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I want to learn how to produce & remix dance music??

 
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twinspin
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PostPosted: Thu, 01 Feb, 2007 7:43    Post subject: I want to learn how to produce & remix dance music?? Reply with quote

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I'm hoping I can get some help from someone with regards to remixing and producing house, trance and dance music. I've been DJing for over 15 years now and its time for me to take my love of music to a different level. I want to produce and remix my own music but I don't know where to start with regards to buying the right equipment and software. What do I need to start producing my own music? I heard Reason 3.0 was good for electronic and hip-hop music, but what else do I need to purchase? I'm going to need a program that I can use to sample, create drum beats and bass lines, etc. Can anyone help me out and point me in the right direction? I have a lot of ideas that are in my head and I need help making these songs into a reality. Although I'm a veteran when it comes to DJing, I am absolutely GREEN when it comes to producing electronic music. Thanks for your help in advance.

-Twinspin
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MattReverie
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PostPosted: Tue, 13 Feb, 2007 3:36    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you are serious about producing ur own music it is not something someone can just explain to u in a few paragraphs. I suggest u do a course in electronic music production that can explain how to produce ur own music. I suggest SAE which is where I went. You should also subscribe to Computer Music Magazine which can help a lot also.

In terms of software, Reason is a good start. If you want to use mostly software based instruments and plugins then I suggest using Logic as your main sequencer. If you are a PC user then Cubase would be a good choice.

Once you learn the basics of synthesis, some music knowledge, and learning how to use the software, you will be on your way.

There is a lot to it and the more you learn the most you realise u dont know.

I hope that helps.
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twinspin
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PostPosted: Thu, 15 Feb, 2007 17:47    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the info Matt. Yah, I thought about taking classes at a school here and I think I may look into it further. I'm just trying to get a feel for what people are using for software and equipment, etc. I'm doing research on what sequencing software I want to use as well as what equipment I want to use with it. I guess I have a lot of homework to do. Thanks again!

-Twin
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Vero
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PostPosted: Fri, 16 Feb, 2007 20:11    Post subject: Reply with quote

Reason is excellent for making drums, some fx and for some sequencing/automation (the arrangement and composition of variation of for example frequency ranges).

A wave editor might be another good place to start, as you will get a feel for fx, individual parts and for manufacturing extended portions of sound using shorter segments/samples.

Cubase links with reason, so it might be advisable.
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Timewaster
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PostPosted: Sat, 24 Feb, 2007 16:44    Post subject: Reply with quote

for a dj producer maybe reason & cubase is jumping into the deep end a bit.

try starting chopping loops in SOUNDFORGE & mixing them in ACID a good starter for newbies & Dj/Producers.
this was my introduction to computer music although i had used hardware synths, drum machines & samplers in a midi chain beforehand.

then when you want to get more technical move up to Reason & Cubase.
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charliecharles
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PostPosted: Fri, 09 Mar, 2007 8:04    Post subject: Reply with quote

You should perhaps give ableton live a try, it can be very complex but its a little bit more intuitive from a dj's perspective and uses sound banks of samples to create music. In my opinion though it isnt comprehensive enough to be your main sequencer once you know what your doing. Dj's like Paul Van Dyk and Eddie Halliwell use Ableton to incorporate some live production into their dj sets

I use Pro Tools and Reason but most folk I have spoken to tend to use Logic or Cubase with Reason and an army of soft synths but, as has been mentioned already this could be ver daunting to begin with. It's easy to get lost! I'm just starting out myself and i'd say hat coming on forums like this, trying out demo's and experimenting is the only way to find out and learn about stuff.

I think Reason is a good option because although it is pretty overwhelming to becin with, it has a built in sequencer and because of it's rack-mount style view you can learn how things would be set up in the hardware wolrld i.e by hitting the tab key you can turn the rack round and see the "physical" connections allowin you to undertand the wiring of real-life hardware. One thing to bear in mind with Reason though, iis that it doesn't handle audio in its sequencer so you cant add vocals or mic'd up instrument without first recording them and then sampling them.

