Home Recording with Your Computer Introduction Guide: Part 2 Software
Welcome back! This record is intended for citizen finding to get started with recording music on a home computer. It is the second part in a series of articles.
Logic Controller
Software descriptions (Sequencers and Vsti's) How do you work? What are loops and how do I use them? Vst instrument, what's that?
So, your Tower of Power is ready to get a nervous system. Plentifulness of choices out there, but first, this is where you must think on "How you plan on using it".
Plan A If you're a musician finding to lay down some tracks, maybe add drums, do a little singing and be able to "pull off" something on a expert level (Demo, etc) you're going to want a program like (Pc) Cubase, Sonar. Or (Mac) Logic.
Plan B If you just want to tinker with jingles, or not necessarily needing of the "Pro" sound. Go with a program like Acid. This program is great for arrangements and let's you "paint" in measures and bars of music. You can use loops (sold everywhere) to create some pretty awesome compositions. This program is great for writers and arrangers.
Plan C You're inching to make yourself some beats and grooves. Maybe you're playing with the Dj side of music's industry. Live or intuit are the two main programs for you.
All of the programs listed above are know as sequencers. They all have looping capabilities and are the second step with the creation of your Daw (Digital Audio Workstation) because, that's what we were building right? All these great programs can be used in conjunction with one another too.
The Computer Software/Hardware Combo:
After you pick your game plan (sequencer) from above, there's still more needed to create a "band" per say. Let's take a look at the most coarse ways to make music and issue your inner passion.
Loops: They come in all sounds and sizes. (i.e. Drums, basses, guitars, birds and of course, car horns). If you're working with a program like Acid, you're going to want Plentifulness of loops. Starting with a simple drum loop can inspire a whole composition. Then, add some bass and record your guitar over the top of it all and there you have it, your 'Mega Hit".
One word of caution here, when buying loops on-line or from E-bay be sure to look for seller that offer 'Original Content" you'd be surprised at how many times you can re-purchase a loop variety if you're not careful.
Vsti's Here is some Great technology (not to be confused with Vst's we'll talk more about Vst's in record three). These are "software" instruments that can be used (played) inside your sequencer. By using a Midi controller or keyboard, (not the one in front of you) you can create the sound of a guitar, bass or even a trumpet. A great program to get you started is SampleTank. This program offers an array of instruments and sound patterns. (Again, I wish these companies paid me)
Note: Knowing "how to play keyboard" (or any of the other instruments mentioned) is not necessarily required. If you do know, you're at an benefit here. If you haven't got a clue, you can learn so much "musically" from these types of programs. These helps keep the Passion alive with your new hobby.
Example: I am a drummer by nature ... But I can play a guitar and bass with my controllers. Give me the real thing and it's in front of the mirror only folks! E? ... G? ... A? ... I've learned these chords because of the software not because of studying the instruments. I can now talk to guitar players In "their language" and I can now tune a guitar! My point here is to never underestimate the power of the software; it is the ultimate studying tool.
Controllers: Midi another techie term ... What's it mean? In a nutshell, (and how it's used in recording). It is a standardization of how hardware devices (Midi controllers) review with software (Vsti's) If you would like to learn more (not needed to get started), google it. Here are some example Midi controllers:
· A Midi keyboard (the Most common)
· Trigger Finger (if you can play drums on the desk, this one's for you.)
· Td-20 (a little more advanced and pricy)
Interface: Hey! We covered that in record one already. Cool huh? The interface indubitably serves two main purposes incoming sound (guitar/vocals) and out going sound (to the speakers). This is the intuit for the episode title "Computer software/hardware combo" because now we have to talk about how we're going to hear our masterpiece.
Speakers: Ok, stop right here for a moment. As keyboard confused us with a Midi keyboard, we need a monitor to confuse us with monitors. Just kidding gang, but the precise term for your (once called) speakers is now monitors. Speakers are in cars, Tv's and radio's (those aren't all gone yet are they?) Monitors are in recording studios. They are simply put, great for giving you a 'truer" sound. Monitors plug right into the interface typically marked as 'outs".
Let's cap off this record because we're practically ready to be making music.
So far we should have (or are ready to get) our:
· Computer system
· An interface
· Our sequencer of choice
· Loops or a Vsti
· Monitors
· Flaming Passion
Article three will talk more about Vst effects and run straight through some 'How to Work" with audio recording sessions.
See you next time.
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