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Building the career from scratch

Hey everyone, I am in the beginning stages of building a home studio set-up with the intent of writing and producing various kinds of EDM and other things. I have zero experience with recording, and I am seeking knowledge far and wide to gain a better grasp of what is needed to pursue such a venture.

I am looking for specific info on what is needed to record my live instruments onto my pc.

-I know I need an Audio interface, but I need one that can support my Roland TD-12 electric drum kit (if such a thing is possible, which I hope it is XD ).

-I plan on using Reason 4, and I was wondering if There are any other things that are considered a staple in the studio (I have accounted already for midi keyboards/mixers/samplers).

I know I know I'm the super noob right now, and I don't what anyone thinking that I'm the guy that says "Oh, what do I need to buy to be the next Tiesto!" I just want to get set up asap so I can start working on projects. XD

I know exactly what I want to do, I'm just in the bedazzled stage of discovering technology a-plenty.

These are all questions that everyone has when they begin, and I'm sure they have been asked a billion times over hehe I guess its my turn ^^

I want to ask more, but I also want to save you from a wall of text haha, any assistance, advice, words of wisdom, or haiku's are very much appreciated.

-Ankh

Re: Building the career from scratch

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun -I know I need an Audio interface, but I need one that can support my Roland TD-12 electric drum kit (if such a thing is possible, which I hope it is XD ).

You need to let us know what type of audio outs it has. RCA, Mini Jack, 1/4 inch?

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun -I plan on using Reason 4, and I was wondering if There are any other things that are considered a staple in the studio (I have accounted already for midi keyboards/mixers/samplers).

Reason does not allow you to record audio directly into it. The Propellerheads companion product Record does allow you to do this. However, if you are primarily looking to record live instruments, that means working with audio and in that case, I would recommend using a different sofware DAW package such as Ableton Live or Cubase. Both are much better suited to working with audio.

Here is a link showing the outs. Can probably explain better than I can.

http://www.zikinf.com/_gfx/matos/dy...and-td-12_2.jpg

I knew about not being able to record into reason directly, but is it still a better bet to go with another software program to incorporate live keyboards/guitars/drums?

If I wasn't using reason for live instruments, what would be its primary function otherwise?

Thanks again,
Ankh

To record out of the TD12 into your computer, you'll want an interface with at least one stereo pair of 1/4-inch inputs. The TD12 also has an auxiliary stereo ouput pair, so having an interface with at least two pairs of 1/4-inch inputs will give you more flexibility in how you route or group your drums and possibly speed up your workflow if multi-tracking.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun I knew about not being able to record into reason directly, but is it still a better bet to go with another software program to incorporate live keyboards/guitars/drums?

Yes! Eric's advice is spot-on - Reason is not what you want for recording live instruments. Let's back up a sec - maybe I'm going blind and missed it, but what computer OS are you using (PC/Mac)? edit: I see you're using a PC.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun If I wasn't using reason for live instruments, what would be its primary function otherwise?

Sequencing drums/instruments using its own included software instruments. Reason is very cool and very stable at what it does, but it's also very limited by design.

Excellent, thank you! I've been nervous about purchasing the wrong interface =D

I'm using a PC with Vista, which apparently is a bad idea, so I'll be upgrading to windows 7 as soon as I can.

I may be utterly confused, but wouldn't that be a huge flaw in reason's design? I assume that most producers would definitely want to include most of their instruments as live, other than samples.

Perhaps Reason makes up for that with features I am unaware of.

I really appreciate your help guys!
Ankh

reason was initially aimed for amateur EDM producers.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun Excellent, thank you! I've been nervous about purchasing the wrong interface =D I'm using a PC with Vista, which apparently is a bad idea, so I'll be upgrading to windows 7 as soon as I can. I may be utterly confused, but wouldn't that be a huge flaw in reason's design? I assume that most producers would definitely want to include most of their instruments as live, other than samples. Perhaps Reason makes up for that with features I am unaware of. I really appreciate your help guys! Ankh

Its not a design flaw at all. Reason's primary function is to be a complete software studio in a box. With reason you have all the tools you might see in a hardware studio as software in one program. That is the primary purpose of reason. Software Mixer, Software Effects Processors, Software Synthesizers.

