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Originally posted by stevebutabi 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!!

u need da pro

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Originally posted by G-Con Operator isn't the easiest synth to learn for a beginner. Don't be wow'd by demos on sites, they are meant to impress. Best thing for you to do is a)download demo of ableton. you can do everything but save. use it for a a couple of weeks. see how you like it. b)download demo of reason. do the same. by that point you'll have a much better idea which one is for you. All synths are suitable for dance music. they are all capable of producing great sounds when you know how to use them so no point asking which is better for this or that. you don't NEED a midi keyboard but it can be more fun/creative to have one. but many producers dont have one so again, maybe hold off buying one to begin with. all sequencers have piano rolls anyway. I wouldnt bother with an external mixing desk. it will be a complete waste at this point (and maybe at any point)

Thanks, I'll def try demos of both.

Regarding the external mixing desk, I thought it would be good for me because I've been dj'ing for years now, and I'm used to turning knobs and sliding faders with my fingers instead of a mouse. Am I off base with that?

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Originally posted by stevebutabi Thanks, I'll def try demos of both. Regarding the external mixing desk, I thought it would be good for me because I've been dj'ing for years now, and I'm used to turning knobs and sliding faders with my fingers instead of a mouse. Am I off base with that?

If by mixing desk, you mean a unit purely to control the levels of each channel and master gain etc then its not necessary because you wont need to alter those things "live" and you will only alter them now and then but not much.

You can get a midi controller which you then assign the knobs and faders on it to control the knobs and faders on screen (you choose what controls what) but again this isn't really necessary for production when you're not performing live. Some people do use them though so it might be for you.

But certainly at this stage, there is no point. First learn a sequencer, synths etc. Then once you understand how the operation of these things work, you'll know how useful a midi controller will be for you.

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In addition, a mixing desk isn't going to do you much good without some hardware to plug into it. SO, if you are operating in a purely software environment, without any external hardware whatsoever, then the mixing desk will do nothing.

Just making sure you are not thinking the mixing desk will control the virtual mixer inside ableton. That's not what it will do.

I thought the mixing desk WAS the external hardware! A little confused.

Hmm... so if I'm putting together a track on Ableton, I can't make the channels on the mixing desk correspond to the different components of my track on Ableton? Like one channel will be the bass, one to a synth, one to a snare, etc?

If that won't be possible, then I guess I won't want a mixing desk. However, the fact I could assign all the knobs on screen to the board would be pretty cool - though I guess not necessary.

Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.ableton.com/pages/shop/bundles
(scroll down a bit)

I figure I could save money by buying a bundle that includes a small piece of hardware. From your suggestions, it sounds like I'd be better off getting one with a small MIDI player. Maybe this one? http://www.ableton.com/pages/shop/m...em=80224-521400

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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.

Hmm no negativity?

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Originally posted by camsr Hmm no negativity?

You know, just once it would be fun to post something without getting a completely irrelevant and pointless remark. If you can't stay on topic why even bother posting?

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Originally posted by stevebutabi I thought the mixing desk WAS the external hardware! A little confused.

When I mention external hardware I'm referring to external hardware synthesizers, Effects Processors, etc...

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Originally posted by stevebutabi Hmm... so if I'm putting together a track on Ableton, I can't make the channels on the mixing desk correspond to the different components of my track on Ableton?

Not with out a multi in/out audio interface. Besides, it becomes redundant at that point because there is a VIRTUAL mixer inside Ableton that performs the same functions that an external mixing board would perform if you had external synths, FX, etc.

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Originally posted by stevebutabi Like one channel will be the bass, one to a synth, one to a snare, etc?

Yes this is how it works, but its inside your VIRTUAL mixer.
Look at this page:
Live 6 virtual mixer

The picture next to The Session View shows the virtual mixer. That IS your mixing board.

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Originally posted by stevebutabi If that won't be possible, then I guess I won't want a mixing desk. However, the fact I could assign all the knobs on screen to the board would be pretty cool - though I guess not necessary.

That is not possible with a traditional analog mixing desk. That only becomes possible when you use something like Mackie Universal Control, which is essentially a fancy MIDI controller. You are not to the point where you need to drop $1,200 on that yet.

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Originally posted by stevebutabi Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.ableton.com/pages/shop/bundles (scroll down a bit) I figure I could save money by buying a bundle that includes a small piece of hardware. From your suggestions, it sounds like I'd be better off getting one with a small MIDI player. Maybe this one? http://www.ableton.com/pages/shop/m...em=80224-521400

The hardware is not necessary, but it can help. Getting a MIDI keyboard is only really useful if you are comfrotable composing like you would when writing on a piano. Some producers simply input notes in the Piano Roll, and some like to bang out melodies using a MIDI controller like they would on a Piano.

This is a matter of personal preference. I'm not a piano player at all but I like coming up with melodies on a piano-style MIDI controller, so that's why I have one. Your Milage May Vary.

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Originally posted by palm get reason, all u need for a few years. 500$ and all-in-one aplication. if u find out that u are able to produce music after a few years u can invest in some more gear then. this is what i did atleast and i feel that what i learned in reason has helped alot with other stuff too.

stevebutabi, palm is correct. Reason is probably your best bet right now. I would heed his advice and go with Reason first. Then once you know your way around a little bit, you can decide if moving on to other software/hardware is right for you.

Well, Ableton is roughly the same price as Reason. So you guys are saying that Ableton is not an all-in-one application like Reason, and that Reason is more easy to use?

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Originally posted by stevebutabi Well, Ableton is roughly the same price as Reason. So you guys are saying that Ableton is not an all-in-one application like Reason, and that Reason is more easy to use?

Reason is basically a "studio in a box". It is designed to be an "all-in-one" solution for producing music. It is a software recreation of an entire hardware studio. All the Synthesizers/Effects/Everything are contained inside one software program.

Reason will not work with external hardware (mostly) or software such as VST instruments. You'll have to use something called Rewire to make that work (but don't worry about that now).

Where as Ableton is a Digital Audio Workstation. Ableton is made to work with external AND/OR software synthesizers/Effects.

To oversimplfy it, Ableton is just a "piece" of the puzzle. Reason is ALL the pieces.

Reason may be easier for you to use than Ableton, but that will be up to you to decide. Download the demo for Reason and try it out yourself.

Those of us on this thread are just suggesting that Reason is probably a better and/or easier choice for a beginner who is just starting out.

DISCLAIMER: I know that this is a sweeping generalization to most of us more expierienced producers, I'm just trying to explain the concept here as simply as possible.

Last edited by Eric J on Aug-24-2007 at 21:13