Ok this is an exciting post for me. I've decided to make the move from DJ to Producer!

So, what gear do I need to purchase? (I tried search)

For a computer, I'm deciding between these two:

http://www.apple.com/macbook/macbook.html
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

Is the regular Macbook powerful enough, or do I need the pro?

Now, do I need a physical mixing board or will I do that stuff on the computer? What software should I buy? I assume I'll need to pick up some kind of keyboard right?

What else do I need?

Thanks!!

Congratulations. You found the right forum.

quote:

Originally posted by stevebutabi (I tried search)

No you didn't. All your questions are answered by the stickies.

quote:

Originally posted by stevebutabi What else do I need?

Common sense... (as suggested in the last thread, which you seem to have ignored).

If you can't even work out the bare basics of what you "need" to buy, you won't get very far in this hobby. Like I said in your post in the DJ forum, which you have now deleted, you need to understand that you are the kind of person who takes up producing for a month and then quits. At this point you will be left with a $2,000 Macbook, a Virus TI, a Novation Remote SL61 and a ProtoolsHD system you never actually used.

I'm not being a cvnt, I'm just telling you the truth. You probably don't like hearing this.

"Give them the answer and they will be inspired for a moment. Give them the motivation to seek the answer themselves, and they will be inspired for a lifetime."

I recommend you start learning how to learn, because music production requires more than any class you've ever taken at school. Answers to your questions are easily found, without expecting to be spoon-fed. Make the effort.

Dude, take it easy. I read the sticky, and it was way to vague in terms of what equipment to buy.

It's my fault, I should have been a little more specific in my questions:

-As a beginner, am I better off using external hardware like a keyboard in my productions, or should I only use my laptop?

-I've read about Reason vs Logic. From what I read, Reason seems to be the best software to start out with, so I think I'll try that. However, is Ableton on par with Reason in terms of difficulty? Do those two programs have similar capabilities?

-Do I need a Macbook Pro, or can I get the regular Macbook?

Any other advice regarding startup equipment would be appreciated!

If money is no object, then go for the pro.

However, the difference in cost vs. performance is IMO not worth it.

You can pick up great deals on the high spec macbook (2.16 ghz) and this will be more than enough processing power (with decent RAM - 1gig min.) for you until you get good enough to need more. That will be a good couple of years down the line and you will have gotten your money's worth from it by then.

This saved money is better spent on a good soundcard (motu/m-audio/Echosystem/Digidesign/RME/etc.). Get something with at least 4 ins and outs (if not 8) as this will allow you to integrate kit as you progress.

You will need decent monitor speakers (search for any one of the million threads here) and I would suggest getting a monitor screen for when you are at home and want to have a clearer view.

Cables - get decent cables (not shitty premoulded) as most people over look this and it can really affect the quality of your system.

Software:
At minimum you will need a sequencer (cubase, logic, reason etc.) and a wave editor (bias - peak is very good).
Then some soft synths (again search).

this is all you really need to get going!

Ok, seriously stevebutabi, you're not getting it. I should explain better. You NEED to find these answers yourself, by gathering information about them and making an educated decision, NOT asking everyone else what you should do. Most of the questions you're asking come down to nothing but preference. All you are doing is exposing yourself to, and adopting, someone elses bias. This is a sure-fire way to make a bad decision. You'll find this applies to almost everything in producing music.

Examples:

-As a beginner, am I better off using external hardware like a keyboard in my productions, or should I only use my laptop?

Find a hardware vs. software thread on this forum. You'll see they turn into 100 page flamewars of total bs. The end answer is always - "whichever you prefer".

-I've read about Reason vs Logic. From what I read, Reason seems to be the best software to start out with, so I think I'll try that. However, is Ableton on par with Reason in terms of difficulty? Do those two programs have similar capabilities?

Same deal. Look for sequencer debates - nothing but flamewars. I recommend you get a copy of every sequencer and try them all for at least a week. Whichever one you like the best, you should use.

-Do I need a Macbook Pro, or can I get the regular Macbook?

AGAIN, same deal. This depends entirely on what software you want to run, as some are more intensive than others. Without even deciding on a sequencer, how can you YOURSELF even make a decision on this? Besides, who says you need a Mac? Search for mac vs. pc threads for more flamewars.

