Producing

[JamesShepard]

okay People

I need advise on production equipment.

1st off where's the best place to purchase the hardware.

2nd i have around $1200-$1500 to spend and want as much equipment as possible with that amount of money.

of course i know nothing about producing, so any help from experienced people would be greatly appreciated.

[b0ld]

what type of stuff do you plan on producing??

[Rytalin]

-An Athlon, P4 or better
-An M Audio card
-A midi controller
-A pair of decent speakers
-Bit torrent


That's all you really need nowadays to get started.


Check these things out:
http://www.midiman.com/index.php?do=...diointerfacekb


Midi controller + audio interface all in one... kill two birds with one stone.

THe Audiophile 2496 is really good too though... M Audio cards are ProTools compatable now, so if your serious, it really doesn't make much sense to go with anything else.


Actual real synths are really cool to record with, but first you need something solid to record them to.


Monitors are a definite must at some point, but if you have a good audio latency, you can still write some pretty cool stuff with whatever speakers you have kicking around.

[esoter1c]

1/2 lb of AAA weed ?

lol.........had to.

[JamesShepard]

Originally Posted by Rytalin

-An Athlon, P4 or better
-An M Audio card
-A midi controller
-A pair of decent speakers
-Bit torrent


That's all you really need nowadays to get started.


Check these things out:
http://www.midiman.com/index.php?do=...diointerfacekb


Midi controller + audio interface all in one... kill two birds with one stone.

THe Audiophile 2496 is really good too though... M Audio cards are ProTools compatable now, so if your serious, it really doesn't make much sense to go with anything else.


Actual real synths are really cool to record with, but first you need something solid to record them to.


Monitors are a definite must at some point, but if you have a good audio latency, you can still write some pretty cool stuff with whatever speakers you have kicking around.

sweet man!

Thanks for your help.

[~god~]

buy a few books.

I'd totally invest in an MBOX II. it comes with Protools LE.

[Revolver]

tight on cash? look into ozonic by m-audio.

-midi controller
-audio interface
-supported by reason m powerd...good all in one pkg

^couldnt really go wrong with that. invest in a good audio front end later if you plan on doing proper recordings but i get the sense youll most likely be sequencing samples out of like reason or fruityloops or something

spend as much as you can on your monitors.spend as much as you can on your monitors spend as much as you can on your monitors. seriously dude spend as much as you can on your monitors.

been using beringer truths for a few years now. i know em,i love them,lots of corssover controls on the back and self power...basically a copy of mackies hr series. good deal for the price. but those m-audio monitors seem to be a really solid buy as well.....

fucking m-audio's got some brilliant shit. also owned by avid...so thats good too,

[gnosis]

Well, it seems the majority of the repliers assume dude's talking about "producing" sound.

However, b0ld's question still begs:

"what type of stuff do you plan on producing??"

I'd still like to hear what Sheps has to say...

Frosty
(Pick a Medium, dammit!)

[JamesShepard]

Im going to be producing mostly house and breaks and possibly some hip hop.

With pro tools will i need another program aswell or is pro tools a key board and monitors enough.

also i will be using a laptop that i just got at christmas will there be any problems with that.

again thanks for all the help.

[-evil-duerr-]

Novation Ships X-Station 25 Synthesizer/Controller



(Click for a close-up) May 9, 2004
The new X-Station 25 integrates a Novation synthesizer, an audio interfacr, MIDI controller, MIDI interface and a multi-effects processor, complete with USB or battery power for extended total mobility.

X-Station is designed with live performance in mind, offering semi-weighted keys and aftertouch. What's more, the extensive remote control surface provides a massive 150 virtual controls per template. X-Station offers a total of 55 assignable physical controls, including 3 Encoders, 16 pots, 9 sliders and 22 buttons. A joystick controller and an assignable X/Y touch pad controller complete the picture.

The on-board DSP processor is another feature, delivering 2 multi-effects processors and a hardware synthesizer. The 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer model is based on the Novation KS-series and is 8-voice polyphonic. The control interface provides instant access to most parameters, making sound creation fast and intuitive. The synthesizer is totally integrated with computer recording setups: the stereo audio output is sent straight through the USB cable and into any ASIO-compatible application running on Mac OS X or Windows XP.

An audio interface turns X-Station into a recording environment as well: Two phantom-powered preamps, 24-bit converters, two Neutrik combined XLR and jack sockets, digital S/PDIF out, and more. Dedicated headphone and monitoring connections with separate controls even enable the user to work without a mixer.
The onboard DSP effects processor delivers zero-latency multi-effects for monitoring or recording. Each audio or synth channel has its own effects chain with up to six effects simultaneously. The available effects include Chorus, Delay, Reverb Distortion, EQ and a Compressor. Effects can be routed for recording but also for monitoring only (e.g. giving the singer Reverb while recording).

On top of that, X-Station has an on-board MIDI Interface for the integration of external MIDI Gear. X-Station includes a Power Supply, but can be run off batteries or with USB power. Suitable batteries may even be recharged automatically via the USB connection.

