Will cut time in my synth recording process, and I can already see the creative implications as well. Just watching the video gave me plenty of ideas.
the production thread
4 days later
PA has a year end sale on and it’s pretty good. most stuff is on sale, more products added each day, and here’s a $20 voucher with no minimum (MEGA-SALE-20OFF). usually they allow a reuse of the code further into the sale, so if you plan to pick up more than one plugin, use the code now and wait for a reissue. lots there for $30 before discount, bx oberhausen is an amazing synth and it’s basically theft for $10.
Hey
serious question - I’m like, an absolute total novice (as in, never ever owned or used a DAW) when it comes to music production but I have some time on my hands and I really want to give it a go. I don’t have endless wads of cash to chuck away and I know that I will need some patience 
I use Windows not Mac
What would be a good thing to start with. I was thinking Ableton standard and a midi keyboard/controller of some description. Thing is I’m totally clueless. Can any of you please point me in the direction of something to cut my proverbial teeth on that won’t leave me dribbling in the corner cos its too complicated.
thanks in advance
ArchimedesQ Live is a fantastic DAW to start (and continue!) on. As with all DAWs you can go as deep as you want. There’s no problem skimming the surface - everyone needs to find their own way in.
I just checked and Ableton standard doesn’t come with any of their ‘own brand’ synths (which are generally really usable - their presets are a bit naff - but that’s a good thing) - they are all included in suite. You really don’t need thousands of synths - but you do need some to learn on. There’s loads of free synths you can download to start on if you go for standard.
As for learning as a total newbie, ableton’s own site
https://learningmusic.ableton.com/
is a cool place to start - have a play around on it before you buy anything.
apyssjw Thanks, really helpful. I’m pretty certain I’m going to go for standard. just need to think about a keyboard or controller really and look for some useful sites to download free synth plug-ins (whatever they are?) 
ArchimedesQ i think you’ve got it covered, but ableton and a simple controller/keyboard is all you need to start. be prepared though, it can be an expensive hobby if you really take to it, but it’s way too much fun.
here’s my new one, another dance floor oriented dub track.
303abuser Any chance you could point me in the direction of a controller/keyboard - The choice is mental and I don’t really understand the difference. What should I be looking for in terms of bells and whistles? TIA
ArchimedesQ i think my best suggestion is to start small and slow. the problem with buying gear at the beginning is you don’t know what your sound is going to be, what your workflow will look like, whether you prefer a software/hardware/hybrid based set up.
i actually still don’t own a proper controller, but as i use more software, it’s on the list. i’ve gotten along with a launchpad (that i honestly rarely use now), a faderfox controller with 4 faders and knobs (which i use a lot for soft synth midi mapping), and a kordbot for “keys” (although it doesn’t shine as a performance tool). if i had to do it again, i’d probably just spring for a 37 key controller with some knobs and faders (think keystep pro or something similar).
try something like micro lab maybe?
launchpads are good if you need pad for triggering clips or finger drumming. i find i have very little use for pads. i also don’t ‘play’ keys, so i use sequencers much more often, so that’s something to consider. if you’re using ableton and no hardware, you don’t need an external sequencer, so keys may suffice.
bottom line, start slow, buy cheap stuff until you know what you want, and finding used gear if possible is the way to go.
any idea what genre(s) you want to make? do you have a musical background or are you like me and figuring it out as you go?
- Edited
303abuser Thanks mate - Great advice and much appreciated. I have DJ’ed pretty badly for years on and off. I have Zero musical training but I think I have a reasonable ear. I will be looking at making harder progressive/melodic type stuff. Possibly some deeper breaks stuff. Think Dundov/Gregor Thresher/Baumel/Sanclemente have all been massive influences but then so have Nine Inch Nails and stuff like Dusty kid and Hybrid - looking forward to seeing how it all pans out 
ArchimedesQ anytime
303abuser A friend who is also just starting, recommended this - thoughts?
https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/minilab-mkii/overview
ArchimedesQ looks like a good starting point to me. it’ll give you the features you need to start at a reasonable price, will give you a feel for which things you need/don’t. if you ultimately don’t get on with it, you should be able to sell it pretty easily too.
i’ve been messing around with sandman pro a bit today. if you need a delay (from basic to wild), you will not beat this, especially as it’s FREE ($14.99, but you can use the $20 discount code i posted above).
https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/unfiltered_audio_sandman_pro.html
https://www.ableton.com/en/shop/live/
Can someone tell me if there is any difference in these 2 - except the price! Is it worth getting the cheaper one or am I missing something?
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Top link says upgrade options available.
Bottom link includes upgrade, to next version, in price.
Dont know anything about Ableton to know what that upgrade impact might be, either financially or technically.
Others will know better….
Do you boys spend much time getting your drums in key?
i tune anything that isn’t white noise. usually i have my kick on the root, toms on the root or 5th. snares, if they have some low end weight, i’ll tune them to the root or 5th, use my ears a little more on those sometimes and just go with what i think sounds best. with hats, i really just worry about note length, velocity, groove, etc. as there isn’t usually a defined musical note there.