Mental. I'm from Lancashire UK
Anyway. I concur with what everyone else here has said, good advise all around. I'd really recommend Reaper, it's the shit and head and shoulders above the other 'free' options out there (technically it isn't free but I've not got round to getting a license yet and it's been my backbone for ages now). Go grab a copy of Computer Music magazine too (subscribe/buy regularly too! It's also an amazing monthly sample resource). There's a "CM Studio" on the DVD with a huge amount of 'magware' plugins, they're basically slightly stripped down versions of payware synths and fx units e.t.c, A new one is added every issue, always from big name developers too and I can personally attest to their professional quality. This approach will without doubt be your best one in entering the world of music production in terms of actually getting a studio`esque type thing together without destroying your bank account.
The other most important thing for you to do that will actually cost the most (given you take the free/magware route, otherwise, Daw/synths e.t.c. will probably come to more, and they're really not something you should be investing in until you're comfortable with the fundamentals) is getting yourself some decent listening material. Studio Monitors are Ideal, otherwise some decent headphones. Make sure you get 'monitoring' headphones, or 'monitors' and not 'speakers'. This is because normal speakers/headphones tend to colour the sound (even DJ headphones) and don't give an accurate frequency response. Monitors are 'transparent' and this is important if you are to be making music that can accurately translate in to different listening environments.
Alesis M1Active 520usbs are decent budget Monitors, with the huge benefit of having a USB interface so you don't have to dish out another massive wad to get a soundcard.
I would also advise getting at least a 2 octave midi keyboard.
M-Audio Oxygen 25, again is a decent Midi Keyboard for a really fair price. There are cheaper/ smaller e.t.c. though they tend to lack controller options. Oxygen 25 has a nice array of controls on-board which will make your life a million times easier (and fun) when doing sound design.
These are just my advised options, of course, depending on finance shop around and get higher tier stuff. But do your research! and make sure you're getting absolutely the best choice for your budget and needs.
Don't rush things, take it slow, learn, think, make informed choices. If you're serious about this, the deeper you go into the world of producing the more you will come to utterly love it; and it's a passion that will last you a lifetime. Anyone on here will attest to this.
You will need to develop a critical relationship with music (as any creative type needs to with their medium). Learn to deconstruct tunes with your ear and
see in to the make-up of how a tune has been constructed; in terms of sound design, melody, harmony, timbre, composition and over all creative choice. Learn to think about music in terms of these fundamentals when listening. As well as this seek as many resources as you can about Music Theory, Sound Design, Synthesis (all types, but begin with subtractive as this is arguably the simplest), the creative application of effects, The nature of sound as a science in general, how this translates psycho-acoustically into an experience and emotional response, and how as shapers of the sonic world we go about manipulating that. As you educate yourself on what I have mentioned your ability to deconstruct music and see in to the different elements of it's make-up will become easier as your deepening knowledge base will instruct your thoughts. This is a dynamic and personal process. As you develop, your experience of sound will change.
As part of your education in to sound engineering you will need to become very familiar with things like the frequency spectrum, the amplitude range, the stereo field and how these different elements relate to one another.
I have honestly only really scratched the surface with some of the fundamental broad areas you will need to become very familiar with, without going in to any depth about any of it, do not underestimate the depth each of these single subjects have alone. You will be able to make 'music' from the off-set, anyone can, but making
good music that engages the listener will require you to become entwined with the soul of sound, you can only do this by learning it's nature...
Computer music production is deceptively deep and complicated, requiring a substantial grounding in both technical ability and understanding, and creative ingenuity. This will take a lot of time, so understand this, that it will take a
long time for your ability to catch up with your tastes. You will have to come to terms with the sheer amount of stuff you're going to be learning. Keep at it and deal with the frustration when it comes (oh it will!), stick around, we're a helpful lot and some of the people here are extremely talented, not to mention some being well established producers / mixing and mastering engineers all to keen to pass on great advise. Don't mind the sarcy humour too, there's a bit of a 'culture' here but we're harmless when it comes down to it!
Good luck! If you've got any questions just ask, I've also got mind on a load of good learning resources I could list up for you if you're interested. But that is for another time, I've already written this much.
Heey
