How to Make Electronic Music for Free

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Looking to make electronic music for free? Here are some tips and tricks to get you started!

Intro

There’s no doubt that electronic music has taken the world by storm. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular genres of music, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. If you’re interested in making your own electronic music, there are a few things you should know.

First and foremost, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started. In fact, you can create high-quality electronic music for free using just a computer and some free software. All you need is a little bit of creativity and an open mind.

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to get started:

A computer: You can use any type of computer for making electronic music, but a laptop will be more convenient since you can take it with you wherever you go.

Free software: There are many different types of software available for making electronic music. Some of the most popular options include Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, FL Studio, and Reaper.

Sound samples: You’ll need some sound samples to use in your tracks. You can find plenty of free sound samples online, or you can create your own using a microphone and some basic recording equipment.

Virtual instruments: If you want to add real-life instruments to your tracks, you’ll need to use virtual instruments. These are programs that mimic the sound of real-life instruments, and they’re surprisingly realistic. Many of them are even played using a MIDI keyboard.

Now that you know what you need to get started, let’s take a look at how to actually make electronic music. The first step is to choose the type of software you want to use. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to start exploring the different features and tools that each program offers. Experiment with different sounds and see what kinds of tracks you can come up with. Once you’ve got a few tracks that you’re happy with, it’s time to start sharing them with the world!

What You Need

If you want to make your own electronic music, you will need a few things. First, you will need a computer with a sound card. You will also need some software to create your music. There are a few free options available, such as Audacity. You will also need some sound samples to use in your music. You can find these online or create your own. Finally, you will need some time to sit down and create your masterpiece!

A computer

You’ll need a computer with a soundcard that has line-level inputs and outputs. You can get by with the built-in soundcard on most laptops, but you’ll get better results with an external soundcard. A MIDI keyboard is also helpful, but not required. You can find plenty of free software online to get started making electronic music.

A DAW

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is an electronic device or application software used for recording, editing and producing audio files. DAWs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple applications that can be used on a laptop to complex multi-track systems that are designed for professional studios.

There are many different DAWs available on the market, but some of the most popular ones include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase and FL Studio. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to choose a DAW that is simple to use and has a wide range of features.

Once you’ve chosen your DAW, the next step is to set up your equipment. You’ll need a computer with enough processing power to run your chosen software, as well as an audio interface and a microphone. If you’re using an iOS device, you’ll also need a compatible app such as Garageband or Auria.

Once you have your equipment set up, you’re ready to start making music!

Where to Get Samples

Electronic music has come a long way since the early days of synthesizers and drum machines. These days, you can find samples for your productions easily and for free. In this article, we’ll show you where to get the best samples for your electronic music.

Splice

Splice is a great place to get samples for your electronic music. They have a huge library of sounds that you can use in your tracks, and they’re always adding new sounds. Plus, they have a community of producers who can help you out if you’re stuck.

Loopcloud

Loopcloud is a great place to get samples because they offer a wide variety of genres and styles, as well as a community of producers who are always willing to help out. They also offer a subscription service that gives you access to their entire library of sounds, so you can always have something new to work with.

How to Make a Beat

You can make professional sounding electronic music for free. All you need is a computer with an internet connection and some basic knowledge of music production. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a beat using a free software called FL Studio.

Choose a tempo

Before you start making your beat, you need to choose a tempo. The tempo is the speed of the beat, and is measured in beats per minute (BPM). For example, a slow tempo might be 60 BPM, while a fast tempo might be 160 BPM.

You can use a metronome to help you find the right BPM for your beat. A metronome is a tool that produces a regular ticking sound, which you can use to keep time while you’re making your beat.

To find the right BPM for your beat, start by tapping your foot along to the metronome. Once you’ve found a comfortable tempo, hit the “record” button on your software and start making your beat!

Find some samples

To start making a beat, you first need to find some samples. If you don’t have any sample packs, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find free samples online. Here are a few of our favorites:

– Splice: Splice is a website that offers a wide variety of samples for different genres of music. They offer a FREE trial where you can download 100 sounds.
– Beatport: Beatport is another great website for finding samples. They offer a wide variety of genres, and they have a section specifically for drum loops and hits.
– Looperman: Looperman is a website that offers free samples, loops, and acapellas. They have a huge selection of sounds, and they’re all royalty-free!

Once you’ve found some samples, it’s time to start putting them together into a beat.

Load the samples into your DAW

The first step to making a beat is loading the samples into your DAW. I like to use Ableton Live, but you can use whatever DAW you’re comfortable with. For this tutorial, I’m using the drum samples from our free pack “Vintage Beats”.

Once you’ve downloaded the sample pack, open your DAW and create a new project. Then, go to your file browser and navigate to where you downloaded the “Vintage Beats” samples. Select all of the .WAV files and drag them into your DAW’s project window.

