Hip Hop Advice

[Busterman]

Hey All!
I've recently been asked by a christian charity organization in NYC to put together an inexpensive studio in which I can mentor wayward kids and use music as our common ground. I run PT in my own studio, but this won't work at the place I'll be counseling.

What I need is advice on a set-up with a relatively low learning curve with which I can make loops, beats and record vocals with some kind of ease.

Please help me help alot of needy young kids out there. This will be all they have for a while.
Peace. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[PT2GO]

How about an MPC-2k and an ADAT with a BRC. MPC is great for making up the beats, and then just lock it up to the ADAT. They'll be up and running in minutes.

[MattiMattMatt]

Busterman:

I am involved in a similar project, and am looking for similar information. The equipment must be easy to use, and sound good. I may supplement manufacturer manuals (particularly anything by Roland!) by generating more user-friendly instructions myself. I have been involved in setting up electronic music studios in schools before, and the big danger is that the equipment just sits there in a heap and doesn't get used (except by some propellor-head who works for the school and keeps everyone else away like a bee-otch guarding its pups).

I don't have anything all that substantial to add right now (plus, I gotta run), but I'd love to know whatever you wind up choosing/using, and would be happy to let you know anything that I discover works well, as well.

-MattiMattMatt

[Busterman]

Thanks guys... I'll check out that system, PT2GO mentioned.

I here ya, Matt. The way this will be set up, I'll be the only one allowed to run the studio. The sad fact about these inner city kids is, they'll take anything that isn't nailed down, so the door will be locked unless I'm there to supervise.

I've tried to get info from the wanna be rock stars at Guitar Center and Sam Ash...etc. but those guys might as well be flippin' burgers.

Any other ideas?
Busterman

[PSI]

give me a call 718 951 3888 ask for Courtney

[Philthy]

The MPC is a hip-hop standard. You would be doing those kids a favor by exposing them to one.

You could go pretty far with ProTools Free, an IMac, A USB MIDI interface, a USB or Firewire audio interface, and an MPC slaved to MTC.

[joestudio]

The MPC is almost a must for this kind of gig. Great sounds, plus it'll really simplify midi.

J

[Busterman]

I guess I'll have to get the MPC2K, Ha!
Yeah, this all looks good! Thanks!

[spookyvoodoo]

G3/G4 iMac
Digi mBox
Propellerheads Reason
AT 3030
Some half decent powered monitors
Get a cheap subwoofer to monitor with
Of course, try and get an MPC while you are at it.