Major Questions regarding Producing tracks...

OK guys, forgive me if I sound ignorant, but I am new to producing with software and midi.

Ok so in my setup I have an Akai MPC2000XL, MicroKorg, Reason 2.5 and Sonar XL.

I bought Reason so I could record into it and midi sequence into it (so I could EQ and apply effects to my Korg and MPC sounds), but now I realize that It can't be done.

What I wanted to do was play everything on my Micro Korg and MPC, and record and sequence inside of Reason.

Now I have been told that I can do that with Sonar XL, and still use everything that Reason comes with...like the compressors, effects...etc.

However I am sure that Sonar XL also comes with effects and stuff like that, so my question is, do I really need Reason. I mean I heard it comes with all kinds of stuff, but If i won't be using it for recording would I really need it ?

So what is the best way I should use my Korg, MPC2000XL and computer software ?

I am working with my laptop and I have an M Audio USB sound card with two inputs and Midi interface.

My laptop consists of 768 MB of RAM and a 1.8 GHZ Processor.

Thanks,

-XeNo-

If you want to keep things simple, you can do without Reason. If your main goal is to multitrack record the MPC and Korg, then Sonar will do exactly that.
What I would do is, sample a sh!t load of synth/drum sounds from Reason into the MPC, and then just put Reason on the shelf.

But doesn't reason have a whole bunch of effects, processors, modules, etc...that I could definately use to get a better sound ?

Yeah. Reason is packed to the gills with cool stuff....but it is meant mainly to be an all-in-one package. It does a lot of the same things that the MPC will do (sequencing, sampling.) Trying to sync up Reason, Sonar, and the MPC seems more trouble than it's worth (TO ME.)
If you like the FX in Reason, you could put the FX on sounds in Reason and re-sample into the MPC - so that when you're actually programming tracks, all the samples are stored in the MPC, and all the sequencing is being done on the MPC.

Personally, I like to use ONE thing to sample, and ONE thing to sequence.
The MPC fits both of those descriptions. And when making this type of music, I find that the simpler the setup - the less time you spend dealing with BS hassles, and computer grunt work -- that leaves more time and brain power for creativity.

Don't get me wrong, Reason is amazing...but it seems like if you wanted to get the most out of Reason, you would use it by itself and not really need the MPC.

The reason I wanted to incorporate all those tools is because I need something where I could EQ and mix down, and I know I can do that with both Reason and Sonar.

I wanted to use the MPC for sequencing also, but then recording and EQ is a **** cuz you have to record one track at a time if you dont have the 8 outs and a bangin soundcard.

If you sequence in the computer, all that is already done.

Then sell me your MPC.

DOVESKI wrote:Then sell me your MPC.

HA HA HA

dj XeNo wrote:The reason I wanted to incorporate all those tools is because I need something where I could EQ and mix down, and I know I can do that with both Reason and Sonar.

But, you don't need both for that...peace

The effects and stuff in reason are only meant to use on the reason instruments I believe. You can add alot of those features to Sonar XL if you don't already have them... just buy some Direct X plugins.

What I wanted to do was play everything on my Micro Korg and MPC, and record and sequence inside of Reason.

Here's what I would do:

Sell your MPC, buy a MOTU 828MKII(optional, but damn this interface is rock solid!) and use your MicroKorg as a controller for Reason and Sonar. Reason can be opened up INSIDE Sonar as a softsynth through Rewire, your options are pretty deep here. You can sequence Reason with it's own sequencer or Sonar's, you can instantly "bounce" each track from Reason in Sonar as an audio file with Reason fx and then use Sonar's fx on the audio files. You can insert as many softsynths as your PC can handle.

Now for the bad news, you've sold your MPC and are about to kill yourself cuz your computer just crashed for the third time in one day and you can't get anything done. Alright maybe that's a bit extra but you are gonna run into conflicts and your PC, if not optimized to do audio work, will give you an occasional problem but for the most part I think you'll be happy with that setup.

I have a similar set-up (Sonar XL, MPC 2000XL, and Triton LE) and there is no reason to keep Reason. Just sample every sound out of Reason and save it on your hard drive. You can easily import the .wav files into Sonar and do whatever you please. I find it easier to set-up Sonar to control the hardware, i.e midi set-up: Sonar (master)>mpc, triton (slaves). Keeps things in sync while recording. I don't sequence in Sonar 'cause I'm so used to sequencing on my trusty MPC (and Korg), but Sonar does have some cool soft synths. I mainly use Sonar to record, add effects, mix down, master, then burn to a CD. The Loop Construction in Sonar is my favorite tool. Plus, Cakewalk has a forum that is helpful for Sonar, just as this one is to the MPC. Hope this little info helps out a little...peace

Download the Sonar XL 2.2 patch from cakewalk if you haven't done so already. As far as losing effects in Reason, I'm positive Sonar has more than enough effects you can use. I use crazy effects, but the more you use, the harder it is on your cpu, but at 1 Gig, you should be ok. I'm not sure if I made any sense to you in my earlier post, but the best way to set up your software and hardware is to have Sonar midi cabled out to MPC midi in (input 1 or 2), then MPC midi out (A or B) to Korg midi in. When opening a new project in Sonar, select options-midi, then select the midi out tab. Select the transmit start/stop and use start/stop controller. That way, when you're ready to record your programmed sequences in your MPC and/or Korg, everything is in sync. Good luck...peace...

P.S. DON'T listen to DoveSki, KEEP your MPC!!!!

FYI you CANT record audio into reason. you CAN record any midi in.



i use Sonar 2XL and sonar 3 producer edition every day, at home or at work.

i also use my MPC's and Reason a lot.

i really like Reason as another creative tool. im pretty obsessive about audio engineering and have a high workload and Reason fills a great niche. i will flesh out some quick ideas in reason (rewired to sonar) and then port the samples or sequences to sonar or our hardware (dont ask, we've got aladins cave here).

dont think you can make music just in Reason all the time. the reason effects and compressor are very pathetic. cant compare to the Waves plug-ins (the C1 and the limiters are world-class)


just to answer your question, keep all your gear, as it all has great strengths.

SONAR as your sequencer/base program, MPC for beats and some midi sequencing (set to slave or master, you choose) KORG for sounds and some midi programing, and REASON for extra samples and synths.

thats a great rig. enjoy it!

ps, read all the **** manuals too