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-- Is it possible to avoid fancy software and still be able to produce some A+ tracks ?

Is it possible to avoid fancy software and still be able to produce some A+ tracks ?

I was just having this argument with my friend, and I wanted to know what you guys's opinion is. I think it's not so hard given the right equipment.

The only equipment that I use is a Korg Electribe EMX-1 synthesizer / Music prduction station (which I absolutely love) and a simple CASIO CTK-700 used as midi controller for the synthesizer.

I find myself in desperate need for more synths in my tracks and my synthesizer can support up to 5 per track, however if I get two of them then I will end up with 10 per track then I will be talking business.
Also I find myself in a desperate need for independent volume controller for each synth.

Maybe you guys can share some experience with me on my choices here .

this belongs in the production forum.

quote:

Originally posted by Vero this belongs in the production forum.

Correct.

And to answer the question, yes. There once was a time when music was entirely analog. Basically the 1980s and earlier.

quote:

Originally posted by Demoted Correct. And to answer the question, yes. There once was a time when music was entirely analog. Basically the 1980s and earlier.

Demoted's right. All those tunes were made with fancy hardware.

OK, now that we have an agreeement point here.I have mentioned the hardware that I have and that I feel a need for something else amongst my gear what would that be ? What would you guys think would dramatically improve my track's quality / make my productions much simpler ?

DJ BERKAT

quote:

Originally posted by DJ BERKAT OK, now that we have an agreeement point here.I have mentioned the hardware that I have and that I feel a need for something else amongst my gear what would that be ? What would you guys think would dramatically improve my track's quality / make my productions much simpler ? D BERKAT

Production skills.

It takes time and practice to convert from a noob to a producer.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery Production skills.

I understand that, and I agree that it takes time and patience I am not rushing any of that, but what I am wondering about is that considering how small my set is (just an EMX-1) would there be something you guys might think would be a good idea to try out and maybe add to the set ?

I know this type of question wouldn't be easy to answer as there is no specefic answer to it, but put yourself in my place what would you go out and grab next to improve the quality of your tracks ?

DJ BERKAT

Ableton Live

Blue Man Group.

quote:

Originally posted by Zild Ableton Live

Thank you for the suggestion however Ableton Live is a software music sequencer, I am looking for hardware only.

DJ BERKAT

quote:

Originally posted by r5a Blue Man Group.

Well then if you want only hardware (i can't understand why) You should get something like an MC-909, a few nice synths like an Access Virus/Nord/Ect.., and maybe a nice sampler like an MPC. That is going to definitely cost you. I don't really understand the difference between hardware and software except that hardware is a lot more expensive and takes up a lot more room and isn't as flexible as software. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone making anything good without using some sort of software at least a multitracker like Cubase or ProTools is used by almost everyone even those using just hardware synths/drum machines.

quote:

Originally posted by Zild Well then if you want only hardware (i can't understand why) You should get something like an MC-909, a few nice synths like an Access Virus/Nord/Ect.., and maybe a nice sampler like an MPC. That is going to definitely cost you. I don't really understand the difference between hardware and software except that hardware is a lot more expensive and takes up a lot more room and isn't as flexible as software. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone making anything good without using some sort of software at least a multitracker like Cubase or ProTools is used by almost everyone even those using just hardware synths/drum machines.

Oh I remember when I was trying out the Electribe EMX-1 at the local music store before I bought it, as I was playing away, I was taking little sneak peaks at the Roland MC-909 on my right and I was just drooling but the $ 2K price tag scared me so bad that I didn't want to try lest I like it and burn a big hole in my pocket doing so

Well to answer your question I guess since I was a kid I had this fascination with music hardware and being able to do live performances...etc software is great don't me get me wrong I am a programmer, but it's a major letdown for me to see that all of the good software is for windows and it just pisses me off being a Linux guy myself to have a windows box just for my music production, so I decided since I enjoy improvising with my tracks and like doing editing on the fly I would like to stick to hardware only.

DJ BERKAT

One thing you could do is use a multitracker that runs in Linux (i know they have some and rewire apps and other stuff you should look it up) and record your parts individually to it. That way you can have as many tracks as you want and you can control the volume individually.

Another thing you might want to check out since you're a programmer is something called Supercollider. Ableton Live was written using Supercollider if I'm correct.

And as to jamming out your tracks live and doing edits on the fly that is exactly what I personally use Ableton Live for most of my latest jams aren't sequenced out I just have the loops and I jam them live with the software.

quote:

Originally posted by Zild One thing you could do is use a multitracker that runs in Linux (i know they have some and rewire apps and other stuff you should look it up) and record your parts individually to it. That way you can have as many tracks as you want and you can control the volume individually. Another thing you might want to check out since you're a programmer is something called Supercollider. Ableton Live was written using Supercollider if I'm correct. And as to jamming out your tracks live and doing edits on the fly that is exactly what I personally use Ableton Live for most of my latest jams aren't sequenced out I just have the loops and I jam them live with the software.

I like using Audacity for touching up glitches and that sort of stuff, I can do Multi tracking in Audacity, but still it complicates stuff for me being a hardware guy you know.

It makes perfect sense to avoid hardware as the software is so cost efficient, however lets take something like the Roland MC-909 I love the capabilities on that thing, now I do know that all what the MC-909 does can be simulated via software,but how about making a complete Roland MC-909 that does nothing but control over the software version and let the powerful PC do all of the processing ? Now something like that I would buy just like that as it would cost a fraction of the real thing.

I hope my idea was clear

DJ BERKAT

You can get a control surface that would basically do what you're talking about. With motorized faders and assignable knobs and buttons etc. But they run about $1000

well i supose it depends how much hardware u are using, there are some very usable FREE sequencers out there, so as long as u can come up with some sounds of your own.

the fancy stuff genraly makes things a little faster, lines things up better etc...

but ive made perfectly listnables sonds with a microphone and some recorded sounds...i then changed the pitches (i did use a bit of fancy software to add effects)

Some of the nicer keybords have some good sounds too so my answer would be

yes u can

atari st? just as a midi sequencer. anyhow you will need some sort of computer based sequencer. spend a bit on a few hours of tutorials. things get much easier when you know the basics of a sequencer...

yes it is.

its possible to make good music with just about anything.

Sequencers are a dime a dozen and there are plenty of free appliations out there that will more than do the job.

With regards to hardware, there is no real cheap solution as often half price still means it costs a fair old whack.

The quality you end up with really though is more down to your production skills and the equipment that you use to record with. Above all your mixdown abilities will decide if you get the result you want in terms of how professional it sounds.

Cheers
Nem

a good producer can turn a shite piece of crap into something royalty could enjoy

basically, once again, what nem said ^^

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