Need help with easiest production set-up possible.

Hi,

I'm just starting out with an SP-303. I initially was going to try an analog set-up and record to cassette tape but I'm not skilled, patient, or capable enough.

I want to start messing around making beats, and I'm planning on getting a new laptop soon, a mic, and maybe a drum machine if needed.

I'm wondering what the easiest set-up would be for me to start making beats and recording off the mic with this kind of set-up. I've heard that Fruity Loops, at its basic label, can be cheap, and easy to use. A long time ago I downloaded a sample version of Fruity Loops and it was easy to use - but I've looked at it more recently and it looks pretty damn complicated. I just want to be able to start tracking beats - drum/rhythm sound on one line, samples on another, vocals on another, etc.

Can anyone suggest the best program for this, and if there's a simple drum machine that would be useful too (or will the program be enough)?

Also, I'm getting a new laptop for my birthday, and I pretty much just use my computer to store a lot of music, do homework and surf the internet, and hopefully mess around with this simple recording set-up. Is there a laptop, not crazy expensive, that someone thinks would be good for this too?

I really, really appreciate any help.

Thanks a lot.

sony acid pro works is really good. it's multitracking software that you can record into and then arrange audio:

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/acidpro

you might want an audio interface as well for recording audio at better quality:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/computers-peripherals

  On 7/24/2011 at 5:11 PM, carthief said:

Hi,

 

I'm just starting out with an SP-303. I initially was going to try an analog set-up and record to cassette tape but I'm not skilled, patient, or capable enough.

I want to start messing around making beats, and I'm planning on getting a new laptop soon, a mic, and maybe a drum machine if needed.

I'm wondering what the easiest set-up would be for me to start making beats and recording off the mic with this kind of set-up. I've heard that Fruity Loops, at its basic label, can be cheap, and easy to use. A long time ago I downloaded a sample version of Fruity Loops and it was easy to use - but I've looked at it more recently and it looks pretty damn complicated. I just want to be able to start tracking beats - drum/rhythm sound on one line, samples on another, vocals on another, etc.

Can anyone suggest the best program for this, and if there's a simple drum machine that would be useful too (or will the program be enough)?

Also, I'm getting a new laptop for my birthday, and I pretty much just use my computer to store a lot of music, do homework and surf the internet, and hopefully mess around with this simple recording set-up. Is there a laptop, not crazy expensive, that someone thinks would be good for this too?

 

I really, really appreciate any help.

 

Thanks a lot.

if you're on a Mac i'd say Garageband would be a good starting point. if on PC then yeah maybe ACID Pro or you could try Reaper or Ableton - sounds like you pretty much just want to record your SP-303 into the computer and layer stuff (vocals, drum machine) over it right? you just need some simple multitrack software and to sync everything up via MIDI. you'll also need an audio/MIDI interface too - the Alesis io2 wouldn't be a bad first choice for this. as for drum machines, you could do worse than a Roland TR-626 - wicked (and cheap) drum machine with MIDI and separate outs for each channel.

Here's the basic hardware setup you need:

1. desktop computer or laptop

2. audio interface

3. studio monitors (speakers)

4. good set of headphones

5. midi controller keyboard or mpc pads

6. decent microphone for vocals

Any other hardware is superfluous. I love hardware. It has it's charms, but it's totally unnecessary. You can make top notch music with just the stuff listed. Many pros do.

As for software, that's entirely a matter of preference. All DAW software pretty much does the same thing, but approaches it in different ways. Ableton Live or FL Studio (fruity loops) are probably the easiest to get started with, but Reaper is also good and by far the cheapest option. Also, a lot of time basic recording software will come free when purchasing an audio interface, so look into that too. I would probably recommend Ableton Live at this point in time becasue it seems to currently be trending as the most popular program among new producers. It also comes bundled with a bunch of great instruments and effects.

All of this stuff has a bit of a learning curve. The only way to get good at it is to dive right in, read the manual, and start doing tutorials. There is no simple option to do what you want. It will all take time and practice. If you just want to fuck around, then get a electribe and a tape recorder. If you want to really make music and get into producing, then you will have to put in some effort. These programs are not hard to use, they just take some time to get acquainted with becasue they are so powerful.

IMO, you can make top notch music just with 1 and 4. The rest is dependable. For example I have a midi controller but I don't really need it for the music I make now. I also don't need a microphone for vocals, but I do need a recorder for recording other stuff a lot.

As for a DAW:

  On 11/9/2010 at 8:32 PM, acid1 said:

FL Studio if you want a powerful DAW and don't care if people make fun of the name.

 

Reason if you like to play video games and think VST's are for fags.

 

Ableton Live if you want to eventually play your songs live, but don't mind retarded level midi capabilities.

 

Renoise if you want to be Venetian Snares and don't mind a learning curve that rivals Max MSP.

