Mar 26, 2018 Creating Your First EDM Track. The key to become an EDM producer lies in learning how to use your DAW. As we said earlier, if you use a PC computer, FL Studio is an excellent choice. If you’re a Mac user, you should go with Logic Pro X. Ableton Live is also very popular, and its advantage is that it’s compatible with both Mac and PC.
With a sudden spurt in the success of “bedroom producers”, creating some sick tunes within the confines of your home has become a bright reality. Take for instance, the success stories of rappers such as Post Malone or Lil Pump among hip hop artistes who started out as independent producers. They made it big because they had some of the best beat making software at their disposal. If you too are a passionate music enthusiast who wants to fulfill your dream but doesn’t have enough resources to expend, then you can always make use of some of the best free beat making software for Mac and Windows PC listed in our roundup.
These free beat makers are intrinsically built to provide you the right melody creation tools that can compose some kickass groovy beats in a jiffy. Most of the entries on our list proffer sample music which can help navigate users learning the nitty-gritty of beat production and create solid hip hop beats.
How to choose the best free beat makers?
(Check out our guide, How To Make Electronic Music for more info, which is also included in the EDM Starter Kit above.) Apart from that, here are the main factors to consider: Key Number. MIDI keyboards typically come in 25, 49, 61 and 88 key varieties.
Avid Pro Tools. Get Avid Pro Tools. Avid Pro Tools is the most popular DAW in the market. Pro Tools is usually used in all professional studios for the sake of conformity. This doesn’t need an introduction – it is the music production software that you would find in 99% of high-end professional recording studios.
I see a lot of answers that personally, I would say are outdated. It all really depends on how committed you are to making music, and how much you are willing to put in. The bare bones would be your Mac and garage band. However, there are mu.
We handpicked all the amazing beat making software on our roundup based on several yardsticks. Numero unocriteria were definitely ease-of-use for beginners, followed closely by the abundant features these software possess. Not to mention, some of them cater to more experienced users and boast advanced features.
Lastly, the user interface was also considered for homing in on the best free beat makers that could inspire users to create some tasty, jaw-dropping bass-driven beats and drop sick bars. So, are you ready to find out the best free beat making software and download ’em all? Let’s get started.
Note: If you want to expand your pool of options, you might also want to check our list of the best free audio editing software.
1) Fruity Loops Studio (FL Studio Fruity Edition) [For PC & Mac]
If you are a complete novice who wants to learn the art of creating funky beats and create some professional sounding polyrhythms, look no further than FL Studio, which is considered as one of the best free beatmakers for beginners. It is available for both Windows and Mac OS X.
Coming on to the features, FL Studio is a powerhouse replete with everything that one would need to compose, arrange, edit, mix and master their professional-sounding beats. You can download various third-party plugins, drum loops, VSTs and even add some symphonic synths if you are an EDM producer.
It comes loaded with: keyboard controller, MIDI out, formula controller, and many more cool features. We were really impressed with the reworked and scalable interface which has a piano roll, and multi-touch functionality. Also, it allows real-time stretching to tweak the tempo and pitch variations.
Not to mention, the latest version of FL Studio, i.e. FL Studio 12 allows you to detach all the windows within the program for a seamless audio editing experience. Overall, even experienced beat aficionados will enjoy editing in FL Studio.
Note If you want to step up your game, you can buy the FL Studio Producer Edition.
2) GarageBand [Mac]
Plagiarism checker software for mac. GarageBand is a solid DAW intrinsically designed for Mac and iOS devices. Some of the highlights of GarageBand have always been its resplendent collection of sample beats, AU plugins, drum loops, virtual session drummer, guitar loops and synth passages – all of which – make it one of the best free beat making software for Mac and Windows users.
In other words, it is a cohesive music creation studio that is fully equipped to compose some kickass beats on the fly. The interface is very soothing to the eyes and any beginner would be hooked right from the get-go. Moreover, you can also compose a sick layer-heavy song with up to 255 tracks thrown into the mix. That’s a lot of tracks!
