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Help a Beginner (much appreciated!)

10 September, 2008 - 01:37 — DK2 rolla

Hi everybody,

I've been wanting to make my own instrumentals for some time now but never really knew how to get started. After doing a bit of research I decided to force myself into starting by ordering a mpd24 online. Now I am completely lost haha, aside from BFD Lite I have no programs whatsoever on my computer. I used audacity to chop up and prepare some samples but now I am stuck. It seems I need a program like FL Studio to make it work, but I cannot decided which is the best and I only really have the funds to buy one major program. Which would you recommend for someone just trying to create some basic melodic hip-hop style beats triggered with the mpd24 ( I can't get enough of dj premier haha). I am an absolute noob overwhelmed by this machine and starting to regret my purchase so if anyone is patient enough to point me in the right direction I'll give you 1000 e-highfives and a large picture of a cookie. cheers

‹ CAN YOU HELP EUGOD ? DUBSPOT: Redefining Music Education - New Classes for September 2008 ›

10 September, 2008 - 03:32 — DJ Caesar
DJ Caesar's picture

Hello and welcome to MakeTunes (Cliche), I use FL Studio and I also recommend it. I can't compare it to other software, (because I've never used the other software) but I believe it's the right way to get started. It's simple yet very functional, and it can be used with the mpd24. Personnally I use it to make electro music but some other guys around here make hiphop with it, so you may want to ask them to help get started with hiphop. EUGOD, Teddy Brazello, A-Z Production, Giechi Dan Productions etc. make HipHop. But if you ever need any samples or VSTs, tell me I'll pass you some.
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You live with a heartbeat, I live with a bass beat. The E-DJ Caesar

10 September, 2008 - 04:27 — A-Z Production
A-Z Production's picture

welcome to Taketunes bro,well i have never use and mpd24 but since the start i have used Fl Studio 7 now i got XXl 8 Edition and I use Reason 4.0,I make more soutern style,so i often use Fl 8 and Reason 4.0.,well i think u should use Reason 4.0 because it has better acoustic(strings,flute,sitar,guitar VSTs e.t.c.)than Fl Studio.Fl Studio 8 is better on synth VSTs,Reason is not bad but Fl studio has better synths anyway.I started i year ago so as the time passed i figure out what kind of beats I make the best.So for the start;download the Reason 4.0. demo and also Fl Studio 8 XXL Edition and mess around tthe softwares try to find out in what you are best,be patient and don't worry,if you have the passion and will than you'll be a great beatmaker.The love towards music is what counts the most.Holla back and check out some of my beats,tell me what you think.

peace

10 September, 2008 - 04:31 — A-Z Production
A-Z Production's picture

Sorry for the spelling man,I have some problems with the laptop,doesn't work so good.Ok so download Fl Studio 8 demo and Reason 4.0. demo,check them out and than choose one that you like the most and buy the full version of it.

peace

12 September, 2008 - 12:47 — Frank Marquis
Frank Marquis's picture

i agree with az...demo's are your friend....i will say this....dont get frustrated at first with the programs.....they're really quite easy once you watch the tutorials.....i think shelling out the cash makes you want to try harder at learning though....o...and i use fl and give it thumbs way up but thats just me....cheers

12 September, 2008 - 19:10 — EmergeX
EmergeX's picture

I agree with all...FL Studio is the way to go on this venture. However; Once you have the program you still need to triger the samples you've just chopped up. In FL Studio 8 There is a VST to load up called Slicex...This VST can take a sample or loop and chop it up onto sections of your choice. After you configer your mpd24 and assign it properly (midi wise)...you can play and record, on a FL Studio channel of your choice, the chops just like you're on a MPC or a Roland MV.

This is a picture of Slicex.......

There are two other VST Plugins from Computer Music Magazine. That would be...CM505 and the CM SR-202, both of these VST plugins are free with the CD that comes with the Magazine. [I have them avalible on my Shared Download site.]

Here are the pic of the VST Plugins....

These may be a little dificult to use, because you have to save your samples to a file folder to pull your samples from, plus the SR-202 only takes mono sound files to load on each pad.

Once you have your sound files sorted and you can make kits for these VST's (CM 505 or SR-202)
You will be able to record and save your creations in notime.....It just takes a while to learn and set up.

Hit me up if you run into any problems.

PEACE....and Keep the music Bumpin!!!

EmergeX........On Dem BEATZ.....

12 September, 2008 - 19:44 — Pitbull
Pitbull's picture

Hey DK2. I totally agree with the others: I tought myself FL Studio in no-time! It's one of the easiest and (in my opinion) best programs around. PLUS: It comes in different packages with prices ranging from 49$ to 399$.
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You can compare them here
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The more you pay the more you get. The lower-price versions all have the basic stuff: the program itself (including all the things you need like the piano roll etc.) plus some smaller vsts like the FL Piano and FL Slayer, the 3xOsc, etc. Those are good plugins, but much more complicated to use in the beginning like the Sytrus, wich comes only with the higher-price versions. Nevertheless with all the free Vsts around the net and all the samples you can work with the lower-price FL's, too. Just see what fits for you!

Another great thing about FL is that almost every person involved in music production, especially here on maketunes can help you. There are tons of tutorials on the net just search youtube for FL Studio tutorial and you'll see what I mean!

Hope I could help

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