In our previous blog, Beatmaking on a Budget, we explored everything you would need to get started as a beatmaker without breaking the bank. While we touched on different requirements for different beatmaking scenarios, in this blog we break down three distinct musical genres and what you will need to get started in these particular styles.

We will be covering the budget beatmaking requirements for the following genres –Trap/Hip-Hop, EDM, and Rock & Pop. Whether you’re recording live instruments for rock, programming heavy basslines for EDM, or layering samples for a hip-hop track, we’ve got the right gear to get you started.

Let’s kick things off in the realm of Trap and Hip-Hop…

Budget Beatmaking – Trap and Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop and trap beats in particular, rely heavily on deep 808s, punchy in your face drums, and will often involve sampling. Whether crafting rich melodic beats or hard minimal bangers, it’s all about having the right tools. Fortunately, as we will learn you don’t need a huge budget to get started.

Essential Elements in Trap & Hip-Hop Production

To produce Trap and Hip-Hop it is vital to focus on the following elements:

• 808s and sub-bass (the foundation of trap beats)
• Trap drums with heavy kicks, crisp snares, and rapid hi-hats.
• Breakbeat style drums for more traditional Boom Bap Hip-Hop
• Synths and pads to create atmospheric melodies.
• Sampling for layering musical elements or Vocals.

Recommended Budget Software

When it comes to software, the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is your central hub. Here are some budget-friendly DAWs and plugins that are perfectly positioned for Trap & Hip-Hop production:

1. FL Studio Fruity Edition – A favourite amongst bedroom beatmakers, particularly of the Trap persuasion. FL Studio’s intuitive interface and step sequencer make it simple to build beats quickly. It’s affordable and easy to learn with lots of online tutorials available and a vibrant user community.
2. Ableton Live Intro – Known for its fast workflow, Ableton is another excellent option for Hip-Hop producers. Its unique session view makes live improvising with loops and samples very intuitive.
3. MPC Beats – A great Free option this DAW is based on the legendary MPC workflow. While it is limited compared to many full DAW’s MPC Beats is great for sample-based production and drum programming.
4. RouteNote Create – Great value subscription service for high-quality loops and one-shot sounds. With over a quarter of a million samples, It’s a great tool for finding pre-made kits, samples, and 808s.
5. LABS by Spitfire Audio – An awesome collection of free instruments and sounds. LABS offers everything from pianos and orchestral instruments to atmospheric textures. This makes it perfect for dark and moody, melodic beats.

Recommended Budget Equipment

Let’s get our gear on and check out some Hip-Hop friendly studio equipment. These affordable yet effective bits of kit will help you achieve a professional result on a budget:

1. Akai MPK Mini MK3 – This compact MIDI controller comes with classic MPC-style drum pads. This makes it perfect for finger drumming. There are also 8 knobs for real-time parameter tweaking. It’s size makes it highly portable, ideal for beatmakers on the go.
2. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) – If you intend to record vocals, instruments, or even your dog barking, you will need a good audio interface. This entry-level example offers great sound quality and is perfect for recording anything you throw at it. It will also increase the sound quality of your output which is crucial when it comes to mixing.
3. Audio-Technica AT2020 – And you will need a good mic if you intend on recording. This condenser microphone is one of the best budget mics available. It is particularly good for recording vocals. It offers excellent clarity and works well for both spoken word and sung vocals.
4. KRK Rokit 5 G4 – If you really need to hear and feel the music studio monitors are essential. The KRK Rokit 5 is an affordable studio monitor that provides solid bass response and clarity. This makes them a popular choice for Trap and Hip-Hop producers. Especially where the low-end is critical.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – If monitors are too costly for your setup, these highly regarded headphones offer a great alternative. They provide excellent sound isolation and clarity without flattering the sound. This detail and accuracy make them very capable mixing and mastering headphones for hip-hip.

With these tools, you’ll be ready to enter the world of Trap and Hip-Hop beatmaking without giving your bank manager sleepless nights.

Now time to speed things up and hit the dancefloor as we check out some essential tools for the creation of EDM

Budget Beatmaking – EDM Production

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a genre that spans various sub-genres. from speaker rumbling dubstep to the pulsating rhythms of techno and house. In EDM production there is a huge emphasis on sound design and synthesis. From complex bass manipulation to moving synth arpeggiation and everything in between, EDM’s modus operandi is all about the dance floor. This means your tracks will need to compete sonically as well as creatively. Thankfully, due to less emphasis on recording you can build a solid setup for EDM production on a tight budget.

