Software Options
If you´re looking to only use software, some good programs available that you can definitely get free are:
Modplug tracker this is free and u can use it to sequence play, record and compose your melodies very helpfull, very hard to Master!! But hey if i can use it.... U Cant Theres Only One Nyambz:-Y !!
The Brave can Get It free at
www.modplug.com , if u´r impatient in nature stay away from this!!
Fruityloops 4.0 - This would be the heart of the setup, program drums, arrange, sequence, etc., etc.
NOTE : Do NOT use standard sounds that come with this program, they are garbage, plus half the country´s usin em
Cool Edit Pro 2.0/2.55 - This would be the mastering, filtering, effects tool to use. A lot of options on this one, compression, Equalizer, lots of stuff. Good to EQ drums after sampling.
Soundforge 7.0 - Second program for effects, EQing, Compression. This has a "Smooth/Enhance" function that works exceptionally well for ba** lines. It has a lot of the same features as Cool Edit, but this is good to have as well.
Acid Pro 4.0 - This could be use to sequence and arrange as well if you do not want to use Fruity Loops. Has a nice function of finding the tempo of a sample.
WinMX/KazaA/Audio Galaxy/CD´s - Use this to sample. Download old Soul/Funk/Rock/Jazz songs, or anything that you want.
That is all you need for a beginner software setup.
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Hardware Options
Depending on what you do, hardware can be much more costly than a software setup. If you´re smart, you can still keep it cheap.
Keyboards
Korg Triton - Most used keyboard in the hip-hop industry today. Very professional piece of equipment. This is a complete workstation so it includes sequencing, and other functions that a regular keyboard doesn´t have.
Yamaha Motif - Comes in 6, 7, 8 (Number of keys). Similar to the Korg Triton. Nice sound bank. Is a workstation so includes sequencing and sampling functions.
Evolution Midi Controlllers are also pretty sick!! I use One so i can vouch 4 dis!! Its affordable
Drum Machines
The main setup for this would be one of the Akai MPC series. These are (Listed by release date):
Primo uses an MPC60 Thas way before my time
Dj Lord Ron Uses an MPC100
MPC2000 - This is good, not too expensive anymore, but this has the most problems with the OS. There are upgrades but still almost not worth getting. Only get this if you can get it cheap. (Less than R4200)
MPC3000 - This is good, but quite pricey. The MPC3000 is more stable than the 2000 but is more expensive. Not the best MPC deal. Avg. Price : R13 ,200
MPC2000XL - This is probably the best deal to go for an MPC. This is much more stable than the MPC2000 and less costly than the 3000. Avg. Price : R9,500
MPC4000 - This is brand new, top of the line MPC. This comes with A LOT of new features. Grid sequencing like Fruity Loops, CD Burner, etc. All the past MPC models work with Floppy Disks but the 4000 is capable of loading off CD-Rs. Avg. Price : R21,500.
U could also consider hustling for sumthin in the EMU SP12-1200 series
Virtually
u can get Tu2 Phrase sampler its free an u can get it at
www.brambos.com - I USe This and hAve U heard my Drumz B4
;-) x0
Alesis ASR-10 - A workstation that combines keyboard and sampling capabilities. Can be used like a midi controller, but has sampling, sequencing, and other workstation functions. This is much like an MPC, but has keys instead of pads.
Turntable(s) - Use these to sample from old vinyl off of. You only need one to sample and it can be a crappy one from a thrift store, if you get two you can practice DJ´ing as well. Remember if u dont have a mixer dont plug your decks in an additional power source e.g amp, u´ll get an unclear recording
If u want Decks for dj,ing i suggest getting direct drive decks, avoid belt driven ones coz the belts get loose which slows down the release time!! Technics and Vestax decks are the most used decks in hiphop! If u rock Nu-marks get anything above the tt100 range i think the tt200´s are direct drive!
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Recommended Setup
Rather than just getting a keyboard, I will explain the cheapest/best setup you can get. (In my opinion.)
Roland JV-1010 Sound Module - This half-rack mount module will supply ALL the sounds for your keyboard. This has over 1,000 sounds and is probably the most economical keyboard. Average price sells new for $400.00. This keyboard is the lowest model in the Roland JV/XP series but is still high quality. The only difference between these models are the expansion boards that come with the higher models. The expansion boards include symphonic & dance boards.
E-mu Mo Phatt - Popular in the hip-hop production scene. Well known for this nice drum kit and ba**es. Not much in the way of instruments and synths, most commonly used for the drums.
Midi Controller - This can be any keyboard you have now, or you can buy one for cheap (R900-5000). This will act as the keyboard device. A Midi Controller is a keyboard with blank keys. It comes with no sounds and is to be used with a sound module.
Midi Cables - These are pricey for just being cables (R120-R240). There are a few different options of hooking up your keyboard to a computer. If your sound card has Midi-in ports (Soundblaster Live does) then you need to get standard midi cables. If you´re sound card doesn´t have a Midi-in port, you need a midi-to-joystick port. All sound cards since the late ´80s have a joystick port in which midi-to-joystick port works.
You will need software to sequence with this setup because you are running it into your computer and the module has no sequencer. Cubase VST - Midi software. Sequencing, effects, plug-ins. One of the best MIDI programs available.
Acid Pro 4.0 - You can use this to record your playing and save it as .wav or mp3 files. U can use this to sequence your beats!! This is a very handy loop based Programe!! I Use This :-D
Reason 1.0/2.5 - Lots Of Cats Locally are jumping on the reason band waggon, its pretty easy to operate, personally not my style but hey, thas just me!!!
Cubase sx - IS sumthing i havent quite used but its pretty simple to use, just take your time dont rush it!!! I think Battle Cat uses this
Nyambz Has Spoken
8-)
