Starter Setup for under $800.00 Canadian
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 8414 posts since 4 Jul, 2012 from Alesia
Wrote this for a buddy who is just getting into this stuff. I figured i would share it here for anyone who was looking for a setup idea for under $800.00
I mostly picked stuff that emphasized value for money so this is really more aimed at someone who just needs a small portable setup for recording stuff stuff at home with. I'm not trying to cover super expensive gear and supreme audio fidelity, this is more or less a basic setup for a beginner.
Note: I am sure you can find better prices on different hardware, but this is just my personal recommendation. I suppose if you spent more time researching you could find better deals and so forth and if you do please let me know in the thread
Anyhow lets get started with the music hardware first.
About some of the hardware prices.
I am not affiliated with Tomlee or have any gain from linking to them. I just am using them as a example of a canadian music store. I imagine you could find better prices if you shop around! I know Long and mcquade sometimes has stuff that's better priced stuff.
RECORDING SOFTWARE
--------------------------------------
So here are the two best options in my opinion.
TRACKTION $66.00 Canadian
--------------------------------------------
If you want a DAW where you don't have to deal with lots of separate windows and tabs then you should check out Tracktion which is roughly $66.00 Canadian
http://www.tracktion.com/
Tracktion has a one screen approach to it's workflow so what you see on the screen is basically what you get. You don't have to wade through a ton of windows which can be somewhat tedious to navigate through and it has a good workflow that covers most professional requirements for creating and recording music.
REAPER $66.00 Canadian
-----------------------------------------
If you don't mind wading through windows and working on multiple screens then you should check out Cockos Reaper. Reaper is roughly $66.00 CAD for personal use, however if you want to use it commercially then you have to pay $225.00.
http://reaper.fm/purchase.php
Reaper has a more traditional workflow to it that you will find in bigger name *and more expensive* products like Cubase, Logic etc. It covers a ton of features and can be relied on for any professional task.
HARDWARE
KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS for about ($100.00 Canadian)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Alesis Q49 $100.00
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/172346.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGHK3_z9lec
Another option is this if you don't want drum pads or knobs.
M-Audio Keystation II
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/hom ... 73133.html
STUDIO SPEAKERS ($250.00 Canadian for a Pair)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a video review of the M-Audio BX5a
(IF someone can find a reputable review of the BX5 D2s lemme know)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsR3fFIf8rw
M-Audio BX5 D2 5-Inch Monitor *edit* fixed link
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/161195.html
STUDIO MICROPHONE / INTERFACE / HEADPHONES ($280.00 Canadian)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/mul ... 64639.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNTqlASzI9s
OK so for everything here it will cost $696.00 Canadian roughly, and it does not factor in taxes.
After you factor Taxes in for BC it sets you back about $779.52 Canadian for everything.
If your in a different province you can also factor in how much your taxes will set you back with this tool.
http://helpsme.com/tools/free-gst-hst-p ... tor-canada
So what about plugins ?
Well.. here are my recommendations on getting your hands on some.
1st method is to go out and pick up a copy of Computer music magazine as it will give you access to a bunch of awesome free synthesizers and effects.
Here is a full list of the plugins.
http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic ... cts-571808
Here is a FAQ about the plugins that they offer.
http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic ... ins-571802
I mostly picked stuff that emphasized value for money so this is really more aimed at someone who just needs a small portable setup for recording stuff stuff at home with. I'm not trying to cover super expensive gear and supreme audio fidelity, this is more or less a basic setup for a beginner.
Note: I am sure you can find better prices on different hardware, but this is just my personal recommendation. I suppose if you spent more time researching you could find better deals and so forth and if you do please let me know in the thread
Anyhow lets get started with the music hardware first.
About some of the hardware prices.
I am not affiliated with Tomlee or have any gain from linking to them. I just am using them as a example of a canadian music store. I imagine you could find better prices if you shop around! I know Long and mcquade sometimes has stuff that's better priced stuff.
RECORDING SOFTWARE
--------------------------------------
So here are the two best options in my opinion.
