Are you looking into getting into making beats but aren’t sure what you need? Do you need pianos, bass, guitars, microphones, a booth, etc.? Well before you go breaking your bank for a bunch of stuff you won’t need, check out this list and maybe you can get started a lot quicker than you think.
Now there always exception to these rules, but this is what has worked for me.
Computer/Laptop/MPC
Three things to remember when choosing your Computer
1.Hard disk space.
A good size to get started is around 60 gigs.
2.A good processor. Intel Pentium or anything after that works well.
3.RAM or random access memory. The more of this you have, the better your beat making and recording will be.
Software
Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Acid Pro, Reason. It really depends on preference and on what
system you’re on. If you choose to go with. With a Mac, you have options like Logic Pro which isn’t offered on Windows. I personally have been using Ableton Live and absolutely love it. I started with FL Studio and Acid Pro. Again it really comes down to what you feel more comfortable with. For more info check this out:
http://www.squidoo.com/beatschool#module9954705
Sound Card
The sound card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send audio information to an audio device like speakers or a pair of headphones. All computers and laptops have this, but usually aren’t good enough to handle the workload of making beats.
You will need a sound card with a microphone input. If you want to use a professional microphone to record, you will need a USB audio interface. A USB audio interface is a piece of hardware that connects to your PC via your USB cables, and it works as an external sound card to allow your computer to interface with professional audio equipment.
Sounds and Plug-ins
You might have your PC, soundcard, software ready to go, so what else do you need? You need sounds. Drums, voices, pianos, etc. You can usually find sounds with the software you choose, but a good beat maker or producer builds up his sound library. You can record your own sounds or look for sounds online. Whatever you decide to do, never stop building your library.
Those are the most basic things you will need. You might also want to look into getting a midi keyboard as well. I didn’t provide pricing, or links to the software. I just wanted to give you a starting point to those who have the desire but have no idea how to go about it.
Uneak
This should get you going
Uneak 
Hello – really like the articles you have. Thank you for these. I have used ableton for making remixes. I would like to start making beats( and of course to eventually evolve to a producer). but Im considering taking some beat making lessons at a local school. But they focus on FL and reason. You think I should switch over?. I cant say Im totally comfortable with Ableton quite yet. But it seems like there is more of a support system for FL. so it might be easier learning curve?. Do you have recommendation on how I should approach this?.
Hey there.. thank you for stopping by and for your comment..
I think one thing you have to remember is that all music software, whether ableton, live, or FL are similar to each other. I started making music on a program called ACID PRO. which pretty much is like the follow track window on ableton. Then i moved over to FL and found out it was about the same thing, the difference was the sequencer. After using FL for about 2 years i made the switch to ABLETON LIVE and loved it..it was like ACID PRO had a baby with FL and created ABLETON lol… and now i use ABLETON, LOGIC and PRO TOOLS..
I guess what im saying is you cant really know what works best for you until you try it. Im not a believer in saying USE ABLETON ITS THE BEST.. because it might be the best for me..and what i do.. but not for others..
it all really depends on your workflow.. how is your work flowing.. the only program i never really liked was reason. I didnt like the sound of my drums out of that program.
So in conclusion Id say try the classes, try FL and if you enjoy it great.. its about what you feel comfortable..cause when you feel comfortable you’ll make great music.. and it seems like there is more support for FL but its not true.. its just an easier program to master..
sorry i couldn’t give you a short answer .. i hope this helps you..
Uneak
Uneak – Thank you, always appreciate a detailed response.
Do you mind tell what aspects you use ableton, logic and pro tools for? for example when you bringing is samples during beatmaking do you like to use Logic? etc
I agree with you, I didnt like the workflow of reason.
what resources do you use to learn more about how to use ableton?.