Music Composers Unite!

Beginner Composer seeking some tech advice

Hey

So I am a fourth year music student. I do a lot of composing for myself and I am currently trying to put together a reel.

I primarily use finale to write my music. I am pretty proficient with Logic as well. I really want to start getting my name out there but I am a little nervous because I don't have a lot to work with. I don't have a fast computer, I only have a crappy mac laptop. I want to be able to make decent quality sounded music that won't kill my wallet or my RAM/ processor.

Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Hughes on February 24, 2011 at 2:38pm

Are you looking for DAW software or do you mean you want info on a cheap computer or hardware setup?

Permalink Reply by Christopher Aschenbrand on February 24, 2011 at 2:49pm

Sorry, I should have been more clear.

I'm looking for DAW software.

Permalink Reply by Keith Holden on February 24, 2011 at 3:33pm

It's hard when you first start out but I will be upfront with you people out there who are looking for music want the finished article high end quality ready to go now a great mix and the production quality has to be up there. so you might have to spend a little more than you want but if you want to be taken seriously thems the downers. But the rewards are far greater so Just something to think about I don't want to put you off I started off with a Roland sound canvas and thought it was great but you need to look at whats out there and what other composers are using.

Best.....

Keith..............

Permalink Reply by Christopher Aschenbrand on February 24, 2011 at 3:34pm

Is it frowned upon to use the virtual instruments that come with logic? What about plugins? I like to write for full orchestras but I feel like a lot of those plugins are going to be VERY much out of my price range.

Permalink Reply by Keith Holden on February 24, 2011 at 3:42pm

There are some good plugins I use E.W Gold for my orchestral stuff and Stormdrum for my kit sounds I don't know the price of them now but I don' think they would break the bank. Just check them out on the Native instruments site there might be other plugins there you like the look of.

Permalink Reply by Mike Anderson on February 24, 2011 at 4:38pm

I'm a student as well, and I personally use Logic with E.W. Gold for my orchestra stuff. A cheaper alternative is Garritan Personal Orchestra, but I really didn't like the sounds that they had.

Permalink Reply by Keith Holden on February 24, 2011 at 4:45pm

Ok really really don't do that it will put you off buying plugins only use Garritan when you need a brush kit and thats it.........

Permalink Reply by Keith Holden on February 24, 2011 at 4:52pm

My cat farted the other day and it sounded better than the muted trumpet on Garritan jazz I wish I could have sampled it and used it or sent it to Garritan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! K

Permalink Reply by Christopher Aschenbrand on February 24, 2011 at 6:09pm

I've been using EZ drummer for my kits. I know it's a dated but it sounds pretty decent for what I'm doing. I have Garritan (came with finale) and I agree, I don't like it at all! I was also looking into Motu Symphonic Instruments. I don't know if it's any good or not though.

Permalink Reply by Keith Holden on February 24, 2011 at 6:26pm

Why don't you put some tracks up on the site and let us hear what you are using? you never know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Peter Scartabello on February 24, 2011 at 8:43pm

Yeah the EW stuff is good to get you going. Probably the most bang for the buck. And also as Keith said the Stormdrum collection will give you some modern film percussion hits. I also like the Vienna Instruments Special Edition samples too, especially for solo orchestral instruments. Those are the best. Symphobia is good but close to $1000 I think.

Permalink Reply by David W. Hamilton on March 6, 2011 at 12:13am

East West and Vienna Symphonic are two very good branches. I use East West currently (Symphonic Orchestra Gold), and will be upgrading to some more advanced ones in just a couple of months. The East West interface--PLAY--is very simple to learn to use.

As far as DAWs go, Reaper is a good way to go. Doesn't require a huge amount of power, but it's pretty darn powerful! www.reaper.fm