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Rookie - Equipment Required for EDM/EDM-Related Music?
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Rookie - Equipment Required for EDM/EDM-Related Music?

Xilitive 1:43 PM - 14 October, 2014
Hello! I have been researching tons all over the web on how to produce EDM Music/EDM-Related Music (House, Trance, Techo, what have you) but one question remains... Do I require a controller? (i.e. Pioneer DDJ-SX, etc) and do I need software like Serato/Traktor?

The guides I have pulled up on how to produce such music covers the following:

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
Monitor speakers
Audio Interface
Midi Controller
Headphones
Synthesizer

None of them, however, mention the use of a controller... So is this even necessary at all in EDM production? I have also not seen any mention of software such as Serato/Traktor, just software such as FL Studio, Cubase, Ableton, etc. I don't want to end up buying the wrong products for the wrong type of music production is why.

So is the above information I have dug up, in terms of equipment required to produce EDM, accurate? And do I need a controller/controller software? Will I need them eventually as i Progress?

Sorry for the nooby question, i'm completely new to this whole type of thing...
Code:E 4:44 PM - 14 October, 2014
Quote:
So is this even necessary at all in EDM production?

no. A powerful mac, keyboard and mouse is all you need.

Producing and DJ are to completely different things, lots of good DJ aren't producers and lots of good producers are shit DJ's.
Xilitive 4:58 PM - 14 October, 2014
Joel Zimmerman (Deadmau5) for example, people that call him a DJ irritate him quite a lot, and he always replies saying he is a producer and not a DJ.

How about artists such as:

Above and Beyond
Armin Van Buuren
Swedish House Mafia (When they were together)
Hardwell
Knife Party

and various other artists that are owned by Ultra Records, are these all producers? A mix of both?
Certified Quality Entertainment 5:01 PM - 14 October, 2014
It really doesn't matter what others are classified as. All that matters is what you want to do. From what it sounds like, you want to MAKE music, not DJ to crowds. If that's the case you don't need a controller. Just a good Mac and music producing software...not DJ software.
Xilitive 5:11 PM - 14 October, 2014
Quote:
It really doesn't matter what others are classified as. All that matters is what you want to do. From what it sounds like, you want to MAKE music, not DJ to crowds. If that's the case you don't need a controller. Just a good Mac and music producing software...not DJ software.


Aye, thank you very much for that. Really is true... It's not always pointing and saying I want to be like him... What's the point if following someone's footsteps isn't really something you end up liking?

Again, thanks for that. Really got through to me (Seriously).

I've done a tad more research based on your very helpful replies and I do, in fact, want to be a producer.

I have also read that there are Producers that mix ONLY the music that they produce thus putting the DJ label on there, which really sounds interesting as well... But I'm sure that's something to learn further down the road, as focus needs to be kept on one specialty before trying to master another one.

For future reference by readers that may have the same question in the future needing to know the difference between DJs and Producers:

thedjpodcast.com
Logisticalstyles 5:25 PM - 15 October, 2014
You won't need a DJ controller, but you will end up wanting a MIDI keyboard/controller, preferably one with pads. Creating music with just a mouse and your computer's keyboard (for typing) is not an ideal setup and can slow you down and be very frustrating. Also, you won't need the synthesizer if you have a MIDI keyboard and the right software. The synthesizer will be in the software.
eugguy 5:36 PM - 15 October, 2014
Go the the gym and strengthen your shoulders for multiple Jesus poses per gig. Also play alot of video games/masturbate alot to strengthen your knob twisting.

Haha. Just playing.

Start off with a loaded MacBook. Look into Logic X and be prepared to spend alot of time learning your craft. DJ'ing and producing are two different animals in the same zoo.
Xilitive 8:29 PM - 15 October, 2014
Quote:
You won't need a DJ controller, but you will end up wanting a MIDI keyboard/controller, preferably one with pads. Creating music with just a mouse and your computer's keyboard (for typing) is not an ideal setup and can slow you down and be very frustrating. Also, you won't need the synthesizer if you have a MIDI keyboard and the right software. The synthesizer will be in the software.


