highstakes Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Thanks for helping me out. I have some questions regarding my setup and acquiring new gear. Currently, I have a the following setup: IMac - newer model Logic Pro 9 Numark tt-usb turntable Stanton DJ mixer Pair of Yamaha HS80 monitors MPD 24 I would like to add a keyboard controller (I'm thinking of the new Korg Microsampler). Basically, I'm willing to get the microsampler as long as it can Fully function like a controller, which can control logic synths & plug-ins(axiom, mpk, etc.) and as well as it's own features. Furthermore, I would like to to be able to record from my turntable to logic and into the microsampler. I understand I would need an interface. Would I still need the mixer? Would the M-Audio Firewire Solo work with my setup? Would a control surface take place of an Interface? I am possibly interested in getting a control surface that works good within logic. I was looking at the Euphonix MC Control, it seems to work great with logic. Is there an cheaper alternative? Also, I would like it to be user friendly, I am new to this. Essentially, I want everything to work simple & smoothly. I like to make sample based music from records. Can you give me a rundown of the necessary items I'm going to need...cables, interface, etc. Sorry, if I'm rambling just want to be clear. I appreciate your time.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logicfan11 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Hi there . I am not into your music genre but i think i can tell some words about the FireWire Solo in general. I am using it now and it sounds good for my guitar and voice. It has all the features for me, like plugging in monitors, XLR cables with phantom power for condenser microphones and guitar. I can record 2 instruments at a time and it works smoothly with Logic, is robust because of its metal enclosure and looks good. That's why i bought it a while ago . But now the other side... When i bought it, Mac OS X Leopard wasn't new anymore and they had drivers for it. When Snow Leopard was released i upgraded and was happy about it's new features but then i realized that M-Audio hasn't any drivers yet. Then i read that M-Audio seems like they don't have interest in the Mac community, as they release Mac drivers way too late (2-6 months too late!). Now they have drivers for Snow Leopard and i can finally work again with Mac OS X 10.6 but that made my mind up: no more driver based products from M-Audio. I hope i could help you . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyshooter Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 Thanks for helping me out. I have some questions regarding my setup and acquiring new gear. Currently, I have a the following setup:IMac - newer model Logic Pro 9 Numark tt-usb turntable Stanton DJ mixer Pair of Yamaha HS80 monitors MPD 24 I would like to add a keyboard controller (I'm thinking of the new Korg Microsampler). Basically, I'm willing to get the microsampler as long as it can Fully function like a controller, which can control logic synths & plug-ins(axiom, mpk, etc.) and as well as it's own features. Furthermore, I would like to to be able to record from my turntable to logic and into the microsampler. I understand I would need an interface. Would I still need the mixer? Would the M-Audio Firewire Solo work with my setup? Would a control surface take place of an Interface? I am possibly interested in getting a control surface that works good within logic. I was looking at the Euphonix MC Control, it seems to work great with logic. Is there an cheaper alternative? Also, I would like it to be user friendly, I am new to this. Essentially, I want everything to work simple & smoothly. I like to make sample based music from records. Can you give me a rundown of the necessary items I'm going to need...cables, interface, etc. Sorry, if I'm rambling just want to be clear. I appreciate your time.... I'm using the Tascam FW-1082 a control surface with mic pre's built in, it is firewire 400 for faster than USB input, the moving faders are pretty nice too, every time I reopen a project all my faders jump to where I left them last time I saved and closed, that is a nice time saver in getting back to work fast. I picked mine up on Craigslist locally for $320.00 the seller threw in 10 mic cables, a couple of guitar cords, manuals, software, PS, and a couple of MIDI cords. The Tascam has MIDI interface built in too with 2 ins and outs each so that was also a reason for me to get it. I have only had a few issues with the unit so far, probably something I was doing as I am pretty new to Logic audio, I am coming from the MIDI only Logic sequencer on an Atari 1040ST computer. For the money it was a good deal IMHO. Eventually I want to get high end stuff, SSL X-Desk/Euphonics controllers or similar with Apogee AD-DA units, but that is $1000's of dollars I can't justify right now as a hobby, so the lowly Tascam will suffice until I do the upgrades eventually. I first bought the M-Audio Axiom 25 and upgraded to the Axiom49 within the week, but I then purchased a used Korg Wavestation for less than the Axiom49 cost me, in some ways I like it better as a controller, plus I get to use the cool sounds without tying up processor working in my Mac. Any decent MIDI keyboard like the Korg Microsampler would work, just be sure you like the feel of the keys and that the unit can send MIDI out on different channels when needed. I also play guitar and got an expression pedal, which I plugged into the Axiom's EXP input to allow me to use wah-wah pedal in the guitar rack in Logic better in real time when laying guitar tracks down. The Tascam records all fader movements nicely for mixing, although the Axiom could double as a controller but then I'd need to get another audio interface, which is actually