Home 2023 Forums Non-DJ Chat What do I need to produce without a computer?

Viewing 14 posts - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
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  • #1013610
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    It’s doable but few do it thanks to the flexibility of a computer setup. Maybe an MPC2000 direct to DAT?

    #1013632
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    – Studio Mixer
    – Standalone MPC (aka not the new one you need a laptop for)
    – Harddisk Recorder
    – at least one Synthesizer
    – Sound Box
    – At least 2 additional Sequencers
    – Microphones with Mic meters
    – ….
    You are looking at an investment of roughly 15 to 20k minimum.
    I think I forgot a few things and you still have less good equipment that I have when I bring my laptop with its recording soundcard and Logic… sad but true.

    #1013634
    Nick Powers
    Participant

    Well, then a computer seems pretty practical, but I would rather use some sort of hardware rather than just a computer keyboard, what would you recommend? I am looking at the akai mpk mini, what would you say about that? Does the mpk mini come with its own software? If so then what is it? Then for my final question is if there is any easy to understand software that is somewhat affordable. Sorry about all the questions and thank you for the help.

    #1013635
    softcore
    Member

    …a fortune!!!

    😉

    #1013636
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    Well I still have a Logic Control, but I think this is no longer made.
    Theoretically any compatible controller will do. On the road with my laptop I only use a keyboard overlay for the laptop and 2 Griffin jogs (those aluminium things that look like huge volume knobs).
    However what you are using there is even more religious than the DJ controller question. So I would just try to check out some gear in online stores to get a basic idea what you can use, or invest 20 bucks in a good book for the software you may want to use (Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, Reason,…) they often have many good hardware tips in there.

    What is most important though:
    For producing you need at least:
    – Rock solid laptop with good performance (I use mainly my MacBook Pro or iMac)
    – Good software (like said I use mostly Logic and some Ableton)
    – Excellent sound card
    – Excellent studio monitors

    All of this is much more important than your control surface.

    #1013637
    Nick Powers
    Participant

    So is logic only available with Macs?

    #1013638
    Nick Powers
    Participant

    And cubase too?

    #1013639
    Nick Powers
    Participant

    Okay, sorry for all the questions but do you recommend any sound cards and monitors? Thanks

    #1013664
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    This is now a very open-ended question. I would recommend doing internet searches as this question has been asked over and over. Plus what you will find out is that everyone recommends their favorite tools or what they have invested in over the years.

    #1013668
    Nick Powers
    Participant

    Are there any pretty budget friendly sound cards that work at least okay?

    #1013669
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Plenty of them today. My favorites are Apogee Duet/ONEs, the pre-amps are excellent but I’m more interested in analog to digital converters with audio interfaces.

    #1013700
    Nick Powers
    Participant
    #1013775
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    I would not go with a budget card for production if you want your music to sound well.
    Even if you use the cheap way (aka laptop, keyboard, monitors and soundcard) you are looking at an investment of roughly 1000 bucks, if you are serious about it.

    Now for questions:
    Yes Logic only works on Mac OS nowadays, as the software is produced by Apple.
    Cubase works on Windows, so does Ableton and Reason.
    All have highly different workflows (for example I hate Reason, but I have seen people do extremely cool things with it).

    For Monitors the cheapest I would go are KRK Rockit series. However I only use them for DJing and mixing at home, I do not produce on them.
    My production monitors are ADAM AX.
    For soundcard Focusrite is good bang for the buck.
    —————————————————————————–

    The above is if you are real serious about it. Now if you only want to easily make some productions with not much hassle:
    Use you DJ controller soundcard and some computer speakers.
    Get a cheap used MacBook, it will come free with GarageBand.
    Get free loops from looperman or anywhere else on the interwebs.
    Start producing.

    Will this get you any production to make it to the radio? Doubtful.
    Will it teach you production techniques? Yes it will get you started and you will have an easier live when you switch to the above.
    Will you make some hits to impress the local girls? For sure.

    #1013786
    Nick Powers
    Participant

    Okay, thank you guys for all the help

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