I want to start producing my own music for the first time in my life!!!

[DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister)]

That's it. After many years of contemplation and thought, I finally want to make the transition. I have way too many ideas flowing through my head, that it's driving me mad.

I want to start with basic beat production...simplistic stuff, and just move on from there.

I've also met some wonderful unknown vocalists and spoken-word artists that i need to put on...

I think now's the time. I'm not getting any younger either.


I would need suggestions from DHP. Where do I start? I own an iMac OSX.

I want to start with a basic software, afterwhich I will learn about what hardware I would need.

Peace and many blessings to you all.
Mike [img]hail.gif[/img]

[socratez]

If your mind is going wild from all those ideas,,,, thats the sign,

If you got a mac, ild advise Logic to you. Ive got a pc and i still use an old Logic version (5.0) even though Emagic discontinued the updates for the pc after 5.5. I still think Logic is the nicest program out there.

[djfunq]

Originally posted by socratez:
If your mind is going wild from all those ideas,,,, thats the sign,

If you got a mac, ild advise Logic to you. Ive got a pc and i still use an old Logic version (5.0) even though Emagic discontinued the updates for the pc after 5.5. I still think Logic is the nicest program out there.

I also would advise logic to you. That would be a great start. On the other hand I don't know if your imac osx can keep up with it? Can somebody confirm this cause I work with PC...

[O'love]

i would advise to check out ableton Live 4 .. i think it's the best audio program around at this time, because it does a lot of the technical(read: producer and engineering) work for you ....

Olaf

[djyoavb]

i advise to have strong computer with a good soundcard and reasonable speakers that u like. then experiment and check as much softwear as possible, better through people who knows em abit, try cubase, logic, reason, rebirth, acid etc... what u'll feel the best then go with it cause basicaly the difference between all is just the interface. hope it helps.

[DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister)]

So for an iMac, should I go with Logic?? How much is it? Any links?

[<dcook>]

Originally posted by DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister):
So for an iMac, should I go with Logic?? How much is it? Any links?

$999 for full version

$299 for express

go to www.apple.com

[Eddie R.]

Here`s a site that helped me get started
http://www.tweakheadz.com/

[4780]

Michael, Logic is a great program but I would recommend getting your hands on Ableton Live 4 and trying it before you splash out all the dough on Logic - I think Live is more suitable for a DJ just starting making music

[Querck]

Ableton Live is all the rave right now, but it really comes down to personal choice. Honestly, I don't like software too much as I feel it's difficult to capture the groove I want. But it is good for sound mastering and maybe some editing. I work entirely on a Korg Triton right now and loving it. Bottom line, don't worry about the equipment and software, cause if you have the musical ideas, you will be able to capture them no matter what you use.

[DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister)]

thx everyone. i'll see what i will decide on.

[Tony Mackaroni]

The first thing you need is inspiration...
Be original from the first tune you lay out...
Don't try to copy...

It's a long road, I wish you the best ;)

Peace

[altrrdst8]

id recommend purchasing a bit of hardware first. yes all the software is great, but to learn quicker i think getting hardware is the best route. find a cheap multi-timbral (multiple sound layer) synth which has a range of bass and synth patches plus a range of drum machines.

These systems teach you the basics of most parts of electronic music making, from synthesis (using filters and envelopes) to drum editing and using FX sends and returns.

I started with this over ten years ago. its a 16 channel synth, which means it can run up to 16 MIDI channels with 16 different sounds, with lots of classic sounds. its more than enough to get anybody started. plus you learn all the basics of synthesis and patch (sound) editing.
Hook this up to a computer sequencer, cubase lite would more than do to start with, and you can get this for free. ive seen one of these for £50 UK pounds on EBAY (i paid 600 10 years ago :( ....)
the only other thing u need to buy is a controller keyboard, which is a set of piano keys that you hook up via MIDI to control your sounds with.

so for about 200 dollars max you could have a workable system to get those ideas down with.

sounds better than paying $500 for a sequencer and no sounds to play on it......

