MAKE BEATS FOR RAP

So how do MPCs work? Well every MPC has the same basic set-up. They have a number of tap pads plus a range of controls that manage the volume levels and effects and of course a screen output that shows track sequencing. Samples are assigned to the pads for example kick drums, snare drums, high hats, piano, guitar and bass. These samples can either be taken from audio sources such as vinyl, CD or mp3 files or purchased as complete instrumental libraries.

You can create the track in two ways. If you have good timing you can start by tapping out the groove on the pads and then build the beat by adding tracks, each time adding the sample by tapping the pad. If your timing isn't so great or if you start to build up a large number of tracks in your beat then you can simply use the sequencer to lay down the required samples at the precise point in each bar that you want.

But isn't this expensive? It all depends on your point of view. An entry level MPC will set you back just under 00 and you can quite easily spend -3000. When compared to the set-up cost of a professional studio rig, its small change. But for an aspiring producer just starting out this is a veritable fortune.

The good news is that there are now a number of beat makers available online that are basically virtual MPCs and they have many of the same features. You can build multiple tracks, tap out grooves on virtual tap pads and make arrangements using the sequencing controls. And because they are software based, they have features that are only found on top end MPCs. For example using virtual piano keys to input samples is a great way to build melody lines. Usually you would need a midi controller or synthesizer to do this in a hardware based studio.

The game has changed drastically for beat producers in recent years. Because of the invention of online beat production software. Which means that the software writers can lower their prices by eliminating the costs of packaging and delivering a physical product. And, the competition out there now has increased, so that all the different music software companies wants a top music producer to use their software. These things all work together to make finding a versatile and functional beat maker extremely affordable.

These are the four questions you should ask yourself if you are new to music production when it comes to choosing beat software.

1. Is it Affordable?

As we have already mentioned, beat maker software has become very affordable. And, it should come pre-packaged with good sounding samples. But, it should also be expandable; so you can purchase different sound samples later on, or even record your own.

Most importantly, if it is out of your price range just keep looking. Because you will find something out there that is and has all the features and usability that you need too.

2. Is it Easy?

A well designed software application can mean the difference between spending hours enjoying the creation of your art, or spending those same hours plodding through tutorials and help files. A great beat maker program will be as transparent as possible, and give you the ability to get straight to creating your next big hit without a long ride on the learning curve.

But, don't think for one minute that you have to settle for a trimmed down version just because you're only starting out. Usability and a feature rich interface really can go together.

3. Are the Samples And Sounds High Quality?

The instrument and effect samples should be pre-recorded at least at CD quality sample and bit rates. That is 44.1 kHz and 16-bit PCM wave format, or at least 160 Kbps in mp3 format. Do not settle for anything less than CD quality no matter how cheap the software is. Your creations just don't stand a chance if your raw materials are sub-standard.

A painter always wants to use the finest oil paints to create their masterpieces, right? The same applies to your instrument samples. Otherwise, it may wind up sounding like a wind-up toy.

4. Do the Results Sound Professional?

Here is the bottom line; would you really play this for someone? Friends? Family? How about a Club Owner, or Record Exec? Because, if you wouldn't play the finished beats for anyone; it won't make any difference at all how cheap the software was, or how easy it was to use, or even if the samples are a really high quality. When it comes down to it your beats have to sparkle.

One more thing, when you're ready to output your track; save it in ".WAV" format first. Remember, 44.1 kHz and 16 bit PCM? That way you preserve the dynamic qualities in your "Master". Then, you can also save it to mp3.

Instead of having to spend loads of money on a hobby that you may not like or have loads of time to commit to spending endless hours learning the likes of Cubase, Logic or Pro Tools, you can start to make your own beats today with a software program that takes out all of those variables (especially the frustration!) of making your own music.

This program is DUBTurbo and there is an upgraded version now (DUBTurbo v1.5) that gives you even more sounds, samples, FX and kits that you can use to start making any kind of electronic music from rap, trance, house and even reggae with ease!

DUBTurbo has been getting unbelievable feedback from its users and the music industry in general purely because you do not need to know much about music theory to use it (it has loads of video tutorials if you want to get into the science of it all.) It has been made with the novice in mind and you can be making beats in as little as ten minutes! Just download the software and start adding drums, keyboards and effects over many tracks (64 tracks plus!) using the easy to follow interface.

One excellent part of this software is the ability to import your own sounds so that your music does not become sterile and you won't be hunting for another beat maker in a few weeks as this allows you to be individual with your creativity. There is also a section where you can upload your beats to the DUBTurbo roster for sale.

As DUBTurbo uses WAV files at CD standard, you can be sure that the sound quality that you will be producing is that of industry professionals. All sounds have been produced in professional facilities.

On top of this, you can save your music and burn them to CD track by track which is the norm if you want to make your music commercial.

You could even produce your own album!