What equipment should I get with the 500

Just got the 500 and was wondering what else to buy with it. I am interested in getting everything I need to produce and record music so I would like to know where to start.

Depends on what type of production you're going for. But a good pair of monitors is a must.

With today's technology, you can just run the 500 with a DAW that provides all the plug-ins and VSTs you need. That would be good for now to get you started and understand what you really need. You don't want to spend money on gear that will just be put aside catching dust.

When you've got the full knowledge, then your ready to take a walk into the darkside.

you need a bunch of vinyls if you want to do boom bap!!

OriginalProducer wrote:you need a bunch of vinyls if you want to do boom bap!!

Indeed. Hit up your local cd shop while your at it too, where I live Spec's got all cds for $7.99 including dvds and I mean ALL, even the new stuff.

Ill-Green wrote:Depends on what type of production you're going for. But a good pair of monitors is a must.

With today's technology, you can just run the 500 with a DAW that provides all the plug-ins and VSTs you need. That would be good for now to get you started and understand what you really need. You don't want to spend money on gear that will just be put aside catching dust.

When you've got the full knowledge, then your ready to take a walk into the darkside.

I couldn't agree more. Get yourself a pair of studio monitors and start learning a DAW. Reaper is a great DAW to jump in on ...it's free to use for 30-days and $40 after the 30-day trail period. Another great thing about Reaper is the community...the heads over at Reaper forums are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and will help you get to the bottom of any questions you might have....but yeah I totally agree with Ill-Green, starting off with these two item will enable you to do almost anything you need to do and will help you avoid buy gear you don't need.

http://www.reaper.fm/


Oh and you might also want to start looking a audio interface to run your Mpc into.

Something like this would be perfect for you
http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=143321

get a nice turntable. not necessarily one to scratch with but one thats got good sound. get an older sony or toshiba. those things last forever. next, you'll probably need a preamp (phono preamp) so your shzzz sounds clean. you'll definitely want to invest a majority of your money on a decent vinyl collection. variety is the spice of life! and lastly, as far as recording goes, i'd get a tascam high-speed tape 8 track recorder. im an analog kid buddy. get it.

Don't forget this:

http://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/ ... he-mpc500/

+1 on the monitors

You need something to get your sounds from. That could be vinyl with a tt and pre-amp/dj mixer
If your not into sampling it's best to buy samples or a soundmodule/synth. If you are a computer based producer then maybe get some vst's

Then you need something to record and mix your beats with.
This can be your computer or a dedicated recorder. Digital or tape. To hook up all the boxes that makes sound with the thingy that will record your beats you're going to need an interface(computer) or mixer.

And also, get a decent mic.