Essential Elements in EDM Production

For EDM, you’ll focus on:

• Synths for creating evolving leads, pads, arps and basslines.
• Heavy bass lines and kick drums that drive the energy of your beat.
• Drum programming this can vary depending on the EDM subgenre. House and Techno favour four-to-the-floor drums while drum & bass or dubstep can involve more intricate programming.
• Sound design for crafting unique and complex sounds. These can be for various purposes including drops, build-ups, or textures.

Recommended Budget Software

In EDM, your DAW will play a central role. Unlike genres such as Hip-Hop your DAW will need to support sophisticated MIDI and instrument editing including automation. Here are some great budget-friendly DAWs and plugins:

1. Logic Pro – For Mac users only. Unlike many other DAWs Logic Pro only offers the one full version. It is however cheaper than the majority of full DAWs on the market and therefore offers exceptional value for money. It has a massive library of built-in instruments, synths, and samples. This will save you money as you will not need to buy as many instruments or samples. As it’s features are not limited it’s powerful enough to handle every EDM sub-genre.
2. Ableton Live Intro – This DAW is particularly popular with EDM producers thanks to its clip-based workflow. “Session view” makes it ideal for building electronic loops and experimenting with arrangement on the fly.
3. Vital – A free wavetable synth that rivals paid synths like Serum. Vital allows you to go deep into sound design. It is perfect for creating everything from growling dubstep basses to rich house pads.
4. Surge XT – Another free synth that is highly versatile, Surge XT is known for its wide range of sound-shaping tools. It performs well in all scenarios from basic waveforms to complex modulations.
5. Cymatics Essentials – This collection of affordable sample packs is great for those looking for EDM samples. From genre-specific drum kits and basslines to vocal samples and FX, Cymatics satisfies all EDM needs.

Recommended Budget Equipment

1. Novation Launchkey Mini – This MIDI controller is a perfect choice for EDM producers. It is particularly compatible if you’re using Ableton Live. With additional pads and knobs, it allows for easy triggering of clips and automation. Its portable size also means you can work on the move, allowing you to turn those long commutes on the train into beatmaking nirvana?
2. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 – While EDM might not always require an audio interface if you intend to record vocalists or live instrumentation this is a top choice. It is a solid, budget-friendly audio interface that keeps latency low during live performances or production.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro – These closed-back headphones are excellent for EDM production. They offer exceptional bass response and decent sound isolation. This means they are great for both mixing and monitoring while recording.
4. JBL 305P MkII – If you prefer the idea of monitors, the JBL 305P MkII are a great budget option for EDM. They deliver accurate sound, particularly in the low-end, which is essential for EDM genres like techno and dubstep. Just make sure you are working in an acoustically treated environment.
5. Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 – For those who want to transition from production to live performance, this DJ controller offers an affordable entry point. Many EDM producers will naturally transition into DJing due to its similar approach. Having a controller gives you the ability to practice mixing your tracks live. Who knows, once confident and competent a DJing career could await.
   

And finally if you are looking to make it in the mainstream with some Pop, Rock flavour check out our final run down of recommended kit.

Budget Beatmaking – Rock & Pop (Live Instrumentation Focus)

Rock and Pop music often combine both live instrumentation and electronic elements. This means your Budget Beatmaking setup needs to handle guitars, vocals, and potentially even live drums. For these genres, you’ll need an affordable setup that excels at recording, layering, and mixing live instruments.

Essential Elements in Rock & Pop Production

In Rock and Pop production, the key elements often include:

• Live guitars, bass, and drums.
• Synths and pads for pop elements or modern rock sounds.
• Vocal recording and harmonies, particularly in Pop music.
• Layering of live instrumentation and digital beats or loops.

