Newbie

[Zeke94]

Hi, I would like to get into this type of hobby. I would like get pro tools, but I don't know how to set it up. Which pro tools do I get if I want to record vocals, and have a keyboard that has a lot of different instruments programmed to it and connect the two to record a beat/song? What would I need, links if possible, etc. Sorry for being such a newbie but I really appreciate it if you can answer this as I would like to get started in creating beats and mixing them.

[joeinternet327]

There are other options to get started with that are less expensive than Pro Tools.

My suggestion is to download MuLab Free and start messing around with that while taking some time to learn more about what's out there.

Otherwise, you might find yourself spending big money on something that isn't the best fit for you.

[ZenPunkHippy]

Welcome to KVR

Before you spend lots of money on Pro Tools - which could turn out to be an expensive mistake if it does not gel with your way of working - there are cheaper / free options to try first.

Reaper is a good place to start, it has an "unlimited" trial with no restrictions. Get it here:

http://reaper.fm/

Also lite versions of the major hosts may suit you better:

Cubase Artist
Live Lite
Studio One Artist
Garageband (Mac)

Once you find your feet with any of these apps visit a music store that sells Pro Tools and compare it to what you've found in any of the above.

Peace,
Andy.

[Acolyte5]

All Id have to say for a newbie is all the expensive things you think you need you probably don't but forums and advertising will make you question yourself always and what it is you really need. While I have some expensive plugins, most are purchases that if had the foresight I had now into this endeavor, would not need half of, but I do have some paid for synths that I could not live without because I fell in love with their workflow, which will probably should be the first selling point in any product (aside from sound and what it can do overall obviously).

Just know someone thats 4 years into this, if I knew what I knew now and didn't let hype get to me etc, I could achieve that same results with the amazing free software out there, again the only reason to shell out is if its something you know you need. ( a need basis being for me, any software that completely changed or improved my workflow whether through inspiration or ease of use.

Also I have tried several daws over the years and am most impress with reaper for the price point and it just seemed to do everything I wanted audio wise so fast and intuitively I could believe I had spent hundreds on alternate software. ( I got some neat plugins with some daw purchase but I only use third party and free stuff now)

Some people on recent threads complained about the midi but I for one actually found it better than the dws I have used and that combined with the easy audio editing side by side is just, its just great, especially since it does everything with such a small foot print.

[louiepitchbend]

Would also recommend you to start out with a program such as for instance Reaper. Real easy to work with and still allows you to make great sounding music.

[thecontrolcentre]

Another option is to buy a midi keyboard or audio interface that comes with free software. Live Lite, Cubase Lite, Sonar Lite, etc are bundled with lots of different hardware. I got free Live Lite 6 when I bought a Novation SL midi keyboard. It got me a great upgrade price on Live Suite. See what's on offer.

Also, you don't mention if you have any experience making music. Do you play an instrument or write songs, or are you a complete beginner?

[kritikon]

Seconded to all the above. Plus, it's not a bad idea to buy the latest copy of something like Future Music or Computer Music (magazine). They have tutorials and a shedload of freebie stuff, including DAWs, instruments, FX etc. Some of their tutorials are exactly aimed at beginners and pretty useful. Until you get really going with how to use sequencing and audio recording etc, I wouldn't buy any pro stuff just yet - the freebie stuff is good enough to get great results and it means you can figure out how much more complicated/boutique/pro you want to get without wasting money. And we all bought stuff that shortly after we found we didn't really need or was cheapo crap.

I guess you need some h/w in terms of soundcard, keyboard/controller, but otherwise you'll be surprised how good some of the freebies can be. I still use some freebies like ShortCircuit sampler even though I've got 1000s of $$s worth of gear. A recent addition was Computer Music Dune - a superb synth. They both sit happily next to boutique gear.

[poppinid]

hi,

first it would help to know what style of music you are into.
and what exact gear you have right now.

cu

id

[poppinid]

ok just in the mood to recommend some freeware synths

uhe tyrell, uhe zebralette, crystal, synth1 ( basic synth sounds, good arp, huge ampunt of user presets)......and some fm ......check doublesix.

fx ......there are so many.... so just for reverb and delay.... reverb: ambience, delay : bionic delay
but theres soooo mutch more ; u can use " vst4free" website for orientation
reaper is already mentioned

cu

id

[poppinid]

add some

if u want some strings, giutars, choirs , orchestral stuff

look for the free DSK vst

the alchemy player is very nice too

[Panphobia]

+1 reaper, really cheap and good with buggy midi and tempo maps in my experience. BTW demo period is now 60 days.

The word is that pro tools is 'industry standard' whatever that means. Its not. It is however one of the most expensive options available. From what I understand pro tools is really good if you do multi tracking and need it to be really stable. I used it a bit at the university and it is very good, the best I have ever used for audio editing. Too expensive imo.

Did you try audacity? free, and it sounds like this is what you want (but no midi yet): http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Good luck!