5 things to start making electronic music at home

[@badsnacks]

Time stamps! 1. DAW 0:54 2. MIDI 3:31 3. Interface/Monitors 5:10 4. Real instruments 7:20 5. Samples 11:02 Hope that helps!

[@VisionaryBeatz]

bad snacks Marry me. 😂😂

[@VisionaryBeatz]

I saw your post on Twitter, and I would like you to know that what I said was a complete joke. Yes, you are beautiful, but that isn’t the reason I watch you. I watch you because of your insight on the creative process. I watch you because you help me be a better producer and sound designer. I respect you for what you do, and I hope to see you thrive in a way never before seen.

[@XavierShade]

Making me want to fire up my Fruity Loops and play around a bit. Keep up the great videos!

[@marlonurriola4763]

bad snacks Hey do you have any tips on making drum patterns, I am having a little trouble using the drums to give the song it’s rhythm. I am a beginner at doing this you do so I don’t know much.

[@kuoppa2559]

Real instuments???? Omg!!!!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

You are easy to understand and get to the point. I like stuff like this where the speaker doesn't talk forever without getting to the point. Looks like you have lots of fun gadgets in that room!

[@dos_mas_805]

Prophet and Mini Moog...BOOM! I love your perspective on the use of incorporating real instruments. I am a longtime musician, but fairly new to this style of music and production. I have to say that you and Andrew Huang are among the top of my list for young producers because of your foundation in playing actual instruments.

[@Brywellington]

One day, mouse click music will be dominated by AI

[@MrCucumber416]

Actually, it's a Sub Phatty not a Minimoog.

[@danopticon]

I misheard “One … a _dog!”_ and I nodded vigorously in agreement! 🐕❤️😀

[@cyanleafgd]

I mean you need that too

[@johnrobinson1140]

yes, a dog!

[@hopediamond2902]

Ahahahaahaha!!! :D

[@shineboxbily3425]

Heard that too! Lol

[@LCmaxime]

A dawg?

[@ayezik1397]

This was actually really helpful and informative! Thank you! Literally just got interested into producing about week ago and have been experimenting since with no real direction. This is such a big help so thank you!

[@bobc3174]

I discovered your channel by accident, and what a find! I really like all your videos. I see how much people really admire your music and producing skills and I agree. But I want to compliment something else: I think you're brilliant at explaining things on video. Your tutorials are so straightforward and easy to understand. I really like your straight-ahead communication style; you just show us how you do things, step-by-step, and you provide simple explanations. Fantastic!

[@nobbystyles4807]

jesus christ dude. can you do me as well while youre down on your knee's.

[@MasterXeno0]

@@nobbystyles4807, let me add something else on for ya. SIMP!!!

[@onelovetao6732]

you not only a good producer but a better teacher. great info for beginners

[@Silent-Lucidity]

You are amazingly articulate! Both, in your speech and your lesson plan! Great work!

[@braptrap9923]

Very appreciative for videos like these, even for those of us with a setup already. Gotta love fundamental reminders 🙌

[@julienmancilla5576]

Such great content! Being in the middle of understanding all the technical aspects of music your videos are so perfect. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your knoledge. Keet it uuup!

[@GhaithTamer]

How to produce electronic music in poor countries (syria/yamen/....): 1:Got a computer. 2:Download a free software program 3:Download samples packs with internet 50kp 4:Listen to NCS/Trap city/nation .... 5:you start your first fu**en track. This is my way hope you enjoy . 😁

[@moodykid1544]

righ underground and under the radar

[@soulpianostudio]

Good finds. Also the plants look complementary.

[@therealgretzki]

I knew all that, but kept the video going while I clean around the studio. I liked it. Good job!

[@adrielhernandez4073]

This is an incredibly helpful video. Thanks!

[@jjrusy7438]

I love to make music, so thanks for wishing us "Happy Music Making" , same to you.

[@dimennarj]

You are very special, thank you.

[@jkops2]

I just discovered your channel (through Zee Bashew), and I’m very glad I did! You certainly make some amazing music and you’re also charismatic which should be useful for a KZbinr. Thank you for inspiring me and keep on rocking!

[@jimmoore6514]

Really appreciate this video: thanks for taking the time to do it! Love what you do!

