Music Equipment

[mindcontrol]

Anyone experienced with this stuff? I've messed around with Reason for about a year now and want to upgrade a bit and purchase some music equipment.

What basic equipment do you need for a home studio?
What are some brands to look out for quality wise?

Looking to purchase a monitor, midi keyboard, external soundcard and a drum pad. The maximum that I'm willing to spend is £700. Living in New Zealand so shipping might be a factor.

[Sirius]

shits SOOOOO expensive ova hea a cuz!!

I check out ebay all the time... if only we was in the US, some shit goes ridiculously cheap ah!

the options are endless bro!

!!chea

[egoless]

Anyone experienced with this stuff? I've messed around with Reason for about a year now and want to upgrade a bit and purchase some music equipment.

What basic equipment do you need for a home studio?
What are some brands to look out for quality wise?

Looking to purchase a monitor, midi keyboard, external soundcard and a drum pad. The maximum that I'm willing to spend is £700. Living in New Zealand so shipping might be a factor.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--KRKRP8

http://www.laptoprockers.eu/technology/ ... no-series/

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=10447

this could come out cheap...

[mindcontrol]

shits SOOOOO expensive ova hea a cuz!!

I check out ebay all the time... if only we was in the US, some *** goes ridiculously cheap ah!

the options are endless bro!

!!chea

Haha yeah bro might have to make that ebay account..

Currently learning about this stuff, I have a laptop btw. Thanks for the links egoless that korg stuff looks impressive, also quite impressed with akai. Thinking about getting a small 6"sub as well to really pick up that low end. When it comes to monitors would like a clean sound, without any coloring.

[mindcontrol]

A quote from another forum,

"There are loads of different makes and models... my personal choices are normally Roland, Akai, Yamaha, Korg and Alesis. They are fairly good makes and won't (I'll actually say 'shouldn't') fall apart after a few hours beating, although I did have to repair a sensor cable in my Alesis drum pad (maybe I was hitting it too hard with my sticks).

The Akai devices:-

MPD26 - 16 MPC style drum pads + 6 faders + 6 rotary controls - About £129
LPD8 - Micro 8 drum pads - About £50
LPK25 - Micro 25 key keyboard - About £50
MPK25 - Small 25 key keyboard with 12 MPC drum pads and more - About £200
MPK49 - Standard 49 key keyboard with 12 MPC drum pads and more - More than the MPK25, less than the MPK61
MPK61 - Standard 61 key keyboard with 16 MPC drum pads and more - About £400

The Korg Devices:-

Korg Kontrol 49 - Standard 49 key keyboard with 16 drum pads - About £329

The software:-

Reason - About £240 - If you have a properly licensed previous version, the upgrade to 5 is about £80
Record - About £200
Reason+Record Duo - About £300

You can add Record for reason owners at a later stage if you want the extra functionality, for about £130.

Reason is the almighty software synth. Record is Propellerheads DAW and is capable of easy audio recording and manipulation, plus it has a much better master mixer. On it's own, record doesn't have all the synths of Reason, but if you own both, you can use them all in it.

My little 'studio' consists of the following:-

Roland Alpha Juno 2 - 6 DCO synth, one of the last of the classic Osc+Filter synths - Circa. 1986
Roland D110 - Rackmount version of the MT-32 LA synthesis module - 8 channel multi-timbral+rythm - Circa. 1988
Roland XV-5080 - 32 channel multi-timbral synth + House and Techno expansions - Circa. 2000
MOTU Midi 128 Express - USB MIDI interface (8 in + 8 out)
Yamaha SW1000XG - PCI Sound Card - 32 channel multi-timbral MIDI synth + 6 wave outs + 2 wave ins (1 line, 1 loopback) + a whole raft of effects - Circa. 1996
Behringer RX1602 - Rack mixer for pulling the synths together
Mackie CFX16 mk ii -16 channel (12 mono, 2 stereo) mixer
Electric guitar - Cheap and cheerful beginner electric guiter
Korg AX1500G - Multieffects pedal for my guitar
Alesis Performance Pad - 8 pads, 50 preset kits, 50 user kits, programmable sequences, 233 drum sounds
Akai MPD26 - 16 way drum pad + 6 faders + 6 rotary controls
Preh MCI84 - 84 key programmable keyboard - Programmed up to be a control surface for Cubase

Software wise:-

Cubase 5 - My personal favourite DAW, great MIDI capabilities, some fine VSTs. Has pretty much everything I would ever need... I think

Zebra 2.5 - Superb, highly programmable software synth (VST) - http://www.u-he.com/
Reason 5 - Amazing software synth from Propellerheads - http://www.propellerheads.se
Record 1.5 - DAW from Propellerheads

Depending on what I'm doing, I'll either just use Reason and Record, or if I need MIDI capabilities to get at my hardware synths, I'll use Cubase and access Reason and Record through the 'Rewire' interface. With what I have, I would say I can do almost anything, although I am looking to make one or two changes.

