Another newbie looking to get started

Hey all, I've been listening to EM for quite some time now and would like to try to make some of my own (I'd be interested in making dnb, idm, and ambient). I've read a bunch on these forums and some others and it seems that the best way to start is with Fruit Loops. However, as far as the hardware goes, what should I get? I've already got a decent laptop, but what about a midi keyboard?

The thing is, I have an interest in making EM, but I don't know if I'll actually enjoy it. Because of this fact, I wouldn't like to spend a bunch of money. I want a midi controller that has enough functionality but isn't that expensive. I've done a little research and the E-MU Xboard, M-Audio Oxygen and Axiom look pretty good. I just plan to get a used one off of ebay. Is 25 keys alright, or is that too limiting?

Any advice would be great, thanks

have you ever used FL before? maybe try getting used to that before purchasing any hardware?

  On 2/22/2010 at 10:28 PM, halisray said:

have you ever used FL before? maybe try getting used to that before purchasing any hardware?

Actually, good point. As far as not having a midi controller goes, how limited am I when using software like FL? I'm sure it's not as efficient using nothing but a keyboard and mouse, but I can get things done, right?

I suppose you're right. It'd be better to dive into FL before even considering spending any money.

Can you guys recommend and documentation, books, videos to watch which relate to making EM? I'm more interested in some good books if there are any decent ones out there.

i have never used anything but renoise and vsts to make electronic music, and i like it that way; i don't use a midi controller i prefer to type notes in

I've always been a fan of messing around with things until I start to figure them out, rather than reading books...though I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of time in some areas.

  On 2/22/2010 at 10:25 PM, illway said:

it seems that the best way to start is with Fruit Loops.

lol

Ive the axoim 25 and its very good. But tbh I havent been using it to its potential. I think I might do a Mix with it and really get to know it.

The only problem is the drum pads are a little stiff so you really gotta bang em! But Ive never felt restricted with the 25, I mean it does have a octave shift.

Ye get the free FL. Then I'd recommend checking out ableton live, its all the rage.

  On 2/22/2010 at 10:38 PM, tht tne said:

i have never used anything but renoise and vsts to make electronic music, and i like it that way; i don't use a midi controller i prefer to type notes in

+1 thats what I do. I'm a newb too you know.

  On 2/22/2010 at 11:39 PM, ZiggomaticV17 said:

  On 2/22/2010 at 10:38 PM, tht tne said:

i have never used anything but renoise and vsts to make electronic music, and i like it that way; i don't use a midi controller i prefer to type notes in

 

+1 thats what I do. I'm a newb too you know.

i still consider myself a noob; certainly if the quality of my music is any indicator i am a noob

+1 for ableton, but you'll need some vsts to pack in there.

i got a 25 key controller and i wound up wishing i'd spent another $100 for the next one up

yeah, that occurred to me after my post -- the one i got (novation remote sl 25) is real easy to stash just about anywhere i need it.

  On 2/23/2010 at 5:04 AM, Mesh Gear Fox said:

  On 2/23/2010 at 2:50 AM, hahathhat said:

i got a 25 key controller and i wound up wishing i'd spent another $100 for the next one up

haha this happened to me recently, except I was only $10 off the next one up

I got about $40 change so I bought a couple of records instead, and I ended up quite liking the size of the one I bought. it fits nicely on my computer desk.

I'm in between, I really like my oxygen8, but goddamnit... sometimes I just want those other keys without hitting the fucking octave button! Especially since I picked up my tetra.

To the op: I used FL with nothing but KB and mouse for about 9 years. Just picked up an oxygen8, and padkontrol about a year and a half ago when I moved to Ableton. You can always use your computer keyboard to play the notes into FL though (that's what I always did). Just find a cracked version of FL9 and start messing about. Ask questions and see if you enjoy yourself!

Is FL worth learning? It seems so unwieldy to me,and I cant get used to it after using Renoise for so long. Everything seems so convoluted as opposed to renoise where something like adding an effect takes two seconds. Also, FL gives me lag/audio problems, and i have to keep changing the buffer size.

Unrelated, but i've been wanting to get into doing mixes, what is some good software for this. Hooke me up like x with k, dawgs.