Beat Software: What's In A Beat?

Beat software is software used to make beats. But which beat software is right for your needs? The answer may not be as complicated as you think, especially if you're looking for a quick way to make great sounding beats to lay over lyrics and other tracks. more below...

When it comes to beat software there are truly a lot of options. Different companies are competing for your business and trying to tell you that their beat maker is the only one that will give you the edge you are looking for. To a certain extent this is true, but then again, it's also complete bull depending on what type of music you are making.

For instance, if you are laying down guitar tracks, bass tracks and piano tracks using third party equipment, that is, writing the guitar, bass and piano tracks yourself, then you will need something like Pro Tools. This program at it's most deflated will set you back about a grand.

But hold on! Who says you need Pro Tools? The truth is that a beat software program that costs a mere fraction of the price might be just the thing to get you going. Many 'lower end' beat software programs have been coming out in recent years and are perfect for those that want to write a catchy bass line or piano part without third party applications and that includes plug-ins.

So what I am saying is that a great beat maker for you might be under fifty-bucks and will actually take you farther with your music. Some beat software works completely online, provides a 16-tracks sequencer with easy mp3 export and access to a virtual piano-key-set, virtual drum pad and thousands of samples and sounds to choose from (and the sounds and samples keep expanding).

This is pretty amazing, considering that ten years ago you couldn't get anything near this for under a grand. Now you can get all of this and more for less than fifty - how times have changed!

Now how do you know if the beat software I mentioned above is perfect for you? Are you trying to write rap and hip-hop beats? want simple hooks and grooves that complete the beat and give it that extra dimension? and want a very simple way to lay down lyrics on top of the beats and hooks you just made? Then guess what? You don't need Pro Tools and you don't need to spend anything near a grand. In fact, as mentioned before, all you need is a thirty dollar beat software program and your set and believe me, these programs will keep you occupied for hours and hours - I didn't sleep for 48 hours when I downloaded my first inexpensive beat maker.

Now I do want to qualify this last paragraph by saying that if you are in a band and need to use a ton of audio tracks on top of electronic tracks you will need to spend about a thousand bucks. But if you're simply trying to created a few sweet beats to lay over vocals - then you really shouldn't spend that type of money until after you have experience with these less expensive beat software programs. Good luck and happy beat making!

-Mark Frost