Production Equipment

[Bane]

I am about to start spending (investing) in some production equipment. I think hardware would be to my taste rather than software. Does anybody out there have any advice for me as to where i should start looking, or specific examples of decent equipment? I had a look on the Dogs On Acid web site but i didnt really find it that helpful as its full of conflicting advice.
Replies would be appreciated... <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[pixel]

well i take it you have a decent'ish computer? [always a good start]. If you are going the hardware route then the first thing has to be a sampler [emu, akai, yamaha] and a controller keyboard will help. Next a little desk to plug the sampler into and to connect fx units, compressors, synths etc when you get them. Decent amp / monitors are a must. and something to master onto [or just use the pc]

it depends how much you want to spend really?

[Bane]

Yeah, thats cool ive got the basic idea of what i need as a set up, but i was looking more towards getting the names for various models of equipment. I was looking at an Akai 3000 or an Emu sampler to begin with. What about a basic midi keyboard (just as a trigger for samples etc) any suggestions make/models? Ive got an alright PC, a good amp, good speakers. Any suggestions for mixing desks? In terms of programs for the PC, obviously Cubase, Reason, Recycle...anything else?
Although saying all this about hardware ive also been recommended to go digital....
What about compression?
....NICE 1

[Sol]

I got a synth to start with but I dont think it was a good decision.

Lookin' back I should have got a sampler 1st. To be honest my sampler does most of my work and the synth just adds pads etc. now and then.

I picked up an EMU 5000 for £899 a while back but Im sure they are cheaper now.

You dont really need a desk if all u have is the sampler coz u can actually mix down inside it.

The PC dont really matter if ure using outboard stuff coz all it's doing is sending a receiving midi. U could use an Atari (si smith does!).
I use my PC to send samples to the sampler through recycle which i find is much easier than adding them one by one ;) But then u need a SCSI card to communicate with the sampler.

Reason seems to be the new choice for many and u can problery find that for free ;) I know for a fact that Zinc is using Reason these days.

So to sum it up outboard gear more expensive but does the job, software is cheaper and more fiddley. Some could argue that software is better than hardware these days but it just comes down to personal preference :)

ez

[Bane]

Nice 1 Lee, ill give you a bell when im back up and ill maybe come round and you can show me your sampler etc.
Laterz.

[Xample]

I would agree with lee its all about personal preferance. I cant get my head round software!!!

Still as i do live in the same house as you jim i can probably show you how to use the sampler etc :D

[Bane]

How about we fucking get round to doing a tune together.. as we live in the same house. And easy on the amens Xample. :cool:

[Sol]

easy now children :D

[asok]

If anyone wants a copy of reason ive got it, and a good place to start looking (apparently) for other tips on reason, etc. is <a href="http://www.reasonstation.net" target="_blank">www.reasonstation.net</a>

enjoy!

asok

[S Man]

Whata wrong wid amens?? ;)

[Xample]

Amens are phat, speaking of amens, ive got a new amen one you might like si, i will have to give it to lee to put on the site :D

[Xample]

Oh yeah asok, could i get a copy of reason please it would be nice to have a go with it!!! :D

[Bumfat]

years ago i got a Novation Bass Station but the newer models...supernova etc look amazing+dont just do bass