The Yamaha SW1000XG is old... very old (as I recall, it can with drivers for NT4). If I put the card under severe load, I get BSODs. The drivers aren't supported and they aren't multi-threaded, which I believe is holding back Cubase. I'm looking to replace it with a decent audio interface.... by decent I mean 8 in/8 out minimum... and a Yamaha MU128 or MU200 which are the hardware brick versions of the SW1000XG synth engine.

I've just recently started using Reason, Record and the VST synths in Cubase a lot more, to destress and wind down, and they are amazing. If you are on a tight budget and you want to make music for games, with no vocals, I would go for Reason and get a decent controller, something like the MPK61 which has a bit of everything. There are other options depending on your budget. The best thing to do, is find a local dealer with a store and go and talk to them, try things out (I like this approach because if I walk into a store and I can figure out the key functions in a few minutes, I know I'm not going to have to spend the next 12 months reading the user manual). But make sure you're clued up about what the hardware does before hand (read the manfacturers sites etc), because I have had peeps try and sell me stuff based on things it doesn't do.

My one real piece of advice... if you are setting up a little studio... pick a place where you have room to leave it setup and connected. My rig is in my bedroom at my parents place, which is where I stay for the majority of the year as I work near them. The problem is, my room is the box room and I don't have the space to leave everything setup, so when I want to play I first have to grab my Alpha, get it connected up, grab the MPD26, connect it, etc. etc. etc. Nine times out of ten, by that time, the creative spark has gone and I'm left with having to pack it all away again for a measily 10 minute bang on Reason.

If you got yourself an Akai MPK61, you'd have a 61 key keyboard with 16 pads and a bunch of controllers. Korg also do a 61 key version of the Korg Kontrol keyboards... again, they have 16 pads.

The difference between the MPD24 and the MPD26 is (as far as I can tell):-

MPD24 has 8 rotary encoders - MPD26 has 6
MPD24 does not have 'Repeat' function - MPD26 has repeat function (this allows you to tap in a tempo and then press the repeat button... you can pick a repeat speed and then when you hold down a pad, it plays it repeatedly at the given speed taking into account the pressure you're applying)

That's about the only differences I can see... so, if you don't want that functionality, go for the MPD24 and get 2 extra rotary encoders.

As I said, the only reason I didn't go for something like the Akai MPK61 or the Korg Kontrol 49 is the fact I have a MIDI keyboard already in the form of my Alpha Juno 2. So rather than pay £400, I chose to pay £130 for the MPD26 and just get what I needed.

As for Audio/MIDI interface... I obviously have a bunch of MIDI gear so I bought the 8 way MIDI interface (for full use of all my MIDI gear I need 42 MIDI output channels + 4 MIDI input channels). If you don't need lots of MIDI, you could consider something like the MOTU UltraLite mk3 Hybrid. This has a bunch of audio in's and out's and a single MIDI interface (16 channels). Or... if you fancy spending some cash, the 828 mk 3 firewire interface. That seems really nice. I can't comment too much about pro audio interfaces as I don't have one, but there are loads of options. There are some good internal cards that would do what you want, but for things like this, I'm a firm believer in buying the best you can afford.

Keyboard choice... it's a personal thing... find a local dealer with a store, go down and try them out. The one overriding thing I'm finding is that even though these things are costing the same as they did say 10-20 years ago... the build quality of the units you buy today just doesn't seem as good.... my Alpha has a metal chasis... most of the stuff you buy today has never seen metal. But get yourself to a local dealer and try a few out.

If I had the cash, I'd probably buy an Akai MPK88 which is 88 keys with a piano weighted action. You just can't beat playing a piano.

