Are U Wise Enough To Help Me?

[PoetSleep00]

I'm a home studio owner who has tried to keep myself afloat by reading whatever i could get my hands on and taking a few classes. This is my equipment list. If you have some expertise to share, ANY would be appreciated. Thanks.

hip hop is the genre, but userability is my first priority.

MPC2000xl w/zip
Korg Triton Rack
E-Mu Proteus 2000
Novation Bass Station
Novation K Station
E-Mu Mo Phatt
Korg Microkorg synth

2 Technics 1200s w/ Stanton Mixer

PC w/ Sonar2.0XL, Acid 4.0, Soundforge 6.0, Delta soundcard, MidiSport4x4

my present mic is the Rode NT1000
my monitors are used KRKs, my headphones AKG 240 DF

and I recently acquired the Yamaha Aw4416

***I've been experimenting with different setups over the past few months, buying different equipment to attempt to improve my editing abilities. But basically I need help. If you know more than me, please give me some jewels of advice. or at least direction...

[TexRoadkill]

Never plug in electrical devices while standing in a puddle of water.

[dafduc]

Well, you're definitely set for equipment. Maybe some more mics (a 57 would be an excellent investment NOW).

Are you gonna use sample loops? Or use your Mo-phatt to gen loops? I s'pose you could just play the parts start to finish, but that's not the hip-hop way, really.

What kind of snags are you running into? Or are you just overwhelmed by it all and don't know where to start?

Daf

[PoetSleep00]

A Shure SM 57? I've heard those are great all around mics. How could I benefit from one of those?

I'm trying to create original electronic music, with some samples here and there. i basically want to be able to control each aspect of the music. Creatively and visually. I like the userablity and layout of acid and the editing capabilities of sound forge, but i like the hands on involvement of the mpc.

My other problem is studio transfer. Should I buy a DAT or ADAT too or should I stay with the Yamaha AW4416? Or maybe a tape recorder? Why? The fuller sound. I don't have a MPC3000, 60, or any of the other "typical" sequencing units I've heard most producers to have, however if there is another way to generate this bottom line for the music I'd like to find it.


Thanks again

[dafduc]

I'd steer clear of the Yam, unless you're doing field recording. You'll get better results from the software you have, going direct.

You're right on the money about the 57 - it's good for ANYTHING. Your Rode will be better for some things, but suck for many others. Especially if you really want to create your own stuff, you may want to make some percussion samples your options expand a whole lot with a second mic.

Anyhow, you definitely have enough to get started now. I'd go with your current setup, and start thinking about buying only when I hit a wall. You should be able to do EVERYTHING with what you have now.

As far as transfer goes, you can avoid it altogether if you stay off the Yam. Or, if you have it all in a HW sequencer now (the 2000?), transfer it 4 tracks at a time (8 if you have 1010). Sonar should give you a way to set sync points.

Good luck,

Daf

[PoetSleep00]

thanks for the help

[Chris Shaeffer]

Assuming the computer you are using has a CD burner, I'd forget about a DAT. Cheaper and easier to burn mixs to CD, so I can't think of anything you'd need a DAT for.

I haven't done much with electronic music but play around with the tools that came with my software and MIDI box, but the D.J. /Hip-Hop/Rap forum might be a good place to find folks more experienced with the techniques you are looking for.

And I agree that you should be able to do everything you need (and more) with the equipment and software you have. Now its just a matter of playing around with it until it begins to become second nature to use the tools.

Once that happens, the creativity flows from you through the tools and they don't feel like they get in the way so much. Its worth the time to just fiddle with things and see what they do.

Enjoy!
Chris

[Blue Bear Sound]

Some articles at my site may be of some use........ go to http://www.bluebearsound.com and click on ARTICLES..........

[PoetSleep00]

Thanks to everyone for the excellent help!