What should I try and get next?

[ghostwhistler]

I have Reaper, my DAW. I have a bunch of vst instruments. I have a midi controller. I don't think I need to keep buying softsynths, so I'm wondering what I should get next? When it comes to effects and processing tools I have Infiltrator, some freebie plug ins, and Reaper stock tools for everything else. Is there anything I need other than EQ and compressors? Are the stock ones good enough?

[kvotchin]

You might want to check out ReEQ (a different thing from ReaEQ): https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=213501

In my opinion, if you don’t already have good headphones and monitors, that should be a priority. And for me, a nicer, wider monitor was my best decision. YMMV.

I guess needs will make themselves known, really. So you could just leave it for now and see if anything’s missing..?

[Thymos]

I would also suggest to get good headphones or monitors because it makes a huge difference when it comes to mastering your track. Maybe Sennheiser ie 100 pro would be a good start if you want to use in ear headphones.

[ghettosynth]

The motivation to finish tracks. You don't need anything else.

[ghostwhistler]

You might want to check out ReEQ (a different thing from ReaEQ): https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=213501

In my opinion, if you don’t already have good headphones and monitors, that should be a priority. And for me, a nicer, wider monitor was my best decision. YMMV.

I guess needs will make themselves known, really. So you could just leave it for now and see if anything’s missing..?

I use a laptop. I could hook it up to the TV, but there isn't space to put it in a convenient space.

I coudl do with upgrading my headphones. They are closed and wearing them for a long period mixing is pretty stressful on the ears. Monitors I can't afford.

Thanks

[ghostwhistler]

The motivation to finish tracks. You don't need anything else.

You might need to mix them though!

[ghettosynth]

The motivation to finish tracks. You don't need anything else.

You might need to mix them though!

No doubt, if you don't have monitors, that's good advice. Mixing on headphones is tedious. It's also much harder to get good results.

Beyond that though, avoid the trap of thinking that the next new synth or fx plugin will be just the thing that you need.

[ghostwhistler]

The motivation to finish tracks. You don't need anything else.

You might need to mix them though!

No doubt, if you don't have monitors, that's good advice. Mixing on headphones is tedious. It's also much harder to get good results.

Beyond that though, avoid the trap of thinking that the next new synth or fx plugin will be just the thing that you need.

Sure, but I'm thinking not in terms of must have new plug ins, but basic stuff that I should consider

[cryophonik]

If you don't know what you need, then you don't need anything. Focus on making music until you realize that you have a need, then figure out how to fill that need. More likely than not, your "need" will probably just be a "want" anyway (not that there's anything wrong with that).

[crickey13]

If you don't know what you need, then you don't need anything. Focus on making music until you realize that you have a need, then figure out how to fill that need. More likely than not, your "need" will probably just be a "want" anyway (not that there's anything wrong with that).

[/thread]

[ghettosynth]

Monitors I can't afford.

You don't have to spend a lot for them to be more effective than headphones.

[ghostwhistler]

[*]

Monitors I can't afford.

You don't have to spend a lot for them to be more effective than headphones.

What makes them more effective than headphones?

[BertKoor]

Monitors don't need to be expensive. I have a decent (passive) set that costed €160 some decades ago.

As you noticed yourself, headphones can be uncomfortable to wear over extended periods of time.

I noticed while using headphones we tend to put them too loud. Mixing at a lower volume generally makes them better. With neighbours etc to mind, you're more inclined to do that with monitors.

Headphones give you one perception: what your track sounds like when listened to on headphones. It sounds different (especially stereo stuff) when played over speakers in a room. Then sound coming from the left speaker will also reach your right ear.

[Biome_Digital]

Samples and sounds of course!

[ghostwhistler]

What if you mix something on monitors and it sounds like ass through cans?

Monitors will have to wait. I can't afford that kind of money right now.