If you go back 2000 years ago most beats were made using hardware like Akai MPC, Motifs, Korgs and Roland.
Fast forward to 2012 and most beats are now made using software sequencers.
DAWs such as Logic Studio, Pro Tools, Motu, Cakewalk, FL studio, Reason and Ableton live have come a very long way in the last 10 years.
When the power of the new computers are taken into account one has to ask what role does hardware samples and sequencers play into today's music production scene.
What's better hardware versus software? Some might say it depends on who you talk too or your personal taste but facts are facts.
First software is much cheaper.
For example, Logic pro is now $199 but a MPC, Motif, or Triton can run as much 2 to 3 thousand dollar.
For that amount a new composer or producer can get a computer, DAW software, speakers and a midi controller.
Software sequencers provide a much better value.
Some hardware purist will tout sound quality as the reason to stick with hardware.
Once again facts are facts.
Companies such as Apple computer and Native instruments make software instrument with equal or better sound quality and some of the hardware counterparts.
What about the features? Well DAWs have fare more features than software sequences.
Most DAWs are full fledge recording studios.
They are scalable, you can add more plugins than it ships with.
Some DAWs like logic pro can covert midi into sheet music.
The editing possibilities are also endless with many of these products.
So why still use hardware sequencers at all? The main use for hardware synths and sequencers is for performing live.
Today even the most power computer can freeze and crash.
In the studio it's something a composer can deal with but this would be a disaster in a live performance.
Also nothing beats the sound of live instruments rather it's live or in the studio.
It really depends on the type of music you record.
Urban music can be done via software exclusively.
Orchestral, rock and some other genres may require live or a hardware synth.
Both hardware and software will always have their uses and their fans, if you are a new composer on a budget than stick with software, if you establish and can afford a thousand dollars get you a high end hardware synth.
Both will enhance your live and recording experience.
Fast forward to 2012 and most beats are now made using software sequencers.
DAWs such as Logic Studio, Pro Tools, Motu, Cakewalk, FL studio, Reason and Ableton live have come a very long way in the last 10 years.
When the power of the new computers are taken into account one has to ask what role does hardware samples and sequencers play into today's music production scene.
What's better hardware versus software? Some might say it depends on who you talk too or your personal taste but facts are facts.
First software is much cheaper.
For example, Logic pro is now $199 but a MPC, Motif, or Triton can run as much 2 to 3 thousand dollar.
For that amount a new composer or producer can get a computer, DAW software, speakers and a midi controller.
Software sequencers provide a much better value.
Some hardware purist will tout sound quality as the reason to stick with hardware.
Once again facts are facts.
Companies such as Apple computer and Native instruments make software instrument with equal or better sound quality and some of the hardware counterparts.
What about the features? Well DAWs have fare more features than software sequences.
Most DAWs are full fledge recording studios.
They are scalable, you can add more plugins than it ships with.
Some DAWs like logic pro can covert midi into sheet music.
The editing possibilities are also endless with many of these products.
So why still use hardware sequencers at all? The main use for hardware synths and sequencers is for performing live.
Today even the most power computer can freeze and crash.
In the studio it's something a composer can deal with but this would be a disaster in a live performance.
Also nothing beats the sound of live instruments rather it's live or in the studio.
It really depends on the type of music you record.
Urban music can be done via software exclusively.
Orchestral, rock and some other genres may require live or a hardware synth.
Both hardware and software will always have their uses and their fans, if you are a new composer on a budget than stick with software, if you establish and can afford a thousand dollars get you a high end hardware synth.
Both will enhance your live and recording experience.