Helpful ReplyHello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear!

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Kaos Kon Mort
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2017/06/13 07:53:46 (permalink)

Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear!

Hello!

I recently picked up music as a hobby and over the past 6 months I have invested alot money into instruments and equipment. I'm now saving up money to purchase Sonar Professional. I'm currently running the free trial version but I'm having trouble setting up my gear with the DAW.

How should I connect and configure all?
 
I have a Behringer Xenyx X2222 USB.
Two electric guitars.
One microphone.
And a Roland FA-06.
 
I have my Behringer connected via USB to my computere. And my electric guitars and microphone to XLR 1,2,3 and my roland is connected with 2 6,3 jacks to the 9/10.
 
I'm having trouble setting up my roland to instrumental tracks in Sonar. I can't even find my Roland in the device section when I connect it through the mixer.
 
Is there anyone that could help me sort this out? 
 
I don't know if I posted this in the right section of the forum, forgive me if that's the case.
 
English is not my native tounge. Sorry
 
 
 
#1
35mm
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/13 08:39:49 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Kaos Kon Mort 2017/06/14 01:04:45
Hello and welcome. So you have your Roland connect to your mixer and the mixer/audio device is connected to your computer and is setup and working with Sonar? This will enable you to route the audio output of your Roland into Sonar to record it if that's what you want. But in order to use your Roland as a midi controller and for it to receive midi from Sonar, you have to connect it to your computer too via USB or 7 pin din. It should then show up in Sonar Preferences > midi devices where you can select it in the midi in and out sections.

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rscain
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/13 11:55:54 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Kaos Kon Mort 2017/06/14 01:04:51
Welcome to the forums!
You didn't mention if you have been able to record your guitars and mic so I'm assuming you have.
35mm gave you good info on connecting your Roland. If you still have issues there are a good number of videos and tutorials available to help you out and the people around here are great at answering questions.
Good luck and have fun!

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chuckebaby
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/13 13:10:34 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Kaos Kon Mort 2017/06/14 01:04:53
The Behringer Xenyx X2222 USB is not really the best choice for a soundcard.
To expand the ability's of your Roland and other devices (Guitars, Microphones) within Sonar you are eventually going to need something a bit better.
 
I have a Mackie Pro FX 16 USB and its good for multitrack recording drums (for a sub mix) But the drivers are absent and Latency is huge. So im left using ASIO4ALL which is not really the best choice in the world.
What you have will get you by right now but its not the best set up for your Roland. You need to hook the Roland up Via Midi in order to manipulate Sonars VST instruments. the Behringer is not Midi equipped.

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57Gregy
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/13 17:04:45 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Kaos Kon Mort 2017/06/14 01:04:57
I would use the audio interface in the Roland over the Behringer. Plug the Roland into the computer with a USB cable, download the Roland's ASIO driver and set that up as your audio interface.
You can then plug the mixer's audio output into the FA-06 and record guitars, microphones and MIDI through the Roland. Really, you shouldn't even need the mixer unless you're recording a band.

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Kaos Kon Mort
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/13 17:25:54 (permalink)
Hello again!
 
Thank you all so much for your input. It helped me alot and I got it all worked out now. I'm currently running it through USB as a midi so I'm able to use the free VST Plugins in Sonar. I can run my mic and guitars through the Roland as well so my mixer seems kind of useless now? Should I keep it? Sell it and save up for something better? 
 
Thanks yet again!
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35mm
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/13 23:19:12 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Kaos Kon Mort 2017/06/19 12:11:18
Kaos Kon Mort
I can run my mic and guitars through the Roland as well so my mixer seems kind of useless now? Should I keep it? Sell it and save up for something better? 

It depends on what you want to do. Like 57Gregy said, you probably don't need the mixer unless you are recording with a band, drum kit or have lots of instruments/mics that you want to keep setup without having to swap them out each time you record for convenience/laziness.
 
I'm not too familiar with the Roland and its abilities as an audio interface, but if you don't need the mixer you could sell it and put the money towards a decent audio interface like one of the Focusrites. Or maybe a control surface or the countless other tools available for making music. If you are new to this and plan to take it fairly seriously, you should plan to get the best studio monitor/reference speakers (not hi-fi) you can afford as well as studio-quality headphones, a decent large diaphragm condenser mic (for vocals and some instruments), good instrument mics and so on. Oh, and then there's a multitude of indispensable plugins that can sap all your money too - careful with those. You can end up with so many you can never find the one you want when you want it and will probably end up only using 5% of them. So yeah, if you don't need a bulky mixer, get rid of it and swap it out for something you do need.