Setup questions... well, if the devices have USB interfaces, I'd be inclined to use them. MIDI operates at something like 38400 baud... compare that to the crazy speeds of USB 2. Don't dasiy chain too much. Thats why I bought a fat MIDI interface. The more daisy chaining you do, the more delay you add to the signals and it can become obvious. The same is true however of USB. You're not supposed to have hub linked to hub linked to hub etc. If you've not got enough ports, get yourself two USB hubs... one for the music gear and one for everything else. Things like audio interfaces... I would connect them directly to the USB on the motherboard rather than through a hub as you want to do everything you can to reduce latency."

[decklyn]

All you really need is monitors - spend you whole budget on a good pair. You can get a keyboard later.

[egoless]

shits SOOOOO expensive ova hea a cuz!!

I check out ebay all the time... if only we was in the US, some *** goes ridiculously cheap ah!

the options are endless bro!

!!chea

Haha yeah bro might have to make that ebay account..

Currently learning about this stuff, I have a laptop btw. Thanks for the links egoless that korg stuff looks impressive, also quite impressed with akai. Thinking about getting a small 6"sub as well to really pick up that low end. When it comes to monitors would like a clean sound, without any coloring.

the monitors in that price tag will colour the sound in some ways, no doubt... you'll have to pay a lot more to get flat uncoloured sound... those krk's have 8" sub so they can reproduce low frequencies fine...

those korg nano stuff are cool, nothing pro... if you want a full size keyboard go for m-audio or akai keys, 5-octaves and stuff... or you can buy some old synth and use it's midi... I played the Yamaha DX7 from '84. for years and the keys are way better than most of midi controller keys nowdays...

[RmoniK]

Leave the drum pad, it's useless. Use drum sequencers, and if you want a groove, just drum on your desk.

With the money you save, buy better monitors.

[egoless]

Leave the drum pad, it's useless. Use drum sequencers, and if you want a groove, just drum on your desk.

With the money you save, buy better monitors.

Strongly disagree



if you know how to get down with pads it's way faster working that way than programming beats...

[mindcontrol]

Think I might go with the Akai LPD8 and the LPK25 how do these compare to the korg range. As for the monitor does the KRK have any competition for the same price, how much would you spend on a monitor and what would you get?

Will discuss sound card later, what else do you need to connect these together, these are all usb/laptop compatible right?
Also is 8pads compatible with Kong's 16pads in Reason5?

So far upgrade is looking like..
Akai LPD8 Pad
Akai LPK25 Keyboard
KRK RP8G2 Rokit G2 Powered 2-Way Active Monitor
Going to run both Reason 5 and Record 1.5 and thinking rewiring reason into logic or something later down the track, do you need a app for this "slave?"
Audacity for sampling
Recycle for chopping and loops
Looking to get a good music file converter and purchase some decent reason refill packs

[back2onett]

If you can go without a midi keyboard I'd say go for just a soundcard and monitors, £700 will get you some good stuff.

[RmoniK]

The drumpad can indeed be usefull, but you can get the same effect by just playing the things that change (snare, kick, yourself on your midi keyboard, and looping the things that stay constant (rides, hats). It's fun to go faster, but they are really expensive if you want a good touch, and just not worth it if you're just starting off.

[egoless]

The drumpad can indeed be usefull, but you can get the same effect by just playing the things that change (snare, kick, yourself on your midi keyboard, and looping the things that stay constant (rides, hats).

True, but I find drumming quite easier and better with drum pad than smashing the small keys

[charliefoy]

I've heard good things about Alesis Active M1 Mk2 monitors. They used to be £400 but most places sell them for around £250. Sound on sound rate them highly too.

[Beat Scientist]

Anyone experienced with this stuff? I've messed around with Reason for about a year now and want to upgrade a bit and purchase some music equipment.

What basic equipment do you need for a home studio?
What are some brands to look out for quality wise?

Looking to purchase a monitor, midi keyboard, external soundcard and a drum pad. The maximum that I'm willing to spend is £700. Living in New Zealand so shipping might be a factor.

based on what youve said Id suggest the following:

* a good pair of aplified/powered monitors ...I would suggest you get Tannoys if you have the cash (theyre good for anything) if you want something with insaine bottom end go for Alesis of Yamaha.
* Midikeyboard with built-in pads (kill to birds with one stone)
* As for Soundcard I'll have to glance over that as I have no idea what kind of card you can use (Firewire/USB/Internal), All I'll say is avoid the protools hype, you'll get lots of people telling you you 'need' it when infact they havent used anything else. ...although they do look great.

