Help with gear i need for producing
So i am a new music producer and i make dubstep/dance/electro/ and all that stuff mixed together.
I have ableton live 8 and the m-audio trigger finger
as my main setup, did i make a right choice, or is there something i must have or anything? Just trying to better myself and my music for the people.
I want to make passionate music, but at the same time, give the people a thrill every time they listen to my tracks (:
would anyone happen to no?
What are you missing in your setup?
well thats what im kind of asking… like is there anything i am missing or need?
i am working on getting headphones, but dont quite no which ones would be best for my music.
but yea, thats what im kinda assking about my setup, and if its good so far
There is no answer to your question. Some people like to use a keyboard with some knobs and sliders. Getting that, or any other piece of equipment will not make you better. My advise is to spend some time and learn the software, then decide what you need based on you what you think not what someone else thinks.
I think a keyboard with the pitch and mod wheels really helps. However, perhaps sometimes it’s what you don’t have that helps define you early on? If I could go back I would get the small keyboard and some decent monitors. The honest truth though is that all you REALLY need to make great tracks is the software.
I think what is missing is 300+ hours of production work and about 30 tracks or so done.
thank you!
this is what i needed…
just wait, one day…
From a fellow Ableton Live user, I would strongly suggest a MIDI keyboard, I really like the Akai MPK49, however you could get by with the smaller (and cheaper) MPK25. A Novation Launchpad or Akai APC20 would also be a good start as they allow you to launch your clips in Ableton. You could go with the APC40 for more knobs and more control of your device parameters, however I find myself adjusting the automation for device parameters with my mouse in Arragnement view more than I actually use the knobs on my APC40 anymore.
You need to be able to hear your music!
Main investment should be a sound-card and Monitors.
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 monitor
well what if i already have a logitech surround sound in my room does that count?
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)
studio MONITORs are built for a completely different purpose as your logitech speakers and the difference is HUGE.
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:
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.
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)