Dubstep Noob seeking guidance

[TokerCoughin]

Hey all! I've been getting progressively more and more into dubstep, and all around bass-heavy music, and I finally am ready to gear-up myself, and begin to create my own tracks.

My question for you is : Where do I begin ?

I've got a Macbook Pro, I've got a nice set of headphones, and I've got garageband + Logic Pro, and I've got a VERY basic turntable all-in-one, a Vestax Typhoon.
I am now looking into a midi keyboard controller, and was wondering what you guys recommend, seeing as I'll be using Mac-based DAW's, and that I'm also a beginner.

I live in Canada, So if you could help me pick out a controller preferably under $250.00, that would be ideal(also, I likely do not need anything beyond 25 keys, and the more compact / lightweight, the better. ) Note that I also have very limited experience with keyboards, as I'm primarily a guitarist.

Thanks in advance guys,
any input would be greatly appreciated.

Toker.

[bassinine]

mpk 49.. from ebay.

/thread

[cestladore]

Hey man! It sounds like you're beginning in the right place. A Mac with Logic is going to work perfect for dubstep but you may even look into other daws. But that is all personal preference. As far as the midi controller goes if you're willing to spend $250 and you think you're gonna be making music for a while I would go with something nice off the bat. Novation makes a really nice 25k controller that has an automap function tons of knobs and everything else you could want, which I think sells for around $300 new but you could probably find one used in your price range. If you wanted something a little more simple Akai also makes some great small midi controllers. I use an Mpk Mini from Akai. Its small and lightweight but it gets the job done especially if you're not a piano player and you don't need a full keyboard. Beyond that you'll want to start looking into free vsts and au plug-ins for your daw if you're looking to make dubstep. Starting searchign for tutorials, there are plenty around for a step-by-step process on dubstep. Hoped I helped a little bit. If you have more specific questions feel free to ask.

[TokerCoughin]

Thanks to both of you! I'll look into that. And to be honest, I think somthing along the lines of the mpk is perfect for me, However, If i can find a used novation at a good price, I'll probably go for that.
Also, I'm fairly certain i'll stick with Logic, from what I can tell its very similar to garageband, to which i'm accustomed, And for example, could you give me some resources for places to find free vst's and au plug-ins, also a very begginner question, what is a vst and au plugin...

Toker

[cestladore]

VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology, In simple terms is a soft instrument or fx like you find in your daw. AU or Audio Units are similar but they are mac specific(correct me if I'm wrong?). Google is your friend when it comes to finding vsts. Just search for 'best free vsts' or something similar and it will yield tons of great results. As far as for dubstep check out TALs line of vsts. Hope that helps a little bit.

[bassinine]

http://www.kvraudio.com/
http://www.dontcrack.com/freeware/
http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products

[TokerCoughin]

That most definately helps a ton, I will be checking those out when I get some spare time, thanks a million dude.

Also, another question though, concerning midi controller keyboards again, I'm currently looking at a few such as :
http://www.gearnuts.com/store/detail/SynthST25
http://www.gearnuts.com/store/detail/MPKMini
http://www.gearnuts.com/store/detail/Oxygen2-25
http://www.gearnuts.com/store/detail/MPK25
http://www.gearnuts.com/store/detail/Axiom25mk2
http://www.gearnuts.com/store/detail/Nocturn25

Would anybody reccommend any of these ? Are any specifically better for auto-mapping buttons to Logic ? Are any NOT compatible with MAC ?
Basically, I wan't the most control / diversity, with the least amount of setup possible.

Thanks

[cestladore]

Most all new midi controllers are going to be plug n play on macs, depending on what you want to achieve you may have to map any midi controller a little bit. As far as which ones for you its just personal preference and what you need, but I would stay away from M-Audios low end controllers, just my $0.2.

[TokerCoughin]

Though, I have to ask. What is wrong with M-Audio's lower-end gear ?
It looks so damn nice, ( asides from being pretty bulky ), and it has pretty goo reviews aswell !

Toker.

[cestladore]

M-Audio pads and keys don't compare to Akai and some other higher end stuff in my opinion. Go in to a GC or whatever big music store you have in your area and play around with them, maybe you'll like them. But for me the Axiom was always sluggish and the pads are stiff. Again its all personal preference.

[BevOh]

i can reccomend the Akai MPK mini for a starter controller. It's what i use and it does everything i want it to. very nice little unit for the price. pick one up on ebay cheap or something . Saves desk space too, always a plus and you dont want to go in buying expensive shit when you arent even nearly knee deep in production.

[TokerCoughin]

Concerning the mpk mini, Do you find the lack of pitch bend / mod wheel hindering, or are you still able to do just about anything inside the DAW itself anyways.

Toker.

[BevOh]

Just assign the pitch to a knob?

[TokerCoughin]

I've been looking at the mpk mini, and it looks like a definite possibility, It's a nice/compact unit. Any other suggestions ? note that I do NOT mind shelling out $200-300 for a good controller.


Toker

[nnny]

Just skimmed through the thread, so not sure if someone posted this, but didn't see it so here:

http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=67046

From the production Bible, or whatever you want to call it these days.
List of different controllers, prices, pros, cons.

[Filthzilla]

There's a thread for this at the top of the production page. Good luck bro.

[paravrais]

NOVATION
NOVATION
NOVATION

That is all.

[TokerCoughin]

Which is the best for low-end controllers ? Likely 25k. The nocturn 25 ? I've seen some kinda crummy reviews on it though. How well does it integrate with Logic ?

[RandoRando]

just stay away from m audio, their products go out right when the warranty expires, and their customer service is non existent, toker i say stay with logic and learn its ins and outs, learn the synthesizers it comes with, learn about synthesis and how all these sounds are created, and dont give up, music production of any genre is a long hard process to get comfortable with and will take time before you get songs that you like, however, when you finished your first song, bad or good, it will feel great listening to a song knowing that YOU made it.

[TokerCoughin]

Thanks for your input man, Much appreciated.
I'll definitely stay with logic, and i'll look into everything BUT m-audio products.

Another concern is, I heard the Akai units are good, save for their lack of playability on the drum pads , anybody have some insight on that ?