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A few newbie questions
This is my first post on these forums so hello everyone.
For many years now I've been a big fan of trance music, which nowadays is my favorite music genre. I think of myself as a fairly musical person, having played guitar and some piano some years ago. Usually when I hear a great film score or music of other genres that I like, I start to think about how the songs could be modified into a trance format, and at least in my head some of the ideas don't sound half bad (even if I say so myself). 
Anyway, the bottom line is that I would like to try making some trance music of my own, and I'm hoping to get some advice. I'd like to point out that I've browsed through the sticky threads and used the search function, but there's just so much information out there that I haven't been able to find the answer to a few basic questions I have. I'm sorry if these questions have been asked before.
1.
I read some of the information found on the websites in the sticky threads, and while I did find information on this subject I found it to be a bit confusing and I was hoping to get some clarification. I'd like to know what the absolute minimum equipment for creating professional quality trance music is. I read some of the articles on tweakheadz.com and it seems to me that I'll have to spend tons to even get started. If it matters, here's some trance music I really like, so the hypothetical question is, what kind of equipment would be required to create music of this quality:
Cyrus And The Joker - Milky Way
Robert Miles - Fable
York - The Awakening (Class 1 Cut)
Matias Lehtola - Burning Bright
I know this is a pretty silly question, I relize that creating music of this quality takes years or even decades of experience to create, I'm just interested to know how much money a hobby like this will end up costing me in the short and long term.
2.
Another problem I'm having is discerning the difference between different subgenres of trance. I've read some articles describing them, but the different genres seem to have many qualities in common with eachother so once again I'm very confused. 
I thought the trance I mostly listen to is psytrance, but then I listened to some psytrance albums a few day ago and relized I was way off. Could someone maybe point me to a website with audio examples or for that matter tell me what trance genre the tracks I mentioned above belong to?
I had more questions but I forgot them so that's it for now. Any help would be appreciated, thank you.
This should be in the production forum.
There isn't really a "minimum" amount you will have to spend. It all depends on how well you understand the equipment that you already have, and if you are using it to it's full potential.
I started to think that maybe if you were thinking of recording quality vocals in an acoustically conditioned room, then the prices could easily skyrocket...but even studio time for recording your vocals can be rented cheaply for quick "in and out" recording sessions.
Don't make the mistake of thinking you have to buy $10,000 worth of gear, before doing some more research into the type of sound you are specifically interested in.
moved to production forum...
not
minimum requirement ? PC+Reaper.
Thank you for the replies. I assume that by reaper you mean the music software? Won't I need some sort of midi controller to use the program, and is the program alone really enough to create good quality music?
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| Originally posted by Fredrik Hel Thank you for the replies. I assume that by reaper you mean the music software? Won't I need some sort of midi controller to use the program, and is the program alone really enough to create good quality music? |
i have a midi keyboard and i don't use it, is as sad as this, one of my wills this year is plug it to the computer. So you can live without it honestly.
Moved to production forum..
discogs is your guide (to find more music, not to genrefication - the nomenclature is always sketchy). i suggest you start downloading everything you can get you hands on from the past 20 years and in about 2 years of steady listening you can tell the difference between subgenres no problem. this will eat all of your time but you'll be much more knowledgeable.
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| Originally posted by Quazar Most programs will allow you to use your QWERTY keyboard as a piano/keyboard, so that's an option to save some money initially. |
i started messing with fruityloops. seems to work for me.
entry level, i would stick with either reason or FLstudio.
i tried reason but couldnt be arsed to learn how to use it, fruityloops had some demo files with it and i played with them intitally and had reasonable results before i was questioning fidelity of sound and how to make it sound more...better.
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| Originally posted by n3lly Moved to production forum.. |
yes Reason is a great program for those who like it (like myself). you dont need anything else, you can draw notes with your mouse. Very effective.
I really like FL Studio. I've been a newbie for about 8 years now (and continue to be one) and FL Studio is very newbie-friendly in my opinion. I tried Reason and didn't like it, but that's because I had already become accustomed to FL. I would say all you need to produce Trance music is FL Studio. Eventually you're going to want to get some good samples. I like Vengeance Club Sounds for my drums and some FX, but to start with you can use FL's samples and even find some free ones on the inet. You're also probably going to eventually want to get some other synths. I use all software synths, namely Nexus and Sylenth1. As for a midi controller, I have one and I use it only when I am brain storming trying to find a melody. I have a slightly larger one than I need, so I would recommend getting a 25-key, unless you're going to lay down some serious piano in your tracks.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--AKALPK25
This is one I am about to buy. It's bare minimum, which is all I need.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by DayTrader I've been a newbie for about 8 years now (and continue to be one) |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by ken_lee i like your ambitions |
Read threw the master tutorial list. Fl studio's is a great program, I'm new myself, and Ive learned a lot from the tutorial list and through experience. If you get fl9 producer edition there is a lot of tools native to the program you can use to make the quality of trance you seek - to a certain degree. Its all you need at this point, in my opinion anyways. You can always install VST's and what not for more synths. I recommend fl9. Learn about the dynamics of a track before you get going, I started throwing shit together w/o learning the dynamics of a track and it sounded horrid of course; clipping due to ridiculous db levels and synths colliding together in random chaos. EQEQEQEQ.
