beat making newbie

[tttlll]

Hi,
I am trying to make IDM style beats using reason (I also have reaktor and pure data which are beyond my skill level at this point) and I'm inexperienced enough that I don't really understand what the ideal equipment setup should be. If I get a midi keyboard can I use that to play use the beat sounds in reason and then make a recording of them? Should I get a sampler?
I understand how to use the software to some extent but I want to play the beats into the program. Is this how it's usually done? It's really hard to configure the beat arrangements by arranging each individual track by hand. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[thisaccountisabandoned]

the best way to make such a beat, is a Redrum-Dr.REX combination. Redrum is for the main Beat. Dr.REX is for filling. if you cut beats in the right way, you'll get one of those Aphex Twin like squelched beats. just try around.

here are some IDM samples you can listen to

[Papuna]

my advice will be, well u can use even wave file kicks and drums... do not use loops

[ultra]

i've found reaktor to be the ultimate idm machine. you don't need a high skill level to use it, only to create ensembles. the krypt ensemble quickly gets you going with complex idm style beats, as well as many others. i like to make a drum or sound loop, load it into a weird reaktor sampler, and (if the sampler doesn't already have a sequencer), modulate a few knobs using cc's.

[Mohoyoho]

I agree. Reaktor is fantastic.

[larns]

if you use reaktor 5, look for a drum sequencer called 'intelekt' not many people know of it, but it can assit you in writing some very slick electro. you load up your samples into it, then sequence it, but it also kind of randomly changes the decay and release (i think) anyway, what i do is hit record on my sequencer and just mash the beats up change the pitch add some delay here and there, experiment. then after that i listen to the recording and cut parts out that i like and try to make loops, then i piece these loops together. well that a part of my new secret to writing slick beats without hours of programming. if you want to take things further, open this beat in beatlookup v5 and mash it even further man. and see what you get. a slick beat

another tip while im here, if you have a WAV loop of your beat, copy this loop and rename it, then time strech it to half the size, then glue 2 of those together. now plsy them together the original and the time streched version, you get an interesting rythem.

[electronicsoul]

may i suggest a sequencer. i use it in all my beats, bass lines and synth pads. i use a korg electribe sx. it replaced all my other sequencing gear, i love it. a sequencer will allow you to construct the beat yourself so you will get used to where to put the bass drum, hih hat, snare ect. add efx and in a few days youll be solid. check out some of my original tracks and another project with a friend of mine. goto the introduce yourself and click on MATT B and GABRIEL KANE vs MATT B. good luck.

MATT B

[Zuzz]

iDrum is an easy to use plugin/standalone program that could make IDM style beats. It doesn't get much simpler.