Music production is constantly evolving and nowhere is this more evident than the case of hip hop, rap, gangsta and other urban sounds. If you want to start making beats there are so many different options available to you depending upon your experience, musical ability, preferred production style and of course budget. For example, if you are an experienced producer then you probably already have access to a professional recording studio but are maybe looking for something more portable whereas a complete novice may need something to get going on a with a tight budget.
The digital revolution of the early 2000's made access to professional studio quality equipment at home recording studio prices not only a possibility but a reality. The problem now isn't whether you can get suitable equipment but how to choose from all the possible choices. To make these choices easier you really have to think about what it is that you want to achieve and ask yourself the following questions:
1. Where am I going to set up my studio? Portable or fixed?
2. How do I want to make and use my beats? Track by track or play live or both?
3. How much money do I have to spend? 0, 00 or 00
For those with a big budget, the way to go is to get a PC or Mac hooked up by firewire to a 24-bit audio interface. Into this audio interface you can plug in a DJ mixer, which will handle all your mp3, CD and vinyl audio inputs. Into your PC or Mac you can also plug in your midi controller or synthesizer. Add to this some high end interface controller software and sample bundles and you have an amazing set-up.
For those who have less money but still want a hardware based set-up then the use of a music production center (MPC) can offer great value for money and flexibility. No computers or mixers are required and all real-time audio sampling and drum machine programming can be done by the MPC. More advanced models allow direct hook-up of vocal microphones.
And finally, for entry level budgets or for ultimate portability, there are now a range of online virtual MPCs available. All you need is a PC or Mac. These virtual MPCs are software interfaces that mimic their hardware equivalents, allowing beats to be laid down track by track. All drum, instruments and loop samples are held online and can be accessed anywhere and at anytime. Finished beats can be downloaded to local hard drive as mp3 files.