The X-Station 25 carries an MSRP of US $ 799 / EURO 749 (inc. VAT) / UK 499 (inc. VAT). Novation will also introduces 49- and 61-key versions later this spring.

Feature Summary:

• Virtual analog hardware synthesizer based on Novation KS-engine with 200 presets.
• Multi-effects processor with up to 6 simultaneous effects on each channel: Reverb / Chorus or Phaser / Delay / Compressor / Distortion and EQ.
• MIDI remote control surface, all controls assignable. Each template can control up to 150 virtual controls. Program storage for 40 templates. Factory presets for packages including Reason, Native Instruments Plug-Ins, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Live 2 etc.
• Keyboard with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys (49 and 61 versions available soon) and aftertouch.
• 24-bit simultaneous 2 channel audio I/O (44.1 / 48 Khz).
• Dual low noise, high bandwidth audio pre-amps ( >70 dB headroom) with phantom power.
• Separate controls for Line Levels and Headphones, zero latency headphone monitoring and SPDIF digital out
• USB MIDI Interface with 1 In and 2 Outs
• Can be powered via Batteries, USB or supplied PSU
• Recharges suitable batteries via USB
• Phantom Power also delivered via USB or batteries

For more information, visit their web site at www.novationmusic.com.




havent tried it myself. but the specs are damn attractive arent they? :)

[JamesShepard]

Originally Posted by -evil-duerr-

Novation Ships X-Station 25 Synthesizer/Controller



(Click for a close-up) May 9, 2004
The new X-Station 25 integrates a Novation synthesizer, an audio interfacr, MIDI controller, MIDI interface and a multi-effects processor, complete with USB or battery power for extended total mobility.

X-Station is designed with live performance in mind, offering semi-weighted keys and aftertouch. What's more, the extensive remote control surface provides a massive 150 virtual controls per template. X-Station offers a total of 55 assignable physical controls, including 3 Encoders, 16 pots, 9 sliders and 22 buttons. A joystick controller and an assignable X/Y touch pad controller complete the picture.

The on-board DSP processor is another feature, delivering 2 multi-effects processors and a hardware synthesizer. The 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer model is based on the Novation KS-series and is 8-voice polyphonic. The control interface provides instant access to most parameters, making sound creation fast and intuitive. The synthesizer is totally integrated with computer recording setups: the stereo audio output is sent straight through the USB cable and into any ASIO-compatible application running on Mac OS X or Windows XP.

An audio interface turns X-Station into a recording environment as well: Two phantom-powered preamps, 24-bit converters, two Neutrik combined XLR and jack sockets, digital S/PDIF out, and more. Dedicated headphone and monitoring connections with separate controls even enable the user to work without a mixer.
The onboard DSP effects processor delivers zero-latency multi-effects for monitoring or recording. Each audio or synth channel has its own effects chain with up to six effects simultaneously. The available effects include Chorus, Delay, Reverb Distortion, EQ and a Compressor. Effects can be routed for recording but also for monitoring only (e.g. giving the singer Reverb while recording).

On top of that, X-Station has an on-board MIDI Interface for the integration of external MIDI Gear. X-Station includes a Power Supply, but can be run off batteries or with USB power. Suitable batteries may even be recharged automatically via the USB connection.

The X-Station 25 carries an MSRP of US $ 799 / EURO 749 (inc. VAT) / UK 499 (inc. VAT). Novation will also introduces 49- and 61-key versions later this spring.

Feature Summary:

• Virtual analog hardware synthesizer based on Novation KS-engine with 200 presets.
• Multi-effects processor with up to 6 simultaneous effects on each channel: Reverb / Chorus or Phaser / Delay / Compressor / Distortion and EQ.
• MIDI remote control surface, all controls assignable. Each template can control up to 150 virtual controls. Program storage for 40 templates. Factory presets for packages including Reason, Native Instruments Plug-Ins, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Live 2 etc.
• Keyboard with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys (49 and 61 versions available soon) and aftertouch.
• 24-bit simultaneous 2 channel audio I/O (44.1 / 48 Khz).
• Dual low noise, high bandwidth audio pre-amps ( >70 dB headroom) with phantom power.
• Separate controls for Line Levels and Headphones, zero latency headphone monitoring and SPDIF digital out
• USB MIDI Interface with 1 In and 2 Outs
• Can be powered via Batteries, USB or supplied PSU
• Recharges suitable batteries via USB
• Phantom Power also delivered via USB or batteries

For more information, visit their web site at www.novationmusic.com.




havent tried it myself. but the specs are damn attractive arent they? :)

holy shit that thing is crazy. Thanks for taking the time man. I can't wait to start working on tracks. Im worried ill never leave my apartment.

[JamesShepard]

this is what i was thinking of geting.

propellerheads reason 3.0 software

Steinbeg cubase sl 3.0 software

m-audio Radium 49 usb Audio keyboard controller

Tascam us-122 usb audio interface

behringer b2031a studio monitors

What do you think?

