Ableton Forum

I have used FL Studio 9 and Reason 5 to produce music, well mess around anyway. So basically I just bought Ableton Live 8 because I heard ProTools9 was for mastering. I am using a Dell Inspiron 15R. Please give me the pro's and con's of using a mac and pc with ableton live. Many music producers I'm interested in (Deadmau5, Skrillex, etc.) use a mac. Also I just bought an M-Audio Axiom 25 25-Key, 2nd Gen. USB MIDI Controller. Do I need an audio interface? I was thinking about the M-Audio Fast Track Pro 4x4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Preamps but I'm not sure what I'd use it for. Someone explain what the audio interface is used for? I have a clue but I'm still learning. What kind of soundcard do you recommend? I am serious about music production. I'm talking about electro/prog house/dubstep. Please let me know what equipment, in your opinion, is decent for making electro/prog house/dubstep.

Also are there any good books on music technology?
I am currently reading "music theory for computer musicians" but I also want to learn about synths, oscillators, low-pass filters, mixers, audio interfaces, etc.

i recommend that you stop spending money... that's assuming you're not pirating the software. i don't recommend an M-Audio interface. you have more than enough software and gear for someone starting out. in fact, you have more than enough to make an album if that's what you want.

aside from an audio interface, you should be focusing on learning. your wallet will only take you so far.

the advice above is good, don't buy something because you think you're "supposed" to have it, or because Deadmau5 or Skrillex uses it, usually your needs will present themselves to you, as opposed to you having to go on a spending spree to figure out what you "need". It is very concerning that you are pondering a purchase, but don't know why, I'd say relax, focus on making music, and when you find a limitation presenting itself, find the tool that will assist you in overcoming it. As per the books question however, the music theory for computer musicians is a good start on that side of production, but you might look into "The Dance Music Manual"
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Music-Manua ... 0240521072
it's a good book that covers a lot of info about producing in various styles (all dancefloor based, obviously) synthesis, recording, etc... I know I learned a fair bit from it.

I know I'm not doing that. I don't spend money on things I don't need. I'm going to need a keyboard to record so that's why I bought it. I'm just asking if there are any other products that'll improve my recording, such as a soundcard, audio interface, etc. I always do my research first.

audio interfaces have several considerations... and those run up the price.

what are you using it for?

will you be recording vocals, guitar, bass, live drums, turn tables, hardware synths, all of these? it matters because this will help you determine how many inputs you need and what type.

then there is firewire vs. USB - do you have both input types or just USB?

do you do all your music equipment shopping at Best Buy? and I can only assume that all of your musical preferences come from TV commercials and video game music.

call me a dick if you wish, but it seems you haven't done any research if you think the fast track pro is a good interface. it may not be the worst but it definitely isn't anywhere near the best. let's start with the budget question... how much you got to spend on the "necessities"???

next question is, what exactly do you do? are you going to record instruments and vocals? doesn't seem like it if your into mau5trap records. most likely you are going to work inside the box. meaning, you will use mostly samples and plugin instruments.

to skip all of this, just go get a RME interface. probably better off with the Fireface UFX, Fireface UC or the Babyface since you are using a Dell. can't go wrong with any of those.

well, to easily answer your computer question: mac... they are amazing in every way.

Why do you want an audio interface? Are you gonna record vocals and what not? if your just going to use instruments like soft synths you don't really need an audio interface. You should look into the difference between an audio interface and a midi interface as well... But just a word of caution, everything m-audio is disgraceful. I have no clue why you are even considering an m-audio product.

Also, why do you have all these DAW's and your just learning? I assume you pirated them, shame on you... But you should really only start out on one DAW, otherwise i think you'll get confused.

P.S. Skrillex is horrible.

All you need is one DAW and a MIDI keyboard if you're starting out. Don't set your objectives too high or else you'll never reach them.

You should take advantage of the weak dungeons and try to get a 40/7 helm (doesn`t matter which grade aramid, bluestin, titanium) or at least 36% titanium . From weak dungeons you can also get titanium grade weapons 36% (weak eod) which are okay to use up to around 120-140 lvl. Upwards you should change to mithril weapons for the extra attack boost that FS needs so much. I personally use mithril blade+6 and crystal+9 both 16% cdi (not that good but they are cheap as hell ).