo. It’s a very simple Beat Maker and great for quickly trying out different ideas. It comes with built-in sounds, a drum machine and built-in 16 track sequencer. Best of all, you don’t even need a midi keyboard. Perfect for your laptop. Simply play by using the keys on your computer or draw the notes by using your mouse. I use it from time to time on my laptop to sketch out ideas when I am not in my studio. For a beginner this is perfect to quickly start creating tracks. You can check out DubTurbo here….
Have fun making music,
Johnny JamTo find more info on the best beat makers search here…
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, i’m 14 and I was wondering how to get started with almost no money. What DAW would be best for me. I would be making beats and writing lyrics. Also, at what age do you have to be/should be to try out these online schools? What classes should I take in school? Do I got to university or a college?
Hi Johnny,
Also my dream is to become a music producer too.
I had already started to learn about music. I was playing on a piano for several years, then I bought my first turntables.
BUT now I would like to get into music producing. I started to learn Fruity Loops, but I didnt like the interface. Now I am using Ableton Live, but it is a little bit complicated.
My question is:
Could you tell me please what is the difference between Pro Tools and Ableton Live?
Thank you ind advance
Kornel
I’ve been learning to use Logic 9, and I think I’ve gotten to the point where I understand the interface well enough to make decent music. But, I have been really lacking in any inspiration to actually do anything. The few times that I have been motivated enough to begin creating a piece, it just flubs after a while because I loose interest. I’m wondering how you keep inspired so much of the time.
Thanks,
Paul
fl studio…frooty loops 9
Hey Paul,
To answer your question about keeping myself motivated is to basically keep having fun and vary the style of productions. Also listen to various of music in the style you would like to master. I get inspired by listening and it motivates me to do something similar.
Also if you are just starting out like you said, don’t set your goals to high to start. It can seem almost impossible to create a complete composition with drums, keyboards, vocals and so on if you are a beginner. Focus on setting and completing smaller goals. Start by recreating a drum pattern from a production you admire and move on from there. Use that pattern to create a new song.
i am just happy to see u online
so beautiful coz my dream is becoming a great producer…
Kampala Uganda…East Africa
Music is my passion. I literally listen to all kinds and i got many beats in mind. Is there any free sofwares that are available for me? i want to start right now so i can get the hang of it and see if this is the right career for me…….Im barely 15 years old and a badass chick
My goal is to become a great music producer. Please help me out. Thank you !
hey johhny, my name is aidan. ive been doing the best i can to be a music producer but i havent been having the besst since im only 16 and i dont have much money. ive been getting some tips from my dad since he used to be a mixer when he was about my age but he gave it up. he still is in the audio and music business but not like he used to be. im just asking where to be if i dont have money and i want to follow my dream. if you can, message me back.
Aidan.
Hi Adian,
Check out my latest article on how to become a audio engineer. http://www.producertoday.com/music-producer/how-to-become-an-engineer-or-music-producer/
Hello Johnny Jam.
Lately I’ve been researching about Hip Hop production. I am 15 years old and I have a lot of ideas. I have a passion for rhytm and hip hop. I want to learn music composing as well as other things. But focusing on the music production:
I have a lot of ideas I have rhytm all over my soul, but I have a problem. I can’t do what I have in mind. I don’t find the right instruments, the right rhytms and patterns for my musics. I use Reason and I’ve been composing for 4 months I think. Maybe I’m rushing too much but I want to stop making regular beats and start working on a real song, and then rap with it.
I’d like you to tell me if I’m rushing to much.
Also I’d love to hear so tips on how to improve and where to find good loops and drums, such as the ones that Kanye West uses.
Thank you. =)
hi my name is lezlie and i wanted to know what age do ihave to be to start? im 15 and i want to start.
Hi there my name is Angelica & I want to become a Music Producer (:
Hey, my name is FM, i`m a musical producer in Brazil. I make records in my studio and i send by internet. Contact me!
Hey Johnny jam,
My names domenic and I live in Sydney Australia I’m 25.
I’ve been producing for a year now , and what I’ve discovered is you need to start small to get anywhere. What I started to do is work on my drum patterns . Once I’ve got a hang on them down pat I started with riffs , pads etc,but what I wanted to know is what vst has great bass for hiphop and r&b and what is the best tip in creating a baseline?
Reason 6 from Propellerhead is a great software to start with. Take care!
I am 26 and I have been working with beats, composing, mixing, and adding affects to my tracks for almost 5 months after a 2 month self educating experience on youtube learning about music production. I plan to attend the Academy of Arts University to study Music Production and Sound Design for Visual Media in addition to hands on experience in my studio I have built. (thanx to youtube) I personally started creating beats on Mixcraft 5 which is the alternative to Garage Band for MAC. I use a Tascam interface with Cubase 5 LE for now. I use a Precision 120 condenser microphone w/ pop filter. A quality musical keyboard, drum pad, foam for the vocal booth and new software are all in the future. I think Im going to try out pro tools 9.