Beatmaking Guide: The Best Gear to Get Started

Beatmaking, a story of samplers and genius

Then everything changed with the arrival of software on computers. The whole studio now fits in a laptop. This revolution democratized beatmaking: anyone can start from their bedroom.

In the 2010s, the phenomenon of “type beats” exploded on YouTube. Young producers published instrumentals “in the style of” certain artists, and a whole generation learned on their own. In France, collectives like PNL set polished productions that inspire thousands of beginners.

The software (DAW): the heart of your studio

Before any gear, you need software. We’re talking about DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), your digital workstation. This is where you assemble your sounds, program your drums, record, and mix.

Good news: it’s the most important element, and there’s one for every style. Some shine in trap and hip-hop, others in electro, others still in studio recording. Here are our picks.

FL Studio Producer Edition is often the first software we recommend when you want to make beats. Its pattern workflow (small motifs you stack) makes beat creation super intuitive.

You program your drums with the step sequencer, lay down melodies in the Piano Roll, and arrange everything in a few clicks. The Edison audio editor lets you cut and tweak your samples without hassle.

The big plus: free lifetime updates. You buy it once, you keep it forever. It’s the go-to DAW for trap, hip-hop, and EDM.

Ableton Live 12 Suite is the software for electronic music. Its Session view lets you jam and improvise by launching clips, without following a fixed timeline.

When your track takes shape, you switch to Arrangement view to finalize it. This dual approach is unique and highly creative.

The Suite includes 14 MIDI transformation tools, scale systems, and the modular environment Max for Live. Its time-stretching engine is a reference for syncing your samples to the tempo.

If you're eyeing techno, house or live, it's an obvious choice.

Cubase Pro 15 is one of the most complete DAWs on the market. It supports you from the first idea to mastering, with exemplary stability.

Its beatmaking asset: AI stem separation to extract a loop or a vocal from a track. The Melodic Pattern Sequencer and Chord Pads help you generate inspiring melodies and chords.

You also get Groove Agent SE 6 with its 40 drum kits to lay down grooves in two minutes. Mixing goes up to Dolby Atmos.

It's an excellent choice if you want a versatile software, comfortable in all styles.

Pro Tools Studio is the reference in recording studios for decades. If your beatmaking involves a lot of vocal recording and mixing, it plays in the big leagues.

You have 512 audio tracks, surgical editing tools like Beat Detective, and an ultra-precise automation engine. The Pro Tools Sketch feature lets you sketch ideas by clips, like a draft.

It even handles immersive Dolby Atmos mixing. The license is perpetual, with one year of updates included.

It's a choice made for those who want a complete studio workflow, from tracking to mastering.

Fender Studio Pro 8 takes the DNA of Studio One and modernizes it with a clear interface. Its drag & drop workflow takes you from idea to finished track without friction.

It includes smart tools: Audio-to-Note conversion, Chord Assistant, and the Sample One and Impact samplers for your beats. The Studio Verb reverb dresses your takes.

Bonus for guitarist-beatmakers: Fender sounds (Mustang Guitar, Rumble Bass) are integrated. The Fender Studio mobile app extends your work on the go.

A good entry point if you want a smooth and accessible DAW.

MIDI keyboards: to play your melodies

A MIDI keyboard produces no sound by itself. It sends information to your software, which triggers virtual instruments. It's your magic wand to lay down melodies, basses and chords.

Many also include pads for finger-drumming. Two main sizes exist: compact formats (25 to 32 keys), portable and affordable, and 49 keys, more comfortable for two-handed playing.

Compact keyboards (25 to 32 keys)

Light and compact, they slip into a bag and sit next to your laptop. Perfect for beginners, sketching ideas or producing on the go.

The Arturia MiniLab 3 is probably the most popular compact master keyboard. On 25 mini-keys, you lay down your melodies, and on its 16 RGB pads you finger your beats.

It features 8 encoders, 4 faders and a mini-screen to control your DAW without touching the mouse. Integration with your software and Analog Lab (thousands of sounds) is top-notch.

Arpeggiator, Chord and Hold modes: you create rich ideas even without solid theory basics. USB-C with MIDI DIN output, it plugs in everywhere.

Eco-designed and guaranteed for 5 years, it's a safe bet to start with.

The Akai MPK Mini IV is another classic of the compact keyboard. Its 8 MPC pads, inherited from the legendary Akai machines, are a delight for finger-drumming.

This version expands the 25 keys, adds pitch/mod wheels and a color screen. The advanced arpeggiator (Pattern, Freeze, Mutate) and Scale and Chord modes boost your creativity.

On the software side, you get the Studio Instrument Collection (over 1000 sounds) and Ableton Live Lite 12. Enough to start producing right out of the box.

