Making music on computers

[bassjamm]

Hi Janek,

Hope all is well with you, still getting my head around the stuff from the lesson...but you've helped me unlock tonnes so far, thank you!!!

Anyway, when i saw you, you mentioned getting into producing music on computers. This is something that i've wanted to do for a long time now. I've dabbled with a few program demos, i seem to get on with Ableton a lot better than others, and seeing as i've only got a pc at my disposal, i can't hit anything mac-wise just yet.

I was just wondering, how would you best advise me to approach making music on a computer? What equipment/programs are must haves (please bare in mind a low low budget here )? I see that Sonar/Cubase have just released entry level programs. What hardware do you suggest getting too? Then, when all of this in place, what would you say is the best way to begin? Start laying down my grooves/lines and producing them, or to start laying down stuff in the software and get used to it?

I know this is a massive subject, but i'm literally just opening the door for the first time, so any advice or thoughts are trully welcomed!!! Just as long as it doesn't eat into my playing time too much,

Anyway, nuff' said for now, and i look forward to getting your thoughts.

Thanks mate,

Jamie

 

[user3653753]

Well my main advice would be to get as many gigs as you possibly can, and save up for a mac. It's going to make your life so much easier.

A few pieces of software I'm working with right now include: Pro Tools, Logic, Live, Reaktor, Battery, and Absynth.

I realy couldn't tell you too much about the PC, but I know it's a lot slower, and much further behind in the software releases for music production. Macs are dropping in price all the time, so I would wait and save up for one and get stuck into that.

Easy,

Janek

 

[bassjamm]

Cool...well that's what i was kind of planning on doing in the long run, i much prefer macs.

As regards actually making music on one though, what other outboard equipment would you suggest getting, or should i stick to software only? I remember you mentioning about getting a good sound out of a home studio, so would a mac and a decent piece of software acheive this?

Thanks
Jam

 

[SteveA-UK]

Jamie,

I recently bought a Mac Powerbook 12" from someone on bassworld.co.uk for £310. Excellent condition. They can be found cheaply from time to time.

I never use my PC anymore (except to play music from itunes for teaching purposes).

There is no comparison between PC and Mac in my opinion. This computer has never crashed, I've never lost anything, it runs quickly, quietly, smoothly... It's the only choice for music production. Even a small computer like this one will run all the big programs.

I also bought a used M Audio Firewire 410... it's bus powered which means one cable from the box to the computer. It sounds incredible. I'm also going to buy a small USB/MIDI keyboard (also bus powered... one cable!) to play the instrument sounds from Logic and Ableton Live.

All of this is so small and portable I can put it in my rucksack computer case and take it on tour, record, practise and experiment even in the back of a van or hotel room.

I know all this adds up in cost, but start out with Garage Band... it comes free with any Mac, it's as easy to use as an old tape recorder. It has tons of useable effects, instrument sounds and drum loops. The editing is basic but you can achieve a lot with a bit of imagination.

Garage band is also great as a transcribing tool. Import your track directly from itunes to Garage Band... You can loop sections and find the start of a phrase much more precisely than on a CD player or even itunes.

So, the Mac cost £310 and the Firewire 410 cost £260. £570 in all, although you can buy USB audio interfaces now for less than £100. Do what you can to get a system because it will broaden your scope as a musician. It's the way forward!

Good luck,

Steve

 

[bassjamm]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply...i saw that one up for grabs, but purchases of the Marleaux forced me to let it pass by.

I'm going to have to stick with a pc for now, at least for the next month or two, but i definately want to get a mac, i totally appreciate what you guys are saying about macs. I like them, and i want to get into them anyway!!!

That's cool though about garageband, i know it comes as standard, sounds cool though, i'll keep an eye out on ebay i reckon...thing is, i need to get out of debt, not further into it, lol!!!

Thanks
Jam

 

[reitedasc]

A few pieces of software I'm working with right now include: Pro Tools, Logic, Live, Reaktor, Battery, and Absynth.

Hi Janek!

I've been using Logic for two years at school now. I know that these programs are very similar and some say they're equal in quality too, but it seems that Pro Tools is the industry standard for many in the U.S. and all the studios I've been to here in Norway use Cubase.

I'm almost done with high school and I'll be getting a new mac and more equipment soon. Do you think I should stick to Logic since that's what I know best, or try to get some experience in the other programs?