[BOSKY]

Can y'all suggest me a free and easy music making software? I want something that can create beats and where you can also drop in audio.

Also, what kind of mic do y'all suggest for singing/rapping?

Thank you.

[little feet]

i think reason is probably the type of thing you're after but it's pricey.. so i did a quick "free alternative search" and theses were the results..

http://alternativeto.net/software/reason/?license=free

possibly using audacity to record your audio and something like caustic for the rack mounting you get in reason..

as for microphones, shure's are the most common choice.. sm58's or beta 57's are good mics.. i bought a behringer c1 usb condenser mic recently.. it's ok considering it was only £50.

i know nothing about recording though.. so hopefully someone else will give you some proper advice soon

[nickbrant]

I have been searching for free music creation software as well.

Here is what worked for me.

http://www.studiotoolz.net/

www.magix.com/us/free-download/music-maker/

You could try to find alternatives here(http://www.similarto.us/studiotoolz.net/)

[Craig Watkins]

 use reaper which is pretty good

http://www.reaper.fm/

[manninomusic]

Reaper is great. Magix was my upgrade from Reaper, I paid $40 for it. After that, I got Logic Pro X, and that was quite the upgrade, that's all I can say.

[pompeyjazz]

Another recommendation for Reaper. You can download the whole version for free on trial and licence only costs $60 which was about £37 when I bought it. An amazing piece of software with some wonderful free plugins

John

[manninomusic]

As far as the microphone, SM 58's are good, but for vocals I would go for a condenser microphone. There a bit more money, but worth every penny. Doesent mean you cant make good recordings with an sm 58 though. I currently have a Blue Spark, but I started with ghe Samson C01.