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.

Sonic Producer

Price: $29.95

Overview: This software is perfect for anyone who does not have the budget for high-priced production software. If you are interested in recreational hip hop beat making, then there is no reason to use any other software. The first thing I noticed when I tried the program is that it is incredibly easy to use. If you have no experience in beat making or production, you will still be able to learn this software VERY fast. The interface contains a 16 track sequencer, volume control on for each track, a piano and pads to record with and a few other options. There are thousands of preset sounds in the program that are all crystal clear quality. The production quality of the beats that you are able to create is amazing, considering the simplicity of the program. The program itself is not solely restricted to hip hop beat making as you can produce music in other styles as well.

Bottom Line: If you want a very reasonably priced program that will produce top quality beats and make instrumentals, then this is THE software to get.

FL Studio 8

Price: $100 – $399

Overview: I have had a lot of experience with FL Studio and would recommend this software to anyone who is looking to do more than hip hop beat making. Though the step sequencer allows for flawless beats to be produced, the program is able to do much more. I personally love this program because it is easy to use, the VSTi, DXi and MIDI support is exceptional (you will need these features if you plan on producing instrumental-heavy arrangements) and it contains my favorite feature – the Piano Roll. The customizable interface is made up five main windows – Sample Browser, Channel Window/Step Sequencer, Piano Roll, Playlist, and the Mixer. It may take a few days to get used to the basics, but once you do it becomes easy to make music. The software is comes packed with some very good plug-ins and an array of sounds.

Bottom Line: If you only want to make beats on your computer, then I would recommend Sonic Producer over FL Studio. If you want a powerful and professional tool that can deliver a vast amount of variations, then this is the best investment that you can make.

Well there you go. If you want to make your own beats then I strongly suggest that you check out some of these programs. I have recently given a full online review on both Sonic Producer and Fl Studio, if you would like more info on these programs and how to make beats online.