Thread What hardware do i need to get started with music production ?
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Carlos Cruz Musiq
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angelie
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Carlos Cruz Musiq
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angelie
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Hi,
In respect to other users i will answer in English.
I think you can do enough with an imac they are affordable an can do a lot. The biggest pro is that they are completely silent.
They can run protools,cubase and any other program and you can buy external storage for your productions.
Then we get to the point of instuments. Are you going to use hardware or software based syths/drum machines. Both cost money just think it about it and choose the best for you.
I'm not a long mac user but i love my imac
In respect to other users i will answer in English.
I think you can do enough with an imac they are affordable an can do a lot. The biggest pro is that they are completely silent.
They can run protools,cubase and any other program and you can buy external storage for your productions.
Then we get to the point of instuments. Are you going to use hardware or software based syths/drum machines. Both cost money just think it about it and choose the best for you.
I'm not a long mac user but i love my imac
It's not about what you got to use .... but how you use what you got...
CaliMoose
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Carlos Cruz Musiq
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angelie
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Hi,
It is awesome that you like to make music on the professional level.
If you like to record great vocals please don't buy a buget mic and preamp. Just save some money to buy a good mic and a great channel strip. I know this is going to be a hard task because there are many types out there.
A "good" channel strip has all the options you need ( mic pre, eq and even a de-essea / compressor) buildin.
And a "good" mic is matched to your voice.
Not all mics sound good with one voice.
The first stage is complete. Then you need a "good" audio interface. If you record one / two voice(s) than a stereo interface will be enough. In dance music a lot of voices are dubbed ( i think i wrote this word wrong :-P)
So you don't need a multi track killer interface.
The question next is are you going to use soft synths/drum machines or the real thing.
Both have there pros and cons and the prize tag goes hand in hand with that.
Again, if you like to spent some money buy something that can be upgraded ( hardware/software ) so you can keep using it. Don't buy something real cheap or old fashion ( unless you want to) which has to be replaced because there is no option for upgrading or it is no longer available.
Ok have to work now
If you like more tips just ask. I think Mike will have some great tips too.
- Angelie
It is awesome that you like to make music on the professional level.
If you like to record great vocals please don't buy a buget mic and preamp. Just save some money to buy a good mic and a great channel strip. I know this is going to be a hard task because there are many types out there.
A "good" channel strip has all the options you need ( mic pre, eq and even a de-essea / compressor) buildin.
And a "good" mic is matched to your voice.
Not all mics sound good with one voice.
The first stage is complete. Then you need a "good" audio interface. If you record one / two voice(s) than a stereo interface will be enough. In dance music a lot of voices are dubbed ( i think i wrote this word wrong :-P)
So you don't need a multi track killer interface.
The question next is are you going to use soft synths/drum machines or the real thing.
Both have there pros and cons and the prize tag goes hand in hand with that.
Again, if you like to spent some money buy something that can be upgraded ( hardware/software ) so you can keep using it. Don't buy something real cheap or old fashion ( unless you want to) which has to be replaced because there is no option for upgrading or it is no longer available.
Ok have to work now
If you like more tips just ask. I think Mike will have some great tips too.
- Angelie
It's not about what you got to use .... but how you use what you got...
Mike Levine
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Author
Regarding the Mac, I agree with Angelie that an iMac is a good choice (get as much RAM as you can afford). Get the model with the largest screen you can afford. Having all that space is really helpful when working in a DAW. Assuming that an interface with two input channels will be sufficient, a real good and relatively inexpensive choice is the Audient iD14 ($299). It's a USB interface with very good preamps and converters for the money. It's also expandable via an ADAT port. It doesn't have MIDI I/O, but you should be able to connect your controller directly to your computer via USB. If you're willing to spend more, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin ($699-$899) is an awesome choice (you need a Thunderbolt equipped computer for it).
For a mic, I'm going to assume you want a large-diaphragm condenser for recording vocals. There are so many mics on the market, that a lot depends a lot on what you can spend. Angelie is right that it's important to get as good a mic as you can afford. You can't go wrong with an AKG C414 which costs a little over $1000. For a few hundred less, an Audio-Technical AT4050 (about $700) is a good choice, too. In the $400 range, I'd recommend the AKG C-214. If you only have $200 or so, consider the Blue Spark or the Rode NT1-A. Angelie also makes a good point about different mics sounding better on different voices, so if you can try out a mic before buying, it's a good idea.
As for monitors, again, there are a lot of choices and much depends on how much you're able to spend and how much space you have in your studio. Without spending a fortune, you can get good quality with the Focal Alpha 50 ($299 each). If you're doing dance music, you might want to consider monitors with 8" woofers such as the Yamaha HS8 ($349 each) or the PreSonus Eris E8 ($249 each) so you can hear the bottom end better.
Good luck!
For a mic, I'm going to assume you want a large-diaphragm condenser for recording vocals. There are so many mics on the market, that a lot depends a lot on what you can spend. Angelie is right that it's important to get as good a mic as you can afford. You can't go wrong with an AKG C414 which costs a little over $1000. For a few hundred less, an Audio-Technical AT4050 (about $700) is a good choice, too. In the $400 range, I'd recommend the AKG C-214. If you only have $200 or so, consider the Blue Spark or the Rode NT1-A. Angelie also makes a good point about different mics sounding better on different voices, so if you can try out a mic before buying, it's a good idea.
As for monitors, again, there are a lot of choices and much depends on how much you're able to spend and how much space you have in your studio. Without spending a fortune, you can get good quality with the Focal Alpha 50 ($299 each). If you're doing dance music, you might want to consider monitors with 8" woofers such as the Yamaha HS8 ($349 each) or the PreSonus Eris E8 ($249 each) so you can hear the bottom end better.
Good luck!
[ Post last edited on 08/12/2015 at 07:09:14 ]
angelie
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