how I started off, then using the Mackie Onyx Satellite interface, but the Axiom was difficult for me to set up, and the faders stink, I broke one off the day I got the unit barely bumped it and the whole thing snapped off, the build quality is pretty cheap on the Axiom, the newer Pro Axioms seem a bit better with software, but the build quality doesn't seem to have improved really - I wouldn't trust it live when gigging. But then again there are so many good MIDI keyboards available these days second hand that feel better plus have libraries of sounds too, ie; Korg M1 - O1/W, Roland D50, Yamaha DX line, Akai AX-80, Kawai K5, all keyboards I have or have owned and used as MIDI controllers at one time or another. The Roland D50 doesn't transmit volume changes from the volume slider for example so be sure which ever keyboard you get can at least transmit all MIDI data (volume, pitch, velocity, aftertouch, etc.), you think you will need to use. For controllers I also looked at the Mackies but I couldn't find a deal on a used one when I was ready to buy, found a lot of Digidesign PT controllers, but read here at LPH that they aren't the best brand to use when setting up a Logic only system. Novations new SL2 line looks interesting too, or there is always the cheap route like an older JL Cooper fader box (MIDI Only) but assignable in Logic to use it as a controller board, Berhinger also makes some cheap controllers that will work for you for also. Much of the lower end stuff I get I plan to unload as I upgrade, but gives me a chance to get my feet wet learning Logic Pro9 without spending top dollar until I really understand why I need to upgrade a piece of gear. At the prices I have been paying, I should be able to recoup most of my expenditures as I do the upgrades in the studio over the next year or two. Don't forget to work on the acoustics of your room too! Maybe more important than getting all sorts of new toys first, as without a good sounding room you will have a hard time getting your mixes to sound great on different systems when played. This part can be accomplished cheaply enough if you go the do it yourself route. I've been reading and learning a lot at www.gearslutz.com forums on DIY acoustic treatments for small rooms. Hope this helps you out a bit, LPH is a great place to get info, and I'm glad I found this place the day I purchased LogicPro9 (day it came out) I didn't know and was looking to buy LP8 thankfully Fry's was out so I drove to my local Apple Store where I was informed I could get the LP9 for the same price I was going to pay for LP8 and not have to upgrade, I used it for a week or two then got my SL upgrade, so far everything has been working well with no major issues for me and where I'm at in using LP9, only real issue has been I can't get NI Pro-53 virtual synth to work under SL. Go for it, you will not be disappointed, I'm sure glad I went the LP route instead of PT way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highstakes Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 Thanks for The info... I have been leaning towards getting the Tascam 1082. After reading this I'm probably going to get it. I have another question...I have the Numark ttusb turntable currently connected to a dj mixer. I had a Apogee Duet and when i wanted to listen to my turntable I had disconnect my monitors from the duet and into the dj mixer. When I get an audio interface, for instance the 1082, is there a way to listen to my turnatble without the dj mixer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyshooter Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Thanks for The info... I have been leaning towards getting the Tascam 1082. After reading this I'm probably going to get it. I have another question...I have the Numark ttusb turntable currently connected to a dj mixer. I had a Apogee Duet and when i wanted to listen to my turntable I had disconnect my monitors from the duet and into the dj mixer. When I get an audio interface, for instance the 1082, is there a way to listen to my turnatble without the dj mixer? I believe if you left the turntable plugged into your current DJ mixer, then ran the mixer outputs to the Tascam into two channels you could hit the monitor mix button on the Tascam and run it manually that way, I do this when I don't have the MBP hooked up or running logic, the Tascam can stand on it's own as a mixer without the computer hooked up. I do this sometimes when I want to play a keyboard without recording or using AU stuff, just flip on the Wavestation and Tascam then start playing something. Look around at for a good used Tascam locally, they seem to come up here in Dallas every other week or so, all under $400.00 I've seen, I've also found a new one for $450.00 NIB, I would've bought but it sold while I was calling on it. I do not regret getting the FW-1082 at all for what I paid for it, if I had to buy one at retail I would look at Mackie used controller boards then for that price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highstakes Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 Ok I'll try that... Can run the RCA cables from the turntable straight to the tascam? I want to stop using the dj mixer basically. It's takes up space & the only reason I use it for listening to records. Not to mention everytime I want to listen to records I have to unplug speaker cables from interface to dj mixer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyshooter Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Not too sure about running a turntable directly into the Tascam, I think the Turntable will need some signal amplification the preamps built in might be enough to drive it, but I'd bet too much noise may enter the signal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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