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What Music Software and Hardware Should I Use To Create Music?

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Question from subscriber:

I have been studying and researching music creation and recording and I have tried creating music with Fruity Loops 7 and Mixcraft 3 and I have come to the conclusion - for me anyway - is that I rather use a keyboard (one with a lot of instruments already programmed into it) and an electronic set of drum pads (one that has a lot of drums beats already programmed into it) to create my music rather than using a mouse. I will still use a mouse when necessary of course. I guess it will be about half and half.

What do you suggest? Also, into what recording program do I hookup these pieces of equipment to?

Response:

Using the mouse to "program" music can be very tedious. This is why I suggest having a USB/MIDI keyboard controller like the M-Audio Oxygen 8 v2 (or similar device).

This little gem plugs into a USB port and is usually ready to go. The keyboard itself is powered through the USB port of your laptop/pc. Also, the MIDI control is done through the USB port as well. So, no need for extra cables for power or MIDI.

I control all instruments using the Oxygen 8. The only thing I use the mouse for is to select which instrument I want to play.

I recently bought the M-Audio Trigger Finger for MPC-like drum control. It's a USB/MIDI controller device, too. I'm learning it now and starting to get the hang of it.

I see what you're saying about your preference to play a "sonic" keyboard and drum kit, though. There are times when I wish I had these options as well. However, nothing beats the ability to compose on the fly with a compact studio rig consisting of Propellerheads Reason music creation software on my laptop and the M-Audio Oxygen 8 v2, especially when I'm traveling.

I'm not sure, but it sounds like you have to get a USB/MIDI controller device like the M-Audio Oxygen 8 v2 so you can control the software instruments via the piano keys rather than the mouse. Then it's just a matter of getting a basic understanding of how the software you choose works with the USB/MIDI controller device. Most of the time, it's just plug and play.

Again, FL Studio music production software is decent and cheaper than Propellerheads Reason 3 music creation software. I use Propellerhead Reason music creation software most of the time because it allows me to create music very quickly. With programs like these, you have greater extended capabilities than you would with say a Triton keyboard.

If FL Studio is on your laptop, then I say get the M-Audio Oxygen 8. Plug it into one of your USB ports and use its keys to control any instruments in the software package.

It's difficult for me to explain what you need without seeing what you already have. But take a look at some of beat-making tutorials on YouTube and pay attention to their studio setups. Perhaps these visuals will help you see where I'm coming from.

This person is using Reason 3 like I do, except I have the Oxygen 8 and he has a different keyboard controller.

I hope that helps you! Let me know.

Topics: Fruity Loops FL Studio Reason propellerhead Yamaha DJX MIDI controller M-Audio Trigger Finger Oxygen 8 Mixcraft 3 Music Software Music Programs MIDI USB

What People Are Saying

Calvin Daniels - USA

Great, uplifting song to start my Monday morning! Keep at it, and I'd like to hear some more!

CotsiosFX - na

RE: Mary Did You Know... wow !!! not even one comment for this fantastic music ?????? it really gets you when the drum-beat comes in ... you did an excellent job, 6 stars from us !!! good luck in the contest smile :)

adrianothamc - na

Hi, I`m a Rapper & make a mixtape. I like your Style, your Beatz are very TIGHT! Please contact me at (mcadriano@okay.ms) I pay also for Beatz, Peace!

Judy &Curtis Price - USA

We are so proud of you and all that you do. It is good to know that God gets the Glory in all you do.
We are looking forward to the day that we will be able to do something.
I am working on a couple of things.
One being 'The woman, The Baby, The Word' It is deep.
Looking forward to hearing great things
from you.
Love to the family
Momma Judy & Curt

Bosman Ragga - na

I like your beats too Taurus, and I look forward to learn 1 thing or 2 from your videos?
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