| To make instrumentals, I highly suggest considering two | | | | V-Drums Kit and a Proteus 2000 all midi connected to |
| aspects, the sequencer DAW (digital audio | | | | the Mac via a multi channel midi interface. |
| workstation), and audio hardware gear such as midi | | | | We work with other producers in the studio who |
| controller keyboards and pads. In my personal | | | | make instrumentals bringing in their own gear such as |
| experience it has always proven indispensable to have | | | | Akai MPK49 and MPC1000, Korg Triton, Roland |
| the best of both worlds working together for | | | | Fantom X6 and other gear. Others work primarily in |
| maximum limitless potential in the way I work with | | | | the virtual world using DAW software like Cakewalk, |
| artists and producers in the studio. | | | | Acid Pro and Fruity Loops. Like I said earlier, it all |
| Working within the virtual world of sequencer DAW | | | | comes down to your preference. Often times they |
| software, I find it incredibly intuitive in terms of audio | | | | also bring with them very specialized pre-recorded |
| editing and wav manipulation. One of the biggest | | | | sounds and samples to include in their mix. These are |
| features about working with wav forms on a | | | | easily imported into any number of virtual samplers we |
| computer screen is that it makes it a near effortless | | | | use. |
| process to zoom in and visually make changes to the | | | | This brings me to the point of sound banks and |
| sample or recording where specifically needed. This is | | | | libraries. One vital key element in music production is |
| not such an easy exercise on a keyboard workstation | | | | about the sounds, samples and loops you have to |
| screen. | | | | work with. Generally the type of music you are |
| In terms of audio hardware, I tend to work with many | | | | making, or intend to make, will play a big part in the |
| writers and producers who prefer to make | | | | types of sounds you will want and need. My rule of |
| instrumentals using external midi controllers triggering | | | | thumb is that I can never have enough sounds when |
| sounds and samples of VST instruments within the | | | | making beats. Most sequencers come with stock |
| sequencer software. This promotes added expressive | | | | sounds that are pretty good to work with. However, |
| creativity when making beats and producing music. | | | | after you have chosen your DAW and have spent |
| At the end of the day there is no right or wrong way | | | | some time with it listening and working with its sounds, |
| of making music. Everything comes down to what is | | | | you will come to know what is limiting you and what |
| most comfortable, creative and inspiring to you. One | | | | sounds you might need to top up your sound library. |
| must also keep in mind that no software package, | | | | Sounds and samples are included within VST |
| keyboard workstation or audio tools of any kind are | | | | instruments of most high-end DAW software. I |
| going to make you a success at producing music. It is | | | | personally enjoy working with the sounds of Logic's |
| up to you to learn all you can and become the master | | | | stock library. With creative combinations and |
| of what ever tools and applications you choose, and | | | | manipulation, there is an endless array of unique and |
| through the effective use of your audio production | | | | specialized sounds that we can come up with. We |
| tools will your unique creative ability and talent as a | | | | also use a handful of sample library DVD's varying |
| producer shine on. | | | | from ethnic instruments, orchestral sounds, multi |
| Now, with all of that said there are some great audio | | | | sampled pianos, stabs, lead lines, effects and mashed |
| production applications on the market. I personally use | | | | up drums to name a few, and everything gets used at |
| Logic 8, as it is all I really need for the work I do. My | | | | some point or another when we make instrumentals. |
| top producer and partner on the other hand uses a | | | | So do your research and define how you would like to |
| combination of Logic 8, Abelton Live and Reason. We | | | | work in the realm of making beats. Get down to your |
| run everything on a Mac G5 using two Motu 896HD | | | | local music store and take a few guided tours of both |
| audio interfaces. Connected to the G5 is a Mackie | | | | hardware and software DAWs to get a real feel of |
| Universal Digital Mixer, a FireWire Powercore audio | | | | what each is like and what feels most comfortable |
| processor and a Focusrite Liquid Mix audio processor. | | | | and affordable to you. |
| We have three controller keyboards, a Roland | | | | |