Help For A Newbie!, Classical musician out of his comfort zone! Options

[jupiterstation]

Hi everyone.

I'm new to the site, so I apologise if I've gone about this posting business incorrectly. I have searched for topics relating to what I'm asking, but can't find the answers I need. I have some very simple inquiries really.

I am a classically trained musician and composer who has been working with Sibelius and other score production software for years. Recently, I have been taking up various commissions for pieces which are either electronic 'pop' pieces or ones for which the client wants a recording without the trouble of paying musicians to perform. I am currently composing a piece for a dance company, for which I need realistic sounding orchestral instruments (as well as some electronic sounds, and various electronic effects)

I have been using Logic Express 8 now for some months, and I'm becoming quite proficient with it; I have produced several tracks for friends (singers, bands) etc, and have got a good grasp of how to use effects etc. However, at present I do not have any hardware - the absence of a MIDI keyboard is the most glaring omission. My query is simple really... What do I need to purchase in order to be able to make near realistic sounding orchestral pieces? I realise I'll need a MIDI keyboard, but I've heard the term 'audio processor' mentioned as well as other things like mixing decks. OUT OF MY DEPTH!

I realise I'm quite young (23) to be asking these questions, but I've spent my life with traditional music theory and composition, and this is a whole new ball game for me! If someone could please provide me with a concise list of what exactly I need, and what I *can* accomplish, I would greatly appreciate it.

SJ

PS. Also, I need this to be on a reasonable budget. Asking for the moon?!

[kayj_prod]

No, not asking for the moon!
You'll need a USB MIDI keyboard, which will plug straight into your Mac. You may well find Logic works with it straight away without needing to worry about drivers or anything techie like that.

I don't think you'll need a mixer yet as you'll be doing everything inside your Mac at least for a while. Presumably you already have some decent speakers for listening to your Sibelius work anyway.

As for sounds, Garritan is great. The Apple Jam Packs are useful too- although they load up lots of loops which you probably won't use, they include sounds as well. There is loads of choice for orchestral libraries so I would suggest reading lots of reviews once you know your budget, but also trying some out if you can find a shop with them available for playing with.

This post has been edited by kayj_prod: Thu 8 Jul 2010, 07:48