So, what is the best Music Production Software for today's beginner in 2112? The best music production software available is obviously the program that allows you to work the most comfortable and fastest in the program you choose. For everyone else, that is pretty much about it. But music production software has evolved to such a degree that there are programs available today that are friendly to beginners and advanced producers alike. So if you are new to music production, this should be the first thing you look into when you get home.
Most music making software today has a library full of loops and samples. These are pre-processed sounds and instruments that plug into the program. You can use them in conjunction with the plug-ins that allow for complex audio and MIDI tracks. For example, you can load up one of your loops on a midi keyboard and send it as an instrument signal to a compressor or a suitable effect unit. Or if you are using a virtual keyboard, you can load a sample from your drum kit and send this through the track to a pad controller.
The best music production software will allow you to import and save your favorite loops and samples into the program so you can use them anywhere you like. If you were working on a project and needed to replace a sample, for example, what would you do? Would you fire up your favorite music production software, or would you have to go into the project, locate the exact sound you want to use, open up the file, locate it in the library, and save it? If you were to do this with Wretch, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Fruity Loops, Logic, Digital Performer, Sonar... Well, you probably would have to do all of these things.
A Variety of Music Production Software Features
By using a combination of digital synthesizers (the computer equivalent of a hardware synthesizer) and advanced soft-synths, the sound engineers that use music production software can literally create their own instruments. Some programs come with special "komplete" features. These features are similar to the ones included with professional studio equipment, but complete features tend to be a little more advanced and a little cooler.
One feature that is a standard in many complete programs is what is known as "stomping." With many popular and respected soft-synths, the user is allowed to select a rhythm instrument (usually a keyboard or a guitar) and the program will recreate this instrument. This is accomplished by the user loading a clip into the program's memory that contains samples from whatever source the user is interested in. Then when the user plays a rhythm, the clip is played back in the manner that the actual instrument was played. This is a great feature because not only does it allow for a wide variety of possible musical tones, but it allows the user to experiment with playing variations on each one to see how it sounds.
Another important aspect of modern music production software, particularly for those that like to use computers as their main creative outlet, is what is known as "live tweaking." The majority of professional software packages offer some degree of this feature. However, for those that want to fully explore their musical talents, live tweaking is a must. Essentially, this function allows the user to hear themselves play along with a particular song or piece of music. Most of the better programs allow the user to adjust certain elements of the track, including pitch, timing, bass lines, treble clef lines, modulation wheels, and even synthesizer sounds.
Finally, another feature that most producers use in their music production projects is what is called a virtual rack. Virtual racks are simply a collection of various sounds that can be loaded into the sound modules of a particular software package. They typically include both drum machines keyboards, pads, filters, and other types of instruments. Again, many producers use these virtual racks not only for practicing new techniques, but also to showcase their talents and skill set in a visual way.
One final, yet essential piece of any good music production program is what is known as a Maschine Rack. A Maschine Rack is simply a large collection of patch cords that allow producers and engineers to patch instruments and effects to various pieces of hardware. There are a number of different types of machines, including rack mount models and those that plug into a computer's USB port. Some of the plug-in models allow the user to send midi messages and controls over the airwaves, whereas others still require the musician to connect through USB. Regardless, of whether one is using a VST, RTAS, Direct X, RTP, etc., a Maschine Rack often enables the user to create a large library of various patches and plug ins that can be used for live performances, practicing, and editing together.
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