[Ryan Ross]

^^^
Im using pretty much that exact setup (minus the monitors, a korg M1 as a midi controller + a bit of hardware). It works pretty damn well and theres lots that can be done with it. Not that im saying its right, but you can get all that software for free if you wanted... Either way you go though, I think it makes more sense to get software to play around with for a while and see if its really your thing before you go dropping huge wads of cash on hardware.

[DjAshes]

Dont get the behringers

Get the KRK-v6's or 8's


stick with either reason or cubase. dont buy both


I'd suggest getting reason since its MUCH easier to learn than cubase and isn't as expensive. if you outgrow reason then try cubase, but theres a lot of shit you need to learn and I find either reason or fruity loops studio are the best programs for beginners.

[Ryan Ross]

^^^
why wouldnt you get both? Im using both linked up through rewire and it works really well.

why wouldnt you get both? Im using both linked up through rewire and it works really wel

Why would you use Reason when you have Cubase + and endless amount of 3rd party vsts? I hear that a lot of people use rewire, but im still not exactly sure why. the cubase midi editor/environment is far better IMO.

How powerful is your laptop? Reason is very CPU friendly; cubase on the other hand is a hog. If you're going to go for a pure software solution, I'd suggest putting a lot of money into your computer (CPU, memory). Although this might sound silly, you should really consider a dual LCD monitor setup.

Based on your budget, it might be smarter to get a good pair of studio headphones instead of a cheaper set of studio monitors.

[Rytalin]

[Tascam us-122 usb audio interface]

Are you planning on recording live instruments or vocals much?

This thing looks pretty nice for that, but if your just gonna be playing around digitally, a small M-Audio interface would probably do you alot better.

[JamesShepard]

Originally Posted by Blunted

^^^
Im using pretty much that exact setup (minus the monitors, a korg M1 as a midi controller + a bit of hardware). It works pretty damn well and theres lots that can be done with it. Not that im saying its right, but you can get all that software for free if you wanted... Either way you go though, I think it makes more sense to get software to play around with for a while and see if its really your thing before you go dropping huge wads of cash on hardware.

Where can i get the sofware for free?

Im a little worried about downloading off some randome site.

[JamesShepard]

Originally Posted by Junglist

Why would you use Reason when you have Cubase + and endless amount of 3rd party vsts? I hear that a lot of people use rewire, but im still not exactly sure why. the cubase midi editor/environment is far better IMO.

How powerful is your laptop? Reason is very CPU friendly; cubase on the other hand is a hog. If you're going to go for a pure software solution, I'd suggest putting a lot of money into your computer (CPU, memory). Although this might sound silly, you should really consider a dual LCD monitor setup.

Based on your budget, it might be smarter to get a good pair of studio headphones instead of a cheaper set of studio monitors.

I just got the the new tech headphones but i want monitors for sure. I have pretty decent kenwood speakers but everyone keeps saying monitors are soo important. The laptops new i just got it last christmas, so like a year old. Plus iv used reason before but i wasent crazy about it. id almost rather get another program i just have no fucking clew on what to get.

[JamesShepard]

Originally Posted by Rytalin

[Tascam us-122 usb audio interface]

Are you planning on recording live instruments or vocals much?

This thing looks pretty nice for that, but if your just gonna be playing around digitally, a small M-Audio interface would probably do you alot better.

Not really

At least not yet. Ill look into the m-audio interface.

[Ryan Ross]

Originally Posted by Junglist

Why would you use Reason when you have Cubase + and endless amount of 3rd party vsts? I hear that a lot of people use rewire, but im still not exactly sure why. the cubase midi editor/environment is far better IMO.

How powerful is your laptop? Reason is very CPU friendly; cubase on the other hand is a hog. If you're going to go for a pure software solution, I'd suggest putting a lot of money into your computer (CPU, memory). Although this might sound silly, you should really consider a dual LCD monitor setup.

I mostly use reason for drum programming, I guess i find it easy to use. I havent really tried any vst's for drum programming though... Any suggestions? Any good sites for VST's in general? I only have a handful at the moment. There is that issue of CPU power too though, in a couple tracks where I have too much shit going in cubase (automations and stuff) it sounds like muddy asshole until i export as an audio file.

[Ryan Ross]

Originally Posted by Sheps

Plus iv used reason before but i wasent crazy about it. id almost rather get another program i just have no fucking clew on what to get.

What werent you crazy about? If you found it too confusing then i wouldnt really reccommend getting anything else at the moment as I've found it to be one of the easiest programs to use. I may be wrong here though, anyone else?

[JamesShepard]

Originally Posted by Blunted

What werent you crazy about? If you found it too confusing then i wouldnt really reccommend getting anything else at the moment as I've found it to be one of the easiest programs to use. I may be wrong here though, anyone else?

I didnt find it hard to use at all. But i didnt really get a chance to play with it all that much. Im just wondering if theres something better out there for the same amount of money.