This thread comes after a reply I made to DJAdamSmith about getting started: http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...465#post1723465

This is a snip from my past, however as I said, I'm ready to take the plunge. I'm looking to drop anywhere from 10-15k within the next few months to purchase some of the euqpiment I need to get started. The funds aren't a problem, but my knowledge of equipment is a little soft. So I'm looking to you guys for some advice on some of the neccesities I'll need.

Off the bat, I need a mixer, a couple drum machines (one of which would probably be a tr-808), at least 3 keyboards (I've been considering the Access Virus C, Korg Triton, and the Karma), and several effects procesors, compressors, etc (these I really know nothing about except what I've learned in reason). With my limited knowledge, that's what I've come up with.

I'm really looking for any recommendations, advice for getting started, and feedback you guys might have for me... I'm VERY open minded at this point and I'll take any and all comments.

Thanks!

I'm gonna challenge you on why you think you need hardware. You could spend a few grand on a hot computer and some software and make tracks that are just as good

If you're absolutely certain about spending the extra money and going with hardware, think about a dedicated sampler.

Consider what is going to be doing your sequencing (maybe a computer)?

Do you need a Triton? Do you need a Karma? Don't spend money at this stage just because it's available.

The Virus C is popular synth and I don't think you'd go far wrong with one. Be prepared to invest some time learning how to use it though - don't just stick with the presets!

I've been using software synths and drum machines for years now along side of a couple pieces of equipment (Rolland mc505 and a nice Rolland Keyboard.. all I could really afford at the time). I've concluded... there's nothing like the real thing. There's nothing like playing on weighted keys, there's nothing like turning the cut/res knobs, there's nothing like controlling your equipment without having to click a mouse. My intent is obviously to learn how to use the equipment if I were to buy it. There's no point on dropping a couple grand on a keyboard if i'm just gonna use their sample programming. I know Cubase, I know Cakewalk, and I believe that the potential to hardware is far greater than software. I've seen and heard the difference.

So now I'm gonna challenge you... if you think software's just as good as hardware, why are professional studios filled with equipment?

quote:

Originally posted by Dizc So now I'm gonna challenge you... if you think software's just as good as hardware, why are professional studios filled with equipment?

Right back at you:

Since professional studios are filled with hardware why are most fresh new talents (Aspiration, Haak, Masters & Nickson etc.) using software yet they manage to match the sound quality of the "pro" studios?

Don't ask what to use, ask how.

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quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery Right back at you: Since professional studios are filled with hardware why are most fresh new talents (Aspiration, Haak, Masters & Nickson etc.) using software yet they manage to match the sound quality of the "pro" studios? Don't ask what to use, ask how.

i'm all with mr mystery

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Daniel

Toucher...

I guess I just like the feel of actual hardware. Software's great and by no means would I stray away from the things I use now, but there's just something about touching the keys and controlling it with knobs and buttons without having to use a mouse. I'm also attracted to the idea that I could control many different voices from one key, or a series of keys. I've also been under the impression that hardware will give you a richer, fuller sound.

Am I mislead in believing that dedicated hardware is better than software (that shares your Processor with a complete OS, shares your RAM with other background software, and shares your hard drive with other temp data)? True, with the money I would save on equipment, I could buy a sweet ass system where these wouldn't be issues, but I've never found computer sound cards to be as powerful as dedicated hardware. Are you guys really trying to tell me that if I dropped 15 grand on hardware, that I would get no more sound wise out of it than a $2000 PC with maybe $1000 worth of software?

I do agree with the hands-on approach with hardware is better than software. However, most of us don't have that much money to spend so we usually prefer software. But software is also evolving and improving rapidly and you see better and better programs and vst's being released not monthly but weekly.

quote:

Don't ask what to use, ask how.

BTW, very good point...

SO maybe rather than blowing the bank on all hardware, split it up. Get a couple pieces of hardware to give me the hands on control that I'm looking for (weighted keys, knobs, buttons and toys) and invest in some great software also. I'm starting to see a great argument here from you guys.

I'm just having a hard time, I think, because I've compared tracks created strictly on software to pro studios and they still sound computerized to me... They still sound very electronic. This is good in a lot of cases, especially in trance music, but I'm still somewhat a fan of a good analog sound too. It gives you a more live/real sound. I guess for the same reason as DJs still generally prefer vinyl to CDs. It just sounds better live... and this was my assumption in wanting to buy equipment rather than ust using software.

Looks like a bit of a hardware/software debate starting here... I think that software's becoming as good as hardware for producing electronic music, soon, or maybe even now, it'll just be a matter of personal preference

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I use both and I'd have to say I prefer both the feel and the sound of hardware synths over software.

What I suggest though is that you buy each piece seperately rather than all at once. Go and get a decent synth and a sampler and a mixer and then get the other stuff later on, after you feel compitent using the synth and sampler. Otherwise, you'll end up with all this stuff and no idea how to use any of it to its potential.

As for a tr-808, I would suggest something a little more modern and adaptable, like a machine drum or a d-station or something.

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You can always combine the two. My setup is mainly software, but i do use a midi keyboard as well

But generally, i agree with Mr. Mystery...not what but how.

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Hardware/Software - its all such a funny thing... Inside the hardware is the software that runs the hardware heehee. I think for some reason the hardware people just got their hands on better formulas or something - maybe they could afford more research because hardware makes them more money than software, I dunno.

One thing I do know, is that even when the day comes that teh software companies finally outsmart the hardware companies and both sound the same, I'll still like the feel of hardware.... Theres something so so special about being able to say, "I'm absolutely on my own - I don't have to worry about speed/memory/mouse limitations and hinderences... Just push the buttons and make what I want"... I kind of feel naked when that happens, like I finally lost my excuse as to why the music sounds mediocre... But then again thats a good thing.