New Guys Q&A

  • Thread starter Thread starter Smartino
  • Start date Start date
S

Smartino

Guest
Hi, Im Sam, this is my first post so mind any noobish mistakes etc.

Im new to FP but not new to forums as a whole, so before posting this I did use check out most of the threads already made and, yes, I did use the search function (which I know most of you will find astounding that a noob used the search button). But, alas (poor yorik), to my suprise I did not find a thread that answered my questions.
This thread here is designed to give the newbies a easy place to look at and find out basic info about the whole music production scene. Anyone can post a question and get it answerd by the experienced people here at FP, to save endless threads being created for simple questions that can be answerd in a second.

Remember, no flaming the new guys if they ask a dumb question, we were all beginners at some point, and I still am ;)

I though I'd just ask some questions to get going:
1. Im looking to create music from scratch in my DAW, what equipment will I need for that and can you recommend any DAWs that are optimized for doing everything from making beats to post production? (Im currently looking at Ableton Live Intro)

2. Due to this being my first purchase for any products to do with music production, and Im working on a tight budget of £200 (for everything), could anyone name any trusted, not overpriced sites that operate in the UK. Also any good equipment that would fit this price range.
Many Thanks, Sam.

P.S Maybe we could get this stickied if it's actually used by new users for its intended purpose and isnt left to die.
 
Hi Sam,

Ableton will provide you with everything you need to get started. Just like Logic, Reason , Cubase & Sonar (there are more) Ableton comes with it's own synths, sampler, FX etc so its a one stop shop solution. For me it is the most intuitive piece of software and you will be making tracks before you know if.
 
Sup Sam...i'm like you, fairly new and from UK, one of the first thing i learnt was that i'd need:

-Laptop/Computer of some kind (obviously)
-DAW (i'm looking into Ableton as well)
-Headphones (HD Pro's look good)

Now that, assuming you've already got an adequate computer will set you back about £350 i think. I get a student discount for Ableton (another good thing about it) making it £199 and the headphones about 100.

Now ^^ thats the bare minimum but it'll work

There's an expression i've heard on here "buy cheap, buy twice" so just save as much money as possible.

In terms of sites, check out Chemical Records for solely UK but the American ones are good as well Zzsounds, Guitar Center etc.

Hope that helps
 
If you're looking for somewhere to buy in the UK I recommend digital village. They will beat anyone on price.
 
Thanks for the response guys, Im looking at maybe a Akai LPD8 and a LPK25 at www(dot)dv247.com/computer-hardware/akai-lpd8-and-lpk25-bundle--70029, which is a very good price for both.
Would that sort me out for a bit if I get Ableton Live Intro aswell?
 
I'm pretty sure you can upgrade to bigger versions of Live as you go.
 
That's what Im looking to do, use Intro for a while, then when I get good Ill save up for Live 8, the suite.
Im just a tad concerned whether the Akai bundle thing I linked above would be good as my main MIDI equipment.
 
I use the LPD8 and it works superbly with Live. Not sure about the keyboard though, i'm always a little dubious about the action on these things.
 
Don't forget Live 8 and Suite are different

That bundle looks good enough but i don't really know tbh
 
If you have a decent head on you I'd go straight for the primo, top of the line **** from Abelton and a 61 key keyboard please, if you can save from buying something twice, it will do you well, keep it reasonable but don't cut corners.

This isn't turning into a Q&A so good luck with that and good luck with your first set-up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top