Beginner's Guide to Production

[Fade502]

For the newbs, I am going put some information together to assist in some decision making when starting out. This is NOT going to be practical hands on information. This is going to be more philosophical information.

Lets get started:
The biggest question that most beginners ask is "what should I get to start out?" Unless you have specific plan, I highly recommend going the software route. Software will be much cheaper (sometimes free). It has come long way and seriously challenges hardware on a multitude of levels.

What are the software options?
I have used:
CoolEdit
Cubase
Cakewalk
FL Studio
Reason

CoolEdit - I can only speak to the version of CoolEdit that I use (1.2). It is a multitracking tool that can mix as many tracks as you wish up to the maximum that your system will handle. It has several effects, but they are not real time. This is a good tool for mixing down from external gear, but as far as a comprehensive solution... it is lacking seriously. It is good for editing samples, loop and breaks.

Cubase - Cubase has all of the functionality of CoolEdit, but adds full midi sequencing and VST support. VST's are effects modules and/or sound modules that run on the computer. When loaded on to a specific MIDI track, the sounds of this module will be triggered. Example, I have a Fender Rhodes EVP73 VST. If I load it to MIDI track 1 and drop a sequence... the MIDI track will play the MIDI notes back on the Fender Rhodes. Cubase can be used as an all inclusive solution, but you will require VST's for all sound processing.

Cakewalk - See Cubase

FL Studio - This suite of software is unique inthat it incorporates pretty much ALL of the functionality of Cubase and Cakewalk, but to a slightly lesser degree and in a slightly unstandard way. The good news is FL Studio comes with a large bundle of VST instruments and effects. It also has an integrated step sequencer for SP 1200 type sequencing. I recommend this package for the starter because it is complete and it is REALLY inexpensive ($150). It has full internal and external midi capabilities, but a bit more kludgy to use.

Reason - Reason could be a great piece of software, but it has a tendency to not play nice with some standards like VST or full external midi. Other than that, it is a lesser implementation of FL Studio. It does come with a strong bundle of instruments. The subtractor synth is awesome for simulated analog additive synthesis.

Is this software all I need?
The short answer is yes, but the truth of the matter to be a realistic threat with you music, you will need two things.

One is an external midi controller, the other is a good soundcard

The midi controller will provide you tactile control of the VST instruments on your system. They come in many shapes and sizes. I highly recommend an Akai MPD16 for drum like control. There are several MIDI only keyboards available as well. KORG has a controller that has drum pads, sliders for a mixer, knobs and a 3 octave keyboard. All contols are independently assignalble. It costs about $300, but handles several needs very nicely.

The sound card is the most important of all. I recommend something with an externally powered breakout box. Really good preamps build heat and take power. It is not possible to do this on a computer PCB board. No matter how well the SC processes the sound, the final answer is in the preamps. There are a couple of things to think about when choosing a sound card. How many inputs and outputs are there? What type of inputs and outputs are there (SPDIF, 1/4 balanced, ADAT, mic preamp)?

All together, one could put a pretty serious studio solution together for about $700 dollars (not including computer but including software).

[UAlreadyKnow]

Do you have any particular soundcard in mind? Could you post a link to a website that features it.

[Fade502]

I use a midiman M-audio Delta 1010

[Rogue]

wow theres alot i need to learn, cause i only have a mediorcur (how do u spell that?) understanding of what ur taking about...could u help me?

[Calmplex]

i though this was pretty dumbed down..i mean only thing u need is a program such ass,reason,cubase,fruiy loops...and u don't need but u really would want a midi keyboard..a keyboard that connects to your pc thru usb port[same port things like your mouse might go thru.]and it lets u use these programs like u have a piano,or any other instruments u can get.and thats it....u might need things like drums.but u can get them from anywhere or sample them from songs u hear on the radio today.or from your fav cd u own.........understand more?

[Noblewisdom]

Are you talking about having a mini home studio?

[DJ Fame]

props,im gonna follow this

[deeptzi]

Whats a good keyboard for reason

[Fabrik]

Any midi controller would be cool for Reason but if you want a great piece of equipment that is value-for-money go with M-Audio Axiom, 25, 49, or 61 keys, it's your pick...

[Remo Da Produca]

^^^I got the 49 and I like it. It does whats neccessary of it.The pads are a bonus and I dont really use em but its a nice touch.

[Fabrik]

^^^
I'm coppin one soon, can't wait. Can't really afford MPC but def want to use hands on approach in making music so I decided to get myself that sweet Axiom. Glad to hear that you're satisfied with it cuz other user opinions mean a lot. I'm on a lo budget so I have to be carefull with stuff I'm gettin

[FINSTA]

Check out my threads only zshare!!!

LIL JOHN DRUMKITS
9TH WONDER DRUMKITS
J DILLA DRUMKITS

COOL EDIT PRO 2 "FREE"

http://www.hiphopgame.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45282

I Uploaded new shit!!!

WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THIS THREAD QUIT SPAMMING AND PROMOTING YOURSELF!!

[scizzorhandz]

THE M-AUDIO AXIOM, RADIUM AND OXYGENS ARE ALL PRETTY GOOD..........

I USE A RADIUM 61



AND YES U SHOULD GET ONE FOR WHAT EVER YOU USE..........................

NOT Just Reason or Flstudio...............

[scizzorhandz]

ALSO MOST OF THESE SOFTWARE LISTED ABOVE AND OR "POSTED" IN MY THREAD HAVE SOME BASIC OR BETTER FX TO USE U Can Simply READ SOME OF THE internal Help Files or GOOGLE LIKE....................

"WHAT IS COMPRESSION"
"TIP + TRICKS WITH FILTERS"
"HOW TO USE REVERBS"

ETC..............


OR SOMETIMES EVEN FIND A VIDEO SEARCHING YOUTUBE OR GOOGLE VIDEO............................

[Intangible]

www.warbeats.com

Your beat making game will go up trust me just visit the Tutorials section on the site.

[scizzorhandz]

yeah WARBEATS IZ DOPE AND DUDE DOES HAVE VIDS ON YOUTUBE ALSO.......................

[DJ Fame]

www.warbeats.com

Your beat making game will go up trust me just visit the Tutorials section on the site.

yea it helped me alot when i started to use fl studio

[Lo18]

What vst would yall advise that I MUST HAVE cuz Im new to producin n I never dloaded one n was juss wonderin. Thanks in advance

[Soundwave Beats]

do have anything music production program dat has no demo and fully funtional w/o pay ive been using FL demo for 2 years now & things are going smooth

[The 7th]

What vst would yall advise that I MUST HAVE cuz Im new to producin n I never dloaded one n was juss wonderin. Thanks in advance

One or two particular vst's aren't that important. Like the original poster pointed out, there are mad VST's, DAWs and music production apps to go around just pick one that you feel comfortable with. If I had to recommend a VST or VSTs I say check out fXpansion "Guru" http://www.fxpansion.com/index.php?page=4&tab=21

and couple that with Native Instruments Massive, Absynth or Kore (if you can afford or find it). www.nativeinstruments.com

Those VST should definitely keep you busy for a minute.

I'm a square by most standards here ha, ha. I'm more into the Animation scene nowadayz, but I know a thing or two about music production. I would not mind lending out advice for anyone who has questions. I use Propellerhead Reason exclusively for my music. Check out my music here:
www.soundclick.com/brucewayne or here at: www.myspace.com/7thvialwrath
Just skip the film score at the top and go to the hiphop stuff after the first 5 or 6 tracks.

Take care, hope you have find your niche.