I'm fresh to all of this,

[Inco Beats]

Hi, well I just started heavily getting into music. I'd like to start up a website sometime soon, and be able to compose hip hop/r&b. I wouldn't be recording artists, but I'd like to record songs also. I'm also wondering what I would need to do that, and be able to get songs/beats that sound great. I'm aware that this won't happen overnight, but I've got the patience and morale to work towards improvement. I'm focused.

I'm not too sure what I should go for, to start with. I'd imagine it would be best to purchase something I could upgrade after a bit. I'd like to record live, and play all the instruments off of whatever I choose to purchase, which'll most likely be a synth module.

I was looking at the Roland Xv2020. But I'm not sure if I can later upgrade with this one, I know the predecessor, the Jv1010 has slots for expansions. I am definitely interested in a Roland based sound palette. I'm only 15 so I don't have a budget, or a big pay check to play with. I'd have to save up for what I decide on.

Thanks, - Incognito.

 

[Christine K]

Welcome to the bbs, it's a good place to learn a lot. Well, I'm sure not into hip hop / r&B, and I'm nearly old enough to be your grandmother (holy Jeezus!), so here's some advice from an old babe:

No matter what you want to do in life, you'll be better off if you just jump in there and do it. Find someone locally that's already doing what you think is cool, and hang out with him/her. Same with playing a musical instrument. You don't need the best to start out with, but just get something and let 'er rip. Years ago I started playing bluegrass banjo. I sucked, but I stayed with it and got to be pretty decent. A year and a half ago, I started on guitar. I sucked, but now can play some pretty cool stuff that impresses the hell out of my friends. Just recently, I decided to start my own recording. My first efforts sucked, but they will get better. Not from spending all my time on this BBS, but by doing it over and over again, finding out what works and sounds good, and what doesn't. Experience is the best teacher. I spend at least 3-4 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends, with my guitar.

So to paraphrase the ubiquitous TV commercial, "Just Do It, Man"

Good luck, I wish I was your age again (even though sometimes I still act it!)

 

[Stealthtech]

The Roland synth is a great module to start with, however you may need to get a keyboard as a controller.
Option: Perhaps it would be better to get a Roland keyboard so you would have both in 1 unit.
It comes with software so Im assuming you will do your recordings on your PC. This will allow for a wide range of midi functions.
But, in order to get audio tracks recorded you will need a more powerful multitrack program that will record multiple audio tracks and midi combined.
Then you will also need to consider the audio card you will use to record to. The stock cards that comes with a PC such as a soundblaster are not really ideal for PC audio recording.
I would recommend a better audio card.
You will also need a quality mic and a preamp{stand alone or a mixer}
As you see there are several things you need to consider

 

[Gunther]

Might want to check this site out: http://www.digidesign.com/
There you can download a fully functional, but older, version of pro tools, which will let you record audio and sequence midi stuff. Oh, Its free...
Or if you got like 300 bucks you can get the latest version but the older version works great. And then there is cakewalk, cubase... but they dont have fully functional free versions for cheapskates like me.

I use a JV1010, and it rocks. I like korg stuff as well, I have a korg keyboard and a JV1010 for the roland sounds. Im happy.

You can get a cheapie berhinger mixer for about 100 bucks, and a sure sm57 mic, for 80 bucks. You can use protools as a compressor and for reverb / delay effects. that will give you decent vocals and a mixer for under 2 bills.

Oh yeah, might want to look at the Roland RS-5 synth.

 

[eyeslikefire]

Welcome to the bbs, it's a good place to learn a lot. Well, I'm sure not into hip hop / r&B, and I'm nearly old enough to be your grandmother (holy Jeezus!), so here's some advice from an old babe:

No matter what you want to do in life, you'll be better off if you just jump in there and do it. Find someone locally that's already doing what you think is cool, and hang out with him/her. Same with playing a musical instrument. You don't need the best to start out with, but just get something and let 'er rip. Years ago I started playing bluegrass banjo. I sucked, but I stayed with it and got to be pretty decent. A year and a half ago, I started on guitar. I sucked, but now can play some pretty cool stuff that impresses the hell out of my friends. Just recently, I decided to start my own recording. My first efforts sucked, but they will get better. Not from spending all my time on this BBS, but by doing it over and over again, finding out what works and sounds good, and what doesn't. Experience is the best teacher. I spend at least 3-4 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends, with my guitar.

So to paraphrase the ubiquitous TV commercial, "Just Do It, Man"

Good luck, I wish I was your age again (even though sometimes I still act it!)

You know Christine,...
You're a pretty cool old girl.