When you use the term "live instruments", it seems you are referring to the traditional recording process you may see in a band situation. Guitars, Drums, Bass, etc. EDM is generally not produced this way. The only "live" instruments you may use would be outboard synthesizers, but many use all software synthesizers, which requires no outboard hardware at all.

Some EDM uses very little in the way of live recorded instruments. In fact, some of your favorite tracks may be entirely produced inside a computer with no external hardware of any kind other than monitors of course.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun I may be utterly confused, but wouldn't that be a huge flaw in reason's design? I assume that most producers would definitely want to include most of their instruments as live, other than samples. Perhaps Reason makes up for that with features I am unaware of.

I wouldn't call it a flaw, but many people do consider the lack of recording features Reason's greatest drawback. The major benefits IMO is that it is (1) incredibly stable and not bloated at all like so many other DAWs are nowadays and (2) very easy to use. The way many people use Reason is by ReWiring it into another DAW that does have good audio capabilities to get the best of both worlds. In case you're not familiar, ReWire is a method of inserting one DAW/sequencer (e.g., Reason, FLS, Project5) into another DAW so that they play back in sync and are incorporated in the same working environment.

BTW, I upgraded from Vista > Windows 7 last year and am happier than ever, not that I was terribly unsatisfied with Vista, but W7 is excellent.

I would like the ability to record live instruments so I can produce tracks beyond the EDM genre, but my primary goal is EDM.

Eric- What you explained about reason was my initial attraction to it in the first place haha. The ability to produce quality tracks without flooding your space with redundant equipment (although I imagine the more the better in the long-term).

Cryo- Yes, if I could Rewire reason with another DAW that had better recording features, then that seems to me the best option.

My original plan of attack was to record instruments one at a time and mix them together while incorporating samples.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun (although I imagine the more the better in the long-term).

I'd say that knowing your gear very well is best in the long-term. Some people prefer modest setups, others like having lots of gear - but, regardless, you'll probably get the best results and stay most focused if you learn your gear well and use everything to its fullest potential.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun I would like the ability to record live instruments so I can produce tracks beyond the EDM genre, but my primary goal is EDM.

Then you need to be looking at a package that handles audio such as Ableton Live, Sonar or Cubase.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun Eric- What you explained about reason was my initial attraction to it in the first place haha. The ability to produce quality tracks without flooding your space with redundant equipment

Ableton Live, Sonar and Cubase (and others) can be used to to do this just as well as Reason, except those two programs also have the ability to record and edit audio.

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun (although I imagine the more the better in the long-term).

Not necessarily. Thee is no requirement to use hardware to produce any type of EDM. In fact, lots of people who used to have a room full of hardware have gone all software.

Be sure of what you need and what you want to do before you invest any type of capital in this venture.

I agree with that 100%. That is why I'm here trying to get as much info as I can instead of just buying stuff =D

Would you think that I'm on the right track? Or is there something else that's huge and invisible to me atm.

Thanks again!
Ankh

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun I agree with that 100%. That is why I'm here trying to get as much info as I can instead of just buying stuff =D Would you think that I'm on the right track? Or is there something else that's huge and invisible to me atm. Thanks again! Ankh

If you want my honest opinion, I think you need to spend a lot more time researching how EDM and other music is made and recorded. A lot has changed in the last decade and a lot of the old paradigms no longer apply. Just based on the questions you were asking, it seems like you do not have a complete understanding of the process, and that's OK if you are just starting out. That is why I recommended that you do more research before buying anything to ensure that you dont spend money and end up disappointed, frustrated or discouraged because you did not have all the facts.

You may also want to focus on just doing one thing at first. Either recording live instruments or making EDM with nothing but software. Frankly, the latter might be preferable only because you can start the learning process with nothing but a computer and some software. Then once you start getting better you'll naturally gain a better understanding of how things work and where your money should go (if any).

Recording live instruments can be a lot more difficult if you don't have a general understanding of producing music as a whole. It is not simply a case of plugin and record. You need to know about things like compression, EQ, effects usage, gain staging, etc., so you can use those recordings in the context of a track and make it work.

Check out the various DAW packages such as Cubase, Ableton Live, SOonar and Propellerheads Record and see which one you might like to try. Download demo software just to try it out. Watch YouTube videos of people using these packages to make music, and finally research and ask lots of SPECIFIC questions on forums like this and others. in time, you'll get a better feel for the process, the equipment and how it all fits into your vision.

Re: Building the career from scratch

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun Hey everyone, I am in the beginning stages of building a home studio set-up with the intent of writing and producing various kinds of EDM and other things. I have zero experience with recording, and I am seeking knowledge far and wide to gain a better grasp of what is needed to pursue such a venture. I am looking for specific info on what is needed to record my live instruments onto my pc. -I know I need an Audio interface, but I need one that can support my Roland TD-12 electric drum kit (if such a thing is possible, which I hope it is XD ). -I plan on using Reason 4, and I was wondering if There are any other things that are considered a staple in the studio (I have accounted already for midi keyboards/mixers/samplers). I know I know I'm the super noob right now, and I don't what anyone thinking that I'm the guy that says "Oh, what do I need to buy to be the next Tiesto!" I just want to get set up asap so I can start working on projects. XD I know exactly what I want to do, I'm just in the bedazzled stage of discovering technology a-plenty. These are all questions that everyone has when they begin, and I'm sure they have been asked a billion times over hehe I guess its my turn ^^ I want to ask more, but I also want to save you from a wall of text haha, any assistance, advice, words of wisdom, or haiku's are very much appreciated. -Ankh

Do u have all the Drum pads for the Roalnd TD-12?
You can use the TD-12 as a midi controller with reason to bang out your drums Live With redrum and nn-xt!
Its so crazy now that i think about it!



Or better yet, get audio interface with midi ports!

I think if u get Tascam u get a copy of cubase LE and your set!

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun My original plan of attack was to record instruments one at a time and mix them together while incorporating samples.

I work the same way!

Eric- Excellent advice, I appreciate it. Yea, I'm still learning the basics of what most of you have known about for years. I've been spending my time playing live instruments and only recently was I inspired to start recording.

I'll definitely put forth a lot more research and brain picking before making any significant investments.

Baller- Yes I have all of the pads, and I'm definitely going to look into using the TD-12 as a controller, that would be awesome!

Thanks again!!
Ankh

21 ways to Assemble a
Home Recording RIG
http://tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

Re: Re: Building the career from scratch

quote:

Originally posted by atxbigballer1 Do u have all the Drum pads for the Roalnd TD-12? You can use the TD-12 as a midi controller with reason to bang out your drums Live With redrum and nn-xt! Its so crazy now that i think about it! Or better yet, get audio interface with midi ports! I think if u get Tascam u get a copy of cubase LE and your set!

I use that exact MIDI Interface on the SH-201 and it works perfectly.
Shame FLS cant record it properly.

And @ the OP

But dont forget you could have the best setup in the world , but with no creativity or melody behind you , give up.

Thanks for that link Baller! =D

Hanson- You should believe me when I tell you that my consciousness is nothing BUT melody, harmony and rhythm!

quote:

Originally posted by Ankhsunamun Hanson- You should believe me when I tell you that my consciousness is nothing BUT melody, harmony and rhythm!

Excellent days!

I love a good melody.

quote:

Originally posted by RichieV reason was initially aimed for amateur EDM producers.

which we are.


Reason is a great app, but its closed, atleast as master. u can rewire it to other sequencers as a slave though. havent realy tried it much.

go ableton or something if u have hardware in adition.

Yes, I'm going to be looking into Re-wiring, as it seems to offer maximum benefits. Correct me if I'm wrong but Ableton live is a great device for live performance, yes? I was considering at the present Cubase 5.

Anyone have any preferences?

ableton is the only app suited for live perf imo. im trying to do the same myself. im just making alot of loops in reason and import then to ableton as wavs. works great.

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