New studio ideas? So finally i have became happy with where my DJ'n is at and getting quite interested in production. I was believeing about getting into the whole making beats thing but me and a mate had Nelski up in our residency and in the studio and this has given me the final push.
I have sat and looked through thread after thread, tutorial after tutorial, blog after blog and believe i have came to a conclusion to what i am looking to buy..
I already have a Macbook 13" to run TSP but this would be used to mainly just gigging and stuff and i have KRK Rokit 6's but these probably won't leave my 'DJ' setup.
So after some research i decided its time to get a new desk on the go with a good studio set up and to be honest even if the production doesn't work out, it always kicks ass to have a good sound system and computer..
List so far:
New Mac mini (i specced it up to what i want and costs around |
Dorie Scelzo
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by 3heads
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done.
Most budget monitors I've seen (KRK, etc.) have unbalanced inputs |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by JazZmutant
Im glad to read that you did not get a mac mini
I was going to suggest getting a couple year older MacPro (2007-2008, seeing as you already have screens) and do a referb upgrading the ram or going the iMac route. I have a friend doing all his production work on his 27in iMac with 8gb ram, his only complaint is the heat..
I use a pair of VXT6's for my production work (interesting fact, so does Deadmau5 and Skrillex lol) the things are f*cking loud, clear and responsive! I highly recommend them. If anything, they are a bit mid heavy. The VXT4's are also a solid choice if you have a smaller room. Also check these out http://shop.monkey-banana.de/index.php?cPath=59 Very popular in Germany at the moment, very good monitor, extremely crisp and clear.
However, for the moment id suggest the following:
* You already ordered an iMac
* Use your Audio8 and KRK Rokets through your mixer for sound output
- Ableton 8 (looked into suite?)
- NI Komplete Elements
- Novation Nocturn 49 keyboard - Comes with automap
That would be more than enough for your first year of music production, unless you get uber serious about it.
End of the day you can spend as much or as little as you want. But your better off starting small and working up/upgrading as you find the need. There is always the chance that you wont get heavily into it, in which case, you dont need to drop thousands of dollars like I have seen many do.
Thanks for the reply, helped me a bit more I did look into buying second hand macs but for what I was getting overe here they were a little bit expensive, I may aswel have bought the iMac (which I did end up doing so).
I know they can get quite hot from when I used them at college day in and day out but I can sort something out for that
Yeah I hear quite a lot of compliments about the VXT6 |
Dorie Scelzo
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by 3heads
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done.
Most budget monitors I've seen (KRK, etc.) have unbalanced inputs |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by JazZmutant
Im glad to read that you did not get a mac mini
I was going to suggest getting a couple year older MacPro (2007-2008, seeing as you already have screens) and do a referb upgrading the ram or going the iMac route. I have a friend doing all his production work on his 27in iMac with 8gb ram, his only complaint is the heat..
I use a pair of VXT6's for my production work (interesting fact, so does Deadmau5 and Skrillex lol) the things are f*cking loud, clear and responsive! I highly recommend them. If anything, they are a bit mid heavy. The VXT4's are also a solid choice if you have a smaller room. Also check these out http://shop.monkey-banana.de/index.php?cPath=59 Very popular in Germany at the moment, very good monitor, extremely crisp and clear.
However, for the moment id suggest the following:
* You already ordered an iMac
* Use your Audio8 and KRK Rokets through your mixer for sound output
- Ableton 8 (looked into suite?)
- NI Komplete Elements
- Novation Nocturn 49 keyboard - Comes with automap
That would be more than enough for your first year of music production, unless you get uber serious about it.
End of the day you can spend as much or as little as you want. But your better off starting small and working up/upgrading as you find the need. There is always the chance that you wont get heavily into it, in which case, you dont need to drop thousands of dollars like I have seen many do.
Thanks for the reply, helped me a bit more I did look into buying second hand macs but for what I was getting overe here they were a little bit expensive, I may aswel have bought the iMac (which I did end up doing so).
I know they can get quite hot from when I used them at college day in and day out but I can sort something out for that
Yeah I hear quite a lot of compliments about the VXT6 |
Random X
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Junior P
Get an iMac over a mac mini, more bang for buck
And like FullEnglishPint said, you'll want to get as sound-card as well.
My advice? Don't buy an M-audio FTP unless the drivers will work well on mac, because on windows vista(7?) they're total bs.
I agree on this first half, though the second one is more of a nice to have. (Using NI's Audio4DJ or Audio8DJ when not needing to mobile record, should be more than sufficient) |
Dorie Scelzo
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by 3heads
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done.