This thread will turn into a flamewar, probably.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN If money is no object, then go for the pro. However, the difference in cost vs. performance is IMO not worth it. You can pick up great deals on the high spec macbook (2.16 ghz) and this will be more than enough processing power (with decent RAM - 1gig min.) for you until you get good enough to need more. That will be a good couple of years down the line and you will have gotten your money's worth from it by then. This saved money is better spent on a good soundcard (motu/m-audio/Echosystem/Digidesign/RME/etc.). Get something with at least 4 ins and outs (if not 8) as this will allow you to integrate kit as you progress. You will need decent monitor speakers (search for any one of the million threads here) and I would suggest getting a monitor screen for when you are at home and want to have a clearer view. Cables - get decent cables (not shitty premoulded) as most people over look this and it can really affect the quality of your system. Software: At minimum you will need a sequencer (cubase, logic, reason etc.) and a wave editor (bias - peak is very good). Then some soft synths (again search). this is all you really need to get going!

Thanks!!! I'll make sure to get a quality sound card. So I can't do everything in my headphones? I'll guess I'll have to pick up some monitor speakers too. Regarding the screen, already have a great one.

As for cables, I have some good ones, but I'll pick up more if needed.

So I need a wave editor plus some soft synths to supplement Reason or whatever sequencer I choose? May I ask what they do?

Also I'm not sure whether to get a MIDI controller or not. I've never used one, so I don't know how I could have a preference on the subject.

What I do know I would prefer is having an external mixing board to fade the channels in and out. Is there a cheap (under $300) effective one I could use?

quote:

Originally posted by stevebutabi What I do know I would prefer is having an external mixing board to fade the channels in and out.

Can I ask why?

___________________
Listen to and download all my tracks at www.gregnicot.bandcamp.com

quote:

Originally posted by G-Con Can I ask why?

I figure it would be easier to use, but maybe I'm wrong - this is why I posted here! I have zero production experience.

The closest thing I've done to producing is go on Sasha's website and play with the Wavy Gravy tool!

If you're completely new to producing, go as cheap as possible. You can learn the basics and get a feel for whether or not you're likely to see it through for a year or two, after which time you might start making music someone else might want to listen to. Also, learning on the cheapest option will really make you appreciate your later purchases. Reason is a good option to start with, it has synths, samplers, effects, mixers, all the elements it'd be good to learn about. Then, if you expand later, you can rewire it to other software and keep using it. (Or maybe an even better option is this freeware "reaper" sequencer...I haven't tried it personally, but it's probably worth a shot...get that and some free vst synths & effects - easiest way to find out whether producing's right for you or not!)

A cheap MIDI or USB keyboard is handy for working out chords and melodies.

Cheap monitors/ speakers will provide enough detail to mix with, until your ears develop beyond them.

For the first 6 months at least, anything more would be a waste.

quote:

Originally posted by derail If you're completely new to producing, go as cheap as possible. You can learn the basics and get a feel for whether or not you're likely to see it through for a year or two, after which time you might start making music someone else might want to listen to. Also, learning on the cheapest option will really make you appreciate your later purchases. Reason is a good option to start with, it has synths, samplers, effects, mixers, all the elements it'd be good to learn about. Then, if you expand later, you can rewire it to other software and keep using it. (Or maybe an even better option is this freeware "reaper" sequencer...I haven't tried it personally, but it's probably worth a shot...get that and some free vst synths & effects - easiest way to find out whether producing's right for you or not!) A cheap MIDI or USB keyboard is handy for working out chords and melodies. Cheap monitors/ speakers will provide enough detail to mix with, until your ears develop beyond them. For the first 6 months at least, anything more would be a waste.

Thanks a lot for the advice.

What do you think about this: http://www.ableton.com/pages/operator/showcase/movie

Looks like a cool combo with Live! It seems that notes can be laid out in the program, so MIDI/keyboard isn't necessary, but I think I'll take your advice and pick up something cheap.

Are the synths in Reason 'better' than the those in Live/Operator?

quote:

Originally posted by stevebutabi Are the synths in Reason 'better' than the those in Live/Operator?

"Better" is a pretty broad term when it comes to production tools. It's all a matter of preference, really.

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quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery "Better" is a pretty broad term when it comes to production tools. It's all a matter of preference, really.

Yeah I saw that coming! That's why I put it in quotes. How about, which is easier to use, more flexible, better applied to dance tracks, etc....

The Operator video kind of has me sold on Ableton, but I think I'm too unfamiliar w Reason to make that judgment.

The problem w Operator is that there is no Demo. You have to purchase Live to try it.