Newbie Bedroom Dj/producer Question Options

[puma]

I'm new to the site and have been learning a tremendous amount of info from all of you so far. Thank you!

I've just embarked on setting up a home studio in which I will be able to mix both vinyl and digital files. While I have purchased some good MkIII's, a mixer and monitors, I have not purchased the hardware/software need for mixing my digital files.

I have been a PC user for about 10 years and do not consider myself to be too much of a techie. So....I guess what I'm saying is that I don't want to get in too far over my head when it comes to the hardware/software side.

My interests lie in mixing house, prog & tech house, and funky and tribal trance...and creating my own music through software. So...with that being said, what should I consider as viable options to complete my set-up? I'd like to invest in something that isn't too limited and will allow me to grow, but not too advanced at the same time. I guess I'd like to set a budget of around $2500 or less. Is that doable? Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions!

Puma

[don says mac]

Welcome Puma...

uh... $2500 (USD I imagine) is quite a good chunk of change especially if you're just starting out...

What you need is:

$300 - $400 for a good audio interface (hooking up your tables to your computer)... I recommend Firewire, but stick to a PCI if more budget conscious... Check out Presonus, Edirol, M-Audio, & Echo... If you think that you will never use any anolgue instruments other than your turntables (i.e. micorphone, guitar, bass etc..) then you can get pretty cheap & basic, like an iMIC ($50 I think).

$100 - $300 for a good USB/MIDI keyboard... M-Audio makes some great ones too, all different sizes for your budget & necessities.

From there, the rest can be invested into your Mac (& extra RAM)... Personally, I'd start out with GarageBand as your first piece of software, since it comes free with any new machine. It's a pretty thick program & very simple to use, and it's free. You can record into it as well as create your own beats & tracks & honestly it sounds pretty damn good.

Propellerhead's Reason is amazing for elctronic music. I use it myself. I've also heard nothing but good things about Native Instruments too. Reason is about $400 or so. But like I said, Garageband will get you started with everything you need, and when you've outgrown it there are plenty of options.

Good Luck!!

.d.

[puma]

Don,

Thanks for the info.

What is the difference between the "audio interfaces" that you recommended and say...Final Scratch? Wouldn't I need some software like Final Scratch to mix my digital files. I guess I could always purchase a CDJ, but I didn't want to fork out that $ just yet.

Puma

[don says mac]

sorry... I think I misread your email.... to mix in your digi files, you could use final scratch or serato, or get a cdj... all of which are a pretty decent investment. Personally, those are all things to get down the road,... First you have to build up your collection of produced tracks... this will take a while. But if you wanna jump in with boh feet you would need one of those devices mentioned above... or a vinyl press... For myself, I have a 3rd channel on my dj mixer, which i use for my computer. It's not the same to beat match but it's not worth it for me to invest $1k for final scratch or a cjd. Also, keep in mind that both dj'ing & producing are each in their own right very time consuming and demanding forms of music making.. It's very tough to find the time for both. But hey, that's just me. My advice, start simple & build when you need too. no sense on spending all your money and tons of gear and not be able to use it. Excuse me if I'm wrong but it seems that you are new to dj'ing? Get comfortable with that, record your mixes into your mac via Garageband, and start fiddling around with trying to create a track when you feel inspired... When you have an arsenal of tracks that you've recorded and all kinds of beats and loops and samples and you just gotta get out of your computer and into a mix, then treat yourself to a cdj or final scratch. Sorry for the rambling, but it seems like you have similar interests that I had when I got into it and from my experience there is a steep lurning curve with some of this and you don't want to overwhelme yourself.

.d.

[puma]

You're absolutely right and I appreciate your advice. However, I don't really want to use the PC workstation I have...nor is it in the same part of my house...for my studio. With that being said, what kind/brand of computer should I consider for my home studio. I'm not to concerned about being mobile right now...mostly due to the learning curve- I want it to be upgradeable. Your thoughts? Thanks again!

[don says mac]

considering you're not on a shoe-string budget, i'd recommend either a (mostlikely used) dual processor G4 or a new G5. The dual 2.0 G5 would be my #1 pick. Way more than what you need right now, and will last you a good 4 or 5 years unless there's a significant change in technology (based on the fact that i currently use a G4 867 single processor made in 2001.)

see if you can get an educational discounts from the apple site. You'll save 10%... Also, don't be afraid to buy a used mac, just as long as it's from a reputable dealer.

.d.