A 'newbie' seeking some help...

[polyjamz]

I've just registered for this forum today and reading through the postings have really made me hesitanty to post since I've not had much experience with recording on computer. So, I'd like to offer my sincere apology for my question if it's too elementary.

I'm in a process of upgrading my computer for recording within the next month or so...(if the budget allows [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]). I've been using a Roland VS 880 digital workstation. It was nice but the final product came up short of what I've heard in the radio, CDs, etc (please bear with me..). Since then, I've been looking around for a better sounding recorder or option and I stumbled across digi001 through a friend. Budget was and is still an issue with me but I found digi001 or so I was told a very affordable one and still producing high quality recordings...

I'm asking for your advice on putting a list (simple) of equipments for me to start with. Let me tell you what I have and maybe you can add on to my limited list:

power mac 7200/90
apple 13" monitor
audiomediaIII card
roland VS 880 digital
mackie CR1404 mixer
alesis 'monitor one' monitors (2)

As you can see my gears are limited. Please help me with my upgrade to digi001. Including the type of mac computer that I need. Keep in mind my budget ($3000 approx). I would really appreciate any help.

Thank you so much.

[phamtec]

Here's what I have:

- Mac G4 450 (It's a DP, but only 1 is used for PT).
- Digi001/PTLE
- A couple of synths.
- Some DB powered speakers that I use to Gig.
- A set of headphones.
- A Rode NT 1 Mic.

That's it. I don't even use a desk. PT does everything I want.

I record bands (about 8 tracks) and mix them down for demos, and also create backing tracks for gigging musicians.

No complaints.

You don't need a lot of stuff. Just the Digi-001 will go a long way.

Hope this helps.

[polyjamz]

Hello phamtec

Thank you so much for your prompt response. That was very encouraging. What do you use for beats? Are you using a sound module? If so, which one did you get? Otherwise, any other options with digi001/PT to utilize beats?

Thanks again...

[phamtec]

I use an SC880 Pro for all my instruments. But I also have a Trinity which I gig with (so it's in the garage which I plugin to get good piano's etc, but mainly it's just the SC.

I lay out a lot of my drum tracks as samples in PT also, and also record a lot of drums.

It's a real mix.

[Amadeu]

Hi polyjamz:
I'm a newbie too. Here in this forum you'll find a lot of experienced people that should help you.
For beats, I think it depends on the kimd of music you're recording. For me, If you are recording rock, you'll need a drummer, good mics, an isolated room…
I've have read here something about a company that sells real drum sounds and loops. I think it is called "Naked Drums". I've ear a demo and it sounds great.
At the Synth Zone http://www.synthzone.com/
you'll find a lot of links to pages that explain interesting tips on drum recording and midi programming.
I use PTLE and the Digi for electronic music, and in this kind o music, and others lake hi hop or even pop, you can experiment other "creative" ways to make beats.
Sometimes, I use that free beat sounds that I got from CD magazines like Computer Music or Future Music. I import it on PTLE and use four or more traks to create some "loops" (I "loop" it by copy-paste or Option-R). Sometimes I record by myself "real" lo-fi beats: beatin anything at home like newspapers (for snare), a fan propeller (for hat) or generating implosive sounds with my mouth (for kick). Then I edit, heavy compress… and I get some new beat sounds.
I've got also an old Drum Machine (Yamaha RX11) that I connect via MIDI.
And recently I bought Dynamo from NI (Native Instruments) that has some nice virtual drum machines, and some virtual synthes and samplers. It's not so expensive, and it runs via DirectConnect plug in.
I hope this helps to you. and that you enjoy, like me, your brand new Digi&PTLE.
Amadeu

[Chompers]

MAc G4 466....$1300

Reason 1.01.....$299

Mackie 1402 vlz (used) ...$350

Digi 001 ....$750

17" monitor $200

Still under $3000!!

Do you have a power amp for those monitors already?

[polyjamz]

Hi amadeu,

Thank you for sharing that with me. I'm recording mostly Hip-Hop/R&B & Reggae. I have been using SLY DUNBAR's drum drops for reggae (I love it!). I haven't had much luck with phat hip-hop/R&B drum drops....any idea where I can get those?

Hey, thanks again for your recommendations. I'll check out that website you gave.

Thank you,
polyjamz

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Hi chompers,

Yes, I have an Alesis Matica 900 power amp for the monitors & mixer.

Wow! $200 for 17" monitor? Where can I get that for that price?

thanks chompers

[Park Seward]

Your old Mac is too slow for PT (IMHO). Get at least a G4/400 and 256 RAM and another IDE hard drive for the audio. (remember these are minimums)

You will like a bigger monitor to see al the stuff on the PT GUI. In fact some people like two monitors.

Best of luck and read the manual.

[polyjamz]

Hi phamtec,

I've heard good things about SC880 (keyboard version somewhat) & SC880 pro. I have worked with Roland 1080 once before and I liked the sounds.

Any site I can get a good deal on the SC880 pro? (here we go with the budget again [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img])

cheers mate!

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hello Park,

Somehow I knew that I had to get a faster computer for AUDIO/VIDEO and I would like to get a G4 (I saw the price on the G4 733s have come down to $1699) With my budget, I'm really looking around for a good deal - if you find good deals (better than $1699) on G4s & monitors (preferrably 17" or bigger)...please help a brother out and let me know...

Thank you, Park.

[kris whitten]

POLY,

My brother and a few friends work at clubmac. They are doing some great deals right now, (instant rebate on the 733 makes it $1629.00) 512 chip for like 65-70 bucks. 19" monitor for app. 300 bucks.
If you email me, I can give you the info, but basically they will "give it away" b/c they are all about making music, and vids, and don't care about the profit. They get paid the same regardless.

Let me know, I will give you a number to call

Kris Whitten
[email protected] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]