Artist/animator Seeks Help!, what equip do i need to setup? Options

[rustik]

hey all you masters of music....i am an collage artist/flash animator seeking to come up with her own sound tracks for my animations. although i have had over 15 years on the mac working in graphic/web programs, i have no experience whatsoever in the music arena. I have read a few posts but i get dizzy because i know so little!:( i assume the basics of input are similar to art however.

i would like to find out what hardware i need to be able to compose..add to...and change my own songs...here are some questions:
1) is this mode of thinking correct?
you use a digi keyboard to input a basic "tune". this tune is then brought into the mac via a) the input audio on the back of the mac or b) "some hardware" maybe that MBOX box?
shall i assume the mac audio is lamo or inappropriate for most needs...and i would want some other part to bring in the sound? is it necessary? me thinkin costs here...you know.
2) then a software interface is needed to bring in the tune...as in photoshop being your interface to twain up a scanner....? is this protools? logic? reason? i have seen an mbox on ebay that came with protools...makes me think this is the interface...? really lost here.
3) finally, is protools ( or whatever software...) also able to warp out these inputted tunes¿ i would like to add sounds from my house, like beer cans smacking together, and add them to my tune. what will i need to make the basic tune sound like a guitar? or a sax? or a clarinet?
(please don't tell me, a sax, a clarinet and a guitar!!!!)

i know know i am lost with questions. i have looked all over for a decent "you need THIS" article, but the sheer volume of choices and equipments prevents me from finding it!

HELP!!! i am eager to melt visual and audio into one experience!

J>

[midimantra]

Hi

That sounds fantastic, I would love to do animations for my music or get in to visuals and music together, like you...for me to approach doing visuals would do my head in totally, perhaps you could give ME some pointers as to Software needed etc......

I guess it's a matter of cost, I can imagine visual software is pretty costly...

...anyway I'll try and answer your Q's now.

As you may gather there are a number of ways to go:

Your budget will determine what you get so:

What's your budget?

Here's what I use:

Mac G400 (AGP) - 512 Ram - 100gig HD
Logic Gold 5.5 Software = 24bit Audio Recording, multiple midi tracks
Interface = Motu 828 24bit (Firewire)
Microphone= Rhode NT100 Condenser
Midi Keyboard = Midistudio by Miditech
USB Interface for Keys = MidiSport 1x1 (just 1 in/out)
Lots of Software Synths and Effects

Prices vary, my basic set up including the Mac (second hand) cost me $2/3k US
you may get what you need for less.

Now my Logic Software came with a Software Sampler = EX24 (Logic's)

You would need to record your sounds (audio) with the Mic.
Then in Logic's EX24 you can create a sampler instrument using those sounds i.e Cans, pots etc.
You map them out in the sampler so each key triggers at a different pitch, now you have a pitchable instrument of whatever sound you choose.

Whatever program you decide upon you will need 3 basic things

A program that records Audio & Midi and you will need a Sampler.

There are so many variables and it may take some research to decide the best for you.

I have been checking out programs over the Web and through mags for a year now. So I should be able to steer you through the technical stuff and help you on your way.

You may also get a reply from someone who is doing the same as you and know exactly what you need. If not keep in touch, I will help.

Here's my direct email: xcelmusic@bigpond.com

Regards
Paul