It can often feel overwhelming when starting out as a beatmaker. Not only do you have to learn and develop new production techniques. You also have to invest in the gear and software necessary to enable your beatmaking ambitions. Luckily with the advancements in technology, you don’t need to spend a fortune to start creating banging beats. With a little bit of know-how, you can set up a basic studio and get beatmaking on a budget.

So whether you’re starting with just your phone or building a small home studio, this guide will show you how to make the most of your available budget and get started making beats.

Essential Equipment for Budget Beatmakers

While it’s easy to look at established beatmakers in plush studios surrounded by fancy gear the reality is you don’t need a lot to get you going. Here are the essentials every beginner beatmaker needs.

• Laptop or Desktop Computer: Your computer will be the central hub of your beatmaking setup. While you won’t need the latest high-end machine, it’s important to have a computer that can handle the demands of music production. Look for at least 8GB of RAM and a decent processor (Intel i5 or equivalent). The more powerful the computer the smoother your DAW should run and the more plugins you will be able to use.
  
  When choosing a computer to run your studio your first decision to make will be Mac or PC? This depends on your preference and the software you plan to use. Mac computers are popular among producers due to their stability and access to GarageBand and Logic Pro. However, PCs are often more affordable and offer a wider range of software compatibility, including FL Studio.
• Audio Interface: While you can make beats using your internal soundcard an audio interface is strongly recommended for capturing and playing back high-quality audio. An interface also enables you to record vocals, instruments etc by converting the analog signals into digital data for your computer to process. So if you intend to record any external sources then an audio interface is essential.
  
  While you can spend thousands on top-end interfaces there are many great budget options available. The Focusrite Scarlett and PreSonus Audiobox are both perfect for starting out in beatmaking.

• MIDI Keyboard/Controller: A MIDI controller is a device that allows you to record MIDI information into your DAW. They have a plethora of uses including playing melodies and chords on virtual instruments, programing drums or retriggering samples. Many controllers also allow you to control various parameters on your DAW. And, while many of these facilities can be replicated on a computer keyboard, a dedicated MIIDI controller provides an infinitely more intuitive and hands-on experience.
  
  Controllers take many forms, but they mainly fall into two categories: piano-type keyboards or pad controllers (although some offer a combination of both). What you decide to go for will largely depend on the work flow you wish to adopt.
  
  The AKAI MPK Mini and Novation Launchkey are two popular entry-level controllers. Both are portable, offer drum pads, and integrate well with most DAWs.
• Studio Headphones: Studio-quality headphones are a great option If you are starting out and on a limited budget. While monitor speakers are considered the best choice for mixing they can be prohibitively expensive. The other thing to consider is studio monitors are only a truly effective option when you’re working in an acousticaly treated space.
  
  Headphones on the other hand provide an unaffected listening experience. As long as the headphones are studio quality and offer a flat frequency response you should be able to compose and mix in them. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Beyer Dynamic DT 770 and Sennheiser HD280 Pro make excellent choices for entry-level producers. They offer balanced sound and are comfortable enough for long sessions.

Best Free and Affordable Beatmaking Software (DAWs)

So you have got all the hardware you need to get started. Now it’s time to delve into the all-important software, most crucially a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Your DAW is the software that runs the musical show. It’s where all your beatmaking magic will take place. From programming drum patterns, laying down melodies and triggering samples to arranging and mixing your track. It is all done in the domain of the DAW. And the great news for beatmakers on a budget is there are plenty of free and affordable options available that still offer powerful features. Let’s look at some top contenders…

Free DAWs

• GarageBand (Mac): If you’re a Mac user, GarageBand comes pre-installed on all Mac devices. It offers an intuitive interface that’s perfect for beginners. It also comes bundled with 2.3GB of sounds and loops to get you started
• Cakewalk (Windows): Previously a paid DAW, Cakewalk is now free to Windows users. It has all the features you will need including MIDI support, VST plugin integration, and powerful mixing tools.
• Tracktion T7 (Mac, PC, Linux): Tracktion offers the older versions of the DAW for free. You get unlimited tracks, a simple interface, and all the tools you need to start making beats.

Budget-Friendly DAWs

• FL Studio Fruity Edition: FL Studio is one of the most popular DAWs among Hip-Hop and Trap producers. FL Studio offers a stripped down version of their full DAW. The Fruity Edition is available for just £89. It still offers essential features like step sequencers, pattern-based workflows, and support for third-party plugins.
• Ableton Live Intro: For electronic music producers, Ableton Live is a top choice. They offer two stripped-down versions as an affordable entry point. Ableton Lite and Ableton Intro. Ableton Lite often comes free with gear such as MIDI controllers. Ableton Intro on the other hand currently retails at £69.
• Reaper: Reaper is an extremely affordable DAW ($60 for a discounted license and $225 for a commercial license) It offers many professional-level features for a low one-time fee. It has a flexible open-ended, interface, and its low price makes it accessible for beatmakers starting. Reaper also has a generous free trial period, so you can test it thoroughly before buying.

Using Beatmaking Apps on Mobile Devices

As technology continues to evolve, your smartphone or tablet can now be used as an effective beatmaking tool. Mobile apps provide the perfect entry point as they allow you to dip your toe into the beatmaking world without the investment. They are also perfect if you want to work on your beats while away from the main setup. Generally, these apps may not have all the features of desktop DAWs, but they can still deliver impressive results. In fact one of the worlds most regarded Hip-Hop producers, Madlib claims to work solely on an iPad now.

