im looking at getting set up and making a propper effort in this....

 

whats do the producers recommend programs,plug-ins etc

As a start off I would suggest getting something like Fruity. It will help you get your feet and give you an insight into how you will get on making music before splashing out on something like cubase.

The new version has come on loads.

 

VST's - for synths - reaktor, FM7, Novatation V-station

- For effects - Theres absolutely loads.

Get Logic...

Learn it...

 

all you need to start mate...

 

you'll have to pop down one weekend, we can pack the girls off into town and i can show you around the program and get ya started...

*Cough* Reason and Cubase *cough*

 

 

can you get logic for pc? every site ive seen it on only has it for mac. but yeah will have to pop down sometime

 

chris -

I suppose it a "horses for courses" one really.

 

Phil, just get started and find something you are comfartable using yourself.

 

But do take people like Ian up on their offer and go spend a day with them. It got me started and the learning curve was made alot easier.

its probably the most daunting thing...trying to learn how to use the software. i've got a mate who can play the piano so he said he'd help getting some riffs together, with not being into music that way it'll be a great help

QUOTE (LiamStyles @ Mar 15 2004, 19:18)

I suppose it a "horses for courses" one really. Phil, just get started and find something you are comfartable using yourself. But do take people like Ian up on their offer and go spend a day with them. It got me started and the learning curve was made alot easier.

personally i sware by my cassette recorder and cooking equipment

QUOTE (Phil B @ Mar 15 2004, 19:24)

its probably the most daunting thing...trying to learn how to use the software. i've got a mate who can play the piano so he said he'd help getting some riffs together, with not being into music that way it'll be a great help

Take all the help that is offered, just make sure and learn from it.

have any of you used any books to help learn the software or producing?

each producer is gonna recommend you different programs - what i suggest you do is download the demo versions of the applications where avalible, and choose one you like and buy it

The risk of trying lots of demos, if you're relatively inexperienced, is that you won't really do each program justice. It's a good idea as long as you're patient & disciplined, and persevere with one program before moving onto another. So yeah, maybe try a small number of demos.

 

One of the advantages of actually splashing out on a product is you actually have a motivation to really get to know it properly!

 

I think Liam's advice is the best: try Fruity. It's dirt cheap, easy to use for a beginner, and even if you "outgrow" it (i.e. you realise it can't do everything you want to do) it can still be really useful, so you won't have wasted your money.

 

I still use Fruityloops heavily, even though I have Cubase SX and Intakt. Anyone who tells you Fruityloops is a "serious" sequencing package doesn't know what they're talking about, but for making drum loops and basslines, I don't know a slicker way to do it.

 

If you have / want to buy a Mac, maybe consider Ian's advice and try Logic. Bit of a controversial one - I personally hate Macs with a vengeance. Yeah you might still be able to get Logic for the PC, but it's being discontinued so don't bother.

QUOTE (LiquidEyes @ Mar 16 2004, 10:14)

Yeah you might still be able to get Logic for the PC, but it's being discontinued so don't bother. One of the advantages of actually splashing out on a product is you actually have a motivation to really get to know it properly!

Some great advice there.

 

As far as I am aware, all PC support for Logic is being withdrawn.

 

The first bit of software I used was Cubase, which I still love, and it was only because I was forced that I got into Reason, which I now love, and Fruity doesn't suit the way I work.

 

I should imagine most people "learn" what they like from the first piece of software they use, I know I did, and now I have more of an idea of what I would want from future purchases.

QUOTE (LiquidEyes @ Mar 16 2004, 10:14)

Yeah you might still be able to get Logic for the PC, but it's being discontinued so don't bother.

its is discontinued, but theres nothing it doesn't do that any novice producer is gonna need until they are successful enough to buy it legitimatley.

 

..not in the next 5 years anyway..

 

A bold statement i know, but one i can happily stand by.