“People ask me how I make music. I tell them I just step into it. It’s like stepping into a river and joining the flow. Every moment in the river has its song.” by Michael Jackson
It is simply not possible that there is a person in the world who does not like music. It is simply not possible! Yes, the fact is that there are different music genres. Also, the fact is that people are different and prefer different genres. However, whatever musical genre you prefer, it’s important to feel the beat and enjoy music.
Speaking of beats, today it is very easy to show the world your talent for music and composing. There are so many online resources of knowledge required that you can use to learn the basics in a relatively short time. Also, today it is unthinkable to create music and beats without the proper equipment, but also the software and plugins.
If you are a beginner, you are probably tight on a budget, so you want to spend as little money as possible, but still gain insight into the way the music industry works. Although the piracy of premium software and DAWs (digital audio workstations) comes to mind first, we have a much better and safer solution. We are talking about completely free beat making software. Using these, you can sell the beats you create and earn extra money that you would later invest in new high-end equipment.
Inspired to help beginners as much as possible, we decided to create the next list of the best beat making software in 2024. So, if you are ready, let’s cook up some beats!
1. FL Studio
Yes, we know that the professional version of FL Studio is not free. However, if you are just a beginner in the music industry, then there is also a version of this digital audio workstation for you. The positive side of this software is that it has a completely free version that you can download from their official website.
Although there are some limitations (for example, if you turn off your computer, the project you are working on will not be saved, and if you save these, you will not be able to open the projects if you do not have a paid version), FL Studio is a great tool used by many professional producers and artists such as Martin Garrix, Deadmau5, Porter Robinson, Metro Boomin, Avicii, Alan Walker, Afrojack, Burna Boy, and many others.
When it comes to the user interface, FL Studio is very user-friendly. Even if you are a complete beginner, it will not be a problem to cope with the mixer, playlist, channel rack or piano roll. It comes with built-in pro-level plugins ideal for your next beats making project. You can export the completed project in WAV or MP3 format. All in all, if you plan to create beats professionally, the free version of FL Studio is a good basis for later switching to a paid one.
2. Pro Tools First
If you’re even the least familiar with top developers and music equipment companies, then there’s no theory that you haven’t heard of Avid. Just like FL Studio, their Pro Tools is one of the best and well-known software used to create music from start to finish.
Whether you just want to create some new beats, record vocals or create samples, this DAW is the right solution. Also, the restriction-free version is paid one, while you can download and install the free version on your Windows or macOS computer.
Restrictions include disabling the saving of more than 3 projects outside the Avid cloud, as well as installing AAX plugins outside Avid’s marketplace. As for the user interface, it will provide a very good experience with an intuitive layout. We must also mention the Xpand plugin which brings you a powerful synth and a bunch of presets.
3. Tracktion 7
If you are looking for beats making software available for multiple platforms, then Tracktion 7 is the right choice. It is available on Windows, Linux as well as on macOS computers. Plus, it’s very important to say that once you install Tracktion 7, you actually get a free-forever version with professional plugins.
In the kit, you have literally everything a beatmaker needs. Bundle includes limiters, reverb, compressors, EQs, etc. Also, if you need some 3rd party VSTs, you can easily find hundreds of free VSTs online to download, all compatible with Tracktion 7.
As for the user interface, Tracktion 7 may not be the easiest free beats making software on the market, but with patience and practice, you will be able to get used to it in a fair period of time.
4. Studio One 4 Prime
Another professional, yet free DAW available for both Windows and Mac is Studio One 4 Prime by PreSonus. Without any problems, you will be able to create new beats primarily thanks to the drag-and-drop user-friendly interface. Also, this one comes with 9 pre-installed plugins to make it easier for you to turn creativity into a masterpiece.
In addition, 1GB of free samples is quite enough to cook up some beats, especially if you are a beginner. However, if you have ever planned to use 3rd party VSTs, with Studio One 4 Prime this will unfortunately not be possible. This is the main drawback of this DAW.
5. Splice Beatmaker
Last but not least beats making software is this one by Splice. If you have ever searched for samples online, there is no doubt that at some point you came across Splice as one of the best sample sources.
The most interesting thing about this beatmaker is that it is available online so you don’t have to install anything on your computer. Of course, there is both free and paid versions, but even the free one brings hundreds of samples and useful tools and features, all to express your creativity and passion for music in the right way.
What’s more, you can easily create entire music tunes or perfect beats to sell or use in your next banger.
Conclusion
No matter which OS you use, and whether you plan to professionally create music and beats or just to see how it works, the market today is more than generous. There is literally a wide variety of products that you can use to express your talent and become the next beatmaker star.