One dilemma that all new hip-hop producers (and even some experienced one) find themselves faced with, is the one of wondering what the best beat making software programs are.

After all, there are so many different beat making programs to choose from that it can become very confusing very fast, and in many cases, people can be misled, either by spending unnecessary amounts of money or putting too much emphasis on the software rather than some of the more important components or plugins that go with the beat making software.

It’s important to understand that although some beat making software programs are more user-friendly than others, the more important components of your setup are those components used to alter the dynamics of your sounds and instruments.

Think of yourself as a chef. If you’re cooking a meal, it’s important that you have a pot or pan to cook the meal in. However, the taste of the finished meal will depend more upon what you do with the ingredients, than what kind of pot or pan you cook them all in. As long as you have a pot or pan, the taste or quality of the finished meal probably isn’t going to depend heavily on what type of pot or pan you use. It’s the garlic, seasoning, oil and other ingredients that will make the meal taste right or wrong.

Think of the beat making software as your pan or pot, and the plug-ins are your spices and other elements used to create the right flavor or texture of the meal (or beat).

This is not to say that there aren’t beat making programs out there that are easier to use than others, but really, choosing the sequencer/program is going to depend on what you feel the most comfortable using.

Fruity Loops and Reason are two beat making programs that are commonly used, and pretty easy to navigate through for beginners, yet they have the capability (with the right plugins) to support a more advanced producer as well. Many top producers in the industry use one or both of these programs as their sequencer. Other sequencer/recording programs worth looking into are Acid Pro, Logic (for Mac) and Pro Tools LE.

Personally, I use Pro Tools LE because it’s so commonly used in the industry, that I can take or send my beat sessions to a lot of other studios for additional recording, mixing or mastering.

Whatever you choose to use, just remember that it’s what you’ll be able to do to your sounds and instruments that is the important component.

In my next post, I’ll be discussing some of the best plugins to go with your beat making software.

In the discussion thread below, feel free to post your favorite or not-so-favorite beat making programs for discussion!