With USB-C and a MIDI DIN output, it's an ideal production companion on the go.

The Komplete Kontrol M32 condenses the Native Instruments universe into an ultra-compact format. Its 32 mini Synth-Action keys are designed for quick sketching.

Its strength: NKS integration. Your instruments and effects open with pre-assigned controls displayed on the OLED screen. The Push 4D encoder makes navigation smooth.

The Smart Play function puts scales, chords, and arpeggios at your fingertips. And you get a nice software package: Komplete Start, Maschine Essentials, and Ableton Live 10 Lite.

Perfect if you want to enter the Maschine and Komplete world.

The Arturia KeyStep MK2 is more than a keyboard: it's a true polyphonic sequencer. Its 32 Slimkey mini keys are velocity and aftertouch sensitive.

You record sequences up to 64 steps, trigger the arpeggiator (16 modes), then evolve everything with the Mutate function. A real idea engine.

Above all, it becomes the hub of your setup thanks to its 4 CV outputs, MIDI DIN, and Sync. It controls both your DAW and a vintage synth or a Eurorack system.

A smart choice if you want to connect computer and hardware.

The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 goes straight to the essentials: 32 mini keys in a 450 gram chassis. It's the keyboard that fits in any bag.

You have 4 assignable controls, pitch bend, and modulation. The USB plug & play works equally well on Mac and PC as on iPad.

The MPC Beats bundle (with synths, 80 effects, and 2 GB of sounds) lets you produce without buying anything else. Ideal for mobile creators.

At this price, it's the simplest entry point into DAW production.

The 49-key keyboards

With 49 keys, you gain playing comfort: you play a bass with your left hand and a chord with your right. Ideal as soon as you start playing real keyboard parts.

The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 combines a 49-key semi-weighted keyboard and a real control surface. Its 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch respond to every nuance.

Its software integration is advanced: transport, mixing, clip launching, everything is controlled from the keyboard. The OLED screen displays played chords thanks to the Chord Detector.

You get 8 encoders, 9 faders, an arpeggiator, and Scale and Chord modes. Ableton Live Lite and the GForce Bass Station synth are included.

An excellent compromise between comfortable playing and full control.

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 3 49 has established itself as a safe bet for those who want a real 49-key keyboard without breaking the bank. The LCD screen and contextual encoder make navigation clear.

You control your DAW via the Mackie/HUI protocol, with 9 faders and 9 knobs aligned with your tracks. The 8 RGB pads are for finger-drumming, and the Scale/Chord modes secure your harmonies.

The bundle is generous: Analog Lab (2000 presets), Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Model D. Enough to compose immediately.

An ideal choice to move up to 49 keys smoothly.

The Kontrol S49 MK3 opens you up to the Native Instruments ecosystem with a Fatar 49-key semi-weighted keyboard featuring polyphonic aftertouch. The 4D encoder and large color screen make navigation smooth.

Thanks to the NKS standard, your compatible instruments open pre-mapped on the 8 touch rotaries. You browse your presets by tags and preview them without touching the mouse.

The Light Guide RGB lights up playing zones, chords, and scales directly on the keys. And you get a nice bundle: Komplete Select, Guitar Rig LE, and iZotope Elements Suite.

Ideal if you want to build your studio around Kontakt and Komplete.

The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 focuses on the essentials: 49 full-size keys for comfortably playing basses, chords, and melodies. Its clean surface saves you time.

You have transport buttons, an assignable fader, and pitch/mod wheels. The plug & play USB works on Mac, PC, and iOS without installing a driver.

The bundle covers everything to get started: Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, AIR instruments, and MPC Beats. You can produce from the first connection.

An excellent starting point or a reliable addition to your setup.

Pad controllers: the kingdom of beat

If the keyboard is king of melody, the pad controller is king of rhythm. Its grids of sensitive pads let you finger drum your beats, trigger samples, and launch loops.

Two families coexist. The sampler-sequencers like Maschine, direct heirs of the MPC, and the clip controllers designed for Ableton Live. Add to that mixing desks and sequencers, very useful in a setup.

The Maschine sampler-sequencers

Native Instruments' Maschine range continues the MPC spirit: you sample, slice, and finger play. All with a highly reputed proprietary software.

The Maschine Mikro MK3 condenses the famous Maschine workflow into an ultra-portable box. Its 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads are made for precise finger drumming.

You switch between 4 modes: Pad for beats, Keyboard for melodies, Chord for chords, and Step for classic programming. Sampling is at the heart of the machine, with emulation of vintage MPC60 and SP-1200 samplers.

It can be used standalone or as a plug-in in your DAW. The bundle is huge: Maschine Essentials, MASSIVE, Komplete Select 15, and 1.6 GB of sounds.