Originally posted by Tony Mackaroni:

It's a long road, I wish you the best ;)

Peace

i concur. and id like to add that the road has many junctions. its easy to stick to one path, but make some turns on your journey.

st8

[O'love]

Originally posted by altrrdst8:
id recommend purchasing a bit of hardware first. yes all the software is great, but to learn quicker i think getting hardware is the best route. find a cheap multi-timbral (multiple sound layer) synth which has a range of bass and synth patches plus a range of drum machines.

These systems teach you the basics of most parts of electronic music making, from synthesis (using filters and envelopes) to drum editing and using FX sends and returns.

I started with this over ten years ago. its a 16 channel synth, which means it can run up to 16 MIDI channels with 16 different sounds, with lots of classic sounds. its more than enough to get anybody started. plus you learn all the basics of synthesis and patch (sound) editing.
Hook this up to a computer sequencer, cubase lite would more than do to start with, and you can get this for free. ive seen one of these for £50 UK pounds on EBAY (i paid 600 10 years ago :( ....)
the only other thing u need to buy is a controller keyboard, which is a set of piano keys that you hook up via MIDI to control your sounds with.

so for about 200 dollars max you could have a workable system to get those ideas down with.

sounds better than paying $500 for a sequencer and no sounds to play on it......

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tony Mackaroni:

It's a long road, I wish you the best ;)

Peace

i concur. and id like to add that the road has many junctions. its easy to stick to one path, but make some turns on your journey.

st8 [/QUOTE]i disagree....of course you need a synth/keyboard to enter notes into a sequencer, but these days for me there is absolutely no difference anymore between programming a hard- or a software synth... most of the time it's even easier when having a large monitor available....

i also think that synth-programming is not as important as learning to arrange, and learning audio/midi-flow..... you might be able to program the coolest synth-sounds but without a decent song you have nothing, while you can create a decent song with only preset-sounds because the arrangent, harmonics and hooks are so compelling...of course different genre's have different focus..

but what is said above: it doesn't really matter what you use, just pick something you like working with and do your thing ;)

Olaf

[altrrdst8]

Originally posted by O'love:

quote:

---

Originally posted by altrrdst8:
id recommend purchasing a bit of hardware first. yes all the software is great, but to learn quicker i think getting hardware is the best route. find a cheap multi-timbral (multiple sound layer) synth which has a range of bass and synth patches plus a range of drum machines.

These systems teach you the basics of most parts of electronic music making, from synthesis (using filters and envelopes) to drum editing and using FX sends and returns.

I started with this over ten years ago. its a 16 channel synth, which means it can run up to 16 MIDI channels with 16 different sounds, with lots of classic sounds. its more than enough to get anybody started. plus you learn all the basics of synthesis and patch (sound) editing.
Hook this up to a computer sequencer, cubase lite would more than do to start with, and you can get this for free. ive seen one of these for £50 UK pounds on EBAY (i paid 600 10 years ago :( ....)
the only other thing u need to buy is a controller keyboard, which is a set of piano keys that you hook up via MIDI to control your sounds with.

so for about 200 dollars max you could have a workable system to get those ideas down with.

sounds better than paying $500 for a sequencer and no sounds to play on it......

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tony Mackaroni:

It's a long road, I wish you the best ;)

Peace

i concur. and id like to add that the road has many junctions. its easy to stick to one path, but make some turns on your journey.

st8 [/QUOTE]i disagree....of course you need a synth/keyboard to enter notes into a sequencer, but these days for me there is absolutely no difference anymore between programming a hard- or a software synth... most of the time it's even easier when having a large monitor available....

i also think that synth-programming is not as important as learning to arrange, and learning audio/midi-flow..... you might be able to program the coolest synth-sounds but without a decent song you have nothing, while you can create a decent song with only preset-sounds because the arrangent, harmonics and hooks are so compelling...of course different genre's have different focus..

but what is said above: it doesn't really matter what you use, just pick something you like working with and do your thing ;)

Olaf [/QUOTE]while i totally agree with you, there are two very large plus's to going hardware.

