KVR Audio

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Wed Jul 30, 2014 7:19 am

Wrote this for a buddy who is just getting into this stuff. I figured i would share it here for anyone who was looking for a setup idea for under $800.00

I mostly picked stuff that emphasized value for money so this is really more aimed at someone who just needs a small portable setup for recording stuff stuff at home with. I'm not trying to cover super expensive gear and supreme audio fidelity, this is more or less a basic setup for a beginner.

Note: I am sure you can find better prices on different hardware, but this is just my personal recommendation. I suppose if you spent more time researching you could find better deals and so forth and if you do please let me know in the thread

Anyhow lets get started with the music hardware first.
About some of the hardware prices.

I am not affiliated with Tomlee or have any gain from linking to them. I just am using them as a example of a canadian music store. I imagine you could find better prices if you shop around! I know Long and mcquade sometimes has stuff that's better priced stuff.

RECORDING SOFTWARE
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So here are the two best options in my opinion.

TRACKTION $66.00 Canadian
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If you want a DAW where you don't have to deal with lots of separate windows and tabs then you should check out Tracktion which is roughly $66.00 Canadian
http://www.tracktion.com/

Tracktion has a one screen approach to it's workflow so what you see on the screen is basically what you get. You don't have to wade through a ton of windows which can be somewhat tedious to navigate through and it has a good workflow that covers most professional requirements for creating and recording music.

REAPER $66.00 Canadian
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If you don't mind wading through windows and working on multiple screens then you should check out Cockos Reaper. Reaper is roughly $66.00 CAD for personal use, however if you want to use it commercially then you have to pay $225.00.
http://reaper.fm/purchase.php

Reaper has a more traditional workflow to it that you will find in bigger name *and more expensive* products like Cubase, Logic etc. It covers a ton of features and can be relied on for any professional task.

HARDWARE

KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS for about ($100.00 Canadian)
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Alesis Q49 $100.00

http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/172346.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGHK3_z9lec

Another option is this if you don't want drum pads or knobs.

M-Audio Keystation II

http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/hom ... 73133.html

STUDIO SPEAKERS ($250.00 Canadian for a Pair)
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Here is a video review of the M-Audio BX5a
(IF someone can find a reputable review of the BX5 D2s lemme know)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsR3fFIf8rw

M-Audio BX5 D2 5-Inch Monitor *edit* fixed link
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/161195.html

STUDIO MICROPHONE / INTERFACE / HEADPHONES ($280.00 Canadian)
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http://www.tomleemusic.ca/index.php/mul ... 64639.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNTqlASzI9s

OK so for everything here it will cost $696.00 Canadian roughly, and it does not factor in taxes.

After you factor Taxes in for BC it sets you back about $779.52 Canadian for everything.

If your in a different province you can also factor in how much your taxes will set you back with this tool.
http://helpsme.com/tools/free-gst-hst-p ... tor-canada

So what about plugins ?

Well.. here are my recommendations on getting your hands on some.

1st method is to go out and pick up a copy of Computer music magazine as it will give you access to a bunch of awesome free synthesizers and effects.

Here is a full list of the plugins.
http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic ... cts-571808

Here is a FAQ about the plugins that they offer.
http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic ... ins-571802

wesleyt · Post by **wesleyt** » Wed Jul 30, 2014 8:41 am

Looks like good advice to me. That Focusrite bundle looks like a great deal. Those headphones look like rebranded AKG--nice. They look somewhat like my K271 Mark II headphones.

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:08 am

wesleyt wrote:Looks like good advice to me. That Focusrite bundle looks like a great deal. Those headphones look like rebranded AKG--nice. They look somewhat like my K271 Mark II headphones.

Yah I've never actually tried the headphones, but AKG and Focusrite are from the same parent company I think.

dsan@mail.com · Post by **dsan@mail.com** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:44 am

Anyone starting out should be real happy with that rig!

Great job of putting that together VOR3TX

Happy Musiking!
dsan

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:51 am

dsan@mail.com wrote:Anyone starting out should be real happy with that rig!