Also, get a good midi controller keyboard because programming note information with your mouse is no fun at all.


Download the Ableton Demo her>>Ableton Live Demo

Download the Reason Demo here>>Reason Demo
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EchozAurora
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PostPosted: Tue, 12 Jun, 2007 7:29    Post subject: Reply with quote

no fruit loop lovers in the house!?

I do all of my stuff using fruity loops combined with a ton of VSTs and sample packs..

FL is great for beginners, and they offer multiple packages to work with, so you don't necessarily have to spend $500 to start producing. As much as people would like to say that it is a program that only beginners use, I make good sound out of it, and know quite a few people that use it professionally.

You can find it at FL Studio Homepage

Reason is similar to fruity loops, but I personally dislike it for the lack of VST support.

I would recommend downloading demos of each though, and choosing the one that suits you the best.
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soundmagus
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PostPosted: Sat, 14 Jul, 2007 8:30    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi,

Cubase is a great choice as long as you have someone hwo can teach you the basics, or better still get the video tutorials which teach you everything you need to know on using/navigating the complexities of cubase.

then get the video tutorials on mixing in cubase, absaloutlely awesome videos then get the mastering ones (wavelab) all created by Steinberg.

Once you have watched these videos and then practice practice practice you will b ewell on your way, a lot of time and effort needed but well worth it.

cheers

SM
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PostPosted: Sun, 22 Jul, 2007 17:27    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you are a beginner, then I recommend some PC software to get you started and give you some experience.
I would use FL Studio 6.0. Also known as "Fruity Loops".
Its a great piece of software and comes with riffs and beats etc.
It can be downloaded at: "Www.FLStudio.Com".
I would use that untill you have a good idea of what you are doing.
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bobby bassman
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PostPosted: Tue, 06 Nov, 2007 0:26    Post subject: Reply with quote

ableton 6 is a great all round production software that is easy to use it is compatable
with all vst instruments and there is thousands to choose from.
ableton also has a step by step tutoriol
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PostPosted: Fri, 11 Jan, 2008 11:17    Post subject: Reply with quote

For just a quick, really basic start kick start in production, go on youtube, and type in, Cubase tutorial, or what ever program you want to learn, be it Reason, Acid, Fruity or indeed the mighty Cubase! Theres loads of amature tutorials on there, thats good for learnin a few basic, but important steps. Also, a very good sample pack is called Vengeance Clubsounds vol2, full of beats, claps and just about everything else you need. Your experiance in the music and DJ scene will help alot.

Good luck mate.
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AdamC
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PostPosted: Fri, 25 Jan, 2008 22:17    Post subject: Reply with quote

im a big fan of cubase, if your new to it then it will take some time to get used to, but like ppl have said get some tutorials...

Im a big fan of Rewiring reason into cubase woo!!
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PostPosted: Sun, 13 Apr, 2008 20:33    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fl studio is a good choice for starting up as its easier to use than most other sequencers. A lot of people will probably say its only beginners software but thats bollocks. I know a lot of of people who have been signed to some of the biggest labels and even managed to get on some good albums using fruityloops. But even though you can produce a tidy track with fl alone the main thing you need with any sequencer is good sounds to put in it. I recommend getting hold of the vengeance sample packs for samples and for vsti's get a couple of these synths z3ta, Nexus, V station, Vanguard, Any rob papen synths or any dsp discovery synths. There are a lot of other good vsti's out there but those are some of the main ones.
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PostPosted: Wed, 18 Jun, 2008 1:38    Post subject: Reply with quote

same here music is my life,listened to hardcore at first since 92.im from chorley so been into scouse house bounce donk etc blah blah for years.started djing 2nhalf years ago n built my equipment n vinyl up ever since,recently bought pair of technics cdjs n pioneer djm600 great aswell folks.want to start producing tho currently using a laptop.il be honest iv been searching the net downloaded ableton live but i dont really understand it haha only the demo version mind.anyway if experienced producers would share sum basic knowledge id appreciate it.and andyy lost in music haha. Worship
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