Music Production Talk Forums

I am relatively new to producing beats and music, and I'm trying to find out what equipment will allow me to produce any drum sounds I want, with an emphasis on hip hop and also some electronic/house sounds. A friend of mine recommended the idrum. The local music store also mentioned the xr-20 by akai, and "reason". If anyone can help with info to help me narrow things down I would appreciate it. Thanks

There's a billion ways you could go, it all depends on how you want to make music.

In this day and age, software is taking over. There's a lot of flexibility with software and for most people, and easier learning curve.

Equally though, software can be incredibly complex. There's also no hands-on with software, unless you get into MIDI controllers.

I would definitely recommend Reason for starters, it's got a built-in sequencer, effects, mixer, samplers, drum machine, synthesizers and more.

If you want some hands on feel, Google some MIDI Keyboards / Controllers, there's tons that have a lot of buttons/knobs that you can link up with the ones in a program (including Reason) and have real control.

thanks. my main focus right now is getting the drum sounds I want and recording them with some other music I have. I guess I'm going to have to go to the stores and try out the akai and mpc types, and download some of the software demos if possible(reason, I've also heard battery is a good software package). If you have any other suggestions I would appreciate it

I'd be weary about the expandability of hardware as well, no point in spending good money and being limited on sounds, thats the beauty of software, is that you can always expand it.

Cost-wise, I'd still recommend reason as it's a full kit. Battery is a good drum machine/sampler though not my personal preference, I prefer StylusRMX or Addictive Drums but those both suit the styles I produce.

The Akai XR-20 wont allow you to use your own drum samples, you're stuck to what's loaded inside. So it's Super Basic in that regard. But if you dont want the hassle of finding good drum samples then its probably perfect.

If you find software too complex I'd reccomend a basic Akai MPC (either a 500 or a 1000). Loads up some samples and give that a go. Also check out youtube, type in "akai mpc" and see how the hip hop guys can easily sample and put tracks together on an mpc.

Hope this helps.