Splat, Win 10 64bit and all sorts of musical odds and sods collected over the years, but still missing a lot of my old analogue stuff I sold off years ago.
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Kaos Kon Mort
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/14 01:23:57 (permalink)
35mm
Kaos Kon Mort
I can run my mic and guitars through the Roland as well so my mixer seems kind of useless now? Should I keep it? Sell it and save up for something better? 

It depends on what you want to do. Like 57Gregy said, you probably don't need the mixer unless you are recording with a band, drum kit or have lots of instruments/mics that you want to keep setup without having to swap them out each time you record for convenience/laziness.
 
I'm not too familiar with the Roland and its abilities as an audio interface, but if you don't need the mixer you could sell it and put the money towards a decent audio interface like one of the . Or maybe a control surface or the countless other tools available for making music. If you are new to this and plan to take it fairly seriously, you should plan to get the best studio monitor/reference speakers (not hi-fi) you can afford as well as studio-quality headphones, a decent large diaphragm condenser mic (for vocals and some instruments), good instrument mics and so on. Oh, and then there's a multitude of indispensable plugins that can sap all your money too - careful with those. You can end up with so many you can never find the one you want when you want it and will probably end up only using 5% of them. So yeah, if you don't need a bulky mixer, get rid of it and swap it out for something you do need.




I currently have a pair of KRK Rokit4 and Sony MDR-7506. Are these good enough? I read alot of reviews before I bought them(low budget) and I really like them both. I got a cheap microphone so that will probably be my next investment. What would be a good enough Focusrite to invest in? I will try to produce all forms of music genres to learn as much as I can.
 
I have a Acer T272HL 27" Touch Screen Monitor which I can angle between 30-80 degrees. Do you think this will benfit me in my music production? I'm thinking as a substitute for a control surface.
 
Also I have a Yamaha ERG 121 with 5 mics and Joy Turner with 3 mics. As a beginner I feel that these are good enough? Any thoughts? I really like the Joy Turner. I have a cataluna acustic too.
 
I don't think I will invest to much in plugins as I feel I have to learn more of the basics on sound engineering first.
 
Thanks a thousand for all the help!
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35mm
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/14 06:57:31 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Kaos Kon Mort 2017/06/19 12:33:45
(reposted - forum's screwing with my posts)
Kaos Kon Mort
I currently have a pair of KRK Rokit4 and Sony MDR-7506. Are these good enough? I read alot of reviews before I bought them(low budget) and I really like them both. I got a cheap microphone so that will probably be my next investment. What would be a good enough Focusrite to invest in? I will try to produce all forms of music genres to learn as much as I can.

First off, I'm making the assumption that you are a younger person getting into music production for the first time as opposed to an older person. So money isn't a plentiful thing. I'm also going to assume that you are a musical, creative type of person and haven't just randomly decided one day to get into this, try it out for a bit and then probably lose interest in it just as randomly. 
 
KRK Rokits are fine on a budget and will do for now. The important thing is to get used to their sound by comparing your mixes on them with other speakers you have - hi-fi, car, phone/Bluetooth, ear buds etc. If you're happy with them that's great! When you have more money in due course consider getting some higher end monitors and keep the KRKs for comparison when mixing.
 
More important is replacing the cheap mic because that's the device that the sound goes through first. It doesn't matter how high end your gear is in the rest of the signal chain your sound will only be as good as that mic. You can not polish a turd as they say.
 
As far as the audio interface goes; that's the next several components in your signal chain - pre amps, ADC/DAC, ASIO interface etc. so it is many things in one. So don't skimp on it! I recommend Focusrite only because I have used their gear for many years, they have a great heritage and, well their sound cards and components are good. Which one you may choose depends on how you intend to use it. Their Scarlet USB range will probably suit you. It's really down to how many inputs and outputs you want. Two analogue inputs is generally the minimum and will allow you to record in stereo or record vocal and guitar at the same time for example. There may be times when you need more. Many audio interfaces only have one pair of analogue outputs that you plug your monitors into - that's quite limiting. The more ins and outs you have, the more patching and routeing options you have. However, if you never have use for them all and are on a tight budget, it's a waste of money having more than you need.
 
The Scarlet 2i2 is the absolute minimum I would recommend for you. It gives you 2 mic/line/instrument inputs and two balanced outputs (stereo monitors).
 
The Scarlet 2i4 adds four more unbalanced outs.
 
The 6i6 gives you two additional line inputs, four balanced outputs and digital in and out (SPDIF).
 
The 18i8 gives you four mic/line/instrument inputs, four line inputs, tow balanced outputs (stereo monitors), digital - optical and SPDIF in out.
 