[@FitzRave]

These tips were very helpful. You give me inspiration

[@Krafty]

Such a helpful video for new starters. I was just working on a video like this for my subscribers too. I like how you broke it down for everyone. I could learn from this type of organisation tbh 😂

[@genepozniak]

Many midi controllers and keyboards come with Ableton Lite for free, and it's pretty damned useful.

[@Krafty]

Gene Pozniak That’s true! And to be fair, you can pick up a pretty cheap midi controller these days just to get you started! I just did a video on the Worlde Panda Mini which I think is great for new producers.

[@genepozniak]

@Shovine Bojraj Exactly what I got, on sale for $50. :-)

[@Vivi-mp9nn]

which ones?

[@genepozniak]

@@Vivi-mp9nn As we mentioned, one is a 49-key midi keyboard by M-Audio. You should be able to find others by Googling. Good luck and have fun! :-)

[@woofelator]

When I did that, I used Ableton Live Lite for a long time before I decided I had to upgrade. Although now that I am only on standard, It still doesn't feel full featured with the small number of provided instruments and what not.

[@fredholland1169]

I made a lot of electronic (ambient) on VST synths on my computer. I also use a physical guitar. Then I got my first physical synthesizer. Better to control while controlling, where when I make a change while playing a VST it changes the entire track.

[@zdzichu42]

Those are some good bad snacks, bad snacks.

[@intergalacticpeachpatrol]

Loved this video! Hope to see more videos like this which inspire me and teach me at the same time. :)

[@jonathankessler4684]

I’m determined to start watching all your videos because I’m a fellow classically trained musician (saxophone) gone producer/composer and I feel like I can relate to you a lot. God bless the internet! Keep up the great videos and making hip hop that doesn’t suck!

[@nicoptw]

Thank you for this video. I was about to ask for it.

[@efajrmusic]

Great video! Keep on killing it!

[@anon6056]

This is a lot of words i've never heard of

[@NaqiRaza]

You definitely do not need all that to get started. You made it so complicated for inspiring music creators

[@cs_synthesist]

REAPER is a fantastic DAW that's practically free

[@lucidproductions6457]

Third Eye Chakra Flowing Like the water in the Ocean🌊✨🌌💙🌹🕊

[@majastman]

I use FL studio as easy as i breath. Also I'm very confident with reason, and tried abelton. So...if you work live or produce sample based music, probably abelton is your best choice. If you are a mouse guy that uses lots of vsti's or on the budget - fl studio is a great choice(free lifetime updates, so you pay once). If you want an universal, all around package for a very reasonable price - there is nothing better than reason.

[@MechaBorne]

#6.) Ableton's disco skin

[@woofelator]

Where do I find that?

[@alejorag]

What does this mean, tho?

[@keynanBeats]

@@woofelator in.. preferences under look/feel

[@keynanBeats]

@@alejorag you can change abletons skin under preferences/look and feel

[@jaylight944]

Thanks!

[@TeunisD]

What about a microphone to record 'odd and nice sounds' that can be used as samples?

[@spiritualgrowth2639]

thanks for sharing

[@ferguson_co8569]

that 2 petal chakra I spotted it ☺️☺️☺️👌

[@jinbaittai85]

Great video!

[@WarrenPostma]

This video is awesome because you broach the subject of "ear" and musicality. WELL DONE. 6. VSTs. VSTs everywhere. 7. Guitar Pedals! 8. Snacks! DAW wise, Cubase has time warp features, but is not as good for live rigs. Cubase is the king of midi workflows though.

[@aether-elephant]

Yay, thanks for this, I know what I want now :)

[@foxleap1081]

7:54 was such a cute "no" haha

[@jc3drums916]

DAWs are kind of necessary for production, but working with computers always complicates things a bit. It's better to have a dedicated computer, especially if you're the type who likes to keep the OS updated, since doing so can temporarily break compatibility with software. All of the plug-ins share the computer's resources, so there may be an issue with how many plug-ins you can run at one time, especially if you didn't max out the RAM. You also have to be okay with the reality that plug-ins will not be usable forever. While hardware sequencers may not be able to compete with DAW sequencers in terms of functionality, I like the working without a computer, partly for the same reason you suggest having real instruments. They may not be nearly as powerful as a DAW, but I like the idea of the sequencers/arps being part of the instruments themselves, and I'm playing all of them in real-time. It's a little more like a "traditional" performance, sort of like being a one-man band: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWa6XqBsj7h4sNE Or, if you want a more powerful sequencer, but still DAWless, all you need is something like the Deluge and a pair of monitors or headphones. A mixer would be good too, if you have other instruments.

