I wanted to ask you guys, the most cost effective way, and which equipment i should get.

i have a friends who sing, and play the piano.
I have friends who play hand drums.
i want to build some basslines. reall dubby, tipper inspired basslines.

so i imagine, i need a couple different types of software. a microphone of some sort. the best way to hook up the keyboard to my computer, which i havent even looked at the keyboard yet.

this is definitely a brain storm, and an ongoing project. but any input is appreciated. id like to start by being able to record tracks, but definitely be able to jam out together too.

For starting out, Reaper link is cool because the demo version is fully functional. FL Studio because you get all version updates for free for life. Both come in several sized expandable versions.

Zynewave is the cheapest (50€) 5.1 enviroment. If you have Linux you can get Ardour for free, full version.

For recording a normal soundcard from Soundblaster upward will be OK for saving jams. If your keyboard doesn’t have USB, you either plug it (w/ big->small adapter) directly into the line in of the soundcard, or buy a midi-adapter (midiman e.g.)

If it’s going to be CD quality you’ll need an external soundcard (Interface). One with USB or Firewire and at least to mic inputs. That is also more comfortable to plug into.

Choices in hardware take a little time until you’re sure what fits best.

Much fun & inspiration with your project!

thanks! very helpful! ive really been inspired with some of the downtempo music ive been hearing over the past few years. plus ive always been a big fan of massive attack. never really attempted at making music, and none of the people interested have ever been in a band. i think there is some potential at least for some really nice jam sessions, and maybe a couple recordings.

As soon as you get to looking for more effect plugins, look for ‘dBlue-Glitch’. It’s free and gives you ideas how to do twisted circuit bending

phigital - 08 December 2010 09:55 PM

As soon as you get to looking for more effect plugins, look for ‘dBlue-Glitch’. It’s free and gives you ideas how to do twisted circuit bending

Ye, that has to be one of the most lovable vst effects around, even that it is free…

Dont over use it tho - except you want to sound like venetian snares, but more ramdom. ;P

Another FX for dubbish delays/wierd bubbling stuff etc would be mda Dubdelay - by automating a shit out of its knobs you can make some really “flexible” stuff.

My advice, as what comes to get started in making music would be; Get some decent audio-interface, cords for hooking up synths/midi/plain audio-cord, Decent speakers/monitors.
Midi-keyboard/instrument of your choice.

Nothing kills the interest in producing/recording/jamming more efficiently than equipment that fails on you, does not perform well or gives so poor quality, that is bigger concern than the musical composition itself.

About platforms, there are tons of different choises there - i prefer FLstudio8, which gives me all the tools i need as a daw - adding tons of vst`s and other stuff aside it really makes it a flexible and confortable daw. Have seen a bit of cubase ( never used it actually ), and that feels good too - totally different aproach to it, but yet seems fun to play with.

And ahh. i forgot to mention, youl need tons of coffee, cigarets - some fair amount of patience and passion for it. ;P ( well, i gues music can be made as a sidehobby too, i just never understood that :D )