Inexpensive ways to start making beats?

Hi everyone,

I've done some beats with the Fl Studio demo, check them out at www.myspace.com/bqwik

I've been doing beats like this for 3 years, very sporadic, like I'll make beats for a month and then not do them for another 5 months. Lately though I've just wanted to dive in and get into it more. I got an old record player and I've been buying some records every so often. I'm a big fan of hip hop and I've been reading up on all the old stuff. I've just wanted to get more serious with it so I'm looking for some equipment to get me on track. I have a S900 but the floppy drive doesn't work, I also have a computer but I'm not really into using Fl Studio anymore, I need pads! I'm thinking about getting a SP-404 since it can do most of what I need, except the sequencer is limited. So I think I'll start with that. I guess this isn't really so much a question but if you guys have any tips or suggestions or alternatives then they would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks

decent interface, software like fl,cubase,live,logic or whatever else and midi pad controller, like mpd16, mpd 24, korg pad kontrol, trigger finger.


if you need keys, I'd take a look at MPK49 cuz it got pads, and nice amount of assignable knobs, sliders and buttons.

I have this really old Yorx Record Player and I don't think I can replace the cartridge on it. When I listen to records there is not much bass and the music is a little thin. If I were to buy a vestax handy trax or pt01 would it sound better than an old turntable?

I wouldnt recommend pt01 or vestax for anything other than digging.

pt01 was my starters TT I thought it was good cuz I didnt know any better. then once in a while I had my boy send me a sample or two. and his sh!t sounded so much better. gave the pt01 to my in laws for christmas and got
real basic numark TT.

you can try replacing cartridge on that TT and see if it helps any. but belt drivent tables have tendency of not keeping steady playback speed from what I read. btw pt01 is belt driven too.

Thanks, I guess I'll have to save up for a new turntable too now.

Hands and Objects. Bang on 'em. Or use your mouth for beatbox.

Try ebay for an mpc 2000 or xl they usually run about $500. But honestly id stick with fl and learn that program inside out. Thats all my boy uses and he makes some amazing ish. Check him out www.myspace.com/julianofatboifresh

Shootah wrote:I'm thinking about getting a SP-404 since it can do most of what I need, except the sequencer is limited.

the sequencer has the option to turn off quantize, i dont see it as limited
the major limitation of this machine is a garbage pitch control. but its def and ill machine

incase you didnt know check it out
http://sp-forums.com/index.php

juxt wrote:

Shootah wrote:I'm thinking about getting a SP-404 since it can do most of what I need, except the sequencer is limited.

the sequencer has the option to turn off quantize, i dont see it as limited
the major limitation of this machine is a garbage pitch control. but its def and ill machine

incase you didnt know check it out
http://sp-forums.com/index.php

i hate that it doesn't have midi out. wtf kinda garbage machine doesnt have midi out