A complete sampler-sequencer at a reasonable price.

The Maschine MK3 is the beefed-up version of the Native Instruments workflow. Its two HD color screens let you edit, mix, and slice your samples without ever looking at your computer.

It includes a 96 kHz/24-bit audio interface, meaning you can sample and record directly inside. Its 16 pads, variation engine, and Lock function open up a huge playground.

You get 5 Drum Synths, 25 effects, and MPC60/SP-1200 emulation. The Komplete 13 Select bundle (about 25 GB) comes with it.

A complete machine for anyone wanting a real finger production center.

The Maschine+ frees the famous workflow from the computer: it’s a fully standalone groovebox. Sampler, drum machine, and synth combined in one machine.

You compose directly on it thanks to its dual screen, 16 pads, and quad-core processor. The hybrid mode is clever: you can also use it as a controller for Maschine software in the studio.

It includes 9 instruments (MASSIVE, FM8, MONARK...), 35 effects, and 8 GB of sounds. WiFi makes managing your library easier.

The ideal choice if you want to cut the PC loose while keeping the Native Instruments universe.

Controllers and grids for Ableton Live

Designed for Ableton Live, these controllers trigger clips and scenes, and let you play drums and melodies on pad grids. Some even include a standalone sequencer to play without a computer.

The Launchpad Pro MK3 is Novation's most advanced pad controller. Its 8x8 matrix of 64 RGB pads is velocity- and pressure-sensitive for truly expressive playing.

Its main strength: a 4-track standalone sequencer that works even without a computer. You program your patterns, play with Probability and Mutate, then chain them into scenes.

The Scale, Chord, and Dynamic Note modes keep you from hitting wrong notes. And the integration with Ableton Live is simply the most complete on the market.

A must if you’re aiming for DAWless or live performance.

The Launchpad Mini MK3 is the most compact in the family: 64 RGB pads in just 380 grams. It fits next to your laptop without cluttering your desk.

Its native integration with Ableton Live lets you launch clips and scenes with a simple press. The pad colors match your session for instant orientation.

Three custom modes let you map drums, melodic playing, or transport controls. Ableton Live Lite and some instruments are included.

A simple and affordable entry into clip-launching.

The Akai APC 40 MK2 is the large surface dedicated to Ableton Live. Its RGB 5x8 grid triggers your clips, and you can see the status of each scene at a glance.

The mixing section is generous: 9 faders (8 tracks + master), 8 encoders, and an assignable A/B crossfader. Everything is aligned with Ableton’s tracks for natural gestures.

The Sends button scrolls through your effect buses, and the plug & play USB sets you up in two minutes. Ableton Live Lite and several instruments are included.

A classic that never wears out for stage and studio.

The Akai APC Mini MK2 brings the essentials of Ableton clip-launching into a minimal format. Its 8x8 matrix of 64 RGB pads faithfully reflects your session’s status.

You have 9 faders (8 channels + master) for volumes, pans, and effects. Device mode automatically maps them to the macros of the selected device.

The Drum and Note modes, with smart scale display, let you play drums and melodies without wrong notes. Ableton Live Lite and AIR instruments are included.

Hard to get more affordable for entering the APC series.

The Akai APC 64 combines two worlds: a modern Ableton controller and an 8-track standalone sequencer. Its 64 RGB pads are touch- and pressure-sensitive.

You program your patterns over 32 steps, add Probability, Velocity, and Mutation, then send everything to Ableton via Send To Clip. The 8 Touch Strips control levels, pans, and effects.

On the hardware side, its 8 CV/Gate outputs and mini-jack MIDI sequence synths and modular systems. Notes, Scale, Chord, and Drum modes complete the picture.

A real Swiss army knife for hybrid setups.

DAW controllers

These controllers don’t play notes: they control. Faders, encoders, and sequencers help you mix, automate, and sync your gear. A real boost in fluidity as your setup grows.

The Novation Launch Control 3 is a dedicated mix controller. Its 16 endless encoders and 8 assignable buttons give you control over your plug-ins, effect sends, and macros.

The OLED screen clearly shows the parameter you’re adjusting: no more visual back-and-forth to the screen. You can save up to 7 Custom modes via Novation Components.

Its USB-C plus MIDI DIN connectivity makes it a real hub for controlling your gear, with or without a computer. Ableton Live 12 Lite and Cubase LE 14 are included.

A perfect complement to take back tactile control of your mix.

The Launch Control XL MK3 is the XL version of the Novation control surface. With its 8 faders, 24 endless encoders, and 16 RGB LED buttons, you mix and automate with both hands.

The OLED screen displays your parameters in real time. You can save up to 15 Custom modes to instantly switch from one setup to another.