 

Oh and Cubase if you want to talk to hathathat.

he doesn't want midi though. it doesn't fit with what he has and that he wants, an "easy" setup

he's going to need fucking midi yek or the whole multitrack thing is pretty much pointless.

also, since when has syncing things up via midi been hard? simply needs to plug the things in and select the right settings on his DAW... how do you propose he syncs his SP-303 with anything else?

  On 7/26/2011 at 1:25 PM, Adam Beker said:

 

 

Ableton Live if you want to eventually play your songs live, but don't mind retarded level midi capabilities.

 

I'm not sure I understand how Ableton has failed you?

  On 7/26/2011 at 3:05 PM, BCM said:

he's going to need fucking midi yek or the whole multitrack thing is pretty much pointless.

 

also, since when has syncing things up via midi been hard? simply needs to plug the things in and select the right settings on his DAW... how do you propose he syncs his SP-303 with anything else?

well he could plug his sp-303 into his computer and record it without midi i'm sure

might I suggest a Cucumber?

  On 7/26/2011 at 3:15 PM, yek said:

  On 7/26/2011 at 3:05 PM, BCM said:

he's going to need fucking midi yek or the whole multitrack thing is pretty much pointless.

 

also, since when has syncing things up via midi been hard? simply needs to plug the things in and select the right settings on his DAW... how do you propose he syncs his SP-303 with anything else?

 

well he could plug his sp-303 into his computer and record it without midi i'm sure

you could do this yeah but to what end? you suggesting he records just one track of audio from the SP-303? what then? call it a track? how do you propose he adds anything else to this and keeps it synced? say he wants to layer a bassline over a beat he's done on the SP - what just play it on the fly on a computer keyboard? I don't get what you're suggesting mate...

short version: he needs some kind of midi sync.

  On 7/26/2011 at 5:49 PM, BCM said:

  On 7/26/2011 at 3:15 PM, yek said:

  On 7/26/2011 at 3:05 PM, BCM said:

he's going to need fucking midi yek or the whole multitrack thing is pretty much pointless.

 

also, since when has syncing things up via midi been hard? simply needs to plug the things in and select the right settings on his DAW... how do you propose he syncs his SP-303 with anything else?

 

well he could plug his sp-303 into his computer and record it without midi i'm sure

 

you could do this yeah but to what end? you suggesting he records just one track of audio from the SP-303? what then? call it a track? how do you propose he adds anything else to this and keeps it synced? say he wants to layer a bassline over a beat he's done on the SP - what just play it on the fly on a computer keyboard? I don't get what you're suggesting mate...

 

short version: he needs some kind of midi sync.

yeah i guess your right

maybe i need help with my midi

reading between the lines I thought that may be the case - the gear you've bought doesn't lend itself to syncing very easily either from what I can recall... I think you have a TR-505 right? that can be synced up to your computer via midi really quite simply (you might need the manual if a beginner though). then you can like, press the play button on your DAW of choice and watch in amazement as your drum machine starts as well! and stays at exactly the same tempo as your DAW.....imagine the possibilities! you could also forgo the computer entirely and use your 505 as the master midi device and control a synth with it....like tap out acid lines from the drum pads on the 505! bonkers. lemme know if you need any help :)

  On 7/24/2011 at 9:33 PM, BCM said:

  On 7/24/2011 at 5:11 PM, carthief said:

Hi,

 

I'm just starting out with an SP-303. I initially was going to try an analog set-up and record to cassette tape but I'm not skilled, patient, or capable enough.

I want to start messing around making beats, and I'm planning on getting a new laptop soon, a mic, and maybe a drum machine if needed.

I'm wondering what the easiest set-up would be for me to start making beats and recording off the mic with this kind of set-up. I've heard that Fruity Loops, at its basic label, can be cheap, and easy to use. A long time ago I downloaded a sample version of Fruity Loops and it was easy to use - but I've looked at it more recently and it looks pretty damn complicated. I just want to be able to start tracking beats - drum/rhythm sound on one line, samples on another, vocals on another, etc.

Can anyone suggest the best program for this, and if there's a simple drum machine that would be useful too (or will the program be enough)?

Also, I'm getting a new laptop for my birthday, and I pretty much just use my computer to store a lot of music, do homework and surf the internet, and hopefully mess around with this simple recording set-up. Is there a laptop, not crazy expensive, that someone thinks would be good for this too?

 

I really, really appreciate any help.

 

Thanks a lot.

 

if you're on a Mac i'd say Garageband would be a good starting point. if on PC then yeah maybe ACID Pro or you could try Reaper or Ableton - sounds like you pretty much just want to record your SP-303 into the computer and layer stuff (vocals, drum machine) over it right? you just need some simple multitrack software and to sync everything up via MIDI. you'll also need an audio/MIDI interface too - the Alesis io2 wouldn't be a bad first choice for this. as for drum machines, you could do worse than a Roland TR-626 - wicked (and cheap) drum machine with MIDI and separate outs for each channel.

