How to remix
Hi all!
So now I’ve been listening to all sorts of remixes the past 20 years and I thought to my self, why not try making some myself!
First I read this guide to remixing (funny).
As I’ve got this passion for old funk/disco my first idea is to shine some of these up like Pilooski or some other dj.
I’m getting Reason4 for my MacBook Pro very soon but I’d like to tips/guides/links to get started. Is Reason4 the right choice?
I love Reason, but you’re going to need either ReCycle or some sort of DAW (FL Studio, Project5, etc.) to layer the originals with the new tracks. ReCycle allows you to work exclusively in Reason, so that might be a good option to look at.
Hey, thanks.
Alright, I’ll try out Reason and ReCycle. So in ReCycle I basically slice the track up for import to Reason. In Reason I add custom basslines, drums and manage all the “slices”?
Exactly. I’d say do some work in Reason alone first, cause it is a different style of software than Logic/Cubase/Sonar/etc. etc. etc.. Also make sure to get Reason Power! and whatever ReCycle guides there are to take the greatest amount of advantage of the warez. Good luck to ya
Sorry, for remixes and other music production, I am more of an Ableton freak. 
Second on the Ableton freak front … its awesome for remixes edits etc
i am able to (n) concur 
and in a somewhat hyperactive mood.
ableton is sweet
beer is to horse as sandwhich is to ableton
Id use Ableton too, that way when your working on production mixes you are at the same time gaining valuable knowledge about Ableton which is much more usable in a live envrioment.
Thats not to say Reason is no good - its just that Ableton will teach you some more usable skills when it comes to performing live(even if you are doing production).
I used to use reason on everything I did. Now I barely break it out.
The only times I do break it out is for quick remix jobs. However, my best remix work comes out of this combo:
Ableton 7
Melodyne
Access Virus Ti
Nord Lead 2x
If I have to snag a sample and stretch it, etc I use Melodyne now. It’s got a waaay better algorithm for that sort of thing, vs Dr. Rex and Recycle.
I tend to do all the time stretchery stuff in Ableton and then export into Cubase SL3 because IMO the midi piano roll implementation in Ableton is pants.
Then Battery 3 for all drum programming, Korg Legacy collection (polysix and MS20 ftw!) and Arturia Arp V2600 which has a gorgeous sound.
Extract of a remix here (only up for 24 hours so be quick):
I know there’s too much compression on it
I used to use battery until I just couldn’t stand the lack of control over my sounds.
I started using DrumStack and I’ve never looked back!
http://sonictransfer.com/sonictransfer-drumstack.shtml
Wow Moniker, by posting that link, you made me found http://sonictransfer.com/ableton-live-skin-editor.shtml . I always wanted to alter the skin of Ableton to look more friendly for my purposes! And that DrumStack looks SWEET as well! Thank you so much for sharing!
really? I find there’s more than enough controls for sound shaping / manipulation and with the seperate outputs i route everything individually through Sony Oxford EQ’s / Compressors anyhoo.
Mind you in Ableton it only shows up as a stereo output right?
My drums are very layered. (about 6 sounds make up my signature kick drum) So moving to DrumStack gave me a much simpler way to manage that.
w00t!
The Access Virus is really cool, though I did tend to keep playing with the presets and tweaking 'em too much.
(Sorry but this post was somewhat delayed? Forgot to click on ‘Post quick Reply’! 
)
I spent about 3 months sitting down and making my own presets. Now instead of spending hours/days on sound design when I’m writing, I just pick one of my original presets and get to work!
(That’s actually how I operate as a whole. Helps keep my ‘signature sound’ as well as making the process move VERY quickly.)
Nice one1 