GarageBand also boasts some nifty features including Flex Time for quickly changing the timing of an audio recording. In fact, you can also wirelessly play any GarageBand virtual instrument on your Mac by using an iPad via multi-Touch gestures. No need to download it since the full version comes packed inside your Mac.
3) MuseScore [Mac]
Ably assisted by an intuitive beat making technique, MuseScore is a music composition and notation software that packs some serious features that are a novelty in the free beat making software realm. For instance, it supports standardized plugin formats such as DSSI, LADSPA and VST.
MuseScore also boasts a stunning interface that is very easily navigable for beginners who want to craft some fire-worthy beats. You can drag and drop or import arranging of MIDI files, Plugins and plugin presets, Aux outputs and audio files.
Moreover, you can export your tunes in multiple formats such as .wav, .flac, .ogg, etc. MuseScore doubles up as a formidable MIDI/Audio sequencer that has some of the finest real-time record/playback credentials to edit unwanted mono/stereo parts instantly. If you can read/write music, MuseScore also proffers tablature creation for various virtual instruments.
4) Hotstepper [For PC and Mac]
Fans of drum sequencers who want to create some sublime bass-driven Hip hop drum patches can safely rely on Hotstepper which is a 12-channel beast of a drum sequencer. It boasts multiple sound samples, some of which are available in .hpa extension. Hotstepper also has a nifty BMP slider to fix the number of beats you wanna play per minute or adjust the tempo of the track. Not to mention, Wave stretching for automatically stretching a sound to the exact length of a beat.
Further, Hotstepper supports various third-party plugins for adjusting tempo, panorama position and pitch for every sound. You can also control the amount of delay or feedback you want in your mix. However, you can export the drum patterns exclusively in .wav format which could be a disappointment for most users.
5) DrumFlow[For PC and Mac]
Another powerful drum sequencer for Mac and Windows, Drumflow can create customized percussion parts and drum loops that can be exported to your MIDI editor. DrumFlow includes an array of sample files (around 127 drum banks) and 6 MIDI settings such as: reverberation, pitch coarse, chorus and filter values.
However, the novelty factor that makes DrumFlow one of the best free beat making software is that it can be used to create some original sounding drum loops which are a good respite from the same-old digitized drum loops that most DAWs can create.
You can also swing grooves to add more ‘groove’ and depth to your patterns. Plus, you can fiddle with drum setup parameters to adjust pitch and tone, add reverb, EG attack and delay, and stereo pan.
6) Hydrogen [For PC and Mac]
Hydrogen is an open-source drum machine that is compatible with both Mac and Windows. The first thing you will notice about Hydrogen’s intuitive interface is its modular layout as well as multi layer support for instruments (up to 16 samples for every instrument).
Therein, you can easily compose, edit, mix, and master your beats using robust features such as time stretch, pitch corrector, sample Editor for basic cut and loop functions and a Pattern-based sequencer which comes loaded with unlimited patterns that can be chained into a song.
Also, you can edit up to 192 ticks per pattern with variable pattern length and individual level per event. Moreover, since Hydrogen is a sample-based stereo audio engine, you can import sound samples in multiple formats such as .au, .aiff, .Wav, et al.
7) LMMS [For PC and Mac]
Another open-source entrant on our list, LMMS offers easy to use functionality thanks to its simple and intuitive interface for composing sick bars and beats. You can make use of its inbuilt song editor for composing some kickass tunes and it also comes loaded with a beat+bassline editor for amalgamating some great basslines and beats.
Plus, LMMS offers computer-controlled automation as well as complete user-defined track-based automation.
