Thread: music making help

Right I have ideas about how I'd like a tune to sound but haven't a clue how to go about making one and what sort of software/hardware I'd need.
Any sort of help(idiots guide though please )would be greatly received and hopefully a tune could come out of thisor maybe not

Thanks in advance

Pffft, I wouldn't know where to start really mate - firstly, you need samples (obviously of the sounds you want in the tune). Secondly, you'd need some kind of software to put the samples together, or sequence them. Then you'd need to be able to fiddle with the sounds, and for that you might need VST plug-ins.

Sounds daunting, but people like RG, msprim, Leonized, Rogue_D & DJ Abyss are all pretty nifty at making tunes - all members on here who can point you in the right direction. If you need an *ahem* 'legit' copy of software (tons of samples in the relevant section on this site ), then I'm your man

Myself, I'd recommend Fruity Loops

Cheers Stu my good man.
I know all about samples etc but I havent a clue about what I need to actually make the thing. I have heard about fruity loops, is that the best approach as a beginner in all this? And if so where could I get a copy, nudge nudge wink wink
Thanks in advance

It's all down to preference really so I couldn't just give you, say, FL9 and you end up not wanting to make a tune at all because the interface is too difficult and you'd sack the whole lot off. I thought I knew a thing or two about making dem dhere tunes (dabbled with a couple of tunes in a studio BITD) and some of the stuff I made on the PSX's Music 2000 was tbh totally stonking, but after getting hold of the latest FL 6 months back and some bad-ass samples, I was constantly on the phone to Rog about the interface - very frustrating.

Then I had a go at what RG uses, Renoise, but this works on a totally different platform.

I theenk, Gringo, your best bet is to look online (lots of YT videos) and look at what might be the easiest to use for starters, maybe even freeware software, as that's going to be mostly basic yet cover all your fundamentals.

Final word of advice from me as I'm no expert in the music-making field (but an honest critic), if you get into mekking tunage, it can sort of - well, monopolise your life basically.

Trust me, I screwed up a 7 year relationship because I was obsessed with tweaking my amens but I persevered then got dealt a crushing blow that killed off any more interest I had in making tunes when someone broke a promise to me and nicked all my master copies (long story).

Branners DON'T use Fruityloops - it's too confusing!!!!!!

To start of with i would just say use a simple program such as Sony Acid Pro or Magix Music Maker - great for beginners and they are easy to use, once you get the hang of the basics then try and use more complicated software such as Renoise, Fruityloops - when you're ready for the next step i would highly recommend Renoise

Renoise

But even that looks confusing once you load it up, so as with everything, you need someone showing you how to do a few things to get you started.

Sony Acid Pro 7 for me... It's a piece of piss to get to grips with & does alot of the hard work for you, if like me you are a lazy bastard

I can knock up a track in an hour that doesn't sound half bad... But if you want to do your own thing with the sounds like i do you'll need something more advanced... I'm yet to try my grubby little hands at Renoise because i'm used to Acid Pro & i'll probably get pissed off if i can't understand it & revert back to what i know

Good luck with the tune making though matey

Thanks everyone for the advise.
I will have a look for acid pro and let you know my feelings. Who knows soon I maybe on Paranoid Recordings. Or just paranoid because everyone is laughing at how shite I am

Originally Posted by Branners

Thanks everyone for the advise.
I will have a look for acid pro and let you know my feelings. Who knows soon I maybe on Paranoid Recordings. Or just paranoid because everyone is laughing at how shite I am

I'm laughing already

Only jokin' matey, it's all about having fun & making what you like to hear... That's the beauty of making your own tunes

Originally Posted by Branners

Thanks everyone for the advise.
I will have a look for acid pro and let you know my feelings. Who knows soon I maybe on Paranoid Recordings. Or just paranoid because everyone is laughing at how shite I am

Well you never know

Already got a couple of forum people from here & over on b2vos on the albums. More practice you get the better you get, hence why I like doing these little compo things as it gives people some samples to play around with & learn how to do stuff, especially when you hear what other people have done.

Due to all the costs in doing the albums though, can't put everything out, but if it's decent enough then we're always on the lookout for new bits in the old style
I've been tinkering with stuff since late 93ish & it's only since I've been using renoise that I've made stuff which I consider half decent enough to be putting out.
And I've not put that much out, usually due to free time & being very strict with it being good enough.

My main rule is, would I jump about to it - if the answer is no, then I wouldn't expect anyone else to, so I move onto the next idea.

Does that mean i have to step out from the darkness & into the light & make an uplifting happy style tune

I just make stuff i like to hear, i'm just tinkering with samples & arranging them into something that i like & if somebody else likes it too then that's wicked

I respect the artists who put so much dedication, time & love into their tracks, good on em

Me, if i spend too much time on a track i start changing it & make it sound worse & then lose interest

Right, I've obtained Sony Pro but it has something called keygen for the serial number etc.
It gave my a correct serial number but the authentication jobbin wouldn't work. Am I going about it the right way in getting something like this the way I have because if its better to purchase it in the right way then the white flag is out now and it can frigg off due to my being skint all the time

Originally Posted by Leonized

Does that mean i have to step out from the darkness & into the light & make an uplifting happy style tune

I rarely make any piano ones due to the fact I can't play, so end up using ravey stabs or dark synths - so no, doesn't have to be a happy tune
Only pianos I have used are usually a whole sample - maybe chopped up a bit.

