Nice set up you got there Jimbo 

Do you mainly use Cubase or Ableton to sequence? do you use the hosts plugins or do you recommend any other third-party ones?

@PonyT @Tony P

Historically always Cubase, however I have now seen the light and love Ableton Live, but still learning it.

I will update the Blog post with all the 3rd party plugins I have: Serum, Sylenth etc etc.  

I will also post my list of sound libraries & samples ...

Don’t get much time on this stuff these days - 3 kids etc.

This is all so above me.  I just spin stuff and guess a lot 🤣 jk

I know what you mean about finding time James and I don’t even have kids.

I love sylenth it’s so versatile. I’ve recently bought serum and spire which I like a lot too. It’s was a bit of an addiction as was buying plugins all the time. They market them so well and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking they will make your music better. I think I’ve finally reached a level of plugins where I can honestly say that I don’t need any more. I’ve spent a fortune ha ha on hundreds of the bastards.

I’d be interested to see your updated list when you have time mate 👍

On 1/10/2020 at 11:00 PM, Tony P said:

I know what you mean about finding time James and I don’t even have kids.

I love sylenth it’s so versatile. I’ve recently bought serum and spire which I like a lot too. It’s was a bit of an addiction as was buying plugins all the time. They market them so well and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking they will make your music better. I think I’ve finally reached a level of plugins where I can honestly say that I don’t need any more. I’ve spent a fortune ha ha on hundreds of the bastards.

I’d be interested to see your updated list when you have time mate 👍

Exactly @Tony P, exactly !   I also became obsessed researching, trialing & purchasing plugins (also Rob Papen etc) - end of the day you only need 2 or 3 decent ones in your collection - far better to learn how to synthesise raw new sounds vs buy yet more pre-made samples & libraries - but I literally haven't got time for that either right now - perhaps when I retire in 20 years haha.   Just became a hobby to collect the bastards vs actually focus on making music !!!   Best thing about the Maschine is that its such a creative tool and you have everything at your fingertips - no need to keep reaching for the bloody laptop keyboard - I thought have bought one years ago but pleased I held out for the MK3 (no doubt an MK4 on the horizon soon ....)

ps. I highly recommend some of the Masterclasses - especially by Armin & deadmau5 - really interesting stuff.

I will post a blog about loads of tutorial info etc - but you are probably way ahead of me !  first & foremost I just love playing keyboards and discovering new chord progressions & melodies etc.  

Will update my list when I get time - one of the reasons for posting is to get excited about this stuff again and spark my interest - thanks for the comments !

I’d definitely be interested in hearing about the tutorials mate. Sounds up my street. I’m always watching them on the train to work. It’s how I learn really 

Yes I totally agree about learning how to use what you have..... however I do need a better limiter ha ha ha (just one more)

Oh cool - yeah I love the train for that - spent months just purely doing music producing tutorials etc - now I use train mostly for IT training courses (Cloud, DevOps) - again all video based.

I'll never drive to work ever again - the time is way too valuable for me for training.   I might even play around with a few iOS music apps on the train from time to time (Korg, Maschine ...)

I'll send you a list of the companies & courses I've used or plan to

Great thanks mate 👍

5 minutes ago, Tony P said:

however I do need a better limiter ha ha ha (just one more)

 

hahaha 😀

@Tony P Have created a separate blog post for courses ...

Cheers James 

I will take a look 👍

I’ve got a question for you both regarding Rekord box.  Do u have to buy the library or are they free to stream with license ?

Sorry Si, I don't know much about that tool - tested it once ages ago.   Last time I checked the software itself was free.

FYI - this is highly recommended for DJing: https://mixedinkey.com/

I’m not sure, sorry Si

I’ve never used rekord box. Jay mentioned the other day that he uses it. Maybe ask him or Mod1

Just seen you updated list James 👍

a nice collection you have there.

I spent most of yesterday putting my studio gear back together now the room is decorated. Still need to paint my DJ desk but it’s almost there now.

Oh mate.   Nice !!!!

Part of my man cave 👍

Very nice indeed @Tony P !  I need to get a proper workstation like that - what is the make ?

I made it myself James 

I think there are companies that make them but they cost quite a bit

5 minutes ago, Tony P said:

I made it myself James 

I think there are companies that make them but they cost quite a bit

Holy mother of Crap ! Amazing, good job Sir !   You could make a living do that stuff !

I was planning to make the DJ desk myself but when I weighed up the materials and time to construct it, I thought it was better to buy one.

These guys were great 

https://www.sounddesks.co.uk/desks-50-c.asp

very helpful and I actually went off spec to customise it how I wanted 

worth checking them out as they make studio desks too I think

On 1/10/2020 at 11:24 PM, James said:

hahaha 😀

I bought another compressor today James ha ha 

The shadow hills mastering compressor 

Nice !  Although you need to try and calm down your collecting addiction mate !

I finally got round to creating a complete list of all my music production hardware & software

• https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-hardware-software/

I've also compiled a list of recommended courses

• https://jamesm.blog/music-production/courses/