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Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

So, I've come to the realization that if I want to be recognized as a DJ, I'm not going to do it playing other people's music. While many of you may want to contest this statement, I'm here asking for your help. I'm sure you guys come across hundreds of such threads daily. I just sold my Pioneer decks and am looking to set up a mini studio. Could you guys please help me come up with a basic shopping list?

So far I've used Logic Express, Ableton Live LE (or Intro 8), Reason 4, and Cubase. From what I understand, Logic Pro is the best software, but I'm also looking for advice on a MIDI keyboard, headphones/studio monitors, and various plugins/synths/drum machines. As I said, a basic studio that'll help me get started.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

At the top of this forum there are a bunch of links for noobs who should READ EVERYTHING.

That is all.

Yes I realize this. There is however, no substitute for diversity of opinion. We're on here to help each other. I'm just looking for people to shoot ideas back and forth. While I want a basic set up, I want one that's Trance-oriented, which is why I'm here in the first place and not on Google.

Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Imu So, I've come to the realization that if I want to be recognized as a DJ,...

So, are you want to be recognized as a DJ, but you're giving that up to be a producer?

quote:

Originally posted by Imu So far I've used Logic Express, Ableton Live LE (or Intro 8), Reason 4, and Cubase. From what I understand, Logic Pro is the best software,

The first thing to understand is that there is no "best software". Logic Pro is excellent, as are most of the major DAWs. Of the ones you tried, which one felt the best, or most intuitive to you? I assume you're a MAC user?

All trance producers use analogue gear ran through more analogue gear then mastered at an analog mastering house.

Sidechain, analog, etc...

A trance oriented setup? Not sure what that is. You can make any music with any software they're not genre specific. Read the stickies they are there for questions just like this and the countless others your probably have.

My idea that I'm going to shoot your way is read the links titled "please read"

Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik So, are you want to be recognized as a DJ, but you're giving that up to be a producer?

Well rather that I feel that nowadays DJ-ing and producing are almost synonymous. I haven't really "given up" DJ-ing, just did it for now because I felt like it was distracting me and I was going down the road of playing residencies at underground nightclubs that no one really goes to, and that's not really where I want to be.

quote:

The first thing to understand is that there is no "best software". Logic Pro is excellent, as are most of the major DAWs. Of the ones you tried, which one felt the best, or most intuitive to you? I assume you're a MAC user?

I am a MAC user indeed. I do understand that there's no best software. I like Logic and Ableton both - both have their pros and cons. The big thing I'd like to learn about is the plugins and various add-on synths. I've heard a lot about them, but I'd like some reviews from people who produce Trance. Also some advice on hardware vs. software.

search. Its funny that when I started making dance, there was no forums well in english anyways and there were no people to tell you what to get. You were pretty much on your own. Everyone expects to be spoon fed. Figure it out. At least search.

Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Imu I like Logic and Ableton both - both have their pros and cons.

I'm not a Logic user, but I'm somewhat familiar with its capabilities and I'm sure the Logic power users here will chime in with their thoughts. I have owned Ableton Live. One of the biggest differences between the two, in my opinion, is the way they handle audio recording. If you plan on recording vocals or external instruments (e.g., hardware synths, guitars), Logic is probably a better choice because it has more and better features and tools for tracking. Ableton's greatest strengths are in its pattern-based MIDI and audio loop composition and it's got a pretty good workflow in that regard. I have no idea how Logic compares, but I'm sure others here do.

quote:

Originally posted by Imu The big thing I'd like to learn about is the plugins and various add-on synths. I've heard a lot about them, but I'd like some reviews from people who produce Trance. Also some advice on hardware vs. software.

Most DAWs come with a good selection of plugins and synths, but there are obviously many great third-party options and prices ranging from free/cheap to absurdly expensive. Your questions are pretty open-ended, so before you get hammered by a random list of everybody's favorite plugins/soft synths, it might be better to start with the obvious question:

what's your budget?

quote:

Originally posted by Mad for Brad search.

I was going to say the same thing, but the search function has been screwy for the past few weeks.

Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik So, are you want to be recognized as a DJ, but you're giving that up to be a producer?

You don't need any skill to be a DJ.

quote:

Originally posted by kevin shawn All trance producers use analogue gear ran through more analogue gear then mastered at an analog mastering house. Sidechain, analog, etc... A trance oriented setup? Not sure what that is. You can make any music with any software they're not genre specific. Read the stickies they are there for questions just like this and the countless others your probably have. My idea that I'm going to shoot your way is read the links titled "please read"

you best watch yourself, explaining to this newb whats good is something you should think twice about doing

Why doesn't everyone fucking appreciate the pain you went through to become a demi-god in the field of music?

quote:

Originally posted by Mad for Brad search. Its funny that when I started making dance, there was no forums well in english anyways and there were no people to tell you what to get. You were pretty much on your own. Everyone expects to be spoon fed. Figure it out. At least search.

Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

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Originally posted by Beatflux You don't need any skill to be a DJ.

not now you dont with cdj's its too easy, i know localy alot of djs who have started their own nights in clubs and are quite popular, but give some of them 1210's and they just would'nt have the skill to mix 2 tunes together

Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Imu Well rather that I feel that nowadays DJ-ing and producing are almost synonymous.

Only according to idiots.

Use any of the platforms you have tried that you feel comfortable with. Each one has everything you need in terms of plugins, synths, drum machines etc to make music.

Any standard midi usb keyboard will work for you, as long as it has a few knobs and sliders so you can assign stuff when you get to that stage. Take a look at the leading brands (google) and you can then pick one in your price band

Honestly thats it, the "Shopping list" doesnt have to be big at all. You can even leave the midi keyboard for a few weeks or months as its not essential when starting out, you'll have enough to keep you busy.

Its very hard to reccommend which DAW to use but as you have a MAC i'd suggest logic, but the others you have tried are all very good

Re: Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery Only according to idiots.

idiots are such dumbasses man

Classic. Mac vs PC, "best sequencer" AND Hardware vs Software in a single thread. This should blow out to a billion or so pages.

My 2 cents:

You've used a number of sequencers. Go with the one(s) that feel right for you (using Rewire you can use multiple sequencers, one being the master, the others slaves - that way you can combine the best parts of, for example, Logic and Live).

Try out a number of synths. Maybe borrow a hardware synth (or see if you can buy a secondhand one cheaply) to see whether you're at all interested in learning about MIDI, or whether you like having "hands on" control.

Really, there are so many variables, every producer uses their own assortment of software and hardware. Others can't make a choice which is so personal to you.

Just get started, and ask much more specific questions as they come up.

watch the future music and computer music videos, don't matter if the music aint your thing, you should learn a bit from them

a list? ill just rumble down what i use which works for me: 13" macbook pro with logic and reason, soon gonna upgrade my ableton intro too just to have them all, i like having options. echo audiofire soundcard and genelec monitors. evolution uc33e midicontroller (useless imo).

some suggestions: use more money on monitors than the rest together. if id knew that early it would have saved me alot of pain. also i think id get iMac instead of macbook pro today, just because of the screen size. also remember to get room treatment, i need to do that myself. looking up on some DIY-stuff atm.

hope it helps.

this has been extremely helpful! thanks everyone!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik I'm not a Logic user, but I'm somewhat familiar with its capabilities and I'm sure the Logic power users here will chime in with their thoughts. I have owned Ableton Live. One of the biggest differences between the two, in my opinion, is the way they handle audio recording. If you plan on recording vocals or external instruments (e.g., hardware synths, guitars), Logic is probably a better choice because it has more and better features and tools for tracking. Ableton's greatest strengths are in its pattern-based MIDI and audio loop composition and it's got a pretty good workflow in that regard. I have no idea how Logic compares, but I'm sure others here do. Most DAWs come with a good selection of plugins and synths, but there are obviously many great third-party options and prices ranging from free/cheap to absurdly expensive. Your questions are pretty open-ended, so before you get hammered by a random list of everybody's favorite plugins/soft synths, it might be better to start with the obvious question: what's your budget?

well i'm not looking to spend more than US$ 1,000 in total. This would include the DAW upgrade too sinc I only have them in LE/express form. So far I've heard great things about Spectrasonics Omnisphere - does anyone have any experience with it?

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Imu well i'm not looking to spend more than US$ 1,000 in total. This would include the DAW upgrade too sinc I only have them in LE/express form. So far I've heard great things about Spectrasonics Omnisphere - does anyone have any experience with it?

Just pirate all of the software and spend the money on decent speakers. If you decide that you do not want to produce, then you can resell hardware very easily.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Imu well i'm not looking to spend more than US$ 1,000 in total. This would include the DAW upgrade too sinc I only have them in LE/express form. So far I've heard great things about Spectrasonics Omnisphere - does anyone have any experience with it?

Just pirate all of the software and spend the money on decent speakers. If you decide that you do not want to produce, then you can resell hardware very easily.

if 1000USD is your budget use it all on monitors (assuming you have a laptop or something already). then download Reaper from www.reaper.fm, a great free daw. then save money for a decent soundcard.

Re: Gave up DJ-ing, want to produce

quote:

Originally posted by Imu So, I've come to the realization that if I want to be recognized as a DJ, I'm not going to do it playing other people's music.

not always happened all the time. I've seen many popular DJ can't make a any song. they dont understand how to make loops. but they are popular, because he/she play the biggest rave event, and their name is in the magazine.

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