welcome to FutureProducers Koen!

where should I start?... mmhh let's see

If you are just starting out, how about trying the demo of REASON? Maybe you will like it. If you like it it's just a few hundred dollars and you are in business.

If you want directly to jump to the next level, then you should consider getting a MIDI sequencer such as CUBASE or LOGIC, and a decent MIDI interface (i always recommend MIDIMAN USB SPORT 4x4), as well as a MIDI keyboard controller (if you are not a pianist you will be fine with a $100 FATAR MK149).

All of the above is fine but it doesnt "make sounds". Its to write your music (Sequencer), communicate with your midi equipment (midi interface) and control everything with keys (midi keyboard).

so.. we need sound now.

You will want to get a sampler (rack), a synthesizer (one with no keyboard is fine if you have the midi controller). Post new threads for questions about what sampler/synthesizers to get to get more precise help on these vast topics.

then you need other stuff such as maybe a mixer (analog: MACKIE 12 tracks, or if you want digital: Yamaha 01V).

to record your tunes, you can either record on the computer each track separately, or you can get a DAT recorder and simply "tape" your sessions.


Using REASON is very possible, and in theory (if you have a good computer) it will replace most of the above. Since you are starting, you wont have much limitations with this program. You can read the review of it in the "full reviews" section of this site for more info.


This is an introduction, but I am sure it will help you a lot for now. Remember people are here to listen to you and discuss with you on any problem or question you may have, so dont hesitate to post.

take care and good luck with your projectS! It is a vast and exciting world to produce music.

I hope to see you around soon,
Sincerely

-mano