Arrange the samples

The first step in making a beat is to find or create some sounds that you want to use. These can be recorded using a microphone, downloaded from the internet, or created using a software synthesizer. Once you have your sounds, you need to load them into your DAW.

Once the samples are loaded into your DAW, it’s time to start arranging them. The arrangement is the order in which the samples will play, and it can be changed at any time. To create an arrangement, simply drag and drop the samples into the track list on the left side of the screen.

Now that the samples are arranged, it’s time to start making some music!

Add effects

Now that you have your basic beat down, it’s time to add some effects.Firstly, you need to decide what sort of mood or genre you are going for with your track. Do you want a hard and edgy sound, or something more mellow and chilled? This will dictate the types of effects you use.

For a hard sound, you might want to add some distortion or overdrive to your drums and bassline. For a more mellow sound, you could try adding reverb or delay. Experiment with different settings and see what sounds good to you.

Once you’ve decided on your effects, it’s time to add them to your track. Most DAWs (digital audio workstations) will have built-in effects that you can use, or you can download plugins for more options. Again, experiment and see what sounds good.

Once you’ve added your effects, sit back and listen to your track. Does it sound finished? If so, congratulations! You’ve made a beat! If not, keep tweaking and experimenting until it does.

How to Make a Bassline

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a bassline using a free software called LMMS. LMMS is a free and open-source digital audio workstation available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. This guide will assume that you have some basic knowledge of music theory.

Find a bass sample

The first step to making a bassline is finding a bass sample. You can find bass samples online or create your own using a synthesizer. Once you have a bass sample, load it into your DAW and adjust the tempo to match the rest of your track.

Now that you have your bass sample, it’s time to start creating your bassline. Begin by drawing in a few notes on the piano roll. These notes will form the foundation of your bassline, so take some time to experiment and find a melody that you like.

Once you have a few notes down, it’s time to start adding some shaping to your sound. Add a low-pass filter to remove some of the high frequencies from your bass sound, and experiment with different envelope settings to control the attack and decay of your notes.

Next, add some effects to your bassline. Reverb will help give your bassline some space, while delay can add an interesting texture. Experiment with different settings until you find something that sounds good.

Finally, it’s time to mix your bassline. Start by adjusting the volume of your track so that it sits well with the rest of the elements in your mix. Then, use EQ to shape how your bassline sounds. Add some low-end for more rumble, or cut some highs if your sound is too harsh. Once you’re happy with how everything sounds, you’re done!

Load the sample into your DAW

You can use any bass sound you want, but for this example we’ll be using a sub bass. A sub bass is a deep, low-frequency sound that gives electronic music its “thump”. To get started, load the sample into your DAW. If you don’t have a DAW, you can download one for free (see Resources).

Open up your DAW and create a new project. In the project, create a new track and select “mono” as the track type. This will ensure that the sound is focused and doesn’t get lost in the mix.

Next, click on the “Instrument” button and select “Bass”. This will open up a window with all of the different bass sounds that are available in your DAW. Scroll through the list until you find the sub bass sound that you want to use.

Once you’ve selected the sub bass sound, click on the “Load” button and load the sample into your DAW.

Arrange the sample

The first step is to arrange the sample. To do this, you will need a drum machine or sequencer. I recommend using FL Studio for this purpose. You can use any other software, but FL Studio is my personal favorite.

Once you have your software set up, load the sample into a new project. I like to use samples that are between 1 and 2 minutes long. This gives you enough time to add a variety of different parts to the bassline without making it too long.

Start by chopping the sample into individual hits. I like to use 8th notes for this, but feel free to use whatever feels right for the track. Once you have the sample chopped up, arrange it in a way that sounds interesting to you.

Add effects

Now that you’ve written your bassline, it’s time to add some effects. The most common effects used on basslines are reverb and delay. Reverb simulates the sound of the bassline being played in a room, and delay simulates the sound of the bassline being played back through a speaker. To add these effects, you’ll need to use a software program like Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

Once you have your software open, find the reverb and delay effects and add them to your track. To do this, click on the “Effects” tab in Ableton Live or Logic Pro and select “Reverb” or “Delay.” Then, drag the effect into your track.

Now that you’ve added the effect, experiment with the settings until you find a sound that you like. With reverb, you’ll want to play around with the “room size” and “dampening” controls. For delay, you’ll want to experiment with the “delay time” and “feedback” controls.

Once you’re happy with the sound of your bassline, it’s time to export it as an audio file so you can use it in your music production projects. To do this, go to File > Export > Audio export… in Ableton Live or Logic Pro. Then, choose a location for your file and click “Export.”