Most budget monitors I've seen (KRK, etc.) have unbalanced inputs |
Azucena Minks
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Liambo
Thanks for the reply
No prob dude. I believe your on the right track. The Nocturn 49 is very reasonably priced for what it is and what you get. |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by JazZmutant
Im glad to read that you did not get a mac mini
I was going to suggest getting a couple year older MacPro (2007-2008, seeing as you already have screens) and do a referb upgrading the ram or going the iMac route. I have a friend doing all his production work on his 27in iMac with 8gb ram, his only complaint is the heat..
I use a pair of VXT6's for my production work (interesting fact, so does Deadmau5 and Skrillex lol) the things are f*cking loud, clear and responsive! I highly recommend them. If anything, they are a bit mid heavy. The VXT4's are also a solid choice if you have a smaller room. Also check these out http://shop.monkey-banana.de/index.php?cPath=59 Very popular in Germany at the moment, very good monitor, extremely crisp and clear.
However, for the moment id suggest the following:
* You already ordered an iMac
* Use your Audio8 and KRK Rokets through your mixer for sound output
- Ableton 8 (looked into suite?)
- NI Komplete Elements
- Novation Nocturn 49 keyboard - Comes with automap
That would be more than enough for your first year of music production, unless you get uber serious about it.
End of the day you can spend as much or as little as you want. But your better off starting small and working up/upgrading as you find the need. There is always the chance that you wont get heavily into it, in which case, you dont need to drop thousands of dollars like I have seen many do.
Thanks for the reply, helped me a bit more I did look into buying second hand macs but for what I was getting overe here they were a little bit expensive, I may aswel have bought the iMac (which I did end up doing so).
I know they can get quite hot from when I used them at college day in and day out but I can sort something out for that
Yeah I hear quite a lot of compliments about the VXT6 |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by 3heads
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done.
Thats what i thought. Thanks for just clarifying it. I felt stupid asking, i mean i know quite a bit about technical stuff but as soon as it comes to simple things i can be quite stupid.. lol. |
Celestine Porebski
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Liambo
Next problem is, does anybody know how to hook active monitors up to an Audio 8? I have done a bit of searching but still a bit unclear. An Audio 8 is just a temp stop until i decide fully what soundcard i want as i already own an Audio 8.
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done. |
Random X
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Junior P
Get an iMac over a mac mini, more bang for buck
And like FullEnglishPint said, you'll want to get as sound-card as well.
My advice? Don't buy an M-audio FTP unless the drivers will work well on mac, because on windows vista(7?) they're total bs.
I agree on this first half, though the second one is more of a nice to have. (Using NI's Audio4DJ or Audio8DJ when not needing to mobile record, should be more than sufficient) |
Dorie Scelzo
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by 3heads
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done.
Most budget monitors I've seen (KRK, etc.) have unbalanced inputs |
Azucena Minks
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Liambo
Thanks for the reply
No prob dude. I believe your on the right track. The Nocturn 49 is very reasonably priced for what it is and what you get. |
Loralee Erban
22.06.2011 | good luck anyways dude I started with flstudio, samplitude music studio, a nano pad, a 25 key keyboard and a pc but get bored to easy... just really use it now too master my mixes. Im trying to get into making some kool loops and stuff on the ipad since flstudio is out on that and ill find it easier to work since it has a simple user interface, would love to make electro but its hard to finish songs i find |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by JazZmutant
Im glad to read that you did not get a mac mini
I was going to suggest getting a couple year older MacPro (2007-2008, seeing as you already have screens) and do a referb upgrading the ram or going the iMac route. I have a friend doing all his production work on his 27in iMac with 8gb ram, his only complaint is the heat..
I use a pair of VXT6's for my production work (interesting fact, so does Deadmau5 and Skrillex lol) the things are f*cking loud, clear and responsive! I highly recommend them. If anything, they are a bit mid heavy. The VXT4's are also a solid choice if you have a smaller room. Also check these out http://shop.monkey-banana.de/index.php?cPath=59 Very popular in Germany at the moment, very good monitor, extremely crisp and clear.
However, for the moment id suggest the following:
* You already ordered an iMac
* Use your Audio8 and KRK Rokets through your mixer for sound output
- Ableton 8 (looked into suite?)
- NI Komplete Elements
- Novation Nocturn 49 keyboard - Comes with automap
That would be more than enough for your first year of music production, unless you get uber serious about it.
End of the day you can spend as much or as little as you want. But your better off starting small and working up/upgrading as you find the need. There is always the chance that you wont get heavily into it, in which case, you dont need to drop thousands of dollars like I have seen many do.
Thanks for the reply, helped me a bit more I did look into buying second hand macs but for what I was getting overe here they were a little bit expensive, I may aswel have bought the iMac (which I did end up doing so).