TRACKTION $66.00 Canadian
--------------------------------------------
If you want a DAW where you don't have to deal with lots of separate windows and tabs then you should check out Tracktion which is roughly $66.00 Canadian
http://www.tracktion.com/
Tracktion has a one screen approach to it's workflow so what you see on the screen is basically what you get. You don't have to wade through a ton of windows which can be somewhat tedious to navigate through and it has a good workflow that covers most professional requirements for creating and recording music.
REAPER $66.00 Canadian
-----------------------------------------
If you don't mind wading through windows and working on multiple screens then you should check out Cockos Reaper. Reaper is roughly $66.00 CAD for personal use, however if you want to use it commercially then you have to pay $225.00.
http://reaper.fm/purchase.php
Reaper has a more traditional workflow to it that you will find in bigger name *and more expensive* products like Cubase, Logic etc. It covers a ton of features and can be relied on for any professional task.
HARDWARE
KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS for about ($100.00 Canadian)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Alesis Q49 $100.00
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/172346.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGHK3_z9lec
Another option is this if you don't want drum pads or knobs.
M-Audio Keystation II
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/hom ... 73133.html
STUDIO SPEAKERS ($250.00 Canadian for a Pair)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a video review of the M-Audio BX5a
(IF someone can find a reputable review of the BX5 D2s lemme know)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsR3fFIf8rw
M-Audio BX5 D2 5-Inch Monitor *edit* fixed link
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/161195.html
STUDIO MICROPHONE / INTERFACE / HEADPHONES ($280.00 Canadian)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/mul ... 64639.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNTqlASzI9s
OK so for everything here it will cost $696.00 Canadian roughly, and it does not factor in taxes.
After you factor Taxes in for BC it sets you back about $779.52 Canadian for everything.
If your in a different province you can also factor in how much your taxes will set you back with this tool.
http://helpsme.com/tools/free-gst-hst-p ... tor-canada
So what about plugins ?
Well.. here are my recommendations on getting your hands on some.
1st method is to go out and pick up a copy of Computer music magazine as it will give you access to a bunch of awesome free synthesizers and effects.
Here is a full list of the plugins.
http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic ... cts-571808
Here is a FAQ about the plugins that they offer.
http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic ... ins-571802
Last edited by V0RT3X on Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:12 pm, edited 9 times in total.
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- KVRist
- 441 posts since 7 Mar, 2011 from Pleasanton, CA
Looks like good advice to me. That Focusrite bundle looks like a great deal. Those headphones look like rebranded AKG--nice. They look somewhat like my K271 Mark II headphones.
Seasoned IT vet, Mac user, and lover of music. Always learning.
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 8414 posts since 4 Jul, 2012 from Alesia
Yah I've never actually tried the headphones, but AKG and Focusrite are from the same parent company I think.wesleyt wrote:Looks like good advice to me. That Focusrite bundle looks like a great deal. Those headphones look like rebranded AKG--nice. They look somewhat like my K271 Mark II headphones.
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- KVRAF
- 3071 posts since 29 Sep, 2005
Anyone starting out should be real happy with that rig!
Great job of putting that together VOR3TX
Happy Musiking!
dsan
Great job of putting that together VOR3TX
Happy Musiking!
dsan
My DAW System:
W7, i5, x64, 8Gb Ram, Edirol FA-101
W7, i5, x64, 8Gb Ram, Edirol FA-101
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 8414 posts since 4 Jul, 2012 from Alesia
Thanks! I actually found putting this together quite easy. I ended up reading a bunch of reviews on a few different pieces of hardware and eventually picked the best ones that would be good for a beginner.dsan@mail.com wrote:Anyone starting out should be real happy with that rig!
Great job of putting that together VOR3TX
Happy Musiking!
dsan
I wanted to look for a setup that a student might put together that is cheap and accessible. I imagine that anyone can find these pieces of hardware and for the amount of money I think it's a decent way to get started in the wonderful world of plugins and music software!
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- KVRAF
- 3071 posts since 29 Sep, 2005
True enough, but a beginner really doesn't know even where to start.
You have given all beginners a great start by removing that question "What should I buy?"
Around the same cost of the DAW's you have listed is Mulab. I've been using the demo on and off and it's a pretty powerful DAW. Not nearly as complicated as Reaper. (Nothing bad meant by that Reaperers! )
Happy Musiking!
dsan
You have given all beginners a great start by removing that question "What should I buy?"
