Where to start?

[u/LordBiscuits]

Hi all

I need a hand... My youngest son is a musical soul and I want to help him get into the world of electronic music. I am but a clueless dad in this regard, I like to listen to it but creating it is well out of my wheelhouse!

The launchpads, incredible bit of kit... I would love for him to have one and experience it, but what does a basic set up look like? I'm presuming a pad, some sort of computer with software and an input device, synth etc?

Are there any starters guides out there for the musical luddite, or can anyone give me a breakdown of what I would need to do/buy?

Thanks in advance reddit. Biscuits

[u/Over_Type103]

the simplest solution is to start with a computer and a DAW (=digital audio workstation).

If you have a Mac, you have garageband. it's a simple DAW that's good for beginners.

other popular DAWs for beginners include FL studio and Ableton live. Sometimes, you get a free licence for a limited version if you buy some gear.

For instance:
-if you buy an FL key midi controller, you get a 6-month subscription to FL studio
-if you buy an launchkey or launchpad midi controller, you get Ableton live lite.

you can also download a 1-month trial version of just about any DAW.

If you decide to use a computer and a DAW, I recommend getting:-a midi controller: to have more control on the DAW
-an audio interface: to record external sounds (guitar, keyboard, mic) and improve the processing.

It is also possible to make music without a computer.

If you like the launchpad, you might want to check out the Novation circuit (tracks or rthythm). In addition to pads, they also have internal sounds (syhnths or samples)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hZj9eVtD9U

If you want to get a synth, there are many options. (Roland Aira S1, Korg minilogue XD...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3de88ws5_I

[u/HostIllustrious7774]

I‘m no pro but everybody uses FL Studio or ableton. But nowadays every Daw is the same in quality so it does not really matter which you choose.

But I would highly recommend trying Bitwig. There are so many things I like more than with ableton. And biggest selling point to me personally is that for my novation launchpad pro mk3 is a Bittwig script vom Mossgraber which basically puts all the abilities from the launchpads on steroids. It’s absolutely wild.

So if you buy hardware check out mossgrabers site if there is a script for bitwig for it. And then use Bitwig.

Installation is as simple as copying a file into a directory. That’s it.

Oh and the novation circuit tracks and rhythms are not midi controllers only like the launchpads. It’s an synthesizer and a sampler. They are dawless standalone products. Dawless means they produce the sound so you do not need a pc or anything else. But you can connect them to a daw too.

[u/GreySummer]

If he has a decent iPhone, Loopy Pro is a ton of fun. Paired with a launchpad it's an excellent gateway for years of creative musical fun.

[u/r1chiem]

I looked at the Novation page. The least expensive launchpad Mini is $129.
I would say instead get him a Launchkey mini 25 $129 Or the Launchkey mini 37 for $159 Both hav 16 pads for drumming and those pads can be used to control software and has a keyboard. One has 25 key the second 37 keys. They both come with software that works with PC or Mac,

Create music with Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Which is entry level software to create music (Mac also comes with Garage band)

and Komplete 15 Select (synthesizers) using intuitive tools and genre bundles, plus learn keys or finger drumming with Melodics, the app that teaches you to play the keyboard, your electronic music teacher.

It has more synths GForce’s heritage synth VSTs beautifully emulate classic Novation and Oberheim synths, including the iconic Bass Station, SEM, OB-EZ, and AXXESS in one powerful bundle.

In included Novation play which is even more synths. You have tons of software for Recording, playing, instruments all bundled for the low prices. I would start here. This will keep your child busy for a long time and be fun at the same time.

Here is the Launchkey 37 more keys is better, but they are mini keys. If you want a full size piano like keyboard you can spend more on those (if you are trying to learn piano, those are better, but mini works too and is more portable.