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NEWBIE: Synths/Programs/Where to Begin

(32 posts)
  • Started 1 year ago by Diskvader
  • Latest reply from Rayne Xiaphiam
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  1. Diskvader

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    Thanks for the responses guys,

    What would you guys recommend as a MIDI keyboard to use along with my soft-synths? I'm looking for something really cheap like this.

    http://www.guitarcenter.com/Akai-Professional-LPK25-Laptop-Performance-Keyboard-105490890-i1470752.gc

    Posted 1 year ago #

  2. soillodge

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    http://www.tweakheadz.com/MIDI_keyboard_controllers.htm

    I can understand wanted a cheap keyboard for controlling softsynths. But I have to say, hold out and get something with knobs and other controllers. Hitting notes is just part of the fun of synths. Building sounds and then manipulating all the factors live make synths infinitely more expressive.

    Maybe you want to look at the KORG Nano series: http://www.korg.com/nanoseries

    Personally i went the mega controller route with Livid Instruments.

    `michael

    Posted 1 year ago #

  3. KryonikMessiah23

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    http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Axiom-Pro-25-HyperControl/dp/B001YBMAOS

    I use this. It works well :)

    Posted 1 year ago #

  4. YADE

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    @Michael: I think this is a question of how you are working....I use a n 1987 Clavinova Keyboard as Masterkeys, for I like the 88 semi-weighted keys...(the tonal module is not working any more)...and I never missed a knob or controller...with the hardware I do it directly on the device or via "VST-Plugin" created by Midiquest, and for the softsynths, I do it on screen or with a drawn automation-line or a trigger-track (no tonal output, just sending CC signals)...don't get me wrong...for the live situation you described, I totally agree that this makes sense...though when I get him right he starts to make music....so assuming a normal learning curve we cannot expect the first live-gig before around 2 years at earliest...

    Posted 1 year ago #

  5. soillodge

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    Of course I did not mean live as in playing in front of an audience, I mean live as in -not sequenced. Some people really like the hands on approach and the more controller options you have to mess with your virtual instruments-the better. Though I do agree with you. I use my Ensoniq VFX-sd as a master synth for the full size semi-weighted keys. Melodies just seem to roll out better with that kind of play under your fingertips. Drums and samples though are much better on the Block when I can map out all the pads and set filters/effects/and cut points to the knobs and sliders.

    `michael

    Posted 1 year ago #

  6. SVII-5AM

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    i'm an old fart, but getting my hands on a real synth, any synth is good...learn dat shit- the envelopes, LFOs, etc, MIDI. all that stuff is basic so when you get into bigger and more complex toys, it don't seem as a big a learning curve. Your always gonna have to use LFO's, filters, MIDI... And most retain their resale value, too.
    I really feel for new producers now, i don't know how or where they really start...
    With one drum machine that sends MIDI and one keyboard i learned me plenty that i still use to this day, after 15+ years. Basically, i wanted to learn what the pioneers went through, which was real improvisation despite whatever tools you happen to be working with. You make your limitations work for you, therein lies talent.

    Posted 1 year ago #

  7. metaball

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    ::I really feel for new producers now, i don't know how or where they really start...::

    i think most of em get thrown in the deep end with a bunch of free/cracked software & drown or swim.

    Posted 1 year ago #

  8. Diskvader

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    yep^

    I'm assuming I won't really be needing more than 25 keys on a MIDI keyboard? True?

    Posted 1 year ago #

  9. soillodge

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    Tech Moderator

    If you do not play a keyboard/piano with two hands, you really do not need that many keys.

    `michael

    Posted 1 year ago #

  10. Diskvader

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    Well, the thing is I've never played piano before so. I'd be teaching myself on whichever I chose. So I don't really know if I need 49 or 25 keys. I'm obviously a beginner I'm not planning to learn any complex piano melodies, I just want to learn the basics and more-so learn how to use the soft-synth along with it, so I'm guessing 25 keys would be enough?

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031SCV46/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002VYJDYW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1D42QYR8NRZZCMZ8HWE0

    I'm kinda hung up on it because the 49 key model which is exactly the same is only 15 dollars more than the 25 key model. But I'm still leaning onto the 25 key model because I don't want to overwhelm myself and I like the portability (being I still can use it with my laptop while I'm in bed lol)

    Posted 1 year ago #

  11. soillodge

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    Well if you are uncertain, don't sell yourself short, get the 49 key version. You might be able to utilize the 4 octaves, and it's better than wanting them and they are not there.

    `michael

    Posted 1 year ago #

  12. Rayne Xiaphiam

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    @Diskvader
    well I saw you down loaded some plug ins.
    Are you running a MAC or PC.

    Mac Comes with garage band (free) so you can try out the plug ins and see if you like them, and want to buy them.

    If your running a PC http://flstudio.en.malavida.com/
    free program you can use to audition your plug ins.

    All Programs are Kinda expensive, some more than others.

    Starter Programs that are easy:
    reason 4
    abelton live 8
    Logic (mac only sorry)
    Cubase

    Protools is amazing. once you know more how to write, and soo worth investing in.
    You can slave a simpler program to it, so compose in the easy program and edit in protools and it should sound pretty good.

    There is no magic button that will make you sound like rotorsand or vnv nation.

    Your going to have to play with the parameters, of your soft ware synth Or hardware synth to get the sound you want to emulate. There is no way around it.

    Figure out your budget, and how you want to record. Music theory is important.Their are Lots of online tutorials. For anything you want to know about hardware or software.
    Compsing songs, mixing mastering ect. its' all trial and error.

    There are youtube tutorials to help you with what ever Music platform program your using to compose with, Free demos of that program usually. plug ins also have Demos. it goes on and on.

    Also google is your friend. google what your after and 9 times out of 10 you'll see lots of links to help you.

    Also lots of people on this thread are gear sluts and probably have used or owned specific synths and can help you more with questions you have down the line when you want analogue gear for the specific genera you mentioned.

    But I think a midi controller is a good option. Buy what you can afford.
    49 keys are better, because as you play more your going to get better. And you might regret not having those extra keys ;p.paying the extra $15 is a no brain-er :)
    get an interface of some sort and have at it . Be creative and have fun with it.
    I look forward to hearing your beats some day :)

    Posted 11 months ago #

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