I know they can get quite hot from when I used them at college day in and day out but I can sort something out for that
Yeah I hear quite a lot of compliments about the VXT6 |
Azucena Minks
22.06.2011 | Im glad to read that you did not get a mac mini
I was going to suggest getting a couple year older MacPro (2007-2008, seeing as you already have screens) and do a referb upgrading the ram or going the iMac route. I have a friend doing all his production work on his 27in iMac with 8gb ram, his only complaint is the heat..
I use a pair of VXT6's for my production work (interesting fact, so does Deadmau5 and Skrillex lol) the things are f*cking loud, clear and responsive! I highly recommend them. If anything, they are a bit mid heavy. The VXT4's are also a solid choice if you have a smaller room. Also check these out http://shop.monkey-banana.de/index.php?cPath=59 Very popular in Germany at the moment, very good monitor, extremely crisp and clear.
However, for the moment id suggest the following:
* You already ordered an iMac
* Use your Audio8 and KRK Rokets through your mixer for sound output
- Ableton 8 (looked into suite?)
- NI Komplete Elements
- Novation Nocturn 49 keyboard - Comes with automap
That would be more than enough for your first year of music production, unless you get uber serious about it.
End of the day you can spend as much or as little as you want. But your better off starting small and working up/upgrading as you find the need. There is always the chance that you wont get heavily into it, in which case, you dont need to drop thousands of dollars like I have seen many do. |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by 3heads
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done.
Thats what i thought. Thanks for just clarifying it. I felt stupid asking, i mean i know quite a bit about technical stuff but as soon as it comes to simple things i can be quite stupid.. lol. |
Celestine Porebski
22.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Liambo
Next problem is, does anybody know how to hook active monitors up to an Audio 8? I have done a bit of searching but still a bit unclear. An Audio 8 is just a temp stop until i decide fully what soundcard i want as i already own an Audio 8.
Srsly?
You look at the monitors you have (if you don't have them yet, look up a picture), check what inputs those have and then buy an RCA-to-whatever (XLR would be the obvious one) cable. All done. |
Palma Hanslip
22.06.2011 | Thanks for the input guys! I appreciate it all.
I have ordered my iMac. I ordered the 21.5 inch iMac i7 with 4GB of memory (i will order 16GB soon since it can be bought 50 quid cheaper than apple want for 8GB). 2TB HDD and trackpad. Expecting it this Friday.
Next problem is, does anybody know how to hook active monitors up to an Audio 8? I have done a bit of searching but still a bit unclear. An Audio 8 is just a temp stop until i decide fully what soundcard i want as i already own an Audio 8.
Also stuck with which monitors to get. Really considering the VXT6's as im already familiar with KRKs. |
Loralee Erban
21.06.2011 | If its edm you want to make get an ipad and fl studio for ipad, bought out today... This is a really simple program and i can see a lot of use for it |
Elmer Hingson
22.06.2011 | i have an audio 4 in mine (I know, no balanced outs, but its a budget studio). I'd take a look at the Apogee soundcards or the NI's with balanced outs.
My $0.02 is get a midi keyboard. Even if it's a small 25 key one. I woulodn't "wait to be more comfortable with ableton" before buying one. You would settle much more quickly if you had one. I found that buying one with just the keys and then buying drum pads etc separately as opposed to all in one packages is quite cheaper. But hey, there are differences of opinion. Best thing to do is research yourself. But using a midi keyboard with semi-weighted keys as opposed to your QWERTY keyboard is MUCH more comfortable |
Dorie Scelzo
15.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Liambo
I might go check if they have a demo, the reason i have went for Ableton is because thats what my friends use and what i kind of got familiar with fast.
I'm not sure if they offer a demo of Logic |
Palma Hanslip
10.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by kilobytekaushik
What about a controller, would u do all with your mice ?
I might get a shot of some sort of controller from a friend but until then i would just mess around using the mouse, as i said im in very early stages of starting production so it my importance is getting software, a decent computer (i need it for my graphic design also) and decent monitors (would buy them anyway due to i like a good sounding speaker). Then a few months down the line i would buy a controller.
Originally Posted by daveq
if you want to produce and are going to the bother of getting yourself an i7 imac then you really should be using Logic mate
I might go check if they have a demo, the reason i have went for Ableton is because thats what my friends use and what i kind of got familiar with fast. |
Liz Mirabito
10.06.2011 | if you want to produce and are going to the bother of getting yourself an i7 imac then you really should be using Logic mate |
Karry Sappington
10.06.2011 | What about a controller, would u do all with your mice ? |
Palma Hanslip
09.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by mostapha
You'd be surprised how easy it is to record vocals if you're the least bit selective about your gear
|
Karry Sappington
09.06.2011 | Or for the time being your audio 8 dj is enough to start producing demo tracks, Get feedback,experience and work upon it. That would approx. take a year maybe...! So you don't need to splash on the best gears right way, save up some bucks . |
Dorie Scelzo
09.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by Liambo
Will never be recording vocals (well not for a good few year yet anyway) so thats not really an issue. What Genelecs do you use?
