Need some answers and advice...

[lobuz]

Hi everybody.

I have some questions, doubts and other shit in my head I need to lay down. I'll try to do it short and simple so you won't get bored

1. I'm going to buy SP-404 soon because I'm really tired of using my notebook + FL (that's all I have). I'm near to the point I'll hate using it. It's like I turn on my computer, then start FL and I don't even start making a beat 'coz I'm already pissed off. It's going on for some time now and it's getting more and more frustrating.

Question: what BASIC equip do I need to omit using PC (or limit it to the minimum) ?

I'm thinking of teaming up SP-404 with TASCAM DP 01. In that case the only thing I really need PC for would be to change samples pitch. Do I get it right ?

2. I have a list of euqipment that I'd like to have in my home studio:
- SP-404
- Step Sequencer/Multitrack Recorder (TASCAM DP 01 ?)
- Mixer (?)
- 2 x Turntable (Technics 1200 MK ?)
- MIDI Keyboard/Velocity Pads (if I'll really need one of those)
- some pro headphones (hi-end Beyerdynamic ?)

Would you add/remove something from the list and in what order would you buy the stuff ?

I think that's the main 'thing' I had to share with all of ya.

Now some off the topic question: has anyone of you made it and do music for a living ? how hard is it to achieve it in your country ? For example in my country (Poland) it's impossible to earn money from LP release - we have like 40,000,000 people here and 15,000 sold copies get you fucking Gold status, so you can imagine how fucked up sales are up in here. It's better if you perform a lot. But it's just an ordinary man observations, nothing more.

Thank you if you read my post from the beginning to the end.

Peace.

PS1. Anyone knows some good shops with music equipment in Germany ?
I'm from Szczecin (Poland) and 200km is the farthest I can go. Till now I found Sound & Drumland in Berlin (justmusic.de) and Music-Town in Neubrandenburg (music-town.de).

PS2. Sorry for my English.

[balazs]

Question: what BASIC equip do I need to omit using PC (or limit it to the minimum) ?

I try to keep it only a turntable, sp404, and I bring in a digital MTR if I cant get a good mix out the sp404.

2. I have a list of euqipment that I'd like to have in my home studio:
- SP-404
- Step Sequencer/Multitrack Recorder (TASCAM DP 01 ?)
- Mixer (?)
- 2 x Turntable (Technics 1200 MK ?)
- MIDI Keyboard/Velocity Pads (if I'll really need one of those)
- some pro headphones (hi-end Beyerdynamic ?)

It depends on what your trying to do. The track recorder sounds like a good idea. I would get only 1 cheaper turntable unless your serious about DJing. I would hold off on the mixer unless your serious about DJing. I would skip the midi keyboard/velocity pads, i think they are overated. headphones sound like a good idea, I wouldnt spend too much dough on them though. This is just my opinion and I'm pretty fucked up in the head so dont think this is the best advice you could get.

Now some off the topic question: has anyone of you made it and do music for a living ? how hard is it to achieve it in your country ? For example in my country (Poland) it's impossible to earn money from LP release - we have like 40,000,000 people here and 15,000 sold copies get you fucking Gold status, so you can imagine how fucked up sales are up in here. It's better if you perform a lot. But it's just an ordinary man observations, nothing more.

Over here not many make too much money off records unless your a celebrity.

[dman5000]

if you get a keyboard i would suggest one that has synth sounds on it and can be used as a controller but otherwise yeah

[Headphones]

You want some sort of studio monitors added to your dream setup to hear your mixes properly.

Sometimes you may want rackmount synth modules, compressors, reverb/effects, eq units, mic pres, or even rackmount samplers for more sounds. Not totally essential, but always useful to add if you have the budget.

You mentioned a sequencer. Good choices are any groovebox, and they'll always have a midi out for your 404's midi in.

As far as how to make money off of it, that's for you to discover. Your best bet is to make songs you can upload to iTunes and make a buck for each song...

[formal]

Not to be rude, but do you read when these posts were made? The original post is from 2007. It's cool to revive dead posts, but we also need new content in here as well. Just been seeing a lot of old posts getting brought up.

Good advice tho!!