It seems as though many people who wish to make beats online believe that they must purchase an entire audio workstation to effectively create beats. Though it is possible to create some killer beats with these expansive workstations, there are alternatives out there that will give you the same results for a fraction of the price. The reason I am reviewing Sonic Producer is simple; for those who are interested in beat making, this program has the greatest value compared to its competitors. With top notch production quality, an extremely easy to use interface, and a ridiculously low price, this is the best investment an aspiring beat producer can make.

Making Beats
The way beat creation works in Sonic Producer is quite ingenious. It is possible to select sounds

You can drag notes from the Keyboard and Drum Pad onto the sequencer.

and “paint” each note manually on the sequencer. However, the most effective way is to utilize the keyboard and drum pads. Let’s say you have a killer sound equipped to your keyboard, but you want to play it in different pitches throughout your beat. All you have to do is click the note on the keyboard that you want to use, and drag it over to the sequencer. It’s that simple.
The drum pads may be used in the same way, although you may prefer using them in a slightly different fashion. Personally, I have found that the easiest way is to simply hit the “record” button, and tap out the beat with your mouse.


Sequencing
Ah, yes, the sequencer. The primary component of any beat making program. The sequencer on Sonic Producer is divided into 4/4 (4 beats per measure), a time common to most all hip hop beats.  The numbers on the left side of each row correspond to its channel number in the mixer. This way, it is easy to chose a sample/sound from the mixer and have it show up on the sequencer. The sequencer can hold up to a max of 16 sounds and samples, enough for most complex beats.


Interface
The interface includes the following:

Sequencer:
The workspace for all beat creation.

Mixer:
The 16 track mixer is used to adjust volume levels in each channel, and to assign samples/sounds to the sequencer.

An overview of the interface.

Keyboard/Drum Pads:
As mentioned earlier, you can create beats with the “drag and drop” feature of the keyboard and drum pads or simply use them to preview samples.

Toolbar:
The toolbar allows you to save, load and record projects. It also has functions that allow you to rewind, play or stop your beat and an area to alter the tempo.








Bundled Samples
There are hundreds of samples and loops that are included with the program. The sound and quality of each sample are actually quite impressive. The website also offers more downloadable sounds in the “members area.”


Price
The price is a one-time fee of $29.95. This includes access to on-site tutorials, software instruments, beats, cash contests and more goodies. I have seen some other beat production programs in the same price range, but none come close to matching the professional sounding beats you can create with Sonic Producer.



Concluding thoughts
I would recommend Sonic Producer to those taking their first step in beat production. If you feel lost as to where to start, then I assure you, Sonic Producer is definitely what you are looking for. You will be amazed at the shockingly simple workflow and the professional sounding beats that you will be able to make.

FL Studio comes bundled with everything necessary to record voice/instruments, create music from scratch, manipulate audio, and become a world famous musician (okay, well maybe not the last one). So sit back, relax, and enjoy the review.

Price
For a professional workstation, FL Studio is one of the most economical solutions out there. Directly from Image Line, the prices are:

FL Studio XXL – $399
FL Studio Producer Edition – $299
FL Studio Fruity Edition – $139
Though the prices seem very competitive, you can find it yet even cheaper if you look at various vendors.


Sequencing
There are a many features that have enticed me to use this workstation. The most attractive, however, has to be the unique sequencing style. The “pattern-based” sequencer allows for total control. The ease of painting, moving, or erasing pattern blocks and clips is a huge plus. Audio clips, patterns, and automation are all arranged within the “Playlist,” keeping the workspace

The Step Sequencer with a simple drum pattern applied.

simple. There are no limitations that inhibit your workflow in regard to arrangement. The freedom within this workstation is something you may not find in other competitors.












Piano Roll

I could have easily slipped the Piano Roll into the sequencing section, but this feature is so amazing it deserves it’s own sub-review. The Piano Roll is the tool that transfers creative ideas

Each block indicates a separate note.

from your head to the computer. It does this in the quickest, most efficient way possible. The left axis contains a vertical keyboard (for those of you who play the piano, this will take a little time to mentally calibrate), and the right axis represents time. From here, notes may be placed next to the desired keys in an intuitive manner. The beauty though, lies within the MIDI support. Each note recorded through a MIDI controller instantly appears in the piano roll and is readily accessible for editing. Though a MIDI controller is not necessary for taking advantage of the Piano Roll, it sure does make producing a heck of a lot easier!


Mixing/Mastering

The Mixer window with applied effects on the selected channel.

FLS8 contains a 64-track mixer. The mixer allows for effects to be added to each track. The effects include everything you need (Compressors, EQ’s, Reverb, Filters, etc)… The technical process of mastering, however, can be a bit tedious. When a sound is added into a new channel in your project, instead of assigning it to a new channel in the mixer, it assigns it to the master channel. This may seem like a minor flaw, but after assigning channels over and over again, it can get a bit annoying.


Interface
The main components of the interview include the:

Step Sequencer
- Used to assemble drumbeats and simple melodic parts.

Piano roll
- Useful tool in composition, as previously described.
Playlist
- Allows for the arrangement of Patterns, Audio clips, and Automation

A small section of the Playlist of a song I am currently working on.

Mixer
- Used for mastering, adding effects, and recording audio input.

Sample Browser
- Allows the user to quickly browse and access audio, samples, plug-ins, presets, and other FLS files.

The interface to some may seem obscure and difficult to follow. I will admit, it took me a little bit of time to get used to. However, after you understand all the functions of the various windows, FL Studio will be the easiest and fastest way to transfer ideas from your mind to the computer. Though the interface at first may seem threatening, there is a large reward for patience and the willingness to learn.


Audio Recording and Editing
Originally, recording audio was done by creating Clips in the Playlist view. A relatively new plug-in, Edison, allows for a smarter way to record and edit audio. Edison can be applied to a channel in the mixer as an effect, and in return, audio may be recorded through that specific channel. After recording the audio, you are able to edit the Clip with some nice effects. Edison offers convolution reverb, spectral analysis, noise reduction and some other features. These effects will also work on any Audio Clip, whether it was recorded or not.


Bundled Generators and Samples
FL Studio comes with some slick generators. A couple of new generators have been added to the newest version. Slicex, a tool for sample/loop manipulation, and SynthMaker, a new… synth maker, have been added to the family. The preset samples that come with FL Studio 8 are not exceptional, though they get the job done. However, after some time with these samples, you will find yourself looking for some new, higher end samples to use in your compositions.


Concluding Thoughts
FL Studio 8 is built for Windows, but will work flawlessly on an Intel Mac running Boot Camp (and is even encouraged by Image-Line to do so). The price is unbeatable, and Image-Line treats its customers with free upgrades for life.

To sum things up in a few words, FL Studio 8 represents Freedom, Control, and Innovation within the standards of digital audio workstations. If you have not tried this program yet, then you are missing out.

If anyone is looking to buy Fl Studio, below is the lowest priced vendor I have found. If you find a place with a better price please let me know.