did i do a good job choosing the m-audio trigger finger or no??
and by "monitor" do u mean screens for my computer? lol or headphones ajha
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did i do a good job choosing the m-audio trigger finger or no??
and by "monitor" do u mean screens for my computer? lol or headphones ajha
when you get serious for that buy monitor speakers its so important how you hear your tunes and master them, and maybe some midi keyboard would be enough.
Speaker monitorQuote:
Originally Posted by rawrjaay
well what if i already have a logitech surround sound in my room does that count?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fedor K
or so i still need monitors
my personal opinion is: if you can't answer this question for yourself, you should do some research before you start producing music ;o)Quote:
Originally Posted by rawrjaay
studio MONITORs are built for a completely different purpose as your logitech speakers and the difference is HUGE.
info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_...Hi-Fi_speakers
I have both the trigger finger and ableton and I must say that they are amazing products however there are a few more essentials I would add.
First, get some nice monitors that have a true and flat sound. You want to be able to hear your mix for what it really is and computer speakers or headphones aren't really gonna do that. I recommend anything from krk they have great stuff at good prices, I think most users here will agree (I have the krk rockit 6's).
Second, I would get an external soundcard that gives you true audio signal that's complete and clean. I recommend anything from native instruments, their stuff is widely popular and has a proven track record (also the most used on this site as well). An audio 2 dj will get the job done for $100 but if you're looking for something with multiple inputs and outputs (like mics, instruments, outboard gear, etc.) get a nicer one (I have the kontrol audio 1).
Third, I would get a midi keyboard so that you can actively play notes and bend pitch. This is not needed but highly recommend because it is VERY hard to play some arrangements with only a mouse and a keyboard. That being said any ole midi keyboard will do (get one with a pitch bend and mod wheel). Akai makes great keyboards with encoders and faders that are great to use for production, however I own an M-audio key rig 49 that is just a keyboard and it works fine (since you already have a trigger finger you already have knobs and sliders that are easily programmable to do that). I would recommend something 49 keys or greater because it gives you 4 full octaves and greater range compared to a 25 key keyboard which will still play all the octaves you just can't play in 4 at one time (you'll have to use the shift buttons).
Forth, is all of the software in and plugins. There is a MASSIVE a mount of software out there that you can easily get lost in. I wouldn't worry about this right away because ableton has great built in instruments and can make songs right off the bat. Another reason not to dive into more software right away is that you don't get to learn abelton by playing with it over time. If you get more stuff you'll have 2 or more programs to learn and it can be over whelming and frustrating (trust me on experience, ableton is a POWERFUL program and I think even most refined producers don't know all of its features and the only way to learn is to play with it). That being said if you're looking for an all around full-package-do-everything product (and have money to spend) I recommend komplete 8 ultimate by native instruments it has EVERYTHING you could possibly need, literally. If you don't want to spend $1000 on software I still recommend NI software (its the best I've found for any instrument plugins). Spend time and watch tutorial vids (they really help out alot and many can be found on youtube).
Best things I have learned thus far:
1) Check craigslist search "midi" and "dj" (and whatever fill in the blank product you're looking for). There are a lot of KILLER deals there as well as the forums here and occasionally ebay too.
2) Do your research.
3) Spend the time working with the products to learn them inside and out.
4) Don't get frustrated or discouraged (its very easy to let it happen).
5) Practice, Practice, Practice.
Hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any other questions and everyone else please feel free to add anything I missed.
Also: a FULL setup is EXPENSIVE be ready to shell out cash if you want nice things, that being said work with what you have and get things as you go. If you try to get it all at once you'll be out at least $2000 (more like $3-$5+ if you're getting really serious). If you do buy all of that right away you will be lost and confused and its not necessary right away. I am sure there are many producers here who have spent more than that and still feel as if there is more that they could use to optimize their setup. Just stick with and buy as you go if this is a serious venture and not "I could easily do that" idea because its not easy (if it were everyone would be making it).
Monitors are a big plus, but they're not necessary at first. You won't be making anything good enough to release for a while, so in the mean time, use what you have. Buy monitors when you can justify the expense. And don't skimp.
Sound cards are cool, but if you're not recording anything…they're just a convenience. You just need a stereo output to go to your speakers, and–especially in the beginning–the one that came with your computer is probably good enough. If you use a Mac, you're talking several hundred bucks before you get something noticeably better.
Buy an audio interface when you know what you need out of one. Oh, and NI is the bottom of the barrel for production/recording-oriented sound cards. There are even cheaper ones, but not many. NIs are the cheapest on the planet and offer too much for their price point…they're making sacrifices somewhere. When you're ready, look at Avid, Apogee, RME, MOTU…and if you can't find anything that fits your requirements and budget, then look further.
I would recommend a midi keyboard. Even a simple 25-key.
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Ok everyone so im VERY thankful for all the replies,
so far here are the updates:
IVE SOLD my trigger finger so now i have no midi controller at all,
i want to buy some good monitors for my music production (was thinking the krk rokit as the other post stated they are good monitors),
i will buy a keyboard (don't know if it will be 25key or 49key etc)
and i will soon start to look for a dj setup (traktor, etc)