[@AchillesWrath1]

Ok i got everything except a midi controller. Now i just need to learn how to use it all. I bought Logic Pro because i have a Macbook Pro and figured it would integrate well together. I also picked up some used A7x monitors and a Scarlett 2i2 interface. I feel like learning how to use all this stuff is the biggest hurdle to get over.

[@Karo_lcia]

Very nice. I also recommend Miloman - Abyss

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Solid tips Bad Snacks! Logic is really the best DAW for the buck. I really love it too! It's a lifetime of sounds in the package. I'm using Bitwig Studio and FL Studio too for various tasts. How's the keys on the Prophet? Great video! Cheers from Sweden!

[@spiritualgrowth2639]

this video was published exactly 2 years ago

[@barrycampion9679]

I use the op 1

[@baldeepsingh2557]

🔥

[@CivilGuy]

I used to connect my Suzuki SS-100 to my laptop via 1/4 to 3.5 aux cable... so sad but so true

[@badsnacks]

the jank is real and sometimes where the best ideas come from lol

[@mpclive5693]

She NEEDS the MPC X!

[@BLACKPEOPLESciFi]

I love your work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You really inspire me to keep learning. Please, please, please add vocals to Bringo! Its got such a cool neosoul vibe. I have one question. Did you completely concieve and compose Lift off! or was it a cover of another artist?

[@raphalopes495]

Awesome tips, thank you

[@manesmusicorum3330]

your the best

[@archiving-my-favorite-arti636]

is the Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition Mac/Windows a good thing to buy im a little hesitant

[@junglist1soldier]

So, although I would love a keystep pro & I was already looking at the reg keystep. Hoping that this was just a newer version of it but, this is more like the next step up. I have a Roland DJ-505 for which I was initially looking for a midi controller for it like the Arturia minilab II or, Novation MK 3. Basically, something with midi I/O. Then upon watching many synth vids, I find it more intuitive. The Analog is dope & my TRS has ABC. Having the option to go dawless is really cool & the laptop I have is pretty slow. So, until I build my gaming desktop or, upgrade the laptop I don't want to be restrained from utilizing a creative mood. Now, to the point of all this......here's my first synth possible's- Roland SE-02/SH01A or, Korg Volca Nubass or Volca Keys? The lower priced Korg's are definitely budget friendly on top of just buying DJ Controller, Studio Monitor's, Audio Interface, Furman power conditioner, case, headphones, etc. Also, keyboarding needs to be brushed up on which makes not only the analog more ideal than a midi-controller. If you were to provide me with any advice as with which to begin with, without worrying about any complaints in regards to your recommendation, what would ya' say? Around the $100-$300 range, with not just low price in mind but, I'm attempting to choose a synth with as many options as possible. Especially, with grimey, crunchy, wobbly bass tone's. From what I gathered, monophonic limits your note's, in comparison to a polyphonic & so I was keeping that in mind. Although, I've heard monophonic is not bad including for beginners. BTW, a couple others I considered were the Crave, Wasp, & Neutron. Might have forgotten to include another Behringer, & the Korg FM. Sorry for being so long winded. I know this first synth will be the beginning of a eurorack eventually. Keystep Pro 4 in the future. No matter what I purchase, I do an in depth review of all option's. While keeping in mind longevity & what options are & will be available to me in the future. Even if you could narrow it down to 2 options, that's cool. Keep up the great work! Novation's Circuit MonoStation looks great too!Behringer TD-3, & I found a Microbrute for $259. Decisions, decisions. So yeah, which would you suggest?

[@raphaelfunck]

Have you ever thought about a dawless live setup? Right now I'm really unsure whether to get more into a daw or buy a midi sequencer, like squirp pyramid. Have you tried dawless? Great video BTW :)

[@badsnacks]

Raphael Funck I perform live with a sampler so technically it is daw-less :)

[@sheetknows]

Hi, love your videos :) I just want to put something out there, I use pro tools every day at my day job (sound design, adr and mixing for tv, sometimes movies) and it's great for that, for making music, ESPECIALLY electronic music, i wouldn't want to touch it.... I own pro tools and reason, and i wouldn't even think of loading pro tools for making music.... It sucks at midi editing, AND if you're working out of the box (ie, the daw is everything you have, no other plug ins at all) it's probably the worst bang for the buck, especially if compared to logic or cubase or live. (Not to mention how often it likes to crash, at least compared to reason) Cheers!