1: you get to learn synthesis from the proper tactile interface, then you can transfer yourself to the virtual world with absolute ease.

2: Cost. add up the cost of sequencer (logic), a virtual drum machine (battery), virtual synth (oddity) for bass patches etc etc. then the time to build up an array of drum sounds for your blank template drum machine. youll have little change of $1000.

[O'love]

Originally posted by altrrdst8:

quote:

---

Originally posted by O'love:

quote:

---

Originally posted by altrrdst8:
id recommend purchasing a bit of hardware first. yes all the software is great, but to learn quicker i think getting hardware is the best route. find a cheap multi-timbral (multiple sound layer) synth which has a range of bass and synth patches plus a range of drum machines.

These systems teach you the basics of most parts of electronic music making, from synthesis (using filters and envelopes) to drum editing and using FX sends and returns.

I started with this over ten years ago. its a 16 channel synth, which means it can run up to 16 MIDI channels with 16 different sounds, with lots of classic sounds. its more than enough to get anybody started. plus you learn all the basics of synthesis and patch (sound) editing.
Hook this up to a computer sequencer, cubase lite would more than do to start with, and you can get this for free. ive seen one of these for £50 UK pounds on EBAY (i paid 600 10 years ago :( ....)
the only other thing u need to buy is a controller keyboard, which is a set of piano keys that you hook up via MIDI to control your sounds with.

so for about 200 dollars max you could have a workable system to get those ideas down with.

sounds better than paying $500 for a sequencer and no sounds to play on it......

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tony Mackaroni:

It's a long road, I wish you the best ;)

Peace

i concur. and id like to add that the road has many junctions. its easy to stick to one path, but make some turns on your journey.

st8 [/QUOTE]i disagree....of course you need a synth/keyboard to enter notes into a sequencer, but these days for me there is absolutely no difference anymore between programming a hard- or a software synth... most of the time it's even easier when having a large monitor available....

i also think that synth-programming is not as important as learning to arrange, and learning audio/midi-flow..... you might be able to program the coolest synth-sounds but without a decent song you have nothing, while you can create a decent song with only preset-sounds because the arrangent, harmonics and hooks are so compelling...of course different genre's have different focus..

but what is said above: it doesn't really matter what you use, just pick something you like working with and do your thing ;)

Olaf [/QUOTE]while i totally agree with you, there are two very large plus's to going hardware.

1: you get to learn synthesis from the proper tactile interface, then you can transfer yourself to the virtual world with absolute ease.

2: Cost. add up the cost of sequencer (logic), a virtual drum machine (battery), virtual synth (oddity) for bass patches etc etc. then the time to build up an array of drum sounds for your blank template drum machine. youll have little change of $1000. [/QUOTE]1: i agree that a hardware synth with a *good* interface is very usefull, both to get insight into programming synths, and to use as a controller... i use a Roland JP8000 for that, and i learned the tricks of subtractive synth programming on my trusty Juno6, nowadays a Alesis Ion or Novation K-station/KS-series are very nice for this.... i don't think a hardware rack-synth has a good interface for this purpose though..

2: these days you can get VERY good softsynths and even VST hosts for free.... a combination of f.e. Tracktion (i believe it's still free for download at mackies website) and some high quality free plugins like Superwave, Carbon, Polyiblit, Crystal, Drumatic, DR008 (very cheap these days) and you have to spend really almost to nothing... although you have to invest in a powerfull computer, i agree on that [img]smile.gif[/img]

anyway, both can be good ways, it all depends on the person using it [img]smile.gif[/img]

BTW, i still remember the quasimidi technox, that was some revolutionary shit back in the days ;)

Olaf

[altrrdst8]

Originally posted by O'love:
BTW, i still remember the quasimidi technox, that was some revolutionary shit back in the days ;)

Olaf

mines getting a long awaited dusting when i can afford a new desk. thinkin of a spirit M-series 12 track.

yeah, your right there are alot of free virtual instruments about, but they dont work on all platforms.

i know a rack mount aint the best example, but shit look what u get for under 100 bucks.

