Suggestion for program to noob ready to learn

[eUnique]

So a little about me: I'm a math/chemistry major about to graduate so I'll finally have time to really commit to making music (as a hobby to start). I tend to learn things fast if I have a book/guide so I don't mind tackling a learning curve to learn a more complex but better program. But at the same time I am not trying to be professional anytime soon. Also I guess I should add, I don't want to play any instruments, just make beats



And I plan on running it on 2011 15' 2.2 MBP, oh and lastly a friend I don't trust that much said the beats by dre studio headphones were good for this kind of stuff, what does everyone think? Can you get a better pair for under 300 USD?

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[carylee2002]

You should just fiddle with Garageband to see if you like that interface..then if you want more then go to logic pro. Another program you may like is Ableton 8 that works with loops. As for headphones...I use my Sony 7506 but i don't use it for mixing since I have monitors. But I've heard the new KRK headphones are really good..and considering picking up one for myself since I use KRK monitors for my mixes.

http://www.amazon.com/KRK-KNS8400-Studio-Headphones/dp/B004ARUO2S

 

[eUnique]

Hi all, figured I'd ask another noob question in the same thread.

My cousin has a korg poly 61, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg_Poly-61 laying around. Just as someone is clueless about this kind of stuff atm the moment; does anyone have any comments about this syn?

 

[AppleDApp]

Avoid Beats they are super expensive for what you get they are more of a looks thing look into seinnheiser, Shure Klipsh

 

[intwo]

If you make beats, you'll eventually feel limited with Garageband. In Logic Pro you have more control over creating/arranging beats. As carylee2002 stated, Ableton Live is another program. You can download trial versions of Ableton live at the Ableton website. I've never used it, but I'm pretty sure that groups like Daft Punk and Justice use it.

I'm not sure of the synthesizer you listed, but I highly recommend getting a MIDI keyboard. M-Audio makes some nice MIDI keyboards. You can also get the 88 key version of the keyboard I listed. It's much easier to create beats when you have the entire kit in front of you.

As for headphones, I enjoy these. They're not top of the line headphones, but they're great for the price.

 

[HoldernessMedia]

Hi all, figured I'd ask another noob question in the same thread.

My cousin has a korg poly 61, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korg_Poly-61 laying around. Just as someone is clueless about this kind of stuff atm the moment; does anyone have any comments about this syn?

This is a pretty nice analog synth, if your cousin wants to give it to you or let you use it for awhile you should definitely play around on it. It could help you learn and understand synthesis and sound design, and you could come up with some nice melodies or synth basslines and record them. Or if not, you can just give the Korg to me. I have no problem with that.

As far as which program to start with, if you've already got Garageband you can start playing with that. Also, definitely download the 30 day trial for Ableton and see if you like it. For me, Ableton is my favorite, by far. I use Logic as well, but I prefer Ableton for almost everything.
It's not for everyone though, I've turned a lot of friends on to Ableton, but a few of them can't stand it, doesn't make sense to them.

There's so many good choices out now, it's almost getting to be like guitars.
Try a few, and pick the one that feels most natural to you and stick with it, learn it.

 

[eUnique]

Thanks for the tips/advice everyone.

I tried messing around on the korg 61. I'm a little (hugely (; ) confused, but im sure time and google searches will do me fine. So I'll use that until she wants it back.

As for the long term, does anyone like the 37 key types? I have a small workspace and it seems less expensive. Would anyone recommend getting a 37 key synth? And if so which one(s)?

Thanks again!

 

[HoldernessMedia]

Thanks for the tips/advice everyone.

I tried messing around on the korg 61. I'm a little (hugely (; ) confused, but im sure time and google searches will do me fine. So I'll use that until she wants it back.

As for the long term, does anyone like the 37 key types? I have a small workspace and it seems less expensive. Would anyone recommend getting a 37 key synth? And if so which one(s)?

Thanks again!

You want a 37 key controller for your software, right? Not a dedicated synthesizer?
37 key should be fine if that's the space you've got to work with.

As far as brand/model, there's obviously a ton to choose from.

From experience, I would say do not get an M-audio controller.
I'd look at offerings from Akai, Korg, Roland, as they are better built in general.