ok after doing some research, i decided to get an oxygen keyboard, trigger finger, and midisport 4x4 (all maudio). I plan on using them with ableton. I'll add analog synth when I save up a few more dollars. I just wanted to make sure this setup would work because the chick at musicians friend said I shouldn't need a midi interface. I told her I'd call back tomorrow because I wanted to run what she said across a couple people.interface or no interface that is the question.

Thanxb
Brad

oxygen and trigger finger have their own usb-midi...

quote:

Originally posted by discobiscuit ok after doing some research, i decided to get an oxygen keyboard, trigger finger, and midisport 4x4 (all maudio). I plan on using them with ableton. I'll add analog synth when I save up a few more dollars. I just wanted to make sure this setup would work because the chick at musicians friend said I shouldn't need a midi interface. I told her I'd call back tomorrow because I wanted to run what she said across a couple people.interface or no interface that is the question. Thanxb Brad

I don't think you need an interface for midi purposes. All you need is two USB slots. On the other hand, an audio interface and set of monitors should be your next bet, especially if you are looking to add some hardware down the line.

keyboard is good, you should get an audiointerface before you get the trigger finger, you won't need the midi interface.

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Based on what I've read on these forums (as well as the conversations I've had with other producers) a quality external audio interface and a pair of good monitors are where you should start.

The TriggerFinger is a good tool as is the Oxygen midi controllers.
The M-Audio Ozone controllers have built in sound cards, might be worth looking into.

Like others have said, you won't need a Midisport, the TF and O2 use USB MIDI.

If you're looking for monitors I would recommend the M-Audio BX5a's, I was very impressed by them, but they lack low end. I've seen them for under $200/pair.

A decent soundcard would also be a good idea. Edirol and M-Audio make some inexpensive ones (if you're just starting off). The M-Audio Fast Track looks decent and its only $100.
I'm using a Fast Track Ultra and I like it.

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I have mackie srm450s. I will probably just run the audio from my comp through my djm800 and to the mackies (for now at least). I guess I won't need the midi interface then. What soundcard is everybody using these days?

yeah the fast track ultra looks cool. By the look of it,I could just plug my mackies into there

quote:

Originally posted by discobiscuit I have mackie srm450s. I will probably just run the audio from my comp through my djm800 and to the mackies (for now at least). I guess I won't need the midi interface then. What soundcard is everybody using these days?

You could do that....
But getting a good sound card will eliminate a lot of latency issues that you'll face without a good sound card.
With my new sound card I don't get any noticeable latency.

PA speakers are good but they're not studio monitors. Studio monitors are what you need when producing music, they give you a true representation of what is really going on in the mix. If you can mix your productions on Studio Monitors when you pump them through your PA they will sound incredible.

What does the rest of your setup look like?

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Last edited by counterfeiter on Jul-25-2008 at 18:42

The midi sport is reduntant and the trigger finger isn't as important as other stuff. You'll need an audio interface as well and monitors is a huge plus.
I recommend Echo AudioFire 2 (or AudioFire 4 if you need preamps) and for monitors, Events (TR6 or TR8) or Yamahas (HS-80). For headphones you can't go wrong with AKG k240s.

quote:

Originally posted by counterfeiter You could do that.... But getting a good sound card will eliminate a lot of latency issues that you'll face without a good sound card. With my new sound card I don't get any noticeable latency. PA speakers are good but they're not studio monitors. Studio monitors are what you need when producing music, they give you a true representation of what is really going on in the mix. If you can mix your productions on Studio Monitors when you pump them through your PA they will sound incredible. What does the rest of your setup look like?

I make a living djing. I have cdj1000mk3s, the djm800, and serato. I've had ableton and flstudio for like year now and want to buckle down and start producing. I want to produce stuff like breathe Carolina (the next big thing). Myspace.com/breathecarolina. I would also like to do extended hip hop remixes and mashups and all of that.

quote:

Originally posted by discobiscuit I make a living djing. I have cdj1000mk3s, the djm800, and serato. I've had ableton and flstudio for like year now and want to buckle down and start producing. I want to produce stuff like breathe Carolina (the next big thing). Myspace.com/breathecarolina. I would also like to do extended hip hop remixes and mashups and all of that.

My set up is essentially two different set ups. I have a QSC amp, DOD eq, Peavey and JBL loud speakers, mixer, Tech's, a CDJ, etc.

Then I have my producing set up, Focusrite Saffire, KRK monitors, Motif, soft synths, Axiom, UC-33e, Ableton, etc.

The only link between the two is that I can blast audio through the loudspeakers as a reference and the mixer has an input on the interface to record. Other than that, completely seperate.

The two are not necessarily interchangable. The loudspeakers and mixer won't really do a good job of replacing an interface and monitors. My suggestion, when funds permit, is to add the interface and monitors. That will really help hear what you are producing - much more so than the loudspeakers and mixer will!