Around the same cost of the DAW's you have listed is Mulab. I've been using the demo on and off and it's a pretty powerful DAW. Not nearly as complicated as Reaper. (Nothing bad meant by that Reaperers! )
Happy Musiking!
dsan
My DAW System:
W7, i5, x64, 8Gb Ram, Edirol FA-101
W7, i5, x64, 8Gb Ram, Edirol FA-101
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 8414 posts since 4 Jul, 2012 from Alesia
dsan@mail.com wrote:True enough, but a beginner really doesn't know even where to start.
You have given all beginners a great start by removing that question "What should I buy?"
Around the same cost of the DAW's you have listed is Mulab. I've been using the demo on and off and it's a pretty powerful DAW. Not nearly as complicated as Reaper. (Nothing bad meant by that Reaperers! )
Happy Musiking!
dsan
Yah I suppose people could mix and match stuff up as they want. I thought about providing a bunch of similar priced alternatives for say the hiphop producer or guitarist but I figured this would be just a good all rounder setup.
I forgot about MuLab, it's actually pretty good.
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- KVRist
- 361 posts since 14 Jan, 2014 from Germany
I had never seen the Focusrite bundle before! Looks like a good deal, actually. Individually, I believe that a Steinberg UR-22 would be a better choice for a low-cost interface than the Scarlett 2i2 (added bonus of MIDI I/O), which I realized only after I had bought my 2i2, but with the headphones, microphone, and cable (also Cubase 6 LE), this is a really nice bundle.
I would consider MuLab in place of Tracktion, though Reaper is rather unchallenged in that price segment (not as easy to get into, though it's totally a matter of preference).
Great setup, all in all!
I would consider MuLab in place of Tracktion, though Reaper is rather unchallenged in that price segment (not as easy to get into, though it's totally a matter of preference).
Great setup, all in all!
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neverenoughfunk neverenoughfunk https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=12310
- KVRian
- 825 posts since 6 Feb, 2004
cant knock the setup from above... but anyone starting out should look at Reason first... starting out... it has everything one would need to make music... i know that price tag knocks your budget out of wack... but starting out... in my opinion... Reason is the answer...
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 8414 posts since 4 Jul, 2012 from Alesia
Well this is really meant to cover all the studio essentials which includes having all the proper hardware to get you started. Sure for someone who does not need a recording system then Reason would be a great product to start with.neverenoughfunk wrote:cant knock the setup from above... but anyone starting out should look at Reason first... starting out... it has everything one would need to make music... i know that price tag knocks your budget out of wack... but starting out... in my opinion... Reason is the answer...
Actually If someone has $400.00 kicking around after spending $800.00 then I would highly recommend they buy Reason and use it for their DAW as it is a great learning tool!
BUT If they own a mac then I would recommend logic over reason because it will save you money.
Last edited by V0RT3X on Sat Aug 09, 2014 9:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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- KVRAF
- 2063 posts since 14 Sep, 2004 from $HOME
That focusrite bundle is really clever. Didn't presonus have something similar?
I may sound like an old fart, but that sum bought me maybe a tascam four track back when I started. No headphones, no microphone, no DAW with loads of effects, no monitors. Kids are spoiled today, when I was young, I had nothing but a crappy guitar and amp, we used cardboard boxes for drums, only creativity came cheap, blah blah, those were the days ramble ramble...
I may sound like an old fart, but that sum bought me maybe a tascam four track back when I started. No headphones, no microphone, no DAW with loads of effects, no monitors. Kids are spoiled today, when I was young, I had nothing but a crappy guitar and amp, we used cardboard boxes for drums, only creativity came cheap, blah blah, those were the days ramble ramble...
- KVRAF
- 25852 posts since 20 Jan, 2008 from a star near where you are
For a low price, high quality DAW, users should also check Mixcraft 6, costs just $75
The bundled plugs would cost more than that bought separatly, so it's a win-win deal
http://www.acoustica.com/buy.htm
The bundled plugs would cost more than that bought separatly, so it's a win-win deal
http://www.acoustica.com/buy.htm