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Modern Beat Making
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Published: 7/1/2009 10:47:00 AM
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So you want to start making beats but don't know where to start? Let me help you out. After 10 years of buying and selling various keyboards, drum machines, and rack mount sound modules, technology has finally emerged to a point where any hardware that existed 10 years ago, has been re-developed into software programs and digital signal processing algorithms which make up many of our production studios today. In 1997, I purchased my first keyboard which was an Ensoniq ASR-10, for a whopping $2400. In addition to the keyboard, I also purchased the expander unit which increased the outputs from 2 to 8 individually assignable outputs. Add to that an Iomega Zip drive for another couple hundred bucks, and I had a pretty sweet production setup with 8 outs! The only problem was the steep start up cost involved in purchasing this setup within a limited budget...
Enter the 21st Century
So how do you start making beats on a limited budget? Easy. First you will need a midi controller, an inexpensive audio interface, a computer, and a single piece of software. I recommend beginning with the M-Audio Axiom 25 controller. This controller gives you 25 keys plus 8 drum pads, which is ideal for beat making on any level. Depending on how many analog outputs you require, an audio interface with low enough latency to sequence can run $150 and up. It is best to get one that has a fire wire interface. Investing in a decent pair of headphones will eliminate the need for studio monitors, or rigging the interface through a home stereo. There are many different choices out there for software. Having used quite a few different software apps, I personally recommend Propellerheads Reason (not fruity loops!) as a great application to start making beats on. This software will give you more than enough tracks to be able to separate your kicks, snares, hats, claps, bass, piano, strings, synths, pads, etc. The software also has built in effects processing for reverbs, delays, compressors, etc. The sound libraries that ship with reason are surprisingly decent for a $300 piece of software! Reason is used by many heavyweights in the production industry, in genres from hip hop to pop. So, for a mere $800 give or take, you have a production setup that rivals those which were several thousand dollars, just a few years ago.
Connecting the dots is quite simple. First, you will need to install the drivers for the Midi controller, and audio interface. Next, install Reason. Connect the Midi controller to your computer through the USB port with the cable supplied by the manufacturer. Most Midi controllers are powered by the USB bus, creating a portable production solution with a laptop. Lastly, connect the audio interface to the computer via the Firewire cable.
You are now (technically) ready to begin making beats! |
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