Newbie Workflow Question

Dogma · Post by **Dogma** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 2:59 pm

Hello friends,

I am a NEWBIE at music production. I would like to get a basic home studio working, but the problem is I am confused on how to go about it. Between VST programs, effects, sequencers, mixers, etc, I am at a loss as to how they generally all work together.

I would like to do the basics; sampling from CDs, programing beats, writing synth riffs, sequencing, mixing, etc...

This is what I have at the moment:

iMac
Akai Pro Lpk25 trigger
Logic Express
Peak Editor
decent AKG headset

So, I have two questions for you;

a) What else do you recommend I get?

and

b) What is the general workflow YOU use?

Any and all advice is GREATLY appreciated.

PS– If it helps, the artists I generally like are; GAS, Mikkel Metal, Burger/Ink, Jonas Bering, The Field, et al...

tone-def · Post by **tone-def** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:46 pm

sounds like your got everything you need to get started. some nice monitors would help.
as for workflow it's different for every track. i never like to do the samething twice.

tone-def · Post by **tone-def** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:49 pm

you might also want a midi controller and audio interface.

royen · Post by **royen** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:02 pm

Yeah, you've pretty much got everything you need.

My workflow is something like this:

- drums
- everything else
- try and arrange everything into something song-like

this is a very stupid workflow that usually ends in me starting over on a new song. My best advice for anyone who's getting started is this: write songs, not loops.

Dogma · Post by **Dogma** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:02 pm

Thank you both for replying.

So do I do like I have been doing in garage band;

1. import and edit a sound file in Peak >

2. import the loop into Logic >

3. cut & paste as needed> ?

And which VSTs do you recommend? Are there specific companies that make
cooler sounding synths, drums, etc???

Thanx again>>>

Daemonix · Post by **Daemonix** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:55 pm

I think you have everything you need!

2 thing only as a Plus! 25key Midi keyboard and some monitor speakers maybe.

Dont know what is the different between Logic pro and yours but with pro you dont need any VST to start with! do some tracks with what you have now after checking some videos online. An then ask again more focused questions (I dont want to sound like RTFM.. im a newbie myself

).

Tasos

MINIMALTECHNOHOUSE · Post by **MINIMALTECHNOHOUSE** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 6:12 pm

all you need is logic software wise, dont concern yourself with the plethora of 3rd party developers (some of which are very good) until you can use all of logics instruments.

Thats what you paid for right?

Dogma · Post by **Dogma** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 6:27 pm

thank you. yes, good advice. just stick with learning logic and worry about
plug ins later.