Download or buy software for making beats on the Internet. Program suites that offer a free or demo version include FruityLoops, Acid Xpress and Ableton Live. Each of these programs offers a way to create loops and string beats together to easily create a complete beat sequence. Acid Xpress has recording capabilities, but is limited to one track of audio. However, if all you want to do is record some vocals over a beat, one track is fine. If you need multitrack audio for free, Audacity is a free audio recording program with multitrack capabilities.
If you are ready for upgraded software, it's easiest to upgrade to the professional version of the free program that you like best. Professional beat makers often use Reason or Pro Tools to lay out or finish their beats. Reason is a software suite that allows you to use virtual instrument plugins, such as drum machines, virtual guitar pedals and virtual mastering hardware, to lay out and fine tune the sound of your beat. Reason is versatile software that offers you the freedom to develop your own sound.
Most audio software programs require at least 512 megabytes of RAM to function, and they work best with a minimum of 1 gigabyte RAM. To record audio to your computer, you will need a sound card with a microphone input. If you want to use a professional microphone to record, you will need a USB audio interface. A USB audio interface is a piece of hardware that connects to your PC via your USB cables, and it works as an external sound card to allow your computer to interface with professional audio equipment.
A basic beat will have a kick drum and a snare. Most PC beat-making programs have a drum machine type function that allows you to lay out a basic beat. Common places for a kick drum include the first and third beat of the measure, or the second and fourth beat.
Most beat artists vary their beat at the appropriate time; dance club beat artists compose their beats to energize dancing, while beats composed for vocals must be arranged to allow for a hook and verses to the song. The best way to feel out what is best for your song is to dance to it a little bit to get a good groove going.