(no subject)
What with the recent upheaval, I've (obviously) been doing a lot of thinking. Yesterday I outlined my grand plan to spend thousands of dollars on a new recording setup; today I've changed my mind somewhat and my main priority now is simply to secure a kick-ass keyboard. There are 2 routes I can take - get a fully-featured monster (anywhere from $1500-$3000), or get some $200 midi keyboard and hope I find the right plugins when I eventually get ProTools. That's the thing, really, that's been making this somewhat overwhelming - I have no fucking idea what I'm doing when it comes to this stuff. I spent a lot of time yesterday on www.digidesign.com even though it took me just under 5 minutes to get totally confused. Do I want ProTools HD? Do I want the MBox? Do I even know if any of this shit will work on the computer I already have? I have a pretty powerful computer, but there are certain chipsets that do not play nicely with ProTools, and I can't seem to find any documentation that's up-to-date enough to vouch for what I'm currently using.
And really, this is all just an elaborate distraction from the real core of the problem. Which is: I'm finding that there's a rather large disconnect between the music I write and record, and the music that I actually want to play and listen to. I'll record any number of demos and listen to them over and over and over again, but I can't help but feel that what I'm listening to is not what I should be listening for; which is to say, when I listen to something I've recorded I'll pay attention to the mix, or if my live-tapping on my drum machine is ok, or - more to the point - I just listen to it knowing that I made it and it didn't exist until I created it. That doesn't mean it's good, and that's the issue. I'd submitted pretty much everything I'd recorded to the rest of the band, and it used to bother me that I never really got any immediate feedback. The thing is, when I think about it, I can't really see myself wanting to play any of these songs, either.
This is why getting a kick-ass keyboard, with all the sounds and doo-dads already on it, seems like a better thing to get at this moment in time. I need to write more, and I can't allow myself to get distracted with learning how to use ProTools and, ultimately, worry more about the recording instead of the composing. Not to mention, a good keyboard will most likely come with all of the bare-bones basic midi stuff that one of those $200 jobs will have; AND it could be used live, should the need arise. And really, it's been a long time since I played the piano on a daily basis, and I think it would come in handy more than ever right now.
And really, this is all just an elaborate distraction from the real core of the problem. Which is: I'm finding that there's a rather large disconnect between the music I write and record, and the music that I actually want to play and listen to. I'll record any number of demos and listen to them over and over and over again, but I can't help but feel that what I'm listening to is not what I should be listening for; which is to say, when I listen to something I've recorded I'll pay attention to the mix, or if my live-tapping on my drum machine is ok, or - more to the point - I just listen to it knowing that I made it and it didn't exist until I created it. That doesn't mean it's good, and that's the issue. I'd submitted pretty much everything I'd recorded to the rest of the band, and it used to bother me that I never really got any immediate feedback. The thing is, when I think about it, I can't really see myself wanting to play any of these songs, either.
This is why getting a kick-ass keyboard, with all the sounds and doo-dads already on it, seems like a better thing to get at this moment in time. I need to write more, and I can't allow myself to get distracted with learning how to use ProTools and, ultimately, worry more about the recording instead of the composing. Not to mention, a good keyboard will most likely come with all of the bare-bones basic midi stuff that one of those $200 jobs will have; AND it could be used live, should the need arise. And really, it's been a long time since I played the piano on a daily basis, and I think it would come in handy more than ever right now.
If you need help with the ProTools quest, shoot me an email. I'm a bit ragged right now due to moving, so I'm not checking LJ much, but I am checking email.
I think you might be right in going for a good keyboard though. Especially if you do currently have a way to throw down quick ideas to the computer or something. The Nords are really great. There's a lot to be said for a good weighted keyboard, and the slight delay with the VST stuff can be enough to drive you mad. I've got a midiman thing, and it's cool for controlling stuff in the overdub process, but trying to write with it would make me scream. I always run to the real piano for that. I actually think I'm going to be picking up a good keyboard here soon as well after I get settled with the new house/studio. I'll probablu get a Nord, though I'd like one with the trippier harpsicord and glock samples on it.
As for ProTools - I think I'm gonna end up getting the Mbox 2 thing - it's $495, ProTools LE and a 2-input unit.
Also, I'm not sure that I have your personal email, but mine is jervonyc at gmail dot com.