software only set-up.... what do you need to get started?

[Silas]

Reason 3.0 is the first thing that should be mentioned, anyone starting out making beats should start there. it has everything you need, and a lot of people are making great music with the program..... the only problem with Reason is that it doesnt support VST's. which you cant really call a problem...

but there are so many VST programs out there now that its hard to want to stay with reason, especially with the software versions of the old classics like the minimoog

there are lots of great vst suggestions in this forum... the spectrasonics , novation & steinberg programs all sound good

but when you hear someone say they use a shitload of VST's its hard to know where to start

what are you guys using ??
host program , drum machine , synth , bass etc. ???

im talking only VST's no hardware

I have Cubase , arturia Minimoog & spectrasonics trilogy.. what else do i need to get started??

 

[50cal]

You wrong the first step is your compouter..lol and talent without that its a waste ..

 

[Silas]

thanks for the reply

your right, your computer is definelty the first step and it is very important .... you are limited to your computers capabilities

for this thread id like to focus on VST's.... but feel free to let us know what hardware your running in your computer as well

 

[GHP]

Sampletank is a must

 

[Silas]

.... ive heard a few things about sampletank, does it function as a drum machine?


to everybody :

if you were starting fresh with 5-10 (or more) VST's, which would you choose?

if its not asking too much, please describe what you use them for

 

[HERESY]

Sample tank
Mach 5
BFD
Halion
Giga Sampler (<---REQUIRES A VERY POWERFUL AND STABLE COMPUTER)
(?????).

I'd use those six, but if I were you I would REALLY be concerned about building a stable computer.

 

[50cal]

I go to a studio big console,2 inch tape etc all the bells and whistles,I usually chop it up with the owner he is a tech freak and he spoke highly (if I remember correctly) spectrasonics brand, and he has all sorts of hardware synths at home even vintage and he raves over this software brand its definatley worth a check.

 

[Silas]

thanks Heresy, ive been researching the computer aspect of it and there is a lot of information in this forum... a stable computer is a top priority

 

[HERESY]

oh yeah and snatch one of those EMU cards

 

[Sick Wid It]

I want to put even more emphasis on how important a stable computer is. ESPECIALLY if you're going to be doing a lot of music production. I highly recommend not being cheap on your parts. If you have to cut corners to afford it, save your money until you have enough to do it the right way. Probably one of the most common parts people go cheap on is the power supply. DON'T!

 

[bumpus]

VST instruments I use:
Drums: Battery 2 or RMIV
Bass: Minimoog V or Minimonsta or Trilogy for some passable electric bass samples
Leads: Oddity, Minimoog V, Minimonsta, Albino
Rhodes: Lounge Lizard
Pads: Atmosphere, Albino, Pro-53
Accoustic & Guitar Instruments: Ravity, Sonic Synth 2, Halion+sample cds

One thing I have found is that the more synths I have, the less productive I am. More gear does not mean better quality tracks. Keep it simple or you'll get headaches and won't get the best out of any synth.

-=bumpus=-

 

[Silas]

thanks Bumpus, thats exactly the kind of answer i was looking for.

how is "Steinberg's Virtual Guitarist Acoustic version" for guitar sounds ??


good point on the powers supply sick wid it, people always go cheap there

 

[bumpus]

how is "Steinberg's Virtual Guitarist Acoustic version" for guitar sounds ??

It's basically a loop sample cd with a time stretch engine. I know I didn't find the electric guitar version very useful because there's not nearly enough variation.