Type: Synth/ module/
Synthesis Type: Digital Accoustic simulation MASS (sample,fm,additive + subtractive) with 6 MB of ROM
Polyphony:
Max: 21
Typical in use: 21
Multi-timbral (number of parts): 16
Oscillators per Voice :
Min : 1
Max : 21
Controllers : 0
Effects :
Number of FX units : 2
Number of different effects : 18
Drum Section :
Number of Drum Kits : 32
Number of Drum sounds : 111
Keyboard :
Number of Keys : 0
Can send on 16 simultaneous MIDI channels
Responds to :
Sounds can be split by :
Memory :
Patches : 512
Performances : 100
Inputs and Outputs :
Number of Audio Outs (excluding Phones) : 2
Number of Audio Ins : 0
Number of MIDI Outs (excluding Thru) : 1
Number of MIDI Ins : 1
Upgrade Options : none

[SPINSTERWUN]

DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister), what's your $$$ budget???

[nahej_v1.0]

i also have quite the newbie producer question,
im slowly getting my head around software like reason, pro tools and cuebase and can bang out very basic tracks but cant really take it past a certain level, the problem comes from the (lack of) musicality... I cant really play my instruments and my background to house music has only been djing...
how would i compose great basslines? get more melodic elements? i feel like i have the structure of songs down pat and i know what patterns and sounds i want to hear, but its executing those ideas that is really throwing me...
would the best thing to be just going out and getting piano lessons/formal training or something?

[ April 02, 2005, 09:58 PM: Message edited by: jah ]

[TAD]

Originally posted by jah:
would the best thing to be just going out and getting piano lessons/formal training or something?

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes and yes. don't even think twice about it.

[ April 03, 2005, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Cosmic T ]

[Monny JcIntosh]

If you want to sound like all the other uninspired records that are getting made, follow the path everyone else does: buy a PC/Mac, a copy of logic/cubase, start programming drum patterns, basic basslines and struggle for any musical idea, or get frustrated and sample someone else's. Alternatively, do as Cosmic T suggests, and spend the money on piano lessons so you have an idea of what you're setting out to do and go where it takes you. Of course, I opted for the former.

[ April 08, 2005, 06:34 AM: Message edited by: Jonny McIntosh ]

[<ct43>]

from an ease of use point of view I can recommend Ableton.. but yeah it doesnt really matter what you use as they all do the same kind of thing really. BTW I think copying of people ideas can be a great way of learning, its ok saying be original from the start but I think you need to learn how certain things are done before you can really express yourself / be original. Id say learning music / having lessons would be no bad thing either, something I should have done really.. well I still should!

[DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister)]

I know how to play the trumpet. I had taken musical lessons when I was in my teens. I would love to learn the piano...


I started making some noise with my Garragebandd, so we'll see where it goes from here..

[socratez]

made any progress yet?

[DJ Michael Terzian (Sinister)]

Originally posted by socratez:
made any progress yet?

thx for inquiring. yes, i have made progress. I'm working on my first track. It's 5 minutes deep for now. Final product will be in the 7 or 8 minute range. It has seen many changes since the first blueprint and is nowhere close to what I want the final product to sound like.

I haven't touched it in 2 weeks now. I'm sure when I do feel like going back to it, I will want to make more changes.

It's fun, and I get a different exhiliration out of it than mixing songs for a cd mix, for example.

It's called Truly Dance, and has a sort of Deep4Life feel to it. That's just what came out of me. I'm not trying to make a certain sound, it's basically whatever i'm feeling.