Then the 18i20 gives you eight mic/line/instrument inputs, ten balanced outputs, optical in and out, SPDIF in and out. It also has segmented metering on the front.
 
It's also worth bearing in mind that the latest, cutting edge sound card you get today, will be superseded by something better next year. However, many of us are happily using sound cards that are ten years old.
 
Kaos Kon Mort
I have a Acer T272HL 27" Touch Screen Monitor which I can angle between 30-80 degrees. Do you think this will benfit me in my music production? I'm thinking as a substitute for a control surface.
 
Also I have a Yamaha ERG 121 with 5 mics and Joy Turner with 3 mics. As a beginner I feel that these are good enough? Any thoughts? I really like the Joy Turner. I have a cataluna acustic too.
 
I don't think I will invest to much in plugins as I feel I have to learn more of the basics on sound engineering first.
 
Thanks a thousand for all the help!


I don't use a touchscreen, but I imagine it would be useful if positioned in the right place/way to reduce fatigue from stretching across a load of gear to reach it  I cut my teeth in studios with analogue consoles and tape machines so I like to have tactile control of as much as possible. It just works better for me pulling faders or turning knobs while listening with my ears rather than looking at a screen and listening with my eyes. Having said that though I have got very used to doing things with a mouse too. I think a touch screen may be a good compromise providing you remember to listen with your ears and not your eyes! At the end of the day, touch operation is becoming the norm and mechanical faders and knobs are so last century.
 
As far as your instruments go, it's so subjective. If you enjoy playing them and like the sound you make with them they are perfect for you. Once you get into playing an instrument e.g. guitar, you will inevitably acquire new ones here and there, probably never get rid of your old ones and have your favourites for certain tasks and an overall favourite too. At which point you have a collection of guitars hanging on the walls and can definitely say you are a guitarist!
 
Don't completely overlook plugins. They are very useful. Sonar does provide a hell of a lot of useful instruments and effects, but not everything you will need on your journey.
 
Good luck.

Splat, Win 10 64bit and all sorts of musical odds and sods collected over the years, but still missing a lot of my old analogue stuff I sold off years ago.
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Kaos Kon Mort
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/19 12:33:27 (permalink)
35mm
(reposted - forum's screwing with my posts)
Kaos Kon Mort
I currently have a pair of KRK Rokit4 and Sony MDR-7506. Are these good enough? I read alot of reviews before I bought them(low budget) and I really like them both. I got a cheap microphone so that will probably be my next investment. What would be a good enough Focusrite to invest in? I will try to produce all forms of music genres to learn as much as I can.

First off, I'm making the assumption that you are a younger person getting into music production for the first time as opposed to an older person. So money isn't a plentiful thing. I'm also going to assume that you are a musical, creative type of person and haven't just randomly decided one day to get into this, try it out for a bit and then probably lose interest in it just as randomly. 
 
KRK Rokits are fine on a budget and will do for now. The important thing is to get used to their sound by comparing your mixes on them with other speakers you have - hi-fi, car, phone/Bluetooth, ear buds etc. If you're happy with them that's great! When you have more money in due course consider getting some higher end monitors and keep the KRKs for comparison when mixing.
 
More important is replacing the cheap mic because that's the device that the sound goes through first. It doesn't matter how high end your gear is in the rest of the signal chain your sound will only be as good as that mic. You can not polish a turd as they say.
 
As far as the audio interface goes; that's the next several components in your signal chain - pre amps, ADC/DAC, ASIO interface etc. so it is many things in one. So don't skimp on it! I recommend Focusrite only because I have used their gear for many years, they have a great heritage and, well their sound cards and components are good. Which one you may choose depends on how you intend to use it. Their Scarlet USB range will probably suit you. It's really down to how many inputs and outputs you want. Two analogue inputs is generally the minimum and will allow you to record in stereo or record vocal and guitar at the same time for example. There may be times when you need more. Many audio interfaces only have one pair of analogue outputs that you plug your monitors into - that's quite limiting. The more ins and outs you have, the more patching and routeing options you have. However, if you never have use for them all and are on a tight budget, it's a waste of money having more than you need.
 
The Scarlet 2i2 is the absolute minimum I would recommend for you. It gives you 2 mic/line/instrument inputs and two balanced outputs (stereo monitors).
 
Kaos Kon Mort
I have a Acer T272HL 27" Touch Screen Monitor which I can angle between 30-80 degrees. Do you think this will benfit me in my music production? I'm thinking as a substitute for a control surface.
 
Also I have a Yamaha ERG 121 with 5 mics and Joy Turner with 3 mics. As a beginner I feel that these are good enough? Any thoughts? I really like the Joy Turner. I have a cataluna acustic too.
 