[@yeetmeintotheabyss2893]

1: Laptop 2: Daw 3: No excuses you expensive fool (I am fool)

[@elmaildecamiloruiz]

Hi Badsnacks Question! Because I am an "oldschool" Reason user (5 version, love it, it works) and a real instrument guy, I've never used Ableton much, but, like you say, the work flow is very fast. I do find however that Ableton softsynths or some of the most common VST tend to sound much alike, and here's my question: how do YOU master your tracks to make them 'feel better'? I know the violin, Moog and the Prophet (❤️) MD other real machines make a very organic sound, but I find myself having a hard time finding a good mastering way to have the softsynths to sound "alive" at my home studio. When I go to the "big" studio my ingeneer guy (he's a total cutiepie and very good mixer) uses his real console and professional ultra-expensive tools so the sound goes through the circuitry and it does in fact sound bigger, which I like and try to recreate, but my ears always dislike the "homestudio softsynth DIY starter pack" feel. I've listened to pretty much all of your online work and, while your great taste makes the feel of it, I think you also found a good formula not to sound 'plastic'. Hope you can answer, thanks for sharing and you might not remember but a while back I asked an advice on your live Instagram thingy and it was a good advice. Bye!

[@KanalMcLP]

Thanks for the Video. I started making musik about a year ago and it still contained lots of advice! (But you could really sync your screen and camera. This flickering is awful.)

[@Cavanho]

Alright its time to Frito-Lay down some Mars bars *snickers sneakily*

[@BIG_PASTA]

wow lol

[@reazongiovanni3382]

Im using reason .been using it since 2.5 . Km working on two projects now

[@HeadbitePlays]

Hey BadSnacks! Hope You are well- great video. Wanted to ask how do you find that Empress Reverb - looking for something like that for Live situations - still undecided if I should go for Strymon, Empress or Ventris. Have a Great DAY!

[@badsnacks]

Marek Górski it is amazing!! Feels like a smooth & perfectly balanced gazpacho

[@papasmirx]

Everyone : yeah midi abelton samples.... Me : 😍 synth babe.

[@markb.7478]

I’m very entry level at electronic music. Bought my OWN arturia key step pro bc of the sequencer (trying to go dawless) Starting to realize I probably should’ve saved the money on an MPK + software but my laptop is super shitty lol.

[@aarushanshankar2075]

I use the Roland FA-08 but I don't really recommend it to beginners because of its price point at $1,800 USD. The product description is on this website: www.roland.com/ca/products/fa-08/

[@kensheeler7914]

What do you think of Reaper?

[@swfan95]

I'm currently looking into recording and looping live instruments through Ableton, so this has definitely helped me in regards to scouting an interface and a couple monitors. Thank you! What's your set up on the Launchpad for sequencing? I found myself utilising the Launchpad95 script extension but it's just sooo cumbersome.. Also: that #plantprogress on your spider plant tho :D

[@spookyfox3546]

So scarlet interface is only for monitoring or all your sound going through this interface? I mean like sound card?

[@B-Nice]

Dig the Yusef in the back!!

[@PiT0nZo]

Do you stream on Twitch?? Would tune in often to watch you play and what not live

[@vishnusriram]

Logic for the win! :D

[@TripleTSingt]

Cubase user here. never got into Ableton/Logic/FL. I hear FL is really unique in its controls while the other ones are rather similar. And I f***ing hate Pro Tools (my university has it installed in the sound studio and its driving me insane recording something there)…

[@TheGannoK]

Im certified in Protools, and a certified audio engineer. Let me tell you all something that will save you much more time down the road, If you're a LIVE PERFORMER or do any of recordings with midi controllers or like to have an approach thats very technical and allows you to build stuff up, basically bit by bit(Max for live), then Ableton is the DAW of choice, no reason to go anything else. It's the ultimate cretive powerhouse for music, visuals, led sequencing, and tons more with it's linking functionality and external capabilities built in. Protools just doesn't have Max for live(or max for protools in this case). Among the I/O being shit visually, access to shortcuts through the menus are annoying, and having to deal with AVID as someone from a programming, technical background is just infuriating and insulting. I seriously can't recommend Ableton enough. The only reason I am protools certified is because my school only offered protools and I wanted a degree in recordingwell broaden my skill set. I'm going to be getting my Ableton Trainer Certification soon, so stay tuned if you want some tutorials.

