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Original poster

Music technology help

16 replies

Themutts · 22/09/2019 07:31

My eldest is really interested in music technology / producing / writing / recording. I know nothing about it. It's his birthday and he has asked for some stuff to start him off recording at home.

I spoke to his teacher who said he should get a Mac book and some other bits. They are so expensive though.
Can anyone recommend a cheaper way to do this?
I need advice from people who know. We don't have a lot of money. Thanks

OP posts:
SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 07:40

My DS (18) studies audio engineering and my dd (16) is a singer songwriter and records all the music that she puts up on SoundCloud, Apple Music and Spotify by herself at home. You can't really do these things without a MacBook Pro and Logic (the software) and a mic. You can get a used MacBook Pro and Apple does an educational priced Application bundle for $199 which includes Logic Pro. Having said that, tell us what your budget is and let Mumsnet do its magic.

P.S. Audio Engineering is actually a very employable career. So this will not be wasted training for your ds.

Original poster
Themutts · 22/09/2019 07:51

Thanks. I dont know exactly what our budget is but do you think it's possible for under 1000? He could ask for money donations from the family I guess for Birthday and Christmas too I think.

He can upgrade as he goes, right now he just needs a start.

SofiaAmes I think he will go down this road career wise but not totally sure just yet.

OP posts:
Iwanttoseethesea · 22/09/2019 07:55

My son is doing a music production degree at BIMM - have a look online as they different sites in the uk and Europe to study at.

He had to get a Mac book and all the relevant stuff to go with it to produce

Interested in this thread?

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SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 08:17

Important Note...it's a MacBook Pro not just a plain MacBook.

I'm going to give things in $ as I am in the USA....
My dd is managing just fine with a 2012 MacBook Pro (even though she thinks she NEEDS a brand new one). You can get a 2012 MacBook Pro for $500 or less. And an Akai Professional MPK249 | 49 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for $398 (I'm sure a used one will be less). LogicPro educational bundle is $199 from the MacStore. That is enough to get started. He can use his iphone (assuming he has one) as a mic for now.

BertrandRussell · 22/09/2019 08:22

@Themutts - my da knows about this stuff too - I’ll ask him when he gets home later. I know he’s only just got. MacBook, so he’s been using other stuff for the last couple of years, but I have no idea what. I’ll ask.

Original poster
Themutts · 22/09/2019 08:56

Thanks everyone for your advice. Please keep it coming. I am hopeful to get a good set up for less than 1000 and it seems possible with all your advice.
My DS will be over the moon if we can achieve this. Thank you so much.

OP posts:
Littlefish · 22/09/2019 09:00

Please can I jump into your thread, Themutts as I have a similar query.

My dd sings and accompanies herself on the piano. She uses an amp and Mic.

She would like to be able to do the above but also record it. What equipment does she need?

Do we need a keyboard, laptop, Mic, mixer etc?

I have absolutely no idea where to start! Any advice would be welcomed!

SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 09:30

LIttlefish your dd will need a mic instead of the keyboard, but otherwise the rest of the stuff is the same...MacBook Pro and LogicPro (application). My dd has the Apogee MiC Plus USB Microphone which was given to us by Apple in apology for a customer service mistake that they made. It's a pretty good mic. The important thing to look for is a USB mic so that it can be plugged directly into a computer and then you don't need an amp, mixer etc.

SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 09:32

If you get an older, used MacBookPro make sure that it has at least 8gb of RAM.

Littlefish · 22/09/2019 10:11

Thanks @SofiaAmes

BertrandRussell · 22/09/2019 11:24

It’s also worth asking him what he would like. He will, I guarantee, have been browsing!

Original poster
Themutts · 22/09/2019 16:47

Thanks again everyone. Yes, he's been browsing but he has expensive tastes. I think I can make a good list from this.

OP posts:
SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 16:49

I was going to say that. When you ask kids for input, they give you a very expensive list of top of the line stuff.

BertrandRussell · 22/09/2019 16:56

Fair enough. I just think asking him, but giving him a budget might mean not wasting money.....

SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 17:13

Yes, that might be helpful too. Maybe give him a lower budget than you really have in mind.

SofiaAmes · 22/09/2019 19:25

Also, remember that the MacBook Pro isn't just a tool for music. It will be his primary computer for everything...school, uni, writing, doing spreadsheets to calculate royalties Smile

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