Great job of putting that together VOR3TX

Happy Musiking!
dsan

Thanks! I actually found putting this together quite easy. I ended up reading a bunch of reviews on a few different pieces of hardware and eventually picked the best ones that would be good for a beginner.

I wanted to look for a setup that a student might put together that is cheap and accessible. I imagine that anyone can find these pieces of hardware and for the amount of money I think it's a decent way to get started in the wonderful world of plugins and music software!

dsan@mail.com · Post by **dsan@mail.com** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:04 am

True enough, but a beginner really doesn't know even where to start.

You have given all beginners a great start by removing that question "What should I buy?"

Around the same cost of the DAW's you have listed is Mulab. I've been using the demo on and off and it's a pretty powerful DAW. Not nearly as complicated as Reaper. (Nothing bad meant by that Reaperers!

)

Happy Musiking!
dsan

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 4:30 am

dsan@mail.com wrote:True enough, but a beginner really doesn't know even where to start.

You have given all beginners a great start by removing that question "What should I buy?"

Around the same cost of the DAW's you have listed is Mulab. I've been using the demo on and off and it's a pretty powerful DAW. Not nearly as complicated as Reaper. (Nothing bad meant by that Reaperers! )

Happy Musiking!
dsan

Yah I suppose people could mix and match stuff up as they want. I thought about providing a bunch of similar priced alternatives for say the hiphop producer or guitarist but I figured this would be just a good all rounder setup.

I forgot about MuLab, it's actually pretty good.

BDeep · Post by **BDeep** » Fri Aug 01, 2014 7:37 am

Nice setup! The problem to stay within the budget would probably come when you start hunting for plugins

Mivo · Post by **Mivo** » Fri Aug 01, 2014 3:19 pm

I had never seen the Focusrite bundle before! Looks like a good deal, actually. Individually, I believe that a Steinberg UR-22 would be a better choice for a low-cost interface than the Scarlett 2i2 (added bonus of MIDI I/O), which I realized only after I had bought my 2i2, but with the headphones, microphone, and cable (also Cubase 6 LE), this is a really nice bundle.

I would consider MuLab in place of Tracktion, though Reaper is rather unchallenged in that price segment (not as easy to get into, though it's totally a matter of preference).

Great setup, all in all!

neverenoughfunk · Post by **neverenoughfunk** » Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:22 pm

cant knock the setup from above... but anyone starting out should look at Reason first... starting out... it has everything one would need to make music... i know that price tag knocks your budget out of wack... but starting out... in my opinion... Reason is the answer...

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Wed Aug 06, 2014 3:50 am

neverenoughfunk wrote:cant knock the setup from above... but anyone starting out should look at Reason first... starting out... it has everything one would need to make music... i know that price tag knocks your budget out of wack... but starting out... in my opinion... Reason is the answer...

Well this is really meant to cover all the studio essentials which includes having all the proper hardware to get you started. Sure for someone who does not need a recording system then Reason would be a great product to start with.

Actually If someone has $400.00 kicking around after spending $800.00 then I would highly recommend they buy Reason and use it for their DAW as it is a great learning tool!

BUT If they own a mac then I would recommend logic over reason because it will save you money.

fese · Post by **fese** » Sat Aug 09, 2014 10:52 am

That focusrite bundle is really clever. Didn't presonus have something similar?
I may sound like an old fart, but that sum bought me maybe a tascam four track back when I started. No headphones, no microphone, no DAW with loads of effects, no monitors. Kids are spoiled today, when I was young, I had nothing but a crappy guitar and amp, we used cardboard boxes for drums, only creativity came cheap, blah blah, those were the days ramble ramble...

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 3:19 am

Removed computer since it was kind of irrelevant, and added information on getting free plugins for your new DAW.

V0RT3X · Post by **V0RT3X** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:12 pm

Added a new optional keyboard to the list.

Numanoid · Post by **Numanoid** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:45 pm

For a low price, high quality DAW, users should also check Mixcraft 6, costs just $75

The bundled plugs would cost more than that bought separatly, so it's a win-win deal

http://www.acoustica.com/buy.htm

Starter Setup for under $800.00 Canadian