Mac based music stations - anyone?
 

I'm looking to setup a simple music station, just to play around. What tools, hardware, software etc should I get?

What's a music station?

Ableton, cheap monitors (speakers) that will give you a flat response, cheap usb midi controller (keyboard) is all you need to get started.

There are other software suites you might want to try (Logic, Reason etc) but Ableton is very newbie friendly and it's easy to get up and running and making music fast.

Oh right. A home studio.

For starting just try GarageBand, it's great, simple and fairly powerful. When you're ready, move onto logic. As a Mac person I think you'll find them easier than ableton. You then need a way to get the audio into the Mac. These are called audio interfaces. There are loads. I have a edirol one that was about £150.

Then I use a shure sm58 mic. I use this for recording my acoustic guitar and vocals. It's a great all round mic for starting. Yes, it's really a live vocal mic, but it's totally good enough for starters. Get a pop shield, they really make a difference.

Then add in a simple midi keyboard and you're away. I use an alasis 49. Was about £60. This also plugs into the audio interface.

Any more questions feel free to email me.

Keep the frequency clear

:1orglaugh

Perfect. Thanks to all!

Logic Pro 9 is available for WAY cheap on the mac app store. Plugins and all.



:thumbsup

Do you means like Mark Radio? Or creating your own music?

exactly, home studio or radio station?

macs is 4 gaybum buttboys

Pro Tools all the way. http://www.avid.com/US/products/family/pro-tools. :2 cents:

Lol, yes, a perfect simple set up suitable for a beginner!

:)

OMG who mentioned pro tools for starting out, go fuck yourself.... use garageband, watch some youtube videos, it's awesome

ableton live is a great start.