With USB-C plus MIDI DIN In/Out/Thru, it becomes the brain of your hybrid setup, computer or not. Ableton Live 12 Lite and a selection of plug-ins are included.

The solid choice for anyone wanting a real control center.

The Arturia BeatStep Pro is not just a controller: it’s a triple sequencer. Two melodic step sequencers plus a 16-track drum sequencer all in one machine.

You control synths, drum machines, and modular gear at the same time. The Swing and Randomizer functions inject groove and controlled variations into your patterns.

Its connectivity is comprehensive: USB, MIDI, CV/Gate, 8 Drum Gates, Clock, and DIN Sync. The ideal hub to connect all your electro and techno gear.

Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab Intro are included to get you started.

Standalone grooveboxes: producing without a computer

What if you could do everything without a computer? That’s the promise of standalone grooveboxes. Sampler, sequencer, synth, and effects all combined in one ready-to-use machine.

The advantage is twofold: you avoid computer distractions, and you carry your studio everywhere. It’s also a fantastic playground for live performance. Here are our key models, from pocket-sized to flagship.

The MPC Sample is Akai’s most compact and affordable standalone MPC. Barely 900 grams, with built-in mic, speaker, and battery: you can create truly anywhere.

Its 16 MPC pads with polyphonic aftertouch offer the legendary Akai feel. Presented as the heir to the iconic MPC60, it puts sampling front and center again.

You capture a sound, chop it with Sample Chop, replay it: the magic of old-school beatmaking. Over 100 kits and 60 effects are included, and sampling via smartphone is done through USB-C.

The ideal entry point into the standalone MPC world.

The Novation Circuit Tracks is an all-in-one standalone groovebox, designed for spontaneity. Two tracks of polyphonic synth, four sample-based drum tracks, and two MIDI tracks.

Its screenless approach pushes you to play with your hands on its 32 RGB pads. You lay down a beat in seconds, without getting lost in menus.

The rechargeable battery (about 4 hours) makes it a truly portable creation companion. Effects, sidechain, and master compressor refine your sound, and the microSD expands your library.

Perfect for electro, house, and synthwave, from the couch to the stage.

The MPC One G2 takes the winning formula of the MPC One and seriously boosts it. New G2 8-core processor (four times more powerful), doubled RAM and storage.

This standalone station runs without a computer under MPC 3 OS, with a linear arranger and individual tracks. Its beautiful blue finish pays tribute to the iconic MPC1000 and MPC4000.

You get the 16 MPC pads, a 7-inch touchscreen, and up to 32 simultaneous plugins. Connectivity is rich: CV/Gate, MIDI DIN, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ableton integration.

An excellent balance of power and compactness.

The Roland MC-707 is an 8-track standalone groovebox that works without a computer. Its ZEN-Core engine resurrects the iconic sounds of the TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, JUNO-106, and SH-101.

You program with the TR-REC sequencer, Roland drum machines’ legendary method, or in real time on the 16 pads. The looper and resampling enrich your textures.

With 128 voices, over 3000 sounds, and 90 effects per track, you sculpt a powerful mix. USB handles audio and MIDI to integrate into your studio.

A solid choice for electro, techno and hip-hop, on stage or in the studio.

The MPC XL is the top of the Akai range: a standalone production station that works entirely without a computer. 8-core processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD: it handles the most ambitious projects.

Its new MPCe pads detect 3D, with 4 zones per pad to stack articulations and variations. The large 10.1-inch tiltable touchscreen and 16 Q-Link with OLED screens make editing clear.

You get up to 256 voices, 32 virtual instruments and new tools like stem separation. The pro connectivity (8 outputs, CV/Gate, MIDI DIN) handles any studio.

The ultimate tool for anyone who wants to do everything in one machine.

How to choose your gear to start beatmaking

You’ve understood, the right gear to start beatmaking depends on your working style. Here are three profiles to help you find your way.

You want the simplest and most economical combo? Go for a software like FL Studio plus a small pad keyboard (MiniLab 3 or MPK Mini IV). You have everything to compose, on a budget.

You dream of producing by finger, MPC style? Go for a sampler-sequencer Maschine or an Ableton grid. Finger-drumming will quickly become your favorite playground.

You want to get away from the screen? A standalone groovebox is made for you. You compose on the couch, on the train or on stage, without ever opening your computer.

Ready to make your first beat?

You now have a clear map of the gear to start beatmaking. Remember the essentials: start simple, with software and a controller that speak to you, then evolve your setup as your desires grow.

The best gear is the one that makes you want to turn on the machine every day. The rest is hours of practice, listening and lots of fun. And if you’re still unsure, our advisors are here to guide you to the machine that suits you.