[@carcassfun9590]

Ableton master race

[@TommaurerMaurer]

Wanted to love love. I hate it. Reason and logic are so much better.

[@antonyb8739]

Which track did you produce?

[@DarkGloComics]

#6 Be fine as hell.

[@untrust2033]

"get started" and an op1 should never be in a thumbnail. Not even for a joke :(

[@april6574]

something to get started with that is a synth used volcas go for around $100 on reverb i suggest the volca keys the whole volca line is great they include drum machines and the volca bass is a good baseline synth

[@ToyKeeper]

Yeah, instead of an OP-1, people could probably get more out of a MPC or Deluge. The OP-1 is a nice scratch pad, but it's pretty awkward for making complete songs. Or, since she was recommending instruments to go with a DAW, a dedicated synth would probably be more appropriate. Something nice but still less expensive than an OP-1... like an Argon8, Microfreak, Minibrute 2, Hydrasynth module, Wavestate, Minilogue XD, or Digitone.

[@cawashka]

The OP-Z is a great way to get started, also half the price.

[@Mokikiify]

As someone who originally started playing rock, I “got started” with writing electronic music with the OP-1 and absolutely adore it

[@cawashka]

Evan Gorski Same here!

[@artkapana]

This is very useful thanks for sharing! about the lessons, do you do skype lessons if I'm in a dif country? :)

[@badsnacks]

Arturo Almanza yep! They’re all online

[@artkapana]

@@badsnacks sweet!! already apply :D

[@Monty5008]

How about “main stage 3” can it be used for electronic music?

[@GonzaloMoncada]

In my humble opinion, I think "real instruments" is not needed for beginning on music. I think the other things are more important to invest money in rather than on real instruments that are expensive. And an important point here for people that loves "analog" sounds and run away of "digital" sound: read the specs because nowadays there are lots of hardware synths whose main sound core is 100% digital. In the other hand, for me, the most important things are DAW, keyboard and monitors. On the internet, there are thousands of free instruments and fx (vst). And here a trick, if it sounds good, it's good. Customers do not understand about music productions. For them does not matters you use a hardware synth of 1000$ or a free VST, the sound is the only important thing. That does not mean when you have success, you'll invest money on whatever you'll decide (expensive synths included). But at the beginning, do not stick on "my gear is so cheap, I cannot do quality works". That's not true! And in order to end this thought, Reaper is needed to be typed. Nice video!

[@ENZEEVIDS]

good looks and youth.....if you want to be successful

[@Roboprogs]

And thus I’m gonna stick with computer programming for a living:-)

[@madyarghazinejad730]

It is really funny how you relate composing music to every equipment out there young woman.but have you ever consider availability for all of these devices in all around the world? for instance a monitoring set of speakers and sound card cost 14x times more in my country iran than us forget about you can find it or not even!! if youre really into making sounds and music you dont really need much more than a DAW and if you want to perform live thats whole another topic!!

[@hardcoreherbivore4730]

Start by taking those plants off your monitors.

[@kgreggbruce1552]

Stop telling other what to do, fascist.

[@nathanksimpson]

Why doesn't this channel have more followers? Amazingly insightful for beginners.

[@Krafty]

Only a matter of time! 😃

[@TheAhmadShow717]

Because in youtube they have sucriber 🤣🤣🤣

[@LastMinuteAndy]

People are sleeping on REAPER... best daw I’ve used hands down.

[@cristinahawke]

Agreed! And it's so affordable as well.

[@davidtrig]

Love Reaper

[@Phazerville]

Same!

[@nitroanilinmusic]

Unfriendly but its hidden power can smash galaxies

[@davidtrig]

true re. unfriendly hahah, like reading the instructions manual to a blender@@nitroanilinmusic

[@h.hristov]

6. Headphones 7. Microphone 8. Pop filter 9. Acoustic treatment 10. VSTs VSTs MORE VSTS

[@Chalisque]

I have a bad case of PAS (Plugin Acquisition Syndrome) and have way too many VSTs and not enough time to learn even half of them. But I find it so hard to stick to e.g. Zebra and just explore the hell out of it. I don't want to be a preset hopper, but can't help it.

