Cubase 4
In the past, making music on a laptop was considered limited. As an alternative to the solid performance of a desktop system, the laptop was thought of as a risk. However laptops have caught up, its now possible to use one as your primary DAW. This is a guide to show you what you need to get started with your music laptop
Microphones
A microphone takes the audio and turns it into an electrical signal. The quality and tone of this signal depends on the type of microphone. To begin with you might consider a Shure 57 or 58 and then upgrade if you need to.
Sound Card
The sound card takes the signal from the microphone, amplifying then processing it into a language the computer can understand. Before buying a sound card consider what you are recording so you can decide the number of inputs and outputs you need.
Connection to the laptop is done via a bus. The main options for laptops is USB, FireWire 400 or FireWire 800. This depends on the laptop you have, almost all laptops come with USB but only some with the FireWire 400 or 800 options. A USB 2 in 2 out – recording two instruments simultaneously – would suit most bedroom musicians. If you plan to record on the move, look for one that’s bus powered (powered via the laptop).
Sequencer
The sequencer is software that records and processes the signal from the sound card. You can track, slice, cut, paste, normalize, time stretch add effects amongst other magical tricks. The sequencer choice is vast, the best thing is to consider your budget. If you have the money, by all means use Cubase, Pro tools or Logic, they are standard in a lot of studios. However if you are on a tight budget why not try something like Reaper, its light and feature heavy, its free. It also has a great community of people contributing to the software, offering support.
Monitoring
You can use earphones, speakers or both. If you have the money you should invest in a good pair of studio monitors. These come equalised flat so you can hear a clear representation of what you are creating.
Its also an advantage to listen to your mix in several set-ups when finalising. I check mixes in my car, on my laptop, an old boom box and my headphones. As wide a range as you can manage.
External Hard drive
If your just starting in the world of laptop music, buying a hard drive is not essential. Recording one or two tracks simultaneously won’t affect audio performance. However, if you are recording more that 6 tracks you might want to invest in a fast external hard drive for recording to. This hard drive is dedicated to audio only. This frees up your computer to host effects and VST’s with no interference. It also frees space on your laptop, if you record multiple sessions you’ll soon see WAV files stack up and rack up gigabytes.
Controllers
If you are interested in using VST’s – a controller keyboard or pad will trigger the instrument. Whether it be drums or piano, the intuitiveness of a controller adds stacks to your productivity.
There are also mixers available with real faders, channel strips and transport controls, making that mix all the more real.
If you plan to record on the move you will want to be light as possible, luckily the there are specific models designed for travel.
Bag
Last of all is a good bag. Your looking for a sturdy padded waterproof bag to carry your laptop, controller surface, power supply and any other peripherals. You can get music specific bags, but many laptop bags will do the trick.
So that’s the basics sorted. Once you get your set-up running your ready to find your muse and make it happen. If you plan to record and mix your own music, or mix others, your ready to go. Here are some other uses you might not have considered for your music laptop.
Pod casts – If you have information you want to share, or are interested in creating a cool music cast. Pod casts can propel you, iTunes rates and promotes the best ones, you could find your self being listened too by thousands. You can buy pod casting packs from several on-line shops.
DJing – Buying some basic mixing software is all you need. Audition those MP3’s and queue them up. The beauty of a laptop is you can prepare it all before hand and there’s none of that lugging around of records.
So get out there, do it and have fun.
Arthur Bart
Making noise on my Music laptop
Cubase 4 Tutorial: Recording Audio (Part 1 of 2)
|
|
Cubase 5 Bundle Level 1-4 ASK-Video $179.99 The complete bundle! Consisting of Level 1 – 4 of the Cubase 5 series. 143 Videos |
|
|
Cubase 4 Tutorial DVD Bundle ASK-Video $99.99 97 Videos Over 7 hours of professional instruction Extremely high quality tutorial videos Easy to use interface Made for Cubase 4 but also great for users of Cubase LE, Cubase AI, Cubase SX3 and Nuendo Mac OS X & Windows compatible DVD-Rom, DVD (NTSC) and DVD (PAL) all in one package! Content 1. Cubase 4 Tutorial DVD Level 1 Content 1. Cubase 4 Tutorial DVD Level 2 Content 1. Cubase 4 Tuto… |
|
|
Music Pro Guides: Cubase 4 – Advanced Level $29.29 This DVD will show you all the advanced techniques, and tips to help you become a Cubase 4 masterThis DVD makes it easy to learn and start recording right away. You’ll learn immediately how to begin recording audio, MIDI, use Virtual Instruments like the HALionOne synthesizer, understand quantizing and work with the MIDI editors in the Piano roll and Event List screens. You’ll even learn to build … |
|
|
STEINBERG CUBASE / NUENDO KEYBOARD STICKERS $8.30 The Steinberg® Cubase® / Nuendo® stickers can easily transform your standard keyboard into a customised one within minutes, depending on your own need and preference. Due to the Steinberg Cubase keyboard stickers are ideal all Cubase users: for beginners and professionals. The Steinberg Cubase keyboard stickers are compatible with all default shortcuts in Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4 as well as… |
|
|
NEW STEINBERG CUBASE / NUENDO KEYBOARD STICKER FOR DESKTOP, LAPTOP AND NOTEBOOK $8.30 The Steinberg® Cubase® / Nuendo® stickers can easily transform your standard keyboard into a customised one within minutes, depending on your own need and preference. Due to the Steinberg Cubase keyboard stickers are ideal all Cubase users: for beginners and professionals. The Steinberg Cubase keyboard stickers are compatible with all default shortcuts in Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4 as well as… |
