When it comes to making beats, many new and experienced producers are beginning to make the switch to software. Why would they do that? Simple: the software brings more, both in terms of flexibility and workflow.
Many new producers looking to get into the game often have a hard time deciding which is better: a rap beat making program or a hardware workstation. While each has its different pros and cons, it really comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable (and, ultimately, most productive).
software vs. hardware
In this article, I wanted to break down the main software and hardware differences, as well as highlight the pros and cons of each. If you’re at a crossroads in determining what kind of rap beat maker you need, this should help you settle the score and get you headed in the right direction.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get on with the show!
Hardware: the good and the bad
When it comes to making beats, some people feel the need to be more “hands-on”. need for feel the music they make, and hitting the keys and hitting the drum pads gives them the ability to become a part of that music by playing it naturally.
In hip-hop, the hardware runs deep. The first line of MPCs (like the MPC60) as well as keyboards like the infamous ASR-10 set the pace and completely changed the pace of hip-hop (other popular hardware workstations include Roland Phantom, Korg Triton, and Yamaha Motif). I eat well). Anyone who is familiar with any of the beat makers knows the power that each of them have.
With that said, check out the short list below that outlines the various pros and cons of using hardware as your primary rap beat maker:
advantages
– Old sounds that you can’t find anywhere else (or that are hard to recreate).
– The feeling you get (hands on music production).
– Solid Time
Cons
– Low memory limiting sampling capabilities.
– Limited amount of sounds on board. Buying more expansion boards is your only option to expand your sound range, which means you have to spend more money.
– Poor or limited sequencing and arrangement functions.
– Typically expensive. The more you need, the more you’ll spend (we’re talking thousands, not hundreds).
Software – Good vs. Bad
The software has become popular over the years and has changed the way many people produce and create music today. In fact, using software as a rap beat maker has become the norm. New producers on a budget find it easy to start making beats and producing music with nothing more than their computer, beat-making software, and a creative mind.
There are a number of different software programs available for music production. You may be familiar with popular programs like FL Studio and Reason (which are great, but can still be expensive for some), as well as similar programs like DubTurbo.
With all of that said, let me quickly run through the benefits (as well as the drawbacks) of using software:
advantages
– Since the software uses your computer’s hard drive as memory, its memory power is limited only to the size of your hard drive(s). This means room for as many sounds and effects as you like!
– Unlimited amount of options for plugins and expansion.
– All-in-one solution (sequencing, mixing, programming).
– Costs much less than most hardware, but can achieve similar (or better) results.
– Easy to update and maintain.
– Does not require any external parts to operate, just your computer (however you can use midi controllers to play the keys and drums to get that “feel”).
Cons
– Not as mobile as hardware (unless you want to lug around your PC).
– Quality is a minor issue and may not be as good as some hardware workstations
– Performance of high-end software may be poor if a high-end PC is not used.
The conclusion
As you can see, the use of hardware or software has its advantages and disadvantages. The truth is, you can achieve great sound by going any route, so ultimately it’s up to you to decide. Now that you know some of the differences and similarities, you should be able to decide what is best for you.