The basic setup

[PRETTYfromDAWGS]

What up,

I want to get some feedback as far as, for hip-hop production, what are the most commonly used tools out there??

I here so much about the MPC or pro tools or the KORG triton and different "standards" but what I make my music on is relatively cheap and basic and I want to know what I'd need to get if I wanted to upgrade my music....

ok, I have a lil studio, I have acid 3 or 4, sound forge 4.5, cakewalk 8, an OLD ass yahmaha psr-SQ16 (i think), and a TON of loop cds, and sound effect cds. I have a cheap ass creative sound blaster 5.1 for my sound card. From this, i've put together an album (see www.mp3.com/D_A_W_G_S) I like our album but I think it could be better.

I use acid to put my loops together and record vocals. I use sound forge to add effects and I have been using it to take the hiss out of tracks that I record from my keyboard.

I haven't figured out midi and cakewalk yet so I'm using a 1/4" plug to my sound card from the L/R output on the keyboard when I want to add some keys.

Do I need a mixer? it takes some time but when I master the album I always have to tweak vocals and the keyboard but the loops (of course are cool).

People like our music. they say it sounds damn near professional. but how do I get that pro sound?? the clearness???

Do I need a better sound card?? i've been lookin into 24bit sound cards like the sound blaster audigy and the m-audoi 2496, is the sound card my prob.

I have a cheap ass mic too....I bet that would help.

please read my pathetic post, peep some tracks on mp3 if u want and holla back. I'd love to hear from someone. Peace.


PRETTYfromDAWGS@hotmail.com

 

[lee miran]

From what you say, apparantly you are producing good stuff with the gear you have. Better gear will help you, but don't think that it's aspirin and will automatically take you to the level you want to be production-wise. Only you can do that, through practice.

As far as getting the "polished" sound that you are after. That's part of what "mastering" is about. If you are just a hobbyist or are releasing a small run of home burnt CD's, give a stab at mastering yourself. If you are releasing something commercially, definitely pay someone to do it. Go to the Mastering forum here for more info.

All I've got is a first generation SBLive, Fruityloops, and Cubase, plus a bunch of plugins. I know for a fact that I'm still not meeting my potential with what I have.

--------Edit---------

My reply above relates primarily to music production and not recording of vocals. For that, yes, a good mic (condensor-type) will help you achieve the sound you seek. Also good mic preamps or a mixer with good pre's to drive the mic.

PEACE
www.domebrothers.com

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

......
- Do I need a mixer? it takes some time but when I master the album I always have to tweak vocals and the keyboard but the loops (of course are cool).

- People like our music. they say it sounds damn near professional. but how do I get that pro sound?? the clearness???

- Do I need a better sound card?? i've been lookin into 24bit sound cards like the sound blaster audigy and the m-audoi 2496, is the sound card my prob.

- I have a cheap ass mic too....I bet that would help........

- No, not necessarily.

- You will have to buy some high end gear (I'll post you some links if you want).

- Yes.

- Yes, that would help.

Peace......