@Brunchies said:
Why thank you for the response, I appreciate any help I can get. I just checked out finale and It seems a little more complicated then just writing the sheet music in of itself. I got the midi keyboard already hooked up so I'm good on that one and I got a mic so I'm good with that. For the USB/Firewire interface, can't you use the usb/firewire ports that are already in your computer or do you need something specific like that.
I also just took at Reaper, I'll install it on my Mac and try it out but I already have an older version of logic pro so I don't know if its really worth it. Also on a 1-10 scale, whats the difficulty of learning Finale, it seems a little strange to me. Also why are you moving over to Ableton, is it a fault of logic or you just want some variety. Have you also had any experience with being a vocalist or do you just make more instrumental pieces.
Two more questions then I'm done, sorry for badgering you. Whats the best mixer you think is good for a beginner and does each mixer come with its own software program or can you connect it easily with a music editor like logic pro or Jekosla Buzz.
=) For the USB/Firewire interfaces, the USB/Firewire is just referring to what connection it is using. For example, I have both a USB interface as well as a Firewire one (the Firewire one being my workplace one, the USB one being more portable because it happens to be smaller). As you can see, they both have inputs as well as knob controls. That is controlling gain of inputs, how much level is going out to headphones (you can see the headphones plugged in on the Firewire picture). They also act as the hub for my speakers (you can see that in this blurry picture here). The cable is connected to my computer, and I have further control of all of that from my DAW - so the interface is acting as a hub for absolutely everything.
Best of luck with Reaper on the Mac! Personally I haven't tried that version haha.
Honestly, Logic Pro is an extremely, EXTREMELY capable program. Even if it's a slightly older build that is fine, it has great functionality (though if it's older you may lose some 64 bit functionality, which shouldn't affect you too badly unless the AUs/VSTs you're using are 64 bit).
For Finale, I'd say the learning curve is about a 6/10 for difficulty, but once you learn how to use it initially the program because 2/10 for difficulty. I can transcribe something much, much faster with Finale than writing everything down on paper. It also makes transpositions immediate and simple as well as being able to make multiple parts for different players in an instant.
In terms of why I'm moving over to Ableton, it's largely because of Max for Live. I'm also a programmer so being able to program in an audio environment is extremely intriguing. I'm also interested in its functionality with its Operator instrument.
I've worked in a lot of different styles, with a lot of vocalists & instrumentalists alike. I've arranged pieces for 20 piece choirs as well as just single-vocalist works.
For a mixer, I'm not too sure. I would still work with a USB or Firewire interface, and use the mixer within your DAW. Logic is great for mixing, simple usage for Bussing, Aux tracks, coupling tracks for automation, et cetera. That will serve all the functionality you'll need if you're looking to record. If you're looking for a mixer for more live recordings (multiple mic setup for recording a band, for example) you would probably be completely fine with a simple 8 track mixer by Behringer or Peavey =) Interfaces and mixers are easy to connect with Logic. Once you get your drivers and everything is connected to your computer, it's a simple matter of getting Logic (or reaper, or whatever) to recognize what you've just plugged in and to start taking in signals from it, as well as outputting signals to it (for speakers, headphones, et cetera.)
Hope that helps!
It has, thank you for all the help. I'll work in logic some more, but with max in live you can create your own devices, is that like plugins and the like or am I missing something.
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