Help Me Make Music Part 2

[ZipperCream]

Hey Everybody,

Last time I asked for help to make music a lot of you gave great suggestions for for starting off, mainly which DAW to use.

So I've decided to start with Ableton Suite 8, NI Komplete, and the Akai MPK49. My next purchase is going to be the Akai APC40, which was designed to work with Ableton 8.

Now for the questions.

Which audio interface to you guys prefer? I've heard to stay away from M-Audio because of low quality. I'm currently leaning towards getting a TC Electronic Konnekt 8 Firewire Audio Interface. What audio interfaces do you guys use?

Second question, what's the best program for editing audio files and adding effects? I would like to record ambient sounds and edit, then dump into Ableton and take advantage of the time stretching.

Third and final question for now. What software do you use to make thumping bass? I have tutorials on how to decrease the attack and use the sine wave, but mainly need to figure out which plug-in is the best to use? Would compression add fullness, loudness and warmth the bass?

Thanks!

[PointBender]

1. I am a fan of Presonus interfaces. They are a great american company that is used to making good preamps. Also my firebox and firepod have never lost sync, crashed, or had any issues at all live or in the studio.

2. I like to use Wavelab and have a pc computer that that's all it runs. Great and easy for audio editing. Peak for the mac is ok too but not as powerfull.

3. I like to use logic's ES1, its an old and simple synth that can produce very basic very deep init bass tones. Rob Pappen's Subbass program is good for this too, so is massive. Compression is a great tool, but a shit canned crappy bass sound will still sound crappy. Allot of it comes fourth in the eqing and compression in tandem!

[ZipperCream]

I haven't heard much about Presonus. I'll be sure to check them out before making a decision. I've heard of Wavelab and will check it out too.

I actually just got a copy of Massive so I'm looking forward to checking out the bass presets and tweaking them out.


thanks for the recommends!

[DJ Finle]

Originally Posted by ZipperCream

I haven't heard much about Presonus. I'll be sure to check them out before making a decision. I've heard of Wavelab and will check it out too.

I actually just got a copy of Massive so I'm looking forward to checking out the bass presets and tweaking them out.


thanks for the recommends!

Massive is the shit! Read the manual cuz that program does tons of cool stuff. I still haven't finished it, but I'm working thru it.

Can't you just record in Abelton?

I have a Presonus Firebox as well and I love it.

If your getting Komplete, I have used and love FM8, Massive, Battery 3 and Pro 53. I haven't had a chance to try all the rest.

How much musical knowledge do you have?

[DJ Titan]

i was gonna say most of what pointbender said.

sounds like u are having fun with all those new toys!

[Sinacle]

presonus all the way for interface. I have the firebox but there is a wicked 10 input one out there as well. (Not that you really need it)

[Bee]

I like the RME fireface series (400 or 800, depending on your needs). Although the Presonus is nice too.

I use Peak to edit audio but the one Pointbender mentioned is better i think, just don't have it. As far adding audio effects to wave files.....i do all my sound design in my main sequencing application (live,logic etc...). I find it easier and quicker, especially since you have the app open to compose in already. PLus you get the advantage of adding effects to something that is single hit, to be re-bounced/rendered then placed via midi. Or you can place the noise already with the correct phrasing and then add effects/shape it to further fit into a place and time. Did that make sense? I feel like i took the long way explaining that.

I have to agree with who said the Rob Papen software synths. I use the Predator but the others sound great...... Sub Bass??? Shiz, never seen that.... nice.

[PointBender]

It's called Sub boom Bass

[-m-]

Does Presonous make a usb Firebox? I had a f/w one that didn't work out of the box.

[Deff Gordon]

the Presonous are "ok"

nothing to write home about. vox freq's were very loose and hard to contain. my MOTU 828 went out after 10+ years of daily use, so as an emergency i picked up the firepod or whatever...

i've now taken it back and got the MOTU Traveler. much much better. MOTU shit is rock fucking solid.

the recording freq's have gone back to normal especially with vox work.

[eddieREBEL]

You have just about everything you need. That APC40 is flippin sweet! huh

Massive is a great tool for making good baselines. There are some good tutorials on you tube. Compression is used to even out volume changes. You should not need compression as long as your velocities are fairly even (or you use side-chain compression to make the pumping effect used in electro-house). EQ is the most important when it comes to bass lines. I cut out around 500 Hz. Then boost and cut to taste at 3kHz and 85Hz.

You could probably use some plug-ins for mixing and mastering such as:
Reverb
Multiband Compression
Compressor
Limiters
Delay
EQ
Stereo Imaging

I recommend WAVES MERCURY. I contains all the plugins made by WAVES. Or you can buy the ones you want individually.

[BLAZEN]

Originally Posted by PointBender

It's called Sub boom Bass

Do the gc center stores carry his products....the arlington store

[Croix]

Im not a big fan of the presonus pres... especially for vocals. If you are going to use a dedicated preamp in front of it, go for it to

[Tyler Durden]

I think generally you can't go wrong with a product from Presonus, Focusrite, Motu or even Emu.

Every time I tell someone not to get M-Audio they go out and get the cheapest m-audio card they can find and come to me for help.

/shakes head

As far as the other question, I generally do most of my work in Reason.

[Left/Right]

Originally Posted by PointBender

2. I like to use Wavelab and have a pc computer that that's all it runs. Great and easy for audio editing. Peak for the mac is ok too but not as powerfull.

what does wavelab have that peak doesn't?