Reason 4.0

[druu]

What keyboard is it?

[Desmo]

Dunno, apparently a radio shack job, has MIDI in and out ports.

[druu]

Ok, just test one of my controllers running MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN on this USB controller and it worked. So I guess it does work as a converter.

Thing is you'll need power to the MIDI keyboard. I didn't test with the keyboard though, I tested with a MIDI mixer I have and it worked fine so you're welcome to borrow this one for a while. Plus you'll have the added bonus of 16x knobs and a crossfader.

[Desmo]

Fuck mate, that would be great! I just want to see how much easier it is with a control surface before I spend any money. I just can't seem to get any decent hooks with the piano roll.

[druu]

Yeah I know what you mean, needs more hands on hey. I have mates in Indonesia who will only use piano roll and they come up with the most amazing stuff.

[richie_b]

this is a lot of fun, i like how they try to make it like real hardware, like you can attach the CVs and stuff. a little tune i made this arvo attached... i really need to be studying now...

[Desmo]

I think piano roll will come in handy for tweaking stuff and programming really tight drum beats etc, but for getting the initial hook right, you need to be able to actually play it properly.
I also need to figure out how to engineer more techno instruments.
Bleeps, tweets etc.

[druu]

I really only use piano roll for editing softsynths to make them more intricate. For drums I use my padKontrol and overlay recording. I can get some pretty techy beats doing that.

[Desmo]

I really love the highly programmed beat sound like Autechre and Squarepusher.
Not a huge fan of Aphex twin, though he does have some major skill.

[pauly_]

hi hi,

Yes it was/is the third party unregistered plug-ins causing the swoosh... which brought my attention to the fact that Cubase AI comes with fuck all in the way of sounds so I need some advice on software/downloads etc. that will give me some more variety with tunes... the Cubase Halione is pretty basic (shite) for what I'm trying to acheive...

So.. what do people here use/recommend for a modest budget?

I like a lot of the sequence sounds that came with the Demo Fruity Loops CD (was using them in Cubase - still on a steep learning curve here with plug-ins and MIDI and etc etc...). The sounds I want to achieve? I don't know but I need variety...

Are there any free downloads that 'plug-in' to something like Cubase... are there any forums on this sorta thing?

Also if anyone knows how to configure a MIDI keyboard so that the knobs and sliders are functional I'd be appreciative...

Cheers,

pauly_

[richie_b]

i'm likin this Reason thing.. still trying to find a resonant filter with CV sound for it though..

[mcmurray]

I made a MIDI synth using the sound chip from my Commodore 64. It's awesome. I might make the new V2 version soon as it has an inbuilt drum machine which would come in very handy. Check out the sound clips over at http://ucapps.de/midibox_sid.html to see what I'm on about. All you need is a C64 and about $35 worth of parts. It gives the Reason synths a run for their money.

I'm generally not a techno fan, but that thing's bloody awesome.

edit: just had another listen to those clips. I might have to put an order in for some more SID chips and get soldering!

[druu]

hi hi,

Yes it was/is the third party unregistered plug-ins causing the swoosh... which brought my attention to the fact that Cubase AI comes with fuck all in the way of sounds so I need some advice on software/downloads etc. that will give me some more variety with tunes... the Cubase Halione is pretty basic (shite) for what I'm trying to acheive...

So.. what do people here use/recommend for a modest budget?

I like a lot of the sequence sounds that came with the Demo Fruity Loops CD (was using them in Cubase - still on a steep learning curve here with plug-ins and MIDI and etc etc...). The sounds I want to achieve? I don't know but I need variety...

Are there any free downloads that 'plug-in' to something like Cubase... are there any forums on this sorta thing?

Also if anyone knows how to configure a MIDI keyboard so that the knobs and sliders are functional I'd be appreciative...

Cheers,

pauly_

Keyword is 'workflow'. My current setup consist of Ableton Live 7, three different softsynths (NI Massive, Rob Papen's Albino3 and Zebra2, though mostly use Massive) and a bunch of high quality samples. I've tried a plethora of plugins and used to be a 'preset' person but nowadays I'll program everything myself to get the sound I want. I also use three different MIDI controllers for my productions (PCR-500 keyboard, padKONTROL for drums and a Behringer BCF2000 using Mackie Control Emulation as my mixer control surface). Sometimes a little overkill but it's my workflow and it works well.

Cubase is known to have a steep learning curve but is also known to have a very good audio engine. FL Studio, although might seem a little gimicky, is very powerful (I started off using FL Studio 3 until 5 then moved to Ableton). Some of the built-in synths and effects are some of best sounding out there too.

So basically my advice is find a DAW software you're familiar with that will allow you to lay down whatever is in your head into the software with minimum fuss (Ableton!) and find a softsynth that you can learn easily and get used to programming sounds from scratch using the built-in waveforms.

Reason has all of this though I haven't used it long enough to elaborate.

BTW, Computer Music has/had a feature where you can build up a DAW using all FREE software (mostly CM's own stuff). Have a look for the mag somewhere.

[pauly_]

druu... thanks very much for this insight.

I agree with you that these things are as much about workflow as they are about laying down whats in your head. CM and another FutureMusic seem to include a lot of free VST plug-ins. I also found a site dontcrack.com which has free plug-ins (often has contributions from big name manufacturers themselves).

I'll d/l a few freebies and see where it leads me in terms of a purchase, what meets my needs, what I will and won't use and its usability (interchange with flow?)... in the meantime i'm really thankful of the info/advice.

[Goofy]

Here you go.
Small loop of my 303 subtractor refill with a real basic beat.
Just running it through an arpeggiator and distortion unit with some mod wheel automation.

Mind if I mix this? Can record and e-mail (Or just burn to CD) if you want Jim

[Desmo]

Feel free mate.
Here's a slightly updated loop if you want to ue this.
I swear I will compose and publish something more than a loop this year
If you want to pop over and grab a higher quality copy, or have a play and expand the track, give us a shout.

[druu]

Just been playing with these two plugins I have by Audiorealism; Bassline and DrumMachine, supposedly the best 303, 808 and 909 emulated plugins you can find (with the D16 plugins a close second).

Anyways, I put together a short Live PA (yes, I recorded the knob twiddles) with a quick mix (panning, multiout for the drums with individual FX) and a dirty master to boost volume. 303 has a basic reverb and all adjustments to the sound done live. Host sequencer is Ableton Live 7.

Let me know what you think. It's fairly rough though..

http://www.amnet.net.au/~amunday/music/303808909.mp3

Some screenshots of the project:

http://www.amnet.net.au/~amunday/music/Picture%201.png
http://www.amnet.net.au/~amunday/music/Picture%202.png

[Desmo]

ooOOoo
Tweaky!