What's My Best Bet?, Mixing and producing songs Options

[Groove75]

Looking for some advice into which software I could use to create tracks... Let me explain, I love club music, remixes, house, techno name it.

Got a Mac, good monitors, and tons of energy to play and create kick ass tunes, but I have no idea where to begin?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Groove75

[ronaldl]

I think you would be extremely happy with Reason and/or Live. Both have downloadable demos. Try 'em out.

This post has been edited by ronaldl: Tue 29 Jan 2008, 06:00

[mortalengines]

Why don't you just start with the Garage Band program that came loaded with your computer? It really is a good place to start. Just open the program and go straight to the Help guide (it really is helpful). Google searches for GB tutorials will also put you in touch with methods and "little secrets" that many, more experienced people have found from working with this pretty nifty program. When you start to feel "limited" or restrained by the software then maybe think about upgrading to something like Logic Pro or Digital Performer (or Reason and Ableton....both great programs that I use extensively). GB is pretty straightforward and very easy to get into and, with a little effort, you will be making music you can be proud of.


www.myspace.com/mortal_engines

This post has been edited by mortalengines: Tue 29 Jan 2008, 06:24

[deaconblue]

Why don't you just start with the Garage Band program that came loaded with your computer? It really is a good place to start.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Plus, for a lot less money you can get the remix tools, world music, voices, symphony and rhythm section Jam Packs. Each one adds some nice loops you can mix and match with.

Good entry level application. Good to get to know your way around the Mac. You can then add the M-Audio Keystation 49e or similar and have a USB MIDI controller (electric piano keyboard type) to create your own music with it instead of having to rely completely on loops (or use the "musical typing" option to get started with the keys of your computer keyboard acting as an octave and a half keyboard with some control parameters via-key strokes option as well). Various other audio interfaces, including USB mics for voice or overdub or.. etc.

Lot's of options. Garage Band is definitely a good place to start.

peace.

[Mac Daddy]

Groove75, need more info than "Got a Mac", which one?

Another important question, do you play an instrument? Keyboard would be best.

If you have a New Mac I would follow mortalengines advice and play with GarageBand.

If you "Love club music, remixes, house, techno" I would follow the advice given by ronaldl Reason is what House DJ's use Internationally.

My advice. Since most of the music created on computers is MIDI. Get MIDI Keyboard. Size and price depends on your budget, however, consult soundonsound.com for reviews BEFORE you buy ANYTHING. You should also invest in an Interface. It's a Unit which helps transfer signals. Most try to get around this Interface but, you will be better with it than with out. Again, soundonsound.com for Review.

There are plenty of Free Piano Lessons, but if you "Love club music, remixes, house, techno" it won't matter if you can play or not, it becomes the art of manipulating samples, loops and thangs... with time, luck or skill the world is yours.

All the best, your life is about to change forever, in a good way.... Do expect technical issues, we all went and go through them. Tech issues are a small price to pay when you think of the years of pleasure and creativity at your disposal. You can just have fun or make ten million dollars with an idea.

You can't go wrong purchasing an External Hard Drive.

Go Grasshopper Live, Laugh, Love and never, ever, steal music. Om........ Oh, yeah, no guitar hiss. Go DI... What I gotta explain everything??? Google DI Direct In, if you play guitar. Eliminates need for an Amp and Microphone.

Most important... Have Fun

[mishmashmole]

I'm into much the same thing. i recommend starting with Ableton Live. Try the demo. It's a great thinkpad for loop based tunes. I can spend hours just jamming on it. I think I tried every software before deciding to stick to one. Depends how much time you have to spare. DON'T get caught in the trap of trying the latest and greatest software as soon as it comes out. Stick to one and learn it. Get some royalty free loops to start with. Luckily my library has Computer Music back issues......

[Groove75]

One word: Thank you. Nice to see that there are some very helpful people out there.

I should of elaborated a little more on my music experience and gear I have to make music. I have worked with Garage band and Soundtrack, but I found these to be very limiting. Reason being, trying to remix a song with that software is quite limiting. As for gear, I thank the you for mentioning the addition of a MIDI keyboard, I do have one of those (Radium 49), it's a great piece of equipment, but I still have a ways to go to understand it fully. As for an interface, I have a M-Audio FireWire 410, great little gizmo that let's me connect quite a few thing to it. And last but not least my newest toy (Christmas present): Korg Kaoss Pad, this thing ROCKS!

Now, I going to go and download Live and give it a twirl.

Cheers,

Groove75

[Mac Daddy]

Groove75, you seem well on your way. Yes, Reason has limitations, but if I recall you mentioned house type music. No mention, still if you can play or not, it is an important question if you CAN play it is great, but with house type music it does not matter if you have a musical note or not in your body. It is the Art Of Manipulation and know what sounds are available. That takes time. Or you just might get lucky and stumble across a nice combination. However, it is no different than what 50 Thousand or more users have. So don't think you are fooling any one with your great sound, we all been there and done that, if you can take those sounds and play well, you might get some of us to take notice.

So again, Do You Play? Just because you have a Radium 49 does not answer if you can play it or not. I have a big ass KURZWEIL K2500X I have to take out the Hand Book to turn it on, no I can't play it. It's in the Studio for those who can. It's good that you have an Interface, however, I think I have seen many Posts with M-Audio FireWire 410 issues. I might be wrong but the name M-Audio FireWire 410 rings a bell.

Korg Kaoss Pad absoluteely Rocks and is ideal for your house thang.

You can Google Free MIDI Diagrams. If you really suck at setting up, pay someone to set it up. When you see how easy it is and how much you paid you will learn and remember. Have them make a diagram and get colored tape, red, blue, yellow, green, black, white. Should last you forever and will save you hours when looking behind the scenes.

[Mac Daddy]

deaconblue, I am going to hence forward call you professordeaconblue 11010001101011 you sho knows yo stuff.

[deaconblue]

deaconblue, I am going to hence forward call you professordeaconblue 11010001101011 you sho knows yo stuff.

MacDaddy,

You're too kind. 8-)

Glad to see that in that moniker,

professordeaconblue 11010001101011

I am more on than off.

peace!

(Oh and MacDaddy says he can't play, but he sho'nuff can sing! So I expect he can play too. Just being modest).