You'd be surprised how easy it is to record vocals if you're the least bit selective about your gear
|
Palma Hanslip
09.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
I don't see much wrong with it but I'm no producer! Only thing is you'll probably want some kind of Production level sound card with good quality balanced outputs, something like the NI komplete audio 6.
I'm sure someone can chime in with more useful suggestions!
Production sound card? I was looking at the Komplete 6, i have no idea where to start with sound cards. I already use a Audio 8 for DJ'n that's about all i know lol.
Originally Posted by Junior P
Get an iMac over a mac mini, more bang for buck
And like FullEnglishPint said, you'll want to get as sound-card as well.
My advice? Don't buy an M-audio FTP unless the drivers will work well on mac, because on windows vista(7?) they're total bs.
Yeah iv been having thoughts, the only better thing with the mini is the hdmi.. But the iMac has thunderbolt etc and the i7 (if i spec it to that). As said above i also have a Audio 8 at the moment but as far as soundcards im gonna have to research more.
Originally Posted by towifer
The mac mini idea is good, what are the specs on the one you're looking at?
A quality soundcard is a must, i wouldn't go for a NI one tbh id get something more like a Focusrite Saffire 6, then you'll want some soft synths, NI Komplete 7 has most things that you'd need to start with.
I believe iv scrapped the idea of the mac mini for an iMac lol, as for soundcard see above
Originally Posted by kilobytekaushik
for production, use cards that do not color the sound i.e. U should get a nearly flat response ( before mastering ), best is the apogee duet or u can go for the previous version. Take a look at yamaha hs50s for monitors. Krks would grow on you.
Even though i mentioned monitors i have been looking at other things also, just unsure yet. The only reason i had mentioned the KRK is due to having the most experience with them.
Originally Posted by towifer
yeah thats a good point go with a apogee duet 2 when its released, if you're wanting to record vocals it'd be a decent idea to get a pre amp too! FMR RNP is a fantastic one for the money.
As far as monitors go, i'd ALWAYS say Genelec, i'd be lost without mine!
Will never be recording vocals (well not for a good few year yet anyway) so thats not really an issue. What Genelecs do you use? |
Dorie Scelzo
08.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
Only thing is you'll probably want some kind of Production level sound card |
Soo Lui
08.06.2011 | yeah thats a good point go with a apogee duet 2 when its released, if you're wanting to record vocals it'd be a decent idea to get a pre amp too! FMR RNP is a fantastic one for the money.
As far as monitors go, i'd ALWAYS say Genelec, i'd be lost without mine! |
Karry Sappington
08.06.2011 | for production, use cards that do not color the sound i.e. U should get a nearly flat response ( before mastering ), best is the apogee duet or u can go for the previous version. Take a look at yamaha hs50s for monitors. Krks would grow on you. |
Roseanna Hascall
08.06.2011 | Ehy!!Check the motu audio express sound-card. I LOVE IT!!!!! |
Soo Lui
08.06.2011 | The mac mini idea is good, what are the specs on the one you're looking at?
A quality soundcard is a must, i wouldn't go for a NI one tbh id get something more like a Focusrite Saffire 6, then you'll want some soft synths, NI Komplete 7 has most things that you'd need to start with. |
Brady Mulle
08.06.2011 | Get an iMac over a mac mini, more bang for buck
And like FullEnglishPint said, you'll want to get as sound-card as well.
My advice? Don't buy an M-audio FTP unless the drivers will work well on mac, because on windows vista(7?) they're total bs. |
Tatum Ansaldo
08.06.2011 | I don't see much wrong with it but I'm no producer! Only thing is you'll probably want some kind of Production level sound card with good quality balanced outputs, something like the NI komplete audio 6.
I'm sure someone can chime in with more useful suggestions! |
Palma Hanslip
08.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
haha no shortage of expert advice then.
haha none at all! So any input on my thoughts? |
Tatum Ansaldo
08.06.2011 | haha no shortage of expert advice then. |
Palma Hanslip
08.06.2011 |
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
No keyboard or ableton controllers?
I did believe that aswel but i thought to myself im just beginning with Ableton so once i get the hang of things id then add a keyboard or something
But if did have the urge to use something my mate has a few moogerfoogers, phatty and a few other things i could use. lol. |
Tatum Ansaldo
08.06.2011 | No keyboard or ableton controllers? |