No to mention, a Piano Roll for crafting melodies as well as an FX mixer with 64 channels that can add hundreds of effects, thus expanding the mixing possibilities. In fact, LMMS allows you to expend a gamut of powerful VSTs and effect plugins that are compatible with MIDI, LADSPA, VST, SoundFont2, and GUS Patches. Moreover, you can even import FL Studio ® project files, and MIDI files. Lastly, users can output files in export formats ranging from WAV or OGG. Don’t forget to download the full version of this beast!
8) orDrumbox [For PC and Mac]
If you are a fan of layering polyrhythms in your drum beats, orDrumbox can come in quite handy in your composing endeavours. In fact, it is one of the best free beat making software for creating pattern-oriented songs as it assembles various patterns and determines the number of beats in each pattern (16 or 32, so forth).
orDrumbox comes loaded with some other fine features such as automatic sound assignations, arpeggiator, and expansive drum kits that can all be edited and deleted as per your whim. Further, you can make use of its Soft Synth for generating sounds via an analog synth emulation with hi pass/low pass filters and FM modulation.
9) HammerHead Rhythm Station [For PC only]
If you are instantly put off by complex interfaces, you might as well want to check out HammerHead rhythm station which boasts a simplistic interface that is just the right tool for beginners. Although available for only Windows users, HammerHead makes beat composition an effortless task. Since it is extremely simple and decluttered, it doesn’t offer much on the features front. In fact, it doesn’t need to!
All it boasts are 16 beat tracks, basic tempo control, and six channels to create unique beats. However, experienced beat creators might get dismayed by its minuscule effects and sample library. Nevertheless, HammerHead still is a lucrative option for beginners learning the ropes of a drum machine.
SEE ALSO: Best Free Karaoke Software for Windows and Mac
10) Ardour [For PC & Mac]
Rounding off our list of the best free beat making software for Mac and Windows is Ardour, a fully-featured digital audio workstation built on the lines of ProTools, and LogicPro. Ardour is deft at replacing analog or digital tape systems and proffers audio and MIDI multi-track recording/editing. Further, it boasts a vast library of AU plugins and third-party VST support with full sample-accurate automation and inline plugin control. Not to mention, it offers timeline-based non-linear editing for carrying out slick multi-track edits by allowing users to go back and forth their changes.
Rest assured, you wouldn’t regret a full version download of this monster. Moreover, Ardour can support any audio interface provided your OS supports it. In fact, it can also be used for editing soundtracks of videos on its interface. Also, users can export to numerous file formats including WAV, FLAC, CAF, BWF, AIFF, etc.
And…that’s a wrap! Did you like our roundup of the free beat makers for Mac and Windows? Did we miss out on any great software that you know of? Sound off in the comments and don’t forget to download full version of these beauties.
SEE ALSO: Best Free Screen Recorders for Mac
Incredible music. In the key of easy.
GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio right inside your Mac — with a complete sound library that includes instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and an incredible selection of session drummers and percussionists. With Touch Bar features for MacBook Pro and an intuitive, modern design, it’s easy to learn, play, record, create, and share your hits worldwide. Now you’re ready to make music like a pro.
Start making professional‑sounding music right away. Plug in your guitar or mic and choose from a jaw‑dropping array of realistic amps and effects. You can even create astonishingly human‑sounding drum tracks and become inspired by thousands of loops from popular genres like EDM, Hip Hop, Indie, and more.
More sounds, more inspiration. Plug in your USB keyboard and dive into the completely inspiring and expanded Sound Library, featuring electronic‑based music styles like EDM and Hip Hop. The built‑in set of instruments and loops gives you plenty of creative freedom.
The Touch Bar takes center stage. The Touch Bar on MacBook Pro puts a range of instruments at your fingertips. Use Performance view to turn the Touch Bar into drum pads or a one-octave keyboard for playing and recording.
Plug it in. Tear it up. Plug in your guitar and choose from a van-load of amps, cabinets, and stompboxes.
Music Making Software For Mac
Design your dream bass rig. Customize your bass tone just the way you want it. Mix and match vintage or modern amps and speaker cabinets. You can even choose and position different microphones to create your signature sound.
