Drum Machines vs. Beat Making Software

Debating whether or not beat making software applications are better than drum machines is not an easy assignment. We all know that most successful music producing studios are packed full of the latest hardware. Can the same musical performances be reached using beat making software?

Like in any debate, opinions are divided. There’s no lie in admitting that professionals rely on hardware devices rather than software, when it comes to music and beat making. But believe it or not, sometimes this happens because it would look silly to tour around the state with only a laptop computer in your suitcase, rather than big, fancy mixers and synthesizers.

However, let’s focus on the average person, the simple beat making enthusiast. For such a person, drum machines are not only a luxury, but also a pain when it comes to space management. Like any other hardware devices, drum machines require a lot of space and maintenance. On the other hand, beat making software only requires a minimum computer configuration and maintenance only reduces to checking the sound volume or cleaning the screen when it gets dirty.

Another battle that beat making software wins versus drum machines is that often software incorporates more than just drum beats. In fact, most modern beat making software applications come with a wide range of instruments implemented. Drum machines, synthesizers, mixers, musical instruments, ambient sounds, all work together in today’s beat making applications. And who wouldn’t prefer the possibility to simulate an entire orchestra over just a simple drum kit?

Drum machines versus beat making software can also be a financial debate. In fact, in many cases it is. Even if you prefer the sound of a drum machine over the sounds you can generate on your computer, chances are you simply can’t (or don’t want to) afford drum machines. And while some high-quality drum machines can easily cost you thousands, most beat making software is nowadays available at least as demos, if not entirely free.

All in all, if you were to turn your beat-making hobby into a full-time occupation and business, the best way to start it is with beat making software. Go online, get your free applications and beat samples and start experimenting today. Later on, when you get a grip on beat making, consider upgrading your gear with hardware components as well.