True but he'll need to get a mixer and some outboard fx or fx pedals to make use of those outs. Not to say that ain't fun! Also I been looking at the 626 recently but prices seem to have gone up. :( Ps have you got one?

  On 7/26/2011 at 11:54 AM, MrSparkle666 said:

Here's the basic hardware setup you need:

 

1. desktop computer or laptop

2. audio interface

3. studio monitors (speakers)

4. good set of headphones

5. midi controller keyboard or mpc pads

6. decent microphone for vocals

 

Any other hardware is superfluous. I love hardware. It has it's charms, but it's totally unnecessary. You can make top notch music with just the stuff listed. Many pros do.

 

As for software, that's entirely a matter of preference. All DAW software pretty much does the same thing, but approaches it in different ways. Ableton Live or FL Studio (fruity loops) are probably the easiest to get started with, but Reaper is also good and by far the cheapest option. Also, a lot of time basic recording software will come free when purchasing an audio interface, so look into that too. I would probably recommend Ableton Live at this point in time becasue it seems to currently be trending as the most popular program among new producers. It also comes bundled with a bunch of great instruments and effects.

 

All of this stuff has a bit of a learning curve. The only way to get good at it is to dive right in, read the manual, and start doing tutorials. There is no simple option to do what you want. It will all take time and practice. If you just want to fuck around, then get a electribe and a tape recorder. If you want to really make music and get into producing, then you will have to put in some effort. These programs are not hard to use, they just take some time to get acquainted with becasue they are so powerful.

Very good post mate. Pretty much spot on.

yeah I got one....might be looking to sell it too - might want about £150 for it though. or maybe more. whatever I can get mwa ha ha ha ha...

  On 7/26/2011 at 3:43 PM, slightlydrybeans said:

might I suggest a Cucumber?

Mm sounds kinky. You got somewhere to put that?

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:13 PM, BCM said:

yeah I got one....might be looking to sell it too - might want about £150 for it though. or maybe more. whatever I can get mwa ha ha ha ha...

Ha ha you greedy bastard. I was thinking more like 50 squids. Can you believe I had 606 one time. Picked it up for £90 but sent it back the same week after thinking there wasn't much I could do with it without midi. Now those mofos are selling for like £350 on ebay - its nuts!

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:22 PM, Promo said:

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:13 PM, BCM said:

yeah I got one....might be looking to sell it too - might want about £150 for it though. or maybe more. whatever I can get mwa ha ha ha ha...

Ha ha you greedy bastard. I was thinking more like 50 squids. Can you believe I had 606 one time. Picked it up for £90 but sent it back the same week after thinking there wasn't much I could do with it without midi. Now those mofos are selling for like £350 on ebay - its nuts!

£50? on yer bike! you can't get shit for £50 these days....I should flog the bloody thing before hardware goes out of fashion again lol

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:25 PM, BCM said:

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:22 PM, Promo said:

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:13 PM, BCM said:

yeah I got one....might be looking to sell it too - might want about £150 for it though. or maybe more. whatever I can get mwa ha ha ha ha...

Ha ha you greedy bastard. I was thinking more like 50 squids. Can you believe I had 606 one time. Picked it up for £90 but sent it back the same week after thinking there wasn't much I could do with it without midi. Now those mofos are selling for like £350 on ebay - its nuts!

 

£50? on yer bike! you can't get shit for £50 these days....I should flog the bloody thing before hardware goes out of fashion again lol

Wat ya talking about man. :p I'm just buying two bits of fx today for £50 ;-).

  On 7/26/2011 at 6:08 PM, BCM said:

reading between the lines I thought that may be the case - the gear you've bought doesn't lend itself to syncing very easily either from what I can recall... I think you have a TR-505 right? that can be synced up to your computer via midi really quite simply (you might need the manual if a beginner though). then you can like, press the play button on your DAW of choice and watch in amazement as your drum machine starts as well! and stays at exactly the same tempo as your DAW.....imagine the possibilities! you could also forgo the computer entirely and use your 505 as the master midi device and control a synth with it....like tap out acid lines from the drum pads on the 505! bonkers. lemme know if you need any help :)

well the 505 is on the back burner. right now i have a midi keyboard (out) -> rm1x (in, out) -> mophatt (in,out,thru)

the rm1x and mophatt go into mixer which then goes into audio interface

i don't think i need to be midi synced because i play keyboard and it plays both rm1x and mophatt

if i want to i can program drums and basslines i can use rm1x and record rm1x or mophatt or both

do i need to be midi synced and if so how?

my software is sony acid.

cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers

currently on a train on my iPhone, but yeah I reckon you should get everything synced up! will write back with moar l8r/tomorrow

  On 7/26/2011 at 9:21 PM, BCM said:

currently on a train on my iPhone, but yeah I reckon you should get everything synced up! will write back with moar l8r/tomorrow

peace