[@camelCased]

1. A DAW, duh .... :) On a more serious note. I like ambient (not New Age as such and also not atmospheric chords alone; I need some rhythm and melody) & cinematically epic & world music; as examples for each - game soundtracks, especially the ones of Portal stories Mel; Thomas Bergersen; Deep Forest. But I'm not a fan of EDM. And here's the problem - most of the electronic music production is about EDM. It's not that easy to find beginner tutorials for other kinds of electronic music. Another problem. My music production usually starts with some melody that comes into my mind while jogging. I whistle it into my mp3 player and then I collect those ideas in my Todo folder... and, unfortunately, the ideas stay there untouched for years. The reason is - I'm afraid to screw it up because of chords and song structure. Most of my attempts turn out boring repetitions of the same pattern OR have a typical verse-chorus style which feels like a song without lyrics, and I don't want that. I struggle to make a complete musical piece out of my melodic ideas :( It would be really great to have tutorials on variation - how to expand upon a simple melodic idea to add chords, variations in instruments and patters to make it feel like a complete, integrated, engaging composition.

[@marlonurriola4763]

Hey what you said on Twitter is totally true, people comment these disgusting things, I have seen them in many videos, and it isn’t just you many other people need to deal with that, and it is truly sad. I personally like watching you because I like the music you make, as it sounds natural to me, not like other music that seems kind of robotic in a way. But please, do not let that people bother you, there are viewers who are deeply interested on what you do, which they find inspiring. Just ignore/delete those utterly useless comments and focus on they positive side. ( IK it isn’t that easy, but stick with us)

[@fuc3-]

a lot of people see a cute girl online and immediately comment inappropriate shit it's ridiculous

[@JayAyers]

I just came out of a concert thinking "I want to my my own music" and then you uploaded this video. You're reading my mind snacks.

[@gwendolynnowlan2427]

6 things you forgot electricity none of that works with out it.

[@Jukelikesgames]

Gwendolyn Nowlan 7 things. air to breath.

[@IslamBenfifi]

Also a penis to push all the buttons with

[@martinho5474]

@@IslamBenfifi LMAO

[@lorenzopagano5042]

Thank you so much! This was super useful for me, as I'm about to get started with attempting to make electronic music. When you don't have a background in this stuff it can be fairly confusing, but you broke it down really clearly. Much appreciated!

[@OmoiSenpai]

Hah. I made a list 5 video today as well ^_^ nice.

[@OmoiSenpai]

( 11:35) FL Studio uses a Plugin called Slicex for chopping and altering Samples to be used as Midi!

[@nickthecatowner]

Yay! Learning from one of my favorite producers! 😁🌈

[@SneakSounds]

This was extremely helpful and I'm so glad that you're sharing some knowledge with us and your opinions on what worked for you. I really want to look into midi controllers and the list you have def made the search much easier. Thanks and hopefully one day I can sign up for the classes.

[@dn8598]

..by far the best and most useful intro to the world of electronic music production on KZbin - straight to the point, perfect balance between the basics & essential detail. Thank you @badsnacks, I've learnt more from this 10-min video than days of research.

[@BoombapArt]

I guess a DAW and a few samples are enough to get going. Great video!

[@powerfusev2]

bae snacks

[@nosleepclique5127]

Bad Snacks, i just wanted to let you know that you're straight up inspirational, your music is fucking awesome, and i learn something EVERY TIME I WATCH your videos. Thank you for the good music and thank you for the good information. Also, Neat Tape was SICK :D

[@badsnacks]

No Sleep Clique 💛💛💛

[@DanFingermanOctopus]

For anyone considering FL Studio, it might have a bad reputation in some circles, but I can highly recommend it. The piano roll and extreme automation possibilities are amazing. If you can think of it, you can automate it. For example, you can change the tracks an audio recording plays on with automation.

[@GuidoGautsch]

If you can't afford an interface/monitors, a pair of good headphones works too to get started. Beyerdynamic DT770s, AT-50s etc are awesome and you'll hear the bass accurately. But to mix properly, it helps to have monitors. An awesome free sample library is LABS by Spitfire audio. Amazing quality samples for $0

[@GuidoGautsch]

Also, Native Instruments' M32 MIDI keyboard comes with a bunch of excellent soft synths and samples, and the keyboard is mapped to a bunch of controls in them.