I’m just curious if anyone here is into playing/recording Techno or Trance music?
I am looking into getting started. I’ve been a DJ for 10 years and want to start actually putting together tunes and writing songs.
I’m looking for advice on using programs like Acid vs using a synth/workstation connected to computer.
If anyone knows of a message board for this that would be helpful too.
Craig,
Loop programs (Like ACID and FRUITY LOOPS) and synth workstations are two different methods of generating sound. With loops, you take a block of sound and copy & paste it to make repetitive sounds. You have various tracks, like a multi track recorder, for different virtual instruments. Basically, this is how they make those songs like “Jingle Bells” using samples of dogs barking. You can work with samples of real instruments but it would be tough and time consuming to compose a multi-instrument song with loops.
Wavestations aka synths have oscillators which are your basic sounds. These can be modulated and given an envelope controlled by ADSR. (Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release.) The MOOG is a classic example. The modern ones are also midi controlled and midi composition is easy. My 300+ original songs started as midi concepts or ‘sketches.’
Synths can be a lot of fun. I picked up a Roland Juno 6 CHEAP and made up a lot of Styx and ELP type songs. But, it got boring. Presently, I am down to a MIDI keyboard controller for my computer, a Wurlitzer 200A real electric piano and a Ace Tone Top-1 transistor organ. (Remember the song 96 Tears?)
The keyboard instruments allow more creativity in composition. (IMHO) The Computer (loops) composition requires more time and effort to do.
The EASIEST program for composition is Band In A Box. You select style, tempo, instruments and press GO. If you don’t like the song created, press a key and another one is generated. Once you find something you like, you can save it and tweak it to your heart’s desire and print out music.
I hope this helps.
/Gary
Thanks for responding Gary.
What I’m wondering is what folks like Crystal Method or Dirty Vegas use to create their stuff. Are there any examples of someone who has been produced that created his stuff strictly off the computer?
Also do you know of any discussion groups where I can go too. People would probably think I’m nuts for posting this on a whistle site but hey…it’s the closest group I know of online.
The keyboard instruments allow more creativity in composition
btw..you answered my question..thanks
[ This Message was edited by: CraigMc on 2003-02-03 16:25 ]
I use – and love – ACID Music. It is really great fun, scarily easy to use and get a good sound out of. I also use SoundForge to record my own loops – tres cool.
Many artists use the computer as their main instrument. FatBoy Slim is notorious for building all of his work on an old Atari ST! Just goes to show that it is talent, not equipment, that counts, even (especially?) in dance music.