Originally Posted by Branners

Right, I've obtained Sony Pro but it has something called keygen for the serial number etc.
It gave my a correct serial number but the authentication jobbin wouldn't work. Am I going about it the right way in getting something like this the way I have because if its better to purchase it in the right way then the white flag is out now and it can frigg off due to my being skint all the time

Are you on Windows 7? (or 64bit)?

I've found a lot of progs don't work on 64bit or Win7 which is one reason I went back to XP Pro.

Some progs are also easier than others to get working - Sony ones are a proper pain in the arse!

Originally Posted by Branners

Right, I've obtained Sony Pro but it has something called keygen for the serial number etc.
It gave my a correct serial number but the authentication jobbin wouldn't work. Am I going about it the right way in getting something like this the way I have because if its better to purchase it in the right way then the white flag is out now and it can frigg off due to my being skint all the time

It is abit of a pain in the arse to install properly... Here's the install guide

DO NOT RUN THE PROGRAM AFTER INSTALLING. I REPEAT, DO NOT RUN THE PROGRAM AFTER INSTALLING. YOU MUST PATCH IT FIRST!

ALSO, WHEN YOU GO TO PATCH THE PROGRAM IT DEFAULTS TO THE FOLDER WHERE YOU DOWNLOADED THE TORRENT TO. THIS IS NOT THE FOLDER YOU NEED TO PATCH. YOU NEED TO NAVIGATE TO THE FOLDER WHERE ACIDPRO IS INSTALLED.

Are you guys mentally challenged? I‘ve never seen so many people who post comments on a torrent while disregarding any previous posts to see if maybe their answer is already there.

HERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS STRAIGHT FROM THE NFO FILE WHICH I POSTED ALREADY ................... Install the app via acidpro70a.exe, Do NOT run afterwards!!!

Open Keygen (Vista users must ‘run as‘ administrator‘, Right click and run as) Now scroll down to ACID Pro 7.0 Series in app drop down, click generate a couple times. Make sure not to generate anymore after this because patch depends on the generated serial and activation code.

Now click on patch. You will need to browse to the following folder Default: Crogram FilesSonyACID Pro 7.0

Patching will begin and complete successfully if you followed the above instructions.

Now run ACID and enter the generated serial, make sure you do not generate again because the activation code must be for that serial Best bet is to copy and paste them both in notepad first.

Now click next and register from another computer, fill in info, bogus or real, doesnt matter it is saved to your documents.

Click next, enter activation code and enjoy the full pro version! ...............................................

READ THIS CAREFULLY IF YOU ARE USING EITHER VISTA x64 OR WINDOWS 7 x64

YOU MUST RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR!!!!!! RIGHT CLICK RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR

If you are still having problems with x64 then run the patch and keygen in compatibility mode for Windows Vista or XP regular 32bit!

This is what i used to get mine going...


Serial


1K0-DJ27-6VL6-PXY6


Activation


CCYVLTCQR-QGWTK93JK-P688QDRQV-FZ22WNBDW-G8KKYKYKD-7YSSF4FPM

Find speakers you feel comfortable listening to. A cheap midi keyboard. A cheap daw, other methods are available. I personally buy all mine and if you truly want to have a bash I urge you to at least have a look around.

A very comfy chair. Dude it helps.

An idea..................................


If after all of the above have been ABUSED for an an hour or seven you have pile of tosh move on.

But if you come out with something you like, carry on.

And try to finish it. Got five on the go and they keep going off in a tangent.

A moment helps.

I'm slowly but surely figuring Renoise out so i can make some riffs etc of my own for my upcoming Teen Wolf inspired track

I use Reason but whichever program you decide to use be prepared to be patient. Just like with learning to play an instrument, you can't just jump straight in and expect to get a decent tune of it after an hour of using it! Like Leo says, a lot of it is down to the samples, especially if they're BPM matched so you don't have to tweak them too much. I've got a ton of oldskool samples on the forum somewhere which should give you a good start. Just start by playing about in the program and Google is always a good source for tutorials etc.

Good luck!

Hello anyone want to help produce a track for a viral video? I'm looking to do something quite hiphousey well more ragga rave.. something like plastic jams, made in two minutes....beware of the bass...i've been banging my head with free vst's and then flittin over to reason 3, In the past I've definately also found acid more intuitive to my needs but then i'm definately no studio engineer either, I might go dig out rave ejay or my amiga and tracker software..HELP!! Anyone want to collaborate? You've got the brains, I've got the audacity...... If anyone can help doesnt have to be brilliantly produced, full credits will be given and any co producers can opt into the video if they wish and the aim is to get it 'out there' as will promote a service father Christmas will be rapping and obviously the aim is to make a proper video (in the next week!)

Acid Pro is good but limiting in a way. I would suggest (now don't laugh at me) something like the E-Jay series to begin with. It comes with loops that are all in key, simple interface, no instruments needed and it will give you an idea of how to structure a song and what's needed to get something good going. After that I would suggest moving up to FL8 or something, in my experience this is the most user friendly version of FL. Try to use the same things you've learned on E-Jay on FL and when you hit a wall with something you don't know you'll have an idea how to explain the problem to someone else. It takes a long time to learn how to produce good music though.