Let’s take a look at some good options…

• Koala Sampler (iOS & Android): At just $4.99 Koala Sampler is a budget-friendly app that allows you to record, chop, and manipulate samples easily. The interface is extremely intuitive, and it’s a great tool for anyone who enjoys creating sample-based beats.
• GarageBand (iOS): GarageBand is a free app available to iPhone and iPad users. It offers an impressive selection of virtual instruments, loops, and recording features. A great feature is its ability to open GarageBand projects from your mobile device in the desktop version for further editing.
• Groovepad (iOS & Android): Groovepad uses a pad-based interface for quick intuitive beatmaking. It includes a variety of sound packs that cover various genres. Groovepad is ideal for beginners who want to experiment with the idea of putting beats together as it simplifies beat creation. You can experiment with different styles without getting overwhelmed by complex features.
• BeatMaker 3 (iOS): BeatMaker 3 is one of the most powerful app options available. It offers relatively sophisticated sampling, sequencing, and even MIDI capabilities. It’s great for slightly more experienced producers as it gives you more control over your beats.

Disadvantages of using Apps over a DAW

While mobile apps are great for coming up with ideas, they generally lack the full functionality and power of a desktop DAW. Features such as detailed editing, MIDI, mixing, automation, and mastering tools may be limited or absent. You also have the disadvantage of a small screen size as well as limited connectivity to controllers.

And while mobile devices get more and more powerful they still lack the processing capabilities of a decent Laptop or desktop computer. This lack of processing power will reduce the number of tracks and plugins you can run simultaneously without causing lag or crashes.

Sourcing Good Value Samples

A key part of most beatmaking is the use of samples. Whether you’re chopping up vintage sounding soul samples for a Hip-Hop track or stacking EDM synth loops, samples offer up a plethora of sonic delights. Thankfully, if you know where to look you won’t need to spend a fortune on sample’s and sample packs. There are plenty of free and budget-friendly options available that can elevate your beats without impacting your wallet.

Free Sample Sources

Many of the top sample sites and sample makers offer free sample packs as an incentive to sign up to their platform or take out a subscription. Sample selling sites such as Splice and Cymatics will from time to time offer free samples. Here at RouteNote Create we offer some great lofi packs just for signing up. (see below)

Looperman is a popular free community-driven platform where users upload and share royalty-free samples and loops. While Looperman is stacked with great samples it’s worth exercising caution due to the nature of its community-driven model. Make sure that any samples downloaded come with the appropriate licence information.

Affordable Sample Packs

While there are plenty of free samples out there, it can be time-consuming to find the perfect sounds. If you are looking for something specific the chances of finding a free option are going to be limited. If you’re serious about your beatmaking process you will probably want to consider purchasing good value samples instead.

This can mean either purchasing cheap or discounted packs or signing up to a sample subscription service. Subscription sites offer both good value as well as convenience. This is because you can pick and choose from large libraries and filter results by things like key and tempo.

Here at RouteNote Create we believe we offer the best value sample subscription rates in the industry. Prices start at just $2.99 for 100 sample credits and we have over a quarter of a million samples to choose from.

Buying Second-Hand: A Smart Budget Strategy?

One of the most effective ways to save money when building your beatmaking set-up is by buying second-hand. This can be through the purchase of used computers, music hardware or even software. By buying second hand you can either save money on like for like items or buy higher performance gear for a similar price. There are however, a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for used gear.

The main things to consider are

• Condition: Condition is key when buying second hand. If possible, test the gear to make sure everything is functioning as it should. Be wary if equipment has come from smoke effected environments as this can create build up inside electrical gear. For items like MIDI controllers or audio interfaces, check the ports, knobs, and keys to ensure they work properly. Make sure that if the equipment is older it’s still supported by the manufacturer. For example compatible drivers or software may no longer be available.
• Seller Reputation: When buying from online marketplaces pay attention to the seller’s reviews and ratings. Stick to reputable sellers, and don’t hesitate to ask for additional photos or details about the item’s condition.
• Warranty and Return Policy: Some sellers offer a limited warranty or return policy on used gear. Especially when buying used equipment from a specialist company. This can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re investing in more expensive equipment.

Buying Second-Hand DAW Licenses

one way to avoid paying full price for a DAW or piece of software is to purchase a second-hand software license. Many producers sell their old licenses when upgrading to newer versions. It is vital to transfer the license correctly and follow the software provider’s guidelines. One note of caution. There have been many cases of fraudulent licence sales. Make sure you are buying a License from a trusted seller to avoid scams.

Summary

As you can see from this article, making beats on a budget is entirely possible. With the right strategy and reserch, you can build a functional studio that will do everything you need to make top-quality beats.

Whether you’re producing Hip-Hop, Trap, EDM, or Pop, it’s possible to kick start your beatmaking career without breaking the bank. So whatever your budget, work out the best set-up for you and don’t forget, as your career develops you can always build your set-up as you progress.

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Remember – RouteNote Create subscriptions start from as little as $2.99. You also get 10 FREE credits to spend on samples along with access to our FREE sample pack bundle when you sign-up!