What programs for making beats do you use?
Im about to get myself into production but not 100% sure where to start. What programs/software are you all using and why?
Im a complete Noobie when it comes to this.
Started out in Reason. The virtual studio is really nice but I couldn’t find myself a quick workflow. Many people say that it is impossible to make professional music in Reason but that is untrue. If you like the workflow it is a very nice program and uses the least CPU power of any DAW out there. The only disadvantage may be that it doesn’t support VST’s but the included synths give you more than enough options.
After that I switched to Ableton. It is without a doubt the best program to be creative in, chop up samples and create beats very quickly but the problem for me is that because of that I never get to finish any tunes because I just keep messing around lol.
Then I bought Logic and that is the best so far for me. Quick workflow, amazing sound quality from the standard plugins and more functions than you would ever use.
I’ve personally spent more time in Cubase, but I honestly think having a decent grounding in more than one DAW is a good idea. I like to do certain things in Logic or Ableton over Cubase, and when I find that I’ve hit a brick wall creatively, I’ll switch DAW’s entirely. Even fruity loops can make that frustrating track fun again.
At the end of the day though, it’s all about personal taste, your workflow, and how you like to keep organised (or unorganised if that’s the case)
Logic
Reason
Rebirth
Ableton
Native Instruments VST’s (Massive, Reaktor)
Arturia VST (MinimoogV)
Rob Papen VST (Predetor and Albino)
Vangaurde VST
Sugar Bytes VST
and a shit storm of other VST’s
Logic!
I used to use Fruity Loops… Enjoyed that heaps.
Never used anything else to compare though…
Just started using Reason, I like it, although I would like to learn about VST’s so might have to move onto something else when I can afford it…
Ableton all the way.
I do use reason, but more like a VST, i mainly just use it because Thor is a beast.
And about 20-30 VST’s.
I have always used FL Studio, and I stand by it.
A lot of people talk a lot of shit about it because a lot of people that use it don’t really know how and end up making some super generic songs (which I have also been guilty of).
Thanks guys for the info. I think Im ready to buy some software and Im going to get ableton after watching so many videos on it.
Fruity Loop Studio 9
Nexus
Komplete 5
Hypersonic
etc. VSTs
Final Recording is sometimes done in Ableton Live for any live recording, aka vocals.
I would of included Fl.Studio as well but I switched to a Mac because the PC I had is going into the stone age and unfortunately Image line does not make FL for Mac 
Ableton albeit new to the product but I love it, in the 90’s I worked with a guy and we used Cubase on an Atari!!! and my recent EP with my friend Lee we did on Logic, but Ableton is my fave for ease of use and being taught once every few weeks makes it easier to grasp.
I use Ableton and Reason via rewire. When I first started I used FL Studio(fruity loops). Don’t try to learn every single software from the start. Master one daw and when you know it like the back of your hand, go and learn the general user interface and workflow of other daws. It’s helpful if you need to collab with someone who uses another daw.
Software i’ve gone through from the top..
Sound Forge
Cool Edit Pro
Fruity Loops
Acid
Protools ← My main choice for audio editing
Logic
Ableton Live ← Best choice for overall production
Only recently switched to ableton but it’s got the fastest workflow and it’s very easy to generate ideas and spark my imagination!
Tried out reason but could never get on with the tiny interface, I know a few people who make proper solid tunes on it though.. it’s just not for me!
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I think the biggest point is try some demos out and see what software you feel most comfortable and productive in. ANY of them will produce fantastic results if you learn them inside out… it’s not the software that makes the music 