[SafariX]

Hey MacNNers,
I am looking for suggestions on software to compose "beats." Not for a specific genre of music, but a good looping type program that will let me lay out beats better than something like GarageBand does. Something preferably that has an exportable format for many applications. And also, any recommendations on where to read up on making beats, and theories behind them would be great. Thanks!

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by SafariX:
Hey MacNNers,
I am looking for suggestions on software to compose "beats." Not for a specific genre of music, but a good looping type program that will let me lay out beats better than something like GarageBand does. Something preferably that has an exportable format for many applications. And also, any recommendations on where to read up on making beats, and theories behind them would be great. Thanks!

Propellerheads Reason.

check out www.sonicstate.com .

It's a beginner-friendly-to-pro-audio site featuring news, reviews, buyers' guides, etc., etc.

their forums are here:

http://www.the-gas-station.com/

-s*

[SafariX]

Thanks for the tips. A year+ ago, I used Reason, so I am vaguely familiar with it. I'll have to give it another go. (which interface was the beat-making utility?) Thanks again!

[Spheric Harlot]

AFAIK, there's several drum machines included in the REason package.

I don't use PH Reason myself (prefer hardware),so I can't tell you exactly what they're called.

If you're looking for JUST beatz, there is Propellerheads' Rebirth, but I don't think it's OS X-savy.

-s*

[fisherKing]

check out live .
am a reason user myself (and there are samplers in reason for looping, the rex for cut-up loops, a drum machine, etc)

maybe check them both out...