ACID Music Studio

[jibran]

Some time ago I made the mistake of getting Sony's ACID Music Studio with the intention of hip-hop production (I was planning on moving up to a better software when I had more experience). So far, it has not been very good for production.

Is there anything I can do to get my money's worth on this?

Thanks,

The Deen

[MobbEuro]

I downloaded Acid Pro 4.0, which was $250 last time I checked. Acid is just a program for editing and mixing. I don't like to think of it as a program to make actual beats on. From how much I used it, I don't think it comes with any samples, loops, or patches even. All you can do (again from my experience) is just configure already recorded material the way you want it to sound.

If you want to actually make beats from scratch using a software, a lot of people recommend using Fruity Loops (FL studio). This comes with a variety of loops, and it has drum patches you can work with to create whatever type of beat you want.

www.flstudio.com

[BEATMAKERS]

I got one word for you LIVE 5 @ www.ableton.com there is a demo there to peep

[Fieva]

We know what I'm going to recommend.

www.propellerheads.se
REASON 3!!!

[stray411]

Originally Posted by MobbEuro

I downloaded Acid Pro 4.0, which was $250 last time I checked. Acid is just a program for editing and mixing. I don't like to think of it as a program to make actual beats on. From how much I used it, I don't think it comes with any samples, loops, or patches even. All you can do (again from my experience) is just configure already recorded material the way you want it to sound.

That's a common misconception right there. I make all my beats from scratch in Acid 4.0. People think it's just looping software...but it really isn't.

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/3337/acidss1bc.jpg

That's a screenshot of a beat I'm working on. Anything that looks like a loop is audio I recorded from one of my boards or a VSTi.

[ethos]

Originally Posted by Fieva

We know what I'm going to recommend.

www.propellerheads.se
REASON 3!!!

i second this recomendation.
Reason is the best imo.

[NickSpringfield]

I agree with Stray. I've been using ACID for 4 years now and make beats from scratch in it. It's the only program I use. You can purchase loop cd's and stuff for it, but for the most part, anything is possible in it. One shots, midi, etc. In order to get your money's worth, I would just practice more and experiment with what it CAN do and don't get stuff in the box. Again, it is not just a looping software.

I'm not downplaying any of the other recommendations, but if you already have ACID, you might as well use it to it's full potential. If I can be of any help, you can PM me.

-Springfield

[SPINSTERWUN]

I think that Acid is a great program to use for the constuction of beats.

You can use samples, one shots or midi.

If you need more of a hands on approach, you can buy an Akai MPD-16 to help you trigger your sounds/samples.

I think that it also very good for making various sequences of your samples quickly.

Plus.... it works seamlessly with Sound Forge (your editor).

You should definitely try using the other programs mentioned in this thread (Acid just doesn't work well with some people).

[Fieva]

I've never seen anybody make stuff from scratch on it. I've seen crazy people taking weak pre sampled loops and making beats with no originality in them. But I would have never guessed you guys used Acid and one shots or samples self created from VSTi's, but I can see it being done.

[usdn rep]

Acid....in my opinion.....its more a squencing/post beat program.....Like to me the best way to get your money outta it is either try and play wit it like you cant afford anything else or (it might sound foolish) or buy another (or 2) program (s) with it (something where you can make the beat from scratch and editing sofware (preferably Soundforge)).....Like I lucked up and already had cubase, Magix Music make, Cakewalk music studio (cheap shit) and Soundforge before I purchased acid............It's great for re-loopin a certain part in a loop, beat sequencing (after I already have my samples picked out) and midi recording.........I can automatically export each track to soundforge cause they are both sony products and edit the shit with it once its in sf .......export the tracks it back to acid and arrange them as needed.....wav or mp3 the file down after that......But I would not use the program by itself

[chalin27]

Hmm Thought I posted in this alread. I wonder what happen. Anyway. I make beats from scratch as well using only acid. I have used it in the post production earlier on when I got it but after I had it for a while I just started building beats from scratchs. Alot of cats think I make my beats using a MPC or some sampling machine but not true at all. IMHO it's a poor man's MPC

[Fieva]

Whatever works for ya'll that's what you use. IMO the only reason I might still cop an MPC 1k is because sounds are infinite and I can use it on the go when I might not have the laptop and midi with me.

I got a new rule as far as sound gear in my studio. If the sounds aren't infinitely expandable it doesn't go in my mix.