I don't think I will invest to much in plugins as I feel I have to learn more of the basics on sound engineering first.
 
Thanks a thousand for all the help!


I don't use a touchscreen, but I imagine it would be useful if positioned in the right place/way to reduce fatigue from stretching across a load of gear to reach it  I cut my teeth in studios with analogue consoles and tape machines so I like to have tactile control of as much as possible. It just works better for me pulling faders or turning knobs while listening with my ears rather than looking at a screen and listening with my eyes. Having said that though I have got very used to doing things with a mouse too. I think a touch screen may be a good compromise providing you remember to listen with your ears and not your eyes! At the end of the day, touch operation is becoming the norm and mechanical faders and knobs are so last century.
 
As far as your instruments go, it's so subjective. If you enjoy playing them and like the sound you make with them they are perfect for you. Once you get into playing an instrument e.g. guitar, you will inevitably acquire new ones here and there, probably never get rid of your old ones and have your favourites for certain tasks and an overall favourite too. At which point you have a collection of guitars hanging on the walls and can definitely say you are a guitarist!
 
Don't completely overlook plugins. They are very useful. Sonar does provide a hell of a lot of useful instruments and effects, but not everything you will need on your journey.
 
Good luck.




Hello 35mm.
 
I'm young at heart but 31 years old and I have an old soul and real gift when it comes to grasping and controlling the vibrations instruments/sounds gives out, this includes voices(my own as well) which is the most powerful instrument of them all. After several years of drugabuse I am now switching out these for creative arts such as music, painting, writing and meditation.
 
After I read a couple reviews on soundcards and mics I decided for a Focusrite 2i2(2nd gen) and a MXL V67GS. Will this be enough for a beginner? Is there anything else I should get that will improve these instruments? Like a Shock Mount or Pop Shield?

Thanks yet again, you guys are really great people that shares your knowledge which you probably worked on for years.
 
Information should be free, but there are no short-cuts in life, you gotta give it all if you want to become a master.
 
I will probably not release anything I produce until I've perfected something that sounds and feels beautiful in my own sense, something that I can be proud of. I don't want input on the things I do, I want to feel them for myself until I'm satisfied.
 
Sorry if I sound like a douche. I'm just trying to build up my own selfesteem. Also sorry for the grammar, hope I made myself understood!
 
Regards,
 
Kaos Kon Mort
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35mm
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/19 12:50:34 (permalink)
Well, 31 is still young by my standards and leaves plenty of time for a fresh start which I congratulate you on!
 
I am not familiar with that mic. It should come with a shock mount though, but if it doesn't you definitely need one and a pop filter/screen too.
 
Enjoy your music. Self-esteem is an important thing to build up and hold onto. Always take criticism constructively, but never assume that someone giving the criticism is right or actually knows what they are talking about. Some of the best advice you ever get may be critical. It is a really good idea to get to play with other musicians as soon as you can. The better they are, the better you will become and the more confident you will get. However, there is no substitute for experience. So keep going and build that up. There will be low days when you feel like giving it all up. Don't!

Splat, Win 10 64bit and all sorts of musical odds and sods collected over the years, but still missing a lot of my old analogue stuff I sold off years ago.
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Kaos Kon Mort
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Re: Hello, I'm new to music production and need help configuring and setting up my gear! 2017/06/19 13:24:14 (permalink)
35mm
Well, 31 is still young by my standards and leaves plenty of time for a fresh start which I congratulate you on!
 
I am not familiar with that mic. It should come with a shock mount though, but if it doesn't you definitely need one and a pop filter/screen too.
 
Enjoy your music. Self-esteem is an important thing to build up and hold onto. Always take criticism constructively, but never assume that someone giving the criticism is right or actually knows what they are talking about. Some of the best advice you ever get may be critical. It is a really good idea to get to play with other musicians as soon as you can. The better they are, the better you will become and the more confident you will get. However, there is no substitute for experience. So keep going and build that up. There will be low days when you feel like giving it all up. Don't!



I got a pop filter for free with the mic and some form of shock mount I think. I read a couple reviews and for my budget it was the best choice. Hopefully I will enjoy them as much as my other instruments.
 
Well, I don't have any friends since I broke of with everyone after I gave up drugs. But technially I could jam with anyone through youtube for example, until I find new friends, hopefully other musicans.
 
I'm picking up school in a while as well, and have a really good music school just 10 minutes from my hometown so I probably grow alot there.
 
I will never give up!
And thank you all for the help and input, it really means alot to me. I will return here with new question's in the future, and perhaps even some answers!
 
Regards,
 
Kaos Kon Mort
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