Page 41 - Zone Magazine Issue 013

" Though I cannot offer a crazy
futuristic machine to freeze time,
I can however present you with some money saving tips that
you might find useful. "
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Midi Keyboard Controllers:
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Midi Keyboard are not an essential requirement, but they are a very convenient addition to your setup, if banging on your laptop keyboard is starting to get a bit frustrating. Not to mention, some midi keyboards even come with additional controls, such as drum-pads and assignable knobs.
Korg NanoKey2 (€51)
The NanoKey2 offers a minimalistic and sleek design, while still providing the functionality of a modern keyboard. This product also ships with the Kontrol Editor software, that allows users to customize the velocity curve, pitch bend and key timing. The NanoKey2 also comes in both a black and a white model, meaning if you like to color coordinate your equipment, you are in luck. If you are looking for an extremely portable replacement for a real piano, then this product might not be for you. But if getting ideas down as fast as possible is your goal, then by all means take the plunge and buy right away.
Akai LPK25 (€50)
This 25-key keyboard features a built in arpeggiator, velocity sensitivity and realistic piano keys. Though slightly bulkier than the previously mentioned Korg unit, you would be quick in forgiving Akai as the addition of realistic piano keys is well worth the extra size. The arpeggiator is an amazing feature that allows you to play melodic patterns seamlessly, which would prove very difficult otherwise on such a small keyboard.
Alesis V-Mini ($61)
If you are looking for a keyboard that offers more control than just the standard piano keys, then look no further than the Alesis V-Mini. Equipped with 25 velocity sensitive keys, 4
backlit drum-pads, 4 assignable knobs and a free copy of the V-Mini software, you are looking at a powerhouse piece of equipment. For just $10 more than both the Korg and Akai keyboards, you get additional control capabilities, making this a dream purchase for any knob and dial tweaker on the move.
Plugins:
Audio plugins can quickly become an endless money pit of nonsensical buying. Reassuring yourself that the latest release is the “Missing Link” to your productions. At the end of the day, your DAW will have all the essential tools you will ever need. However, here are some nice little extras that you can add to your arsenal, without breaking the bank.
Voxengo SPAN (Free)
You may be wondering why I have included such a basic and simple tool as a Spectrum Analyser in this list, but you would be wrong in thinking SPAN was just an ordinary Analyser. SPAN not only offers a standard spectrum, you are also provided with information such as RMS, M/S analysis and stereo correlation. This is an essential tool for any mixing engineer looking to get more detailed and in depth mixes.
Synth1 (Free)
Don't let the outdated interface of this plugin fool you. As the number one most downloaded plugin on the KVR Audio website, Synth1 has proved time and time again that you should never judge a synth by its cover. Originally released in 2002 as an emulation of the classic Nord Lead 2, it quickly became a must have for both music producer and synth enthusiasts alike. If you are chasing a anthemic JP8000- esque Supersaw sound, then Synth1 is definitely for you.
Tyrell N6 (Free)
Imagine it is the 1980's, you are a daring
police officer cruising down the Miami coastline in your top-down convertible, while your blonde buxom beauty in the passenger seat inserts a cassette into your car's cassette player. The sounds of lush pads, futuristic bass lines and analog drums fill the air as you speed off into the sunset. Tyrell N6 is the analog hardware emulation you have always dreamt of having. Developed by Amazon.de in conjunction with Urs Heckmann (U-He), Tyrell N6 will make it possible for you to turn your 80's synthpop dreams into a reality.
Before buying any piece of gear or software you should always do some research. Whether that is on an online forum or in a magazine, you should educate yourself and try and keep up to date with newly released products. It is also worth noting that sites like KVR Audio have endless amounts of information on both hardware and software, with KVR Audio being many people's first point of reference. KVR is also very useful when it comes to searching audio plugins as you can search by category and price meaning you can scroll through an almost unlimited amount of freeware plugins to add to your VST folder.
You should also try and tactically plan your purchases around times of the year when products go on offer such as public holidays, in particular Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Sign up to company newsletters so that you are made aware of any sales or discounts they are offering as soon as they are announced. At the end of the day, music production should never be about how much equipment or software you have, it should simply be an enjoyable experience powered by your passion for music.
Words By Daniel Daly
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