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Posted by Vlad on Sep-16-2003 20:02:

Where do I start?

Hey guys, I just have a few questions about producing...

I just want to know where to get started, people say get Fruity Loops or Reason... which is cool, but programs arent my thing. I like doing things by hand although I will use Reason as well. I just want to know what is the essential equipment Im gonna need to get started. Yes Im willing to spend alot of money, not all at once though, it will be a slow and steady process of buying this stuff since I am a beginner DJ as well. For now all I know about and want is an iMac Powerbook and a Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox.

Help... please...
Thanks.

Posted by Trancevision on Sep-16-2003 20:20:

just go HERE

or

HERE

should be enough for the moment to read

Trancevision

Posted by Vlad on Sep-16-2003 22:20:

Ok, thanks to that search, my list is extended to:

iMac Powerbook
Roland MC-909 Sampling Groovebox
Cubase/Fruity Loops Studio/Reason
MIDI or Synth

any other essential things Im missing?

and what are some good MIDI players?

Posted by hey cheggy on Sep-17-2003 09:14:

Groovebox? Why? The groovebox is like a multi-tool. It has something for everything, but if you want the goods, you should get everything individually.

Posted by arctic on Sep-17-2003 09:38:

When you say a 'midi player', elaborate. Are you looking for a synth that can handle midi, or a player that plays midi files etc.

More info

Posted by hey cheggy on Sep-17-2003 10:14:

What do you mean by "midi or synth". I already showed you a good quality midi player in your other thread. I get the fealing you are getting mixed up in all the terminoligy.

A midi controller is a keyboard that makes midi data.
A midi player is a little toy like an mp3 player that just plays midi files. Really good ones are used to sequence all your midi files and send them out to hardware.
A synth recieves midi data and turns it into a sound.

Posted by Vlad on Sep-17-2003 16:59:

Ok so an example of a MIDI player would be like Reason?

I know an example of a synth would be the Virus KC

What would be a MIDI controller?

Im a real newb to all of this... that why I asked for suggestions on what equipment I would need.

Posted by Vlad on Sep-17-2003 21:49:

Is a Mackie CFX-20 Compact Studio Mixer good for a production use?

Posted by Cuervo79 on Sep-18-2003 00:47:

U got the $$$ for the hardware? if I were you I'd research more no good buying all that stuff if you're not going to use it, download the demos of reason or Fl studio, play around with them to get an idea of what its like, and then ask...

Posted by Vlad on Sep-18-2003 03:20:

quote:
Originally posted by Cuervo79
U got the $$$ for the hardware? if I were you I'd research more no good buying all that stuff if you're not going to use it, download the demos of reason or Fl studio, play around with them to get an idea of what its like, and then ask...

I have played with programs, but Im more of a hands on person... which in this case isnt too great. Im probably gonna spend all of Friday trying to figure out Fruity Loops since its probably the easier of all the programs to use.

Posted by arctic on Sep-18-2003 13:25:

quote:
Originally posted by Vlad
Ok so an example of a MIDI player would be like Reason?

I know an example of a synth would be the Virus KC

What would be a MIDI controller?

Im a real newb to all of this... that why I asked for suggestions on what equipment I would need.

No, reason is a software studio/sequencer, as is fl. A midi player is simply something that can play a midi file (Winamp )

Posted by Vlad on Sep-18-2003 23:51:

Whats are some good drum machines?

I think PvD uses Roland drum machines...

Posted by Atma on Sep-19-2003 02:36:

yeah, PVD uses the Roland TR-909 but, you'll have to end up paying some high price for it so Unless you really want it, I wouldn't go out and buy it. Here's a page with info on the TR909

As for other drum machines, the TR-808 is another good one but it too is also pricey(The AdBot Average Price: US$830), and kind of hard to find unless you get one used off ebay.

I have a Korg ER-1 drum machine but the only thing I like about it are it's kicks. most of the other stuff is pretty blah. I mostly use a sample based drum VST by the name of Battery. Link : http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?battery_us

I also hear the Dr-008 is a good Drum VST. Link : http://www.fxpansion.com/dr008.html

and so is the Waldorf Attack VST. Link :http://waldorf-ag.com/products/attack/

hope this helps

Posted by Vlad on Sep-19-2003 03:54:

What about these... they seem pretty good and the price looks pretty reasonable:

Boss DR770 Drum Machine w/ Digital Effects $349.95

Boss DR670 Dr. Rythym Drum Machine $299.95

Boss SP505 Rhythm Machine/Sampler $495.99

Is a sampler necessary?

Posted by Atma on Sep-19-2003 04:10:

A sampler isn't really necessary but if you want one, a software sampler would be the way to go. I'm not sure about any of those because I have no experience with them so I can't help you there. sorry.

Edit : just re-read my post and it's worded funny. what I meant was, I have no experience with those Drum Machines you posted. If you want a good software sampler I reccomend Native Instruments' Kontakt.