I will be picking up a Novation Impulse (Mid-Tier of what Novation offers) and will be trying to decide on what Mac I want to buy in order to purchase and run Logic Pro X.

Quote:
Go the the gym and strengthen your shoulders for multiple Jesus poses per gig. Also play alot of video games/masturbate alot to strengthen your knob twisting.

Haha. Just playing.

Start off with a loaded MacBook. Look into Logic X and be prepared to spend alot of time learning your craft. DJ'ing and producing are two different animals in the same zoo.


I was looking into getting a MacBook Pro, but was also looking at getting a 27' iMac, especially with the possibility of a new refreshed model being announced tomorrow. This is a "futureproofing" step I'm taking, in regards to having a machine that can operate with more workload as I progress further and further and end up needing more using more and more resources out of my system. Rather than going out to buy a new system when I require more system resources.

Should I really hold my horses and just get a maxed out MacBook? Then just but a new Mac down the road when I require more power? Or is where I'm getting at a working plan?

Thanks a bunch for the help, both of you!
eugguy 9:33 PM - 15 October, 2014
NP. If you have got the money no harm in going for both Pro and iMac. You will never be future proof with Apple, or really with any technology/DJ tech/etc. Just pick what works for you best and treat your equipment well, it will take care of you. If tight on money, get a tricked out MacBook. Some people will say to get older versions, which may have more proven stability, but I say get new models, they are better in every way. Either way, I hope it works out for you.
djvtyme85 3:33 AM - 16 October, 2014
most important thing when deciding on what computer to purchase is specs in relation to the software of your choice. i'd visit a music store or call a vendor like Sweet Water that offers free educated advice. As well, determine whether you will need a mobile setup. iMac great for home but if you plan on moving around obviously a MacBook Pro is better.
DJMark 10:31 AM - 16 October, 2014
"Futureproofing" is something people like to say, but it's never really true with computers. Even if you build your own system from mainboard/case/other components, at some point the connectivity/compatibility will be outdated and incompatible with whatever new stuff is out later on.

Desktop machines like the iMac (or Mac Pro) are definitely better for long sessions of high-CPU use. My latest-and-greatest maxxed-out mid-2014 MacBook Pro gets frighteningly hot (and is likely throttling the CPU) when rendering video edits with a lot of effects...a function of limited heat dissipation in any laptop. My now-ancient mid-2010 iMac stays way cooler doing the same types of things.
Xilitive 12:37 PM - 16 October, 2014
Quote:
"Futureproofing" is something people like to say, but it's never really true with computers. Even if you build your own system from mainboard/case/other components, at some point the connectivity/compatibility will be outdated and incompatible with whatever new stuff is out later on.

Desktop machines like the iMac (or Mac Pro) are definitely better for long sessions of high-CPU use. My latest-and-greatest maxxed-out mid-2014 MacBook Pro gets frighteningly hot (and is likely throttling the CPU) when rendering video edits with a lot of effects...a function of limited heat dissipation in any laptop. My now-ancient mid-2010 iMac stays way cooler doing the same types of things.



Quote:
"futureproofing" step I'm taking, in regards to having a machine that can operate with more workload as I progress further and further and end up needing more using more and more resources out of my system. Rather than going out to buy a new system when I require more system resources.


Sorry if I made it out to be a tad unclear.

I meant "futureproofing" in regards to my progress from a beginner to more advanced level in relation to the full potential of the system I am working on as I'm making progress.

i.e. Owning a maxed out iMac 27" as a beginner, and not having to worry about needing a more powerful system when I am more advanced and utilize more resources from my system.
djvtyme85 7:16 AM - 18 October, 2014
that's pretty much the same saying the same thing.../\ but you i understand your intentions. in this world understand it's a continuous investiment. the industry standard advances and your going to drop more dough. but the important thing to learn not to keep up with the latest and greatest. find what your standard is and match it to the machine that you can create it on.