Connect a USB cable to the "MIDI Out" jack on the rear of your MIDI controller.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer. Typical MIDI controllers are USB-powered, meaning they draw their power from the connected computer via the USB cable. There is no need to use an additional power supply.
Double-click the desktop icon to launch your preferred digital audio workstation.
Open the "File" menu and launch a new session.
Open two MIDI channels. The method for doing so varies slightly according to which program you use, but typically you open channels from the "File" menu. By selecting a MIDI channel, you assign the connected MIDI controller as the primary input device.
Click on the first MIDI channel to highlight it. This assigns subsequent actions to that particular channel.
Open the instruments menu and select your preferred kick drum sound. To make an authentic hardstyle kick drum sound, combine a powerful, bass-heavy sound with a harsh, click-type sound. This way the kick drum has body and impact but can cut through the mix. Scroll through the instruments menu, then click on the names of the sound (for example, "808 Drum") to audition them. Double-click the sound your prefer to assign it to the first MIDI channel.
Audition a second sound for the "click" part of the kick drum. Use a wood block or clap sound, both of which have the requisite high pitch.
Click on the tempo setting and type in a figure between 140 and 160. The default tempo is typically 120 beats per minute, so look for a box with that figure in if you can't find the tempo setting.
Click the "R" icon on the first MIDI channel to make it ready for recording. Press the lowest key on the MIDI controller. Typically, bass drum sounds are assigned to the lowest key. If the key is silent, play the subsequent keys to find the key to which the sound is assigned.
Click on the metronome icon to turn the digital metronome on.
Hit "Record" and play a 4/4 beat using the assigned MIDI controller key. Do this for four bars. Four bars contain 16 clicks. Hardstyle typically has a solid, "four-to-the-floor" beat, upon which you build your tune.
Hit "Stop." Click the "R" icon on the second MIDI channel. Record another four bars of kick.
Open a third MIDI channel and assign to it a deep bass sound. Play the kick drum beat in the background and record a bass line using the keys on the MIDI controller.