...assuming NZ currency is equal to UK £,
I suggest you spend £200-300 on powered monitors (Id go for Tannoy)
around 150-200 on keyboard (with pads) (Id suggest something like the Akais/CME)
that'd leave you 200-350 to spend on the sound card (which you can pick up for less than £100)
...if you have cash left over I suggest you invest in a pair of studio quality headphones (im talking Seinheiser or Beyer ...I personally dont trust Sony headphones so will never recommend you get any cans made by sony, ESPECIALLY the top end ones, ...Unless you like hearing twice as much bass as there actually is in the recording)

Why spend so much on a keyboard when you can get one for £60? Its going to be the heart of the studio, if you invest a lil more now it'll save you having to upgrade later)
Why spend almost half the budget on monitors? If you cant hear the full picture you cant mixdown right, expect to pay a bit more for the powered version of whatever speaker you choose to buy but on the up-side you dont have to worry about buying an amp, or overloading your monitors. just set the level the day you get them and forget about them


'What basic equipment do you need for a home studio?'
- I would say (absolute minimum) Keyboard + midi adapter (if required), Internal soundcard (PC) external soundcard (laptop), mouse. ...and possibly an external mixer (if your soundcard has multi outs, or just as a volume dial for your monitors. Good headphones.
- Unless you have a particular desire for drum pads, or are a percussionist I'd recomment you hold off on a dedicated drum pad right now (the keyboard can be used as an alternative) as theyre generally big and clumsy.



Peace,
L

[freakah]

I've heard good things about Alesis Active M1 Mk2 monitors. They used to be £400 but most places sell them for around £250. Sound on sound rate them highly too.

I recommend these. I've got 5"s, which lack a bit of bass down below 50hz, so get the 6", otherwise they are good monitors, just learn them well!!

[charliefoy]

I've heard good things about Alesis Active M1 Mk2 monitors. They used to be £400 but most places sell them for around £250. Sound on sound rate them highly too.

I recommend these. I've got 5"s, which lack a bit of bass down below 50hz, so get the 6", otherwise they are good monitors, just learn them well!!

Yeah its the 6.5" Model that is £230 

[Beat Scientist]

I've heard good things about Alesis Active M1 Mk2 monitors. They used to be £400 but most places sell them for around £250. Sound on sound rate them highly too.

I recommend these. I've got 5"s, which lack a bit of bass down below 50hz, so get the 6", otherwise they are good monitors, just learn them well!!

yeah thats right, I think they go down to 45Hz..... but there is some charicteristics to the speaker that makes it seem as if its going alot lower though, i personaly like it, some dont. If you its an option I suggest you get a CD with a couple of tracks your familiar with and take them down to somewhere that stocks them and have a listen (and compare to others there).

I'm Currently using them, Theyre great monitors, especially good for Bass Heavy music (Hip Hop, D&B, Dubstep, Electro (true electro)) ...saying that they have some 'character' that some people aint too keen on.



Also if your on a tighter budget and lucky enough to live in a big city you might be able to find something in Gumtree, if that fails there is always Ebay.



Peace,
L

[charliefoy]

I've heard good things about Alesis Active M1 Mk2 monitors. They used to be £400 but most places sell them for around £250. Sound on sound rate them highly too.

I recommend these. I've got 5"s, which lack a bit of bass down below 50hz, so get the 6", otherwise they are good monitors, just learn them well!!

yeah thats right, I think they go down to 45Hz..... but there is some charicteristics to the speaker that makes it seem as if its going alot lower though, i personaly like it, some dont. If you its an option I suggest you get a CD with a couple of tracks your familiar with and take them down to somewhere that stocks them and have a listen (and compare to others there).

I'm Currently using them, Theyre great monitors, especially good for Bass Heavy music (Hip Hop, D&B, Dubstep, Electro (true electro)) ...saying that they have some 'character' that some people aint too keen on.



Also if your on a tighter budget and lucky enough to live in a big city you might be able to find something in Gumtree, if that fails there is always Ebay.



Peace,
L

True. Also Mackie Mr8's are £380 in at Chemical Records.

[freakah]

True. Also Mackie Mr8's are £380 in at Chemical Records.

Saw Icicle uses them in his production video, mmmmm gear lust...