I've read the Master List, well the topic that I though would concern me, but it didn't really answer my question. So if I'm asking something that the Master List answers, I'm sorry. Just point it out to me
I currently have no experience in creating music. The only softwares I've used so far are Reason and Rebirth, and this goes back 4-5 years ago when the first versions came out.
I wanna try to create music to see if I like it. I've been DJing for a while and I always wanted to try creating. Anyway, my point is, what should I buy as a MIDI controller ? I'm planning on using Reason, because I know the software pretty much and I like it.
I was thinking about the Trigger Finger from M-Audio, which can be very useful and also a MIDI keyboard from M-Audio to compose melodies and drums. Then I have no clue what to buy. I don't think I need more than a keyboard and the trigger finger so far, since I'm a beginner, but I'm wondering which keyboard I should buy. I picked M-Audio stuff because it's not really expensive and good stuff.
Currently, my soundcard in my computer is an X-Fi XtremeMusic. I have no MIDI ports on it. Is there a way to get everything USB and avoid having to buy another soundcard for a MIDI port ? Remember, I wanna try first. If I like it, I'll get more stuff.
Let's say that the trigger finger can be found for 200$ on ebay, well I was thinking about spending the same amount for the keyboard.
How am I so far ? Am I going in the right direction or am I way off ?
By the way, I'll be composing Trance, if this is relevant...
Thanks for any comments/suggestions!
Neo
Sep-09-2007 22:27
3F05Q
is a horrible artist name
Registered: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle . . . . . Skill Level: Mediocre At Best Clothing: Sometimes
I've got some good news for you. Most (if not all?) keyboards you'll be looking at are USB. Most (if not all?) of these have midi ports built in. So what you get is a keyboard/midi interface.
Why do you want the trigger finger, exactly? Don't overlook the Axiom keyboard, it has drum pads (that are also pressure sensative) as well as other controls.
If you just plan on dickin' around for starters, then just download and implement the ASIO4All drivers. That will greatly reduce any latency issues you'll have.
"I wanna try to create music to see if I like it."
Don't spend too much money until you do like it, so there are no regrets.
MOST OF ALL: Don't get discouraged! It might take a couple of years before someone finally says "hey, that sounds pretty good. I like it."
Good luck!
Sep-09-2007 22:59
echosystm
super wow maker
Registered: Jul 2004
Location:
midi keyboard is a good idea, it will vastly improve your idea generation time! however, trigger finger i don't believe is such a good idea. they're good for jamming, if youre doing breakbeats and stuff, but won't really have a massive impact on your workflow. if i were you, i would try to borrow one first. for $250 you could buy a basic hardware synth (korg ms2000r? k-station?), which would be a much better addition - it will help you learn synthesis really quickly. editing synths on a screen is shit.
most midi keyboards are usb these days, so you don't need to change your soundcard.
Sep-09-2007 23:00
Neo Hacker
Passionate
Registered: Dec 2004
Location: Montréal
Thanks for the inputs !
I though about the trigger finger to "trigger" stuff into Reason, but I guess I could use the mouse if the synth isn't enough.
Korg and K-Station ? I know Korg and they're better than M-Audio but I didn't know they made low budget synths. What are the differences between an M-Audio synth and a Korg one ? For the same price, like 250$ ?
Sep-09-2007 23:12
echosystm
super wow maker
Registered: Jul 2004
Location:
m-audio don't make any synths man.
Sep-09-2007 23:14
Neo Hacker
Passionate
Registered: Dec 2004
Location: Montréal
quote:
Originally posted by echosystm
m-audio don't make any synths man.
my mistake, I though you were talking about midi controllers like an Oxygen 8 v2
so can I link Reason with a synth or is it only with a MIDI controller ? Sorry this is probably a dumb question but...
Sep-09-2007 23:19
echosystm
super wow maker
Registered: Jul 2004
Location:
sorry, i missed that part (its 8am, i just woke up!)
reason has no support for external synths (as far as i am aware). if you want to use reason, ignore that comment!
Sep-09-2007 23:23
Neo Hacker
Passionate
Registered: Dec 2004
Location: Montréal
quote:
Originally posted by echosystm
sorry, i missed that part (its 8am, i just woke up!)
reason has no support for external synths (as far as i am aware). if you want to use reason, ignore that comment!
well I figured it would be easier to learn with Reason and a MIDI Controller because it's a more "versatile" solution for a beginner. Of course, this isn't as good as Korg synths, but with a MIDI Controller and a software I should be fine to learn the basics, right ?
Sep-09-2007 23:27
3F05Q
is a horrible artist name
Registered: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle . . . . . Skill Level: Mediocre At Best Clothing: Sometimes
Right!
AND, it'll last you for a good amount of time. Long enough to slowly save up for Cubase/Ableton/whatever to rewire Reason into and maybe buy a shiny hardware synthesizer.
Sep-09-2007 23:39
Neo Hacker
Passionate
Registered: Dec 2004
Location: Montréal
Good. Thanks for clearing up in my head synth vs midi controller
Any MIDI controllers recommendations ??
Yeah I have to read about Reason + Ableton...but one step at the time
Sep-09-2007 23:55
3F05Q
is a horrible artist name
Registered: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle . . . . . Skill Level: Mediocre At Best Clothing: Sometimes
m-audio stuff is just fine and readily available, new or used. Just surf through their website and find one that has the features you want.
Sep-10-2007 00:10
Neo Hacker
Passionate
Registered: Dec 2004
Location: Montréal
ok so I checked M-Audio website and there are 2 low budget controller :
The Axiom has 360 degrees knob, a backlight LCD and trigger pads like the trigger finger. And of course, has presets. Triggers and the synthetiser are 2 separate channels...
Anyone has comments about those 2 ? I watched some reviews over youtube and the Axiom seemed better, but it's hard to tell when it's a video and that I don't have the controller with me
