A couple questions, just getting started

[c slipper]

Hi everyone.

I decided to get a home studio up and running a while back. I saved up some cash and now I am ready to get started. What I plan on buying is the following:

-A new computer (a new i-mac with 2gigs ram)
-mbox 2 pro with protools.
-reason or digital performer

With this setup, would I be able to produce professional quality music at home? I am looking to create music in the rock/electronic genre. Is reason or digital performer the correct program to allow me to create professional sounding beats and sequences? I have experience with protools, but thats about it. What else do I need/not need?

Really, the drums are the biggest concern I have. I can produce decent beats using a keyboard, but I have never used one of these programs before, so I don't know what type of sound I will be able to make.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Pitseleh]

are you just going to be doing midi recording?

you also should look into getting studio monitors for mixing.

 

[c slipper]

I am going to be recording guitar (amp and mic) and bass (direct input), and then I guess everything else will be MIDI. Are monitors necessary, or will studio headphones be ok? Thanks,

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

It’s a pretty expensive and restrictive way of doing things but it you want to use PT then that’s the way it is I suppose.

If you want to be able to mix your material so that it transfers well to different systems (i.e. doesn’t just sound good when you’re listening on your headphones) then you’ll need monitors and the environment you mix in will need to be acoustically treated. Headphones are a good reference (mixes should be checked on a few different playback systems) but they shouldn't be used alone for mixing.

We’re at a stage where the cheapest and most rudimentary gear is capable of producing “professional quality music at home”. What’s really important is everything else, the acoustic environment, good sounding sources and the ability to use the gear you have.

So the setup you have in mind is capable, but with respect you most probably are not (yet).

This stuff takes time, enjoy.

 

[jaybriggs84]

You might be able to a used Digi 002 on ebay for just a little more than an MBox plus the mpowered software. Ususally people send the pro tools le software when they sell their 002

 

[Elton Bear]

I suggest looking into Logic, as you're using a Mac anyway and it's fantastic for MIDI, synths, and plugins etc.

Reason can give you very good drum and synth sounds also, if used correctly.

 

[c slipper]

After talking to a bunch of people on another forum, I have realized that Protools is not the way to go (I didn't know any better). I am looking into Logic and Sonar. What piece of hardware is recommened to go with these that allows me to plug in my guitars/mics/bass/keys ect...? Also, are both Sonar and Logic capable drum and other midi sequencing? Would going in that direction eliminate the need for a program like Reason? Thanks.