DJ, that wants to start making beats...

I keep wanting to get into making beats but i never find the right time to do it...

Right now as a DJ i use 2 Technic 1200s and a TTM57sl Mixer by Rane with Serato... I own 2 Tapco S5 Monitors which I really like.. I understand a little bit of Music Theory because I know how to Mix and Scratch, etc. I would like to know if i should get an MPC, MPD or a Drum Machine?!

I also use a MacBook Pro, what programs should i be using with the MPC or MPD?

Thanks

Do a little bit of researching yourself, cuz there aint no right or wrong way to make music. Some like software, some like hardware and some like both. Depends on what feels right to you...

So get as much info on stuff that interest you and see how they would suit you. Of course it's hard if you don't have any touching surface. Luckily the Internet serves you best in this case, so start googling.

Try out some demo-versions of software sequencers (or free ones, there's bound to be some), so you're not spending a huge amount of money instantly. Check out some videos of the gear you'd like to own and see how people use them and what kind of sounds they can make with them.

hope this helps.

thanks alot man, im really focused on getting the mpc to be honest..

i heard u can get the mpc 1000 for like 600-700 bucks, can you help me out with this?

As far as I know, 6-700 will get you a used one, or maybe one with the older pads. After a pad upgrade you will be in New MPC money... Do a little research on it and make sure this is the route you are going to stay with.. Since you already have a Mac, give Garage band a try and see how that works for you. You can save a bit to begin with by buying a USB keyboard/MIDI controller andplay with that for a while. You can create some decent stuff with Garageband..... It is a start, and you can always add an MPC to the mix at any time.

Good luck... Andremember, nothing worth doing is truly ez.....

Your kinda like me. Ive been a scratch dj for a while, Tech 1200 MK5, Rane TTM56, Ortofon Concorde DJ S, M447's

Ive been wanting to make beats for a while. Ive always wanted to do stuff with a loop pedal. I started off this year making beats with a Korg PadKontrol. i did NOT get it at ALL! It sucked I never figured out how anything worked. It took me a while to get used t it but i eventually did. i still dont like the way USB/MIDI Pad controllers feel. Im going the MPC route now. I feel it will be alot easier, fun and i can connect it straight to my rane and just cut to beats i make and eventually try going somewhere with it.

Id say start off with drum machine that doesnt run on USB (such as a padkontrol, MPD series) just for conveinience.
The MPC500 is actually a perfect amchine for learning.

Try looking for how much you can spend at most. Its always best to spend the most you can and not go cheap. "Buy cheap, buy twice. Buy high, never buy again"

So How much $$$ do you have, How experienced are you with software etc..

Thats just my 2 cents

Skooly wrote:Your kinda like me. Ive been a scratch dj for a while, Tech 1200 MK5, Rane TTM56, Ortofon Concorde DJ S, M447's

Ive been wanting to make beats for a while. Ive always wanted to do stuff with a loop pedal. I started off this year making beats with a Korg PadKontrol. i did NOT get it at ALL! It sucked I never figured out how anything worked. It took me a while to get used t it but i eventually did. i still dont like the way USB/MIDI Pad controllers feel. Im going the MPC route now. I feel it will be alot easier, fun and i can connect it straight to my rane and just cut to beats i make and eventually try going somewhere with it.

Id say start off with drum machine that doesnt run on USB (such as a padkontrol, MPD series) just for conveinience.
The MPC500 is actually a perfect amchine for learning.

Try looking for how much you can spend at most. Its always best to spend the most you can and not go cheap. "Buy cheap, buy twice. Buy high, never buy again"

So How much $$$ do you have, How experienced are you with software etc..

Thats just my 2 cents

i'm in the same boat as you... been a dj want to make beat basically. we gotta start somewhere. i've been away from the entire scene for about 5 years now so the re-learning curve is tough, but the forum helps when it comes to problems.

no better time than the present. keep at it man. look forward to hearing those bangers!

oh and umm... mpc 500 or 1000 are both great on the wallet! can't go wrong.

peace

I want to do like Mike Boo, Pete Rock, Madlib, Dj Shadow, D-styles, boondoc, Mr.Brown Shit. I love it. LONG LIVE UNDERGROUND/TURNTABLISM!

Skooly wrote:I want to do like Mike Boo, Pete Rock, Madlib, Dj Shadow, D-styles, boondoc, Mr.Brown ****. I love it. LONG LIVE UNDERGROUND/TURNTABLISM!

Have you guys seen A-track? Sick mofo! I think he uses a loop pedal for some shit. Dope as hell! Wouldn't we all like to do like dj Shadow!!! What about the video on youtube of shadow, cut chemist, and numark live on 3 MPCs? If you haven't seen this you are sleeping!

djasmooth wrote:thanks alot man, im really focused on getting the mpc to be honest..

i heard u can get the mpc 1000 for like 600-700 bucks, can you help me out with this?

i picked up a new black mpc1000 with the new pads for $800 from armens (sp?) in new york.

^ $800 even??? Let me know because ill go there tonight!

^^man check em out they have a lotta nice stuff there iv got some nice monitors from there.....

thanks guys...

does aremns have a website?

YO I went there tuesday and picked up a brand new black 1000. It came with the new pads, ram, HD and mounting kit for $1000. Yo that dude has A LOT of gear. He had every MPC imaginable. I reccomend them.

Yo djasmooth check your PM.