Simple Set Up?, Own ibook800+microkorg... what software? Options

[rosiedog]

I presently own the ibook G3 800Mhz with 640 ram. I am about to buy the korg microkorg which is a mini digital/anologue synth with midi capabilities.
I will eventually be upgrading to either an Imac or a powerbook sometime in the next 8 months.
I am mostly interested in making experimental electronica, ambient, future lounge, jazzy beats, drum and bass, trance, ect, ect...
I basically want to start with the bare minimum for a desk top computer based music studio. I would like to star out with one software solution for my needs. I would like to buy a software package that can make drums, effects, samples, layers?, and sequencing. Is Reason 2.5 my best bet for getting started.
I also want the program to be able to run on my current G3 ibook, and on my next upgrade which will be a G4.
I know Trent Reznors made his first NIN album with an anologue keyboard synth, and an old Mac.
I want to see what I can do with the most basic set up for electronica type music.
Any advice and help is extremely appreciated.
Thanks.
-Jason

[Synthetic]

hey... just remember that you don't need another midi controller.... your KORG is a midi controller itself and when you get a midi interface... you can plug the inputs and outputs of the midi into the Korg as well as the audio outputs of the Korg at same time.... this way you can use Korg to control say Reason via Midi and record midi notes and you can also use Logic or PTLE and compose a midi track by programming notes and sending them to the Korg for playback or you can actually play the Korg and record and edit the midi notes that way and then record the audio output into Logic or PTLE

sounds like you are on the right track though

[rickenbacker]

I don't think you can upgrade to Reason 2.5 from the light version included with PTLE. In fact, is Reason 2.5 even available in any form for PTLE?

Personally, I don't like the PTLE route, but that's just me. Nothing else you read about in music tech mags will work with it - all the groovy VST and AU plugs, or ReWire capable apps you like the sound of are a closed book to you, unless the companies involved produce a Pro Tools-compliant version. Which many do, but at a higher cost than the "regular" versions. PTLE on its own is cool software, don't get me wrong, but I ended up plumping for Logic because it seemed a more "open" choice for future expansion.

As for your interface, how about this one from Emagic? Info taken from the website, www.emagic.de.

Emagic Multichannel Interface A62 m
Versatile and practical - with 6 audio inputs and 2 audio outputs, MIDI I/O and USB hub, the A62 m offers mobility and quality in one compact interface. This makes it the ideal multi-purpose interface for use on the road or in your personal studio setup.

Don't confuse this with the A26 - that has no Midi. Yes, I know, why didn't they name it something completely different to avoid confusion. Anyway, maybe get the A62M and Logic Audio or Gold? That takes care of everything.

Of course, I have no idea how much money you have!

[rosiedog]

Synthetic-
So I can have audio and midi hooked up to the microkorg at the same time and simultaneously switch back and for between midi control and audio play? or do I have to unplug one connect while I use the other? Or does it automaticaaly work according whatever app I am working with?

rickencacker-
Will I have to spend an arm and a leg to make drums with protools le?
How much is the logic set up gonna save me?

Remeber, I wanna keep it real simple. Thanks

-Jason

[rosiedog]

Okay....
I am about to purchase some stuff now, and I would like to hear some opinions about what I am about to buy.

I am thinking of buying the m-audio ozne midi keyboard/mind and audio interface, along with reason 2.5. They are both bundled in a promotional package for about 400.00.
Then I would buy logic's big box bundle.
Does this sound like a good set up? Will I be able to use the audio interface of the ozone with my microkorg keyboard?

The ozone is able to plug into my ibook through the usb port. I think the ozone is also a midi/audio interface as well as its own midi controller. So does this mean I can use the ozone as a controller for reason, make tracks with reason using the ozone, and record/sequence the tracks into logic, and at the same time use the adio interface on the ozone to record synth leads and base line from the microkorg into logic? If this sounds correct,, then this is what I will purchase to get started with a simple setup.

I know I was fixed on the mbox, but for just a few more bucks, I can have reason, the ozone, and logic's bigbox.

So is this a good set up to begin with?

Thanks for any help here.
-J

[Synthetic]

yep... it should all work just as you said and it is nice that the ozone has all that capability in one unit but I haven't heard from anyone who has used one and so can't tell what kinda qualityit has or how well it performs. I would check to make sure it has drivers and works with the version of OS you are using and that would be only real obstacle. Maybe start another post asking for opinions of the Ozone to see if anyone else is or has used one yet.

[rosiedog]

Cool. I'll do that. Thanks synthetic.
-J