Recommended Budget Software

For Rock and Pop production, especially if you’re recording live instruments, the right DAW is crucial. Below are some affordable DAWs and plugins that cater towards Pop/rock beats:

1. Reaper – An incredibly affordable and highly customizable DAW. Reaper is perfect for recording live instruments as it ffers excellent audio editinf facilities. It shares many similarities to ProTools which is still the industry standard audio editing software. . It offers musicians a pro-level DAW at a fraction of the cost.
2. Studio One Artist – This intuitive DAW is designed for songwriters and bands. It offers seamless live instrument recording, MIDI programming, and easy mixing capabilities. perfect for pop and rock beats.
3. GarageBand – If you’re on a Mac, GarageBand is an ideal free DAW. It offers basic but solid tools for recording guitars, vocals, and drums and has a simple interface with a decent selection of built-in instruments.
4. AmpliTube Custom Shop – This fantastic free amp simulator is perfect for getting high-quality guitar and bass tones without needing physical amps or pedals.
5. Ample Guitar M Lite II – For those non strummers, Ample Guitar M Lite II is an acoustic guitar plugin that replicates realistic strumming and picking sounds. This makes it perfect for layering acoustic elements without needing an actual guitar.

Recommended Budget Equipment

In addition to software, you’ll need the right gear to capture the authentic sound of your live instruments and vocals. Here are some highly recomended options:

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) – A step up from the Scarlett Solo, this interface offers two inputs, allowing you to record both guitar and vocals simultaneously. This makes it perfect for home recording setups.
2. Shure SM57 – Known as the industry standard mic for recording guitar amps and snare drums, the SM57 is a versatile and durable microphone that delivers great sound for live instruments.
3. Behringer UMC22 – If you’re on a tight budget, this audio interface is a great choice for recording guitars and vocals directly into your DAW. It offers decent sound quality at a low price.
4. Alesis V25 MIDI Controller – While Rock and Pop often center on live instruments, a MIDI controller like this is still handy for adding synths, piano, or programmed drum elements into your tracks.
5. PreSonus Eris E3.5 Monitors – Affordable and compact, these monitors are great for mixing Rock and Pop music in smaller spaces. These speakers provide clarity across a wide frequency range.

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These tools provide everything you need to start recording and producing Rock and Pop beats on a budget.

Budget Beatmaking At A Glance

Trap & Hip-Hop

Trap & Hip-Hop Setup	DAW	Synth/Plugin	MIDI Controller	Audio Interface	Microphone	Headphones/Monitors	Total Price
Cheapest	MPC Beats – Free	LABS by Spitfire – Free	Akai LPK25 – $59	Behringer UMC22 – $69	Behringer C-1 – $49	OneOdio Studio Pro – $49	$226
Medium	FL Studio Fruity Edition – $99	Sitala – Free	Akai MPK Mini MK3 – $99	Focusrite Scarlett Solo – $129	Audio-Technica AT2020 – $99	Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – $149	$675
Most Expensive	Ableton Live Intro – $99	Splice – $9.99/month	Akai MPK Mini MK3 – $99	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – $169	Shure SM7B – $399	KRK Rokit 5 G4 – $179 each	$1,043

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EDM

EDM Setup	DAW	Synth/Plugin	MIDI Controller	Audio Interface	Microphone	Headphones/Monitors	Total Price
Cheapest	GarageBand – Free (Mac)	Vital – Free	Akai LPK25 – $59	Behringer UMC22 – $69	Behringer C-1 – $49	OneOdio Studio Pro – $49	$226
Medium	Ableton Live Intro – $99	Surge XT – Free	Novation Launchkey Mini – $109	PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 – $99	Audio-Technica AT2020 – $99	Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro – $159	$665
Most Expensive	Logic Pro – $199	Splice – $9.99/month	Novation Launchkey 49 – $229	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – $169	Rode NT1-A – $229	JBL 305P MkII – $149 each	$1,323

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Rock & Pop

Rock & Pop Setup	DAW	Synth/Plugin	MIDI Controller	Audio Interface	Microphone	Headphones/Monitors	Total Price
Cheapest	GarageBand – Free (Mac)	AmpliTube Custom Shop – Free	Alesis V25 – $99	Behringer UMC22 – $69	Behringer XM8500 – $20	OneOdio Studio Pro – $49	$237
Medium	Reaper – $60	Ample Guitar M Lite II – Free	Alesis V25 – $99	Focusrite Scarlett Solo – $129	Audio-Technica AT2020 – $99	PreSonus Eris E3.5 – $99/pair	$486
Most Expensive	Studio One Artist – $99	Splice – $9.99/month	Arturia KeyLab 49 – $249	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – $169	Shure SM7B – $399	KRK Rokit 5 G4 – $179 each	$1,193

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