they (speaking from experience.. not all producers are the same) use some programs called sequencers (eg. cubase, logic, sonar).. there you basically draw in notes on a piano type timeline. It is easy to change and edit notes, and different patterns until everything sounds right. There are also hardware sequencers, but they are a bit more limmiting.

ya i know about that but what i was wondering was if they had an idea and they wernt at a atudio is there a way they can write there ideas down like notes on paper.

hardware sequencers aren't really more limiting, they just require another working method....plus they're handier for live-usage

anyways, less producers than you would think can even read notes.....sheet music? some people use it when they think something up when they are away from their gear and want to use it later....for electronic music that's about it

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All rhythm evolves around a kick...

if you know how to read like piano notes you can write it on paper...but myself i cant read notes so i have to use a sequencer

just wondering a. what programs do top producers actually use? i find it hard to believe they use reason or such programs? they obviously combine it with some equipment so whats the most common combos? b. like someone said above if they get an idea i wonder how they keep it in there mind until they can actually compose it... be really intresting if they knew how to write down the notes... i think you gotta give maximum respect to ppl who can...

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I read in a magazine that BT uses Logic Audio alot!
Cubase VST32 is also a popular music software!

//DJ_A

Sometimes when I'm trying to come up with a melody, I like to write it down as note names, like C D E F G etc... since I can raed that faster than notes on a staff... And most riffs aren't very complicated anyways.

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jimtran.net

In John'00'Fleming's monthly diary on his web site he recomends using Reason as it is as close as you can get to the real thing. I have also seen many LIVE PA's here in Vancouver and the artists were using Reason along with a bunch of external hardware

There was an interview with PvD where he talks about some of the equipment he uses amongst other things...

It's here

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mmmm.. delicious...

don't you think that in order to produce a quality track you have to study sound engineering or something?

no, you dont have to study it.. you just gotta have the right programs / equipment, and know how to use it. I've learned a ton of usefull info on the internet, and through other people, on how to produce good high quality stuff.. especially in the technical side like mastering with compressors, eq, and what software is good. Generally producers use one of these three sequencers:

Cubase, Logic, Sonar

They then hook up hardware gear like synths, keyboards, fx units, and all that great stuff to sequence and record onto their computer.
Most trance producers have synths like:

Novation Supernova, Access Virus, Waldorf Q, Roland JP8000..

and many other types. Of course alot use programs with these, such as Reason.. personally I only use reason as my drum machine.