Drumroll please. GarageBand features Drummer, a virtual session drummer that takes your direction and plays along with your song. Choose from 28 drummers and three percussionists in six genres.
Shape your sound. Quickly and easily. Whenever you’re using a software instrument, amp, or effect, Smart Controls appear with the perfect set of knobs, buttons, and sliders. So you can shape your sound quickly with onscreen controls or by using the Touch Bar on MacBook Pro.
Look, Mom — no wires. You can wirelessly control GarageBand right from your iPad with the Logic Remote app. Play any software instrument, shape your sound with Smart Controls, and even hit Stop, Start, and Record from across the room.
Jam with drummers of every style.
Drummer, the virtual session player created using the industry’s top session drummers and recording engineers, features 28 beat‑making drummers and three percussionists. From EDM, Dubstep, and Hip Hop to Latin, Metal, and Blues, whatever beat your song needs, there’s an incredible selection of musicians to play it.
Each drummer has a signature kit that lets you produce a variety of groove and fill combinations. Use the intuitive controls to enable and disable individual sounds while you create a beat with kick, snare, cymbals, and all the cowbell you want. If you need a little inspiration, Drummer Loops gives you a diverse collection of prerecorded acoustic and electronic loops that can be easily customized and added to your song.
Audition a drummer for a taste of his or her distinct style.
Powerful synths with shape‑shifting controls.
Get creative with 100 EDM- and Hip Hop–inspired synth sounds. Every synth features the Transform Pad Smart Control, so you can morph and tweak sounds to your liking.
Sweeping Arp
Droplets
Bright Punchy Synth
Pumping Synth Waves
Epic Hook Synth
Learn to play
Welcome to the school of rock. And blues. And classical.
Get started with a great collection of built‑in lessons for piano and guitar. Or learn some Multi‑Platinum hits from the actual artists who recorded them. You can even get instant feedback on your playing to help hone your skills.
Take your skills to the next level. From any level. Choose from 40 different genre‑based lessons, including classical, blues, rock, and pop. Video demos and animated instruments keep things fun and easy to follow.
Teachers with advanced degrees in hit‑making. Learn your favorite songs on guitar or piano with a little help from the original recording artists themselves. Who better to show you how it’s done?
Instant feedback. Play along with any lesson, and GarageBand will listen in real time and tell you how you’re doing, note for note. Track your progress, beat your best scores, and improve your skills.
Tons of helpful recording and editing features make GarageBand as powerful as it is easy to use. Edit your performances right down to the note and decibel. Fix rhythm issues with a click. Finesse your sound with audio effect plug‑ins. And finish your track like a pro, with effects such as compression and visual EQ.
Go from start to finish. And then some. Create and mix up to 255 audio tracks. Easily name and reorder your song sections to find the best structure. Then polish it off with all the essentials, including reverb, visual EQ, volume levels, and stereo panning.
Take your best take. Record as many takes as you like. You can even loop a section and play several passes in a row. GarageBand saves them all in a multi‑take region, so it’s easy to pick the winners.
Your timing is perfect. Even when it isn’t. Played a few notes out of time? Simply use Flex Time to drag them into place. You can also select one track as your Groove Track and make the others fall in line for a super‑tight rhythm.
Polish your performance. Capture your changes in real time by adjusting any of your software instruments’ Smart Controls while recording a performance. You can also fine‑tune your music later in the Piano Roll Editor.
Touch Bar. A whole track at your fingertips. The Touch Bar on MacBook Pro lets you quickly move around a project by dragging your finger across a visual overview of the track.
Wherever you are, iCloud makes it easy to work on a GarageBand song. You can add tracks to your GarageBand for Mac song using your iPhone or iPad when you’re on the road. Or when inspiration strikes, you can start sketching a new song idea on your iOS device, then import it to your Mac to take it even further.