How to Make a Melody

In order to make a melody, you will need a sound source, an idea, and a way to record your melody. A sound source can be anything that makes sound, such as an instrument or your voice. An idea for a melody can come from anywhere, such as a song you heard or a feeling you want to express. There are many ways to record a melody, such as using a keyboard, a computer, or even a phone.

Find some melody samples

In order to create your own melody, you’ll need to start with some basic building blocks. The simplest way to do this is to find some samples of melodies that you like, and then begin experimenting with them.

There are a few different ways that you can go about finding melody samples. One option is to search for “melody samples” on a site like Splice or Loopmasters. These sites offer a large variety of royalty-free sounds that you can use in your own productions.

Another option is to download a sample pack that contains a bunch of different melodies. These packs usually come in the form of an Ableton Live pack, Reason ReFill, or Kontakt Instrument. Once you have downloaded one of these packs, you will be able to load the samples into your DAW and start messing around with them.

Once you have found some melody samples that you like, it’s time to start creating your own melodies with them. To do this, you will need to load the samples into a sampler (such as Kontakt, EXS24, or Sampler) and then start playing around with them. You can pitch the samples up or down, reverse them, add effects to them, or even play them at different speeds. By experimenting with the various options available to you, you should be able to come up with some interesting results.

Load the samples into your DAW

The first step to making a melody is to load the samples into your DAW. Depending on the DAW you’re using, this may be as simple as dragging and dropping the files from your computer into the program window. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your DAW’s manual or help files.

Once the samples are loaded, you’ll need to create a new track for each sample. To do this, click the “Create New Track” button in your DAW, or select “New Track” from the File menu. In most DAWs, a new track will automatically be created with the sample loaded into it.

Now that you have a track for each sample, you can start creating your melody. To do this, simply click and drag each sample onto the timeline in your DAW. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to place the samples on the timeline; Consult your DAW’s documentation to learn which keys to use.

Once all of your samples are on the timeline, you can start arranging them into a melody. To do this, simply click and drag each sample to wherever you want it on the timeline. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to move the samples around; Consult your DAW’s documentation to learn which keys to use.

When you’re happy with your melody, it’s time to add some effects. The effects you use will depend on the type of music you’re making, but some common effects include reverb and delay. To add an effect to a track, simply click on the “Effects” button in your DAW and select the effect you want from the list. Then, adjust the parameters of the effect to taste. Consult your DAW’s documentation for more information on using effects.

Once you have added all of the desired effects, it’s time to render your melody. To do this, simply click on the “Render” button in your DAW or select “Render Track” from the File menu. In most DAWs, you will be prompted to choose a location to save your rendered file; Choose a location that is easy for you to remember so that you can find it later

Arrange the samples

Now that you have a drum beat and some nice sounding samples, it’s time to start making a melody.

First, you’ll need to find a place in your song to insert the melody. A good place to start is at the beginning of the second measure, or bar.

Once you’ve decided where to insert the melody, it’s time to start arranging the samples.

To do this, you’ll need to open up your sample editor and load the samples into it.

Once the samples are loaded, you can start rearranging them however you want. Try moving them around and see what sounds best.

Once you’re happy with how the melody sounds, you can save it and then export it as an mp3 file.

Add effects

Now that you have your basic melody, it’s time to add some effects. This is where you can really start to get creative and make your melody stand out. There are a ton of different effects you can add, so experiment and see what sounds good.

How to Mix and Master

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make electronic music without spending any money. We’ll cover everything from finding the right software to mixing and mastering your track. With a little time and effort, you can start making professional sounding electronic music without spending a dime.

Balance the levels

Now that you have President Barack Obama’s “level set” advice ringing in your ears, it’s time to take a look at how you can achieve perfect balance in your own mixes. The first step is ensuring that all of your tracks are properly levelled before you even think about EQ or compression.

Achieving good level balance is more important in electronic music than any other genre, as the tracks tend to be more reliant on each other to create the overall picture. If one track is too loud, it will drown out the others; if it’s too quiet, it will get lost.

The best way to set levels is to use your ears, but there are also a few simple tricks you can use to make sure that everything is sitting where it should be. A good starting point is setting the level of your kick drum to around -10dBFS (decibels below full scale). This will ensure that it has enough presence in the mix without overwhelming the other elements.

From there, you can start bring up the level of each subsequent track until everything is sitting comfortably in the mix. It’s important to leave some headroom (around 3-6dB) so that the tracks have room to breathe and don’t sound cluttered or squashed.

Add EQ

Equalization is a powerful tool that can help you shape the sound of your mix. When used correctly, EQ can help you create a fuller, richer sound. It can also help you to isolate individual instruments and make them stand out in the mix.

There are many different types of EQ, but the three most common are high pass filters, low pass filters, and parametric EQ. High pass filters allow high frequencies to pass through while attenuating lower frequencies. Low pass filters do the reverse, allowing low frequencies to pass through while attenuating higher frequencies. Parametric EQ provides more control over the frequency response than either high pass or low pass filters.

To use EQ effectively, it is important to first identify which frequencies you want to boost or attenuate. A good way to do this is to use a spectrum analyzer. A spectrum analyzer will show you a visual representation of the frequency content of your mix. This can be helpful in identifying which areas you may want to focus on with EQ.

Once you have identified the frequencies you want to adjust, there are a few different ways you can go about doing it. If you just want to boost or cut a specific frequency, you can use a Shelving filter. If you want to be more precise in your adjustments, you can use a parametric EQ. And if you want to create a more drastic change, you can use an Ultra-parametric EQ .

Remember, less is often more when it comes to using EQ. It is easy to overdo it and end up with a muddy sounding mix. Start with small boosts or cuts and then slowly increase the amount until you achieve the desired sound.

Add compression

Compression is one of the most important tools in the mixing and mastering process, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In general, compression is used to even out the levels of a track, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder. This can help create a more cohesive sound, as well as make it easier to hear all the elements in a mix.

There are a few different ways to add compression to a track. The first is to use a software plugin. There are many different plugins available, but some of our favorites are the Waves C1 Compressor and the UAD 1176LN Limiting Amplifier.

The second way to add compression is to use an outboard hardware compressor. These can be very expensive, but they can also make a big difference in the sound of a track. If you’re on a budget, there are a few cheaper options available, such as the Behringer MDX2600 and the ART Pro VLA II.

Once you’ve chosen your compressor, there are a few things you’ll need to adjust in order to get the sound you want. The first is the threshold. This is the level at which the compressor will start working. If you set it too low, you’ll compress too much of your signal and it will start to sound squashed. If you set it too high, you won’t compress enough and you won’t hear any difference. It’s important to find a balance that works for your track.

The next thing you’ll need to adjust is the ratio. This controls how much compression is applied to your signal once it passes above the threshold. A higher ratio will result in more compression, while a lower ratio will result in less compression. Again, it’s important to find a balance that works for your track.

Finally, you’ll need to adjust the attack and release times. The attack time controls how quickly the compressor starts working after your signal passes above the threshold, while the release time controls how quickly it returns to normal once your signal falls below the threshold again. Find settings that work well with the tempo of your track – if it’s slow, you’ll want longer attack and release times; if it’s fast, shorter attack and release times will usually sound better

Add reverb

Adding reverb is one of the most important steps in the mixing process, and it can make a huge difference in the overall sound of your track. When done properly, reverb can give your track a sense of space and depth, making it sound more polished and professional.

There are a few different ways to add reverb to your track. One option is to use a plugin, such as Waves RVox or Waves Abbey Road Reverb Plates. These plugins simulate the sound of different types of reverb, such as rooms, halls, plates, and springs.

Another option is to use a convolution reverb plugin. These plugins use impulse responses (IRs) to recreate the sound of real-world spaces. Some popular convolution reverbs include Audio Ease Altiverb and Waves IR-1.

If you’re working with a limited budget or don’t have access to plugins, you can always use the reverb effect in your DAW’s stock EQ. This may not sound as good as using a dedicated plugin, but it can still get the job done in a pinch.

Once you’ve decided on a method for adding reverb, it’s time to start mixing. As a general rule of thumb, you want to add more reverb to sounds that are further away from the listener, and less reverb to sounds that are closer. For instance, if you have a lead vocalist in the foreground and background vocals in the distance, you would want to add more reverb to the background vocals than the lead vocalist.

It’s also important to pay attention to the amount of decay time you’re using. If you set the decay time too long, it will muddy up your mix and make it sound cluttered. On the other hand, if you set it too short, it will make your track sound thin and lacking in depth. A good rule of thumb is to set the decay time so that it lasts for about two seconds.

Once you’ve added reverb to all of your tracks, take some time to listen back and make sure everything sounds balanced. In particular, pay attention to how the drums sound in relation to the rest of the instruments. You may need to adjust the levels or EQ settings of individual tracks until everything sits well together in the mix.

Export your track

Now that you’ve mixed and mastered your track, it’s time to export it! This process will render all of the audio from your project into a single file that can be played outside of FL Studio.

Before you export, make sure to check the following:
-All of your plugins are turned on and working properly
-All of your audio is at the correct volume
-You are happy with the sound of your track

Once you’ve checked all of these things, you’re ready to export! To do so, go to File > Export > Wave File. A new window will pop up; make sure to choose a location for your file and click “Save.” Once the rendering is complete, your file will be exported and ready to play!

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