Main equipment needed for beginners

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-- Main equipment needed for beginners

Posted by Transcemi on Dec-12-2001 05:31:

Main equipment needed for beginners

Let's post the main equipment that anyone need for producing.
not the best, not the worst
just the main equipment.

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-12-2001 09:07:

I don't think there are 2 producers out there with the same setup....

so go out and listen to everything and decide what U need

[edit] i saw you are new to producing, there are a couple of different "sorts" of devices in a studio (some machines perform more functions tho)

-mixer
-synth
-sampler
-drumcomputer
-sequencer
-controller

[/edit]

Posted by Serp on Dec-12-2001 13:24:

What about a synth, sequencer (logic, cubase etc) and a decent sound card? .. surely you dont need a hardware mixer (unless you are serious and/or have the cash), is there any differences with say the mixer in Logic audio compared to a hardware mixer that you are aware of?

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-12-2001 13:30:

Like I said, sometimes one device performs more than one function....What you suggest is using the pc as sequencer AND mixer AND i dunno what more. I like a hardware mixer better becuz you can tweak TWO buttons at the same time hehe. Especially if you want to do something like a live-set (which i want to do in the future), you will NEED the ability to mute/unmute, EQ, level more channels at once....a pc won't cut it in a live environment (truly live = not everything pre programmed). It also depends on the way you like to work. Personnaly I like some real time control over putting everything in my sequencer with program changes and stuff. (a controller like kenton control freak can work miracles at this too)
[edit] when you sequence more than one device you will need a hardware mixer to put it all together anyways. Or one of them soundcards with multiple inputs, they are expensive! [/edit]

Posted by Serp on Dec-12-2001 13:57:

Yeah, true (about the multi outputs)

I would prefer a hardware mixer, it would just feel like you have more control over your music rather than moving a graphical button with your mouse!

i'm looking at buying a Yamaha CS6x which is a control synth + sampler
i'm looking for a soundcard too, but im not sure what sound card would suit me best..

i have a pIII 600mhz pc with 128mb ram, (soon to be upgraded)

i really have no idea about midi routing and all that, i am new to the hardware world .. lol

hope someone can help

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-12-2001 15:26:

it all depends on what you want. I think nowadays about any soundcard allows you to sequence midi (with a cable stuck in your joystick port), so that's not a problem. Your current soundcard is prolly enough to sequence a CS6x. But if you want to route multiple outs from you CS6x (it has 4 rite?)back to your pc, for instance to apply software FX, you would need a soundcard with multiple inputs, like the midiman delta 44. Not my choice anyways.

Posted by Serp on Dec-12-2001 15:38:

ah rite, i have a vibra 128 at the moment.. its an OK soundcard.. can't say much more.

I was worrying most about latency, should it be a problem?
i'd like to get at least 50ms minimum

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-12-2001 15:55:

With asio drivers your should be able to stay far beneath that.

Posted by Serp on Dec-12-2001 15:57:

F@#KIN sweet, I really didn't want to have to spend more money on a soundcard!

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-12-2001 16:04:

that's what i THINK eh so don't you come kill me with a chainsaw if it ain't workin

Posted by Serp on Dec-12-2001 16:11:

well i dont see why it wouldnt work
i wont kill you ... with a chainsaw at least

muahaha

only kidding

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-12-2001 16:18:

Not that I know where to get those drivers...the version of cubase that dj pete put out for the remix comp had those drivers with it i think

and if that don't work, some sequencers have latency compensation (slows down the rest too so it all syncs), dunno much bout that tho

Posted by Robert on Dec-13-2001 00:35:

hmm... lately i just use my laptop with reason. when too many things are going on at once it starts to crack up so i just turn of some parts. if that still doesnt work i copy it all over to another faster pc where i can use an external keyboard.

Posted by Pjotr G on Dec-13-2001 10:08:

Well that has nothing to do with latency, that is just you cpu being too slow for all that musicmakin'power

latency is the time it takes between the sequencer giving the note on command and the device it goes to churning our the sound. With only one piece of gear, or only using your soundcard, high latency isn't really a problem, since all the tracks have the same latency. It is a problem when you try to play freejazz on your controller keyboard tho. You push a button and the sound comes out a second later