Since noone has replied yet, I decided to have a go at answering your question...I'm only a newbie hobby producer, so please don't take these answers as the only ones, I merely offer my oppinion.

You asked for "must have software", I have thought about this and the only really MUST HAVE software I can think of, is a sequencer, something like cakewalk or Logic etc.. Get a sequencer, then get hold of a decent hardware synth (hint: to find out good synths, look at the websites of your favourite producers, it often says on there what kit they use!). So, you have your synth, sequencer, you are now capable of being a trance music god!

Seriously though, I think the question you might have intended to ask would have been "What programs do people recommend to help with producing?". The answer to this will vary greatly.

Some people swear that hardware is the only way to go, other people say "Reason" or software versions of hardware are just as good, other people use different programs still. There is alot of personal preference involved, my advice would probably to be to try a range of programs and see which ones allow you to most easily transfer the music from your head into your pc. Some are more intuitive than others.

There are loads of programs you can use to get certain effects and sounds, such as softsynths and plugins. But the biggest problem I had was with the interface of various programs.

One thing that seems to be universal across PC music producers is that a keyboard is recommended, as without it, you spend too much time clicking and fiddling and your creativity and inspiration has
since vanished.

This reply is quite un specific, because the truth is, there is no one answer to your question. People can really only share their experiences and you try and see what works for you.

Some pointers:
Sequencers: Cubase, Logic, CakeWalk, FruityLoops
SoftSynths: Vaz,Reaktor,Retro etc

Hope this helps you.

If you are gonna produce sample/loop based music:

• Sonic Foundry ACID 3 Pro
  
• Sonic Foundry Sound Forge 5
  
• Steinberg WaveLab 3
  
• Waves AudioTrack (DirectX plugin)
  
• Cakewalk Audio FX Packs (DirectX plugins)
  
• Sonic Foundry XFX (DirectX plugins)
  
• a few gigabytes with eJay or Magix loops/samples
  

this should keep any newbie occupied for weeks


PLEEEEASE do not start using Magix or eJay software... They are the McDonalds of the music world. The only good thing about Magix and eJay are that they have LOADS and LOADS of really great sounding loops and samples!

___________________
Irios

www.subloop.com

I use hardware, but i sequence it with Cakewalk and i could not do much good without it.

Also, i do HD recording and post-editing (and intensive sample editing) with Cooledit 96. I know there are newer versions out there but i will not switch becuz it's such a damn good program!

quote:

Originally posted by Pjotr G I use hardware, but i sequence it with Cakewalk and i could not do much good without it. Also, i do HD recording and post-editing (and intensive sample editing) with Cooledit 96. I know there are newer versions out there but i will not switch becuz it's such a damn good program!

My advice to you, if you use Hardware, is to get the software Reason
as far as I know, it's the best software for music production, especially if you have hardware connected to the PC...

as for sound editing, I would suggest Sound Forge 5.0 and above...

well, that's what I use and I have to tell you that my audio sounds very professional...

quote:

Originally posted by Gil Shwarts My advice to you, if you use Hardware, is to get the software Reason as far as I know, it's the best software for music production, especially if you have hardware connected to the PC...

I sequence on a Pentium 90 with 8 mb ram, which works without glitches as long as you use it for pure midi signaling and nothing else (like FX or softsynths). I don't think reason would do much for me on that machine.
BTW my audio sound professional too hehe (see amateur section)

Thanks Guys, I really appreciate all the info!

I have heard propeller heads 'Reason' combines everything you'll need to produce into one piece of software!

quote:

Originally posted by Gil Shwarts My advice to you, if you use Hardware, is to get the software Reason as far as I know, it's the best software for music production, especially if you have hardware connected to the PC...

well, i have to say i dont agree with you in this mather...
the best software for this would be cubase vst 5....
it kick ass

___________________
BA-DUM-TSS

quote:

ALFI - BOHICA - DJ MIX (Stream+Dropbox)