Thank you for all the advice. Regarding the different genres of trance, I think what I mostly listen to is progressive trance, but I'm still not completely sure. Is it common for DJ's to mix it up and create trance music of different genres, or do people generally stick with a specific one? Either way I'd appreciate it if someone could point me to some artists with a good selection of progressive trance tracks so that I can figure out if I'm way off with my assumption (and to find some new music to listen to of course).
Also regarding the music software, for which one do you think there are the greatest number of tutorials out there? Seeing as I don't know anyone who creates electronic music, I'm guessing I'll have to use tutorials as guidelines at first, so a big selection would definitely be helpful.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Fredrik Hel do you have any idea if it supports the use of QWERTY keyboards in this manner? |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Fredrik Hel Thank you for all the advice. Regarding the different genres of trance, I think what I mostly listen to is progressive trance, but I'm still not completely sure. Is it common for DJ's to mix it up and create trance music of different genres, or do people generally stick with a specific one? Either way I'd appreciate it if someone could point me to some artists with a good selection of progressive trance tracks so that I can figure out if I'm way off with my assumption (and to find some new music to listen to of course). Also regarding the music software, for which one do you think there are the greatest number of tutorials out there? Seeing as I don't know anyone who creates electronic music, I'm guessing I'll have to use tutorials as guidelines at first, so a big selection would definitely be helpful. |
I'd recommend FL studio too just for the immense amount of tutorials in youtube, you can learn to do things in fl seeing other daws tutorials when you are more experienced , and i think Fl is just like the other daws.
Thank you for all the advice. Most people seem to be suggesting FL studio 9 so I think that's what I'll get. at first I was thinking about getting reason 5 but ultimately your opinion plus the cheaper price of FL9 made the choice fairly easy. Having said that, there's still something I'm curious about FL studio 9, and that's the fact that there's such a vast amount of plug-ins and other stuff available for purchase. This makes me think that maybe the stripped-down version of the software won't be enough, does anyone have some input on that?
In my opinion, I think you need to get the Signature Bundle because it comes with Sytrus and a soundfont player. Sytrus is very nice, especially if you don't plan to purchase other synths yet. Soundfonts for me are essential. I purchased no other plug-ins from them. For me this is more than enough. But I did buy some other 3rd-party synths: Nexus and Sylenth1. Eventually, you'll probably want to add some synths to your arsenal as well, but for now Sytrus should be fine. Or even the 3XOsc is good if you're just learning.
FL Studio all the way!
And who the fuck recommended reason to a newbie is that a joke? Thats prob one of the worst programs a newbie can be using and as a newbie I used it for my first 2 years of production which were largely wasted hitting the tab key and shitting myself silly.
FL Studio as my first choice, Ableton as my second for a newbie. And the best thing about FL is you can just rewire reason to it once you learn wtf you are doing.
If you have any questions just pm me with your aim and I'd be glad to help you with the learning curve the first few weeks after you get it.
I also think at least you should consider getting a midi keyboard.
A minimum for "professional" trance really would be:
Sequencer of choice that you are comfortable with and have learned inside and out.
A midi keyboard not just for the keys and inspiration but because its much easier to link knobs in FL and program synths with the knobs on your midi controller than clicking on shit individually and turning them one by one inside the sequencer.
Eventually you are going to need either mid to high quality studio monitors.
And eventually you will also want a reputable interface like the Echo Audiofire.
And it doesn't hurt to treat your room either in later years but you can worry about the shit after you learn the fundamentals of production. Realistically speaking you prob don't need to worry about having the best monitors and interface till you get some experience under your belt.
So for now bear minimum would just be a sequencer like FL Studio, midi keyboard, and a nice share of vsts. Don't be too picky about your vsts as theres lots of good ones, but definitely be picky about the fxs you use in the mixer. As good as FLs native plugins sound waves made a huge impact to my mixes after I started using them, soundtoys too, and even they aren't the "best".
I would say that you should use this forum, the producers section, to get feedback on your progress. I started off with Reason a long time ago but have only been using Ableton for about 2 years now, and if I would have switched to Ableton sooner my production game would probably be a lot better.
Money isn't really something you need. I would even suggest grabbing a pirated copy of Ableton or something, just to see if you like it. If you do get comfortable with it, maybe consider buying it. Also, you need a good ear for dance music. Having a lot of experience listening to and enjoying this genre (many years) will enable you to make more solid tracks.
Your most important investment will be a soundcard and real monitors (not M-Audio or crap like that). You will also need to find a soft synth you are comfortable with. Rather than downloading a bunch of different ones, download one and use it exclusively so that you will learn how to design sounds and create synth patches without having to learn different GUIs and stuff like that.
Your other important investment will surely be sound packs (samples), it's a good idea to collect as many sounds as you can.
Will, dedication, pure talent are what will be more determining factors in your outcome as a trance producer. Also, it would probably be wise to learn how to produce in general, rather than worrying about producing a single genre.
As a little more then a newb, dare I say intermediate, I think you should always try before you buy.
There are demos of programs like FL Studio, Reason, etc. Download some demos and see what you can do.
A midi keyboard isn't necessary, but if you would like to record you playing the piano or whatever, by all means go ahead.
Because your skill won't be the best starting out, I don't know if you have to spend that much. Like there is a learning curve and everything, so anyway...
Your biggest price will probably be software, and you might need some decent cans. Nothing to pricey, definitely the whole setup could be way, way below $500.
Just my two cents. Good luck!
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