I want to start recording and producing, what should I purchase to have a good start?

If you're just starting out and you don't have that much experience/knowledge in the area, I'd recommend starting small. The more equipment and purchases you make now the higher the price tag, and as you use and get familiar with everything you may find you'd rather have waited to purchase something else. I would definitely recommend trying out some different mixers and software before purchasing.

To start with though, definitely invest in a few mics. Those will be an asset no matter what. You can learn about the different types from this guide http://www.samash.com/opencms/opencms/samash/buyer... to figure out what type depending on what you want and what you want to record. It has some good tips that I think will really help you get started. As far as software goes, I've so far only dabbled with what comes on the mac, like Rock Band. I'm just getting into it myself, but I've been doing a lot of testing/questioning/researching and talking to people who are really into it. Check out a few of the other guides with that microphone one, there are some good ones about software and equipment.

Honestly, you really only need to start with a mic and some software. That's what anybody I've talked to has told me. From there you build off of it once you know what you're doing and gain a little more experience. Plus it will save you from spending money on something you may not be happy with in the long run. Best of luck to you!

Hi Master.

For a start, don't be put off by what some people might tell you, because I've been in the recording and producing business far to long not to know what I'm talking about. The only Money I really had to spend was $1800 on my top of the line midi/keyboard. There's nothing wrong with a laptop but I found that a desktop was better for the Music that I wanted to do. The Keyboard I use is the Yamaha PSR Model 1500 which allows me to record into it,16 independent Channels that I can adjust/modify post recording. all effects--Echo--Reverb--Flanger-- and God knows what else. You'll find you'll only use about 10% of what it will do. It will also play anything from 2 up to 6 or more harmony notes at the same time. Also, don't listen to people who say you have to pay God knows what for all these software programs that do this and do that. You don't. I've used Audacity and other things just to try them out then threw them away. I suggest you have a look at--NCH-- for your programs, as it is on the house, free free free for personal use. Supports Mac and Pc, I use Pc.

It's all Integrated, that is, every thing you will ever need to make a good song--Goldern records-- to record your song/s--Express Burn-- to balance out the volume of each and every song after you've recorded them--Switch-- to use any format you want--Mp3/Wave and anything else. this is the only program that I've found any where on the Planet that will let me do that. As I said it's all integrated, meaning it's all in the one package. So, when you look at it, $1800 wasn't that much for the whole lot. Have a look at--YAMAHAPKCLUB--and see what they've got. Having said all that, that's the best I can do to help you. By the way, I receive no commission or kick backs of any kind from Yamaha or nch, this is my hobby since I retired from Show business. If you would like I'm willing to send a song or 2 over to let you hear what I'm doing. I set up an address for these kind of things. I live at .----fender183@hotmail.com--. Don't forget, in the end it's up to you to do what you want. Cheers.

the macbook is a good idea. just remember that there aren't as many programs for the mac as there will be for pc.

as far as getting started on a budget, you can use garageband (comes on mac) or download audacity for free. they are both simple and can get you started recording. garageband also has some samples and loops and all of that in there as well for production. i haven't used audacity so i don't know much about it. from there you can purchase a USB mic and start recording.

personally i would look into the Mbox 2 mini interface. it comes with pro tools which is the industry standard recording recording program. it's going to cost you a few hundred, but when it comes to quality, this is one of the best. you get an XLR input for mics, and also two 1/4" inputs which can be for guitars, turntables, beat machines, etc. you may want to use the cheap stuff to get familiar with the whole recording process and everything isntead of investing in something like this for the price.

a mic i really like for hip-hop vocals is the Rode NT1a. i've seen t used on a lot of sessions and it has never let us down. it sells for about $240 or so. i'm pretty sure sweetwater.com has a sale for $225 and you get the shockmount and pop filter with it. again, its a bit expensive, but the quality is top of the line.

sites like sweetwater.com, musiciansfriend.com, and guitarcenter.com often have package deals for recording. you can get a mic, stands, speakers, and any number of things for a package deal. depending on the set-up you want, this can be fairly cheap. all in all you need a mic and probably an interface. you can avoid the interface by using a USB mic. thats really all you need to get started. adding better gear is always a plus. get a better mic, or some more plug-ins to get yourself some more options.

one thing to do is learn how to use everything you buy. a lot of young people will just buy some stuff and just press record but have no idea what else the gear can do, or how to do it. for the best results, do research, learn how signal processing works and take advantage of all of that stuff when you record.

feel free to contact me if i can help any further:

EverydaydayProductions@gmail.com

Propellerhead Reason and Record FOR SURE. I took a class in high school called music tech and i had no knowledge at all in musical notes or anything. I did really good in that class, finished with an A. Its really easy to use once you get used to it, first week i was pretty bad but the more time i spent on it, the better i got. My friend i no uses record, he says its very simple and very good. its really expensive though like they said above, but if you love music, this is the program for you. I hope it all goes well for you and that this helped :)

This may be too expensive for you, but Propellerhead software's Reason/Record bundle is pretty awesome. It's a really intuitive setup full of samplers, synthesizers, and a recording setup that is REALLY easy to use (if you read the manual), and can create an amazing variety of sounds. I've done everything from recording noise-punk bands to really complex breakbeat-intensive drum n' bass with it.

Like I said, it's kinda high, ($399 for the bundle with both programs,) but it's an amazing software suite for someone who wants to create music, but doesn't want to be encumbered by tons of gear/programs.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Prope...

ok....

Midi Controller (Personally i would go with some kind of Synth but hey do what you can)

Software (you can buy.....or buy copies off craigslist or something for like 30 bucks...get something nice like ableton live or Pro Tools M Powered....

Maybe some kind of Interface....Fast Track Pro is ok....depending on what you are getting....

A Mic.....Rode NT-1A is great...best at its price range

All of these are the cheapest but most efficient at its price range....If you don't want to spend a lot of money....(Under a Grand) then go with these....

Mic - 200...Tops (Try Ebay)

Interface - 150 (Craigslist or Ebay...i got mine for $105)

Software - If you stick to boolegs you ain't breaking any pockets....20 to 50 bucks....

Midi Controller - Depends on what you want....but you are good between 100 and 300...

Monitors (if you feel you need it) - 150...

...So there you have it....you can spend between 650 and 750 and still have enough to start you off....Without adding the Mac of course....

...That should get you started....Monitors would be nice....But i guess not necessary to get started...If you are getting a Mac....try Logic Software.....very nice stuff.....

@Eric: As a producer i assume you know that comparing Audacity to something like Ableton Live,Cubase or Logic is bad for the program....To pay 30 bucks for a copy of a great program with more features is a lot better than downloading a average one for free....

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you'll learn as time progresses..

try

www.audioneeds.com

its like yahoo answers but all about production and audio.

Like the above posters said. You can start small and slowly upgrade your rig. .