Newb looking for hardware suggestions. Perhaps software, too

[Ghostlight]

Hey,

First time posting. I'm incredibly new to dubstep production. I've been messing around with Fruity Loops and Massive using some tutorials, but I'd also like to look into Ableton as I can't seem to import my wobble from Massive to FL successfully.

Anyway, I'm digressing already; I'm trying to figure out what hardware I should buy. I know hardware isn't essential to dubstep production unless you plan on doing live performances but I like being able to feel out a song by hand. With that said I've been looking at everything from a Novation Ultranova & Launchpad, an Akai MPK49 & APC40, down to an M-Audio 49i. I think, despite how cool it would be to play live, I should really just settle with a $100ish midi keyboard and perhaps pick up a pad later on. However, the MPK49's I was looking at were $200-$250, so who knows.

What I'm sure on is that I want at least 49 keys. My first instrument was piano and if all else fails I'll be able to do that. My old keyboard was lost in a move, unfortunately. I'm not sure how handy a modulation wheel would be if I'm not performing live, but I really liked how some producers were able to increase/decrease the tempo of their LFO. I also really liked how the MPK49 would allow you to record on the fly and match the tempo to your tapping. I'm not sure if this is exclusive to the keyboard you purchase or if it can be done in any program as long as you set it up right.

I know it's far from easy to learn this stuff but I'd like the piece(s) of hardware I pick up to not make it any harder. It's going to take dedication, but I'd like to have some gratification at points to keep me motivated. I guess this is a good start for suggestions.

Thank you!

[mks]

IMO, a good midi controller is very necessary. I have the MPK49 and use it all of the time. I know a lot of people here just mouse it, but I would get very bored with that. A controller might be a good start.

[Ghostlight]

IMO, a good midi controller is very necessary. I have the MPK49 and use it all of the time. I know a lot of people here just mouse it, but I would get very bored with that. A controller might be a good start.

I'm glad you agree! So your vote's for the MPK49, or is there less expensive hardware that would suit someone just starting?

I'm in a position where I could pick up a special edition MPK49 for $250. I just got cold feet about spending that kind of money.

[3za]

Off topic: but you might want to rethink your production name, because -> http://soundcloud.com/ghostlight

[nowaysj]

If you're concerned about buying hardware because you're just getting started and you don't know if you'll stick with it, it still doesn't hurt to buy quality as it will retain its resale value. Just sell it when you're done with it. I don't know what mpk's are going for used, but I expect they are holding their value relatively well. I have one. Mind you, the pads kind of suck it.

I bought a $1,000+ mic and sold it 6 years later for a $50 loss. That is like renting a $1,000 mic for six years for $50. Not a bad deal.

[Ghostlight]

Off topic: but you might want to rethink your production name, because -> http://soundcloud.com/ghostlight

Damn. I've been using this nick for a few years now, but I'm sure I could come up with something else. Thanks for the heads up.

If you're concerned about buying hardware because you're just getting started and you don't know if you'll stick with it, it still doesn't hurt to buy quality as it will retain its resale value. Just sell it when you're done with it. I don't know what mpk's are going for used, but I expect they are holding their value relatively well. I have one. Mind you, the pads kind of suck it.

I bought a $1,000+ mic and sold it 6 years later for a $50 loss. That is like renting a $1,000 mic for six years for $50. Not a bad deal.

That's true. $250 for a MPK49 that's selling for $300 most everywhere is a sweet deal. Maybe I'll head out and pick it up, then. Buyer's guilt, haha.

[mks]

IMO, a good midi controller is very necessary. I have the MPK49 and use it all of the time. I know a lot of people here just mouse it, but I would get very bored with that. A controller might be a good start.

I'm glad you agree! So your vote's for the MPK49, or is there less expensive hardware that would suit someone just starting?

I'm in a position where I could pick up a special edition MPK49 for $250. I just got cold feet about spending that kind of money.

$250 is pretty cheap for those, I paid $400 for mine but that was when they first came out.

I know that there will be people here that will tell you to get good monitors or headphones, but I'd say get something that inspires you and that you will have fun with. You can get that other stuff later if you become more serious about it. Just start making some noise and a controller is a good option as there are plenty of free vst's out there that you can have fun with.

EZ

[Ghostlight]

IMO, a good midi controller is very necessary. I have the MPK49 and use it all of the time. I know a lot of people here just mouse it, but I would get very bored with that. A controller might be a good start.

I'm glad you agree! So your vote's for the MPK49, or is there less expensive hardware that would suit someone just starting?

I'm in a position where I could pick up a special edition MPK49 for $250. I just got cold feet about spending that kind of money.

$250 is pretty cheap for those, I paid $400 for mine but that was when they first came out.

I know that there will be people here that will tell you to get good monitors or headphones, but I'd say get something that inspires you and that you will have fun with. You can get that other stuff later if you become more serious about it. Just start making some noise and a controller is a good option as there are plenty of free vst's out there that you can have fun with.

EZ

You're very encouraging. I really appreciate it. I opted to pick up that $250 Special Edition MPK49. He says it's only been used once/basically mint. I just couldn't really tell the difference between the regular and special edition so I didn't want to pay for something that I didn't really need. As far as I know, the only difference is color. One site gave specific dimensions for the special edition so maybe it's thinner/lighter. He didn't mod the pads or anything yet so that's something I'll have to do.

I have pretty nice headphones just from listening to music and I'm a computer nerd so I've got a pretty sweet rig. I guess I saved myself money in the long run.

I'm excited.

[Ghostlight]

The guy selling the MPK49 for $250 was pretty bad at organizing a pick up time and it gave me time to sleep on it. I was able to find a M-Audio Keystation 49e for $50 that I'm going to try to pick up instead. Like you guys said, I can always resell it. But at least it's a cheaper way to figure out whether it's the hardware I want or not- just in case I somehow can't sell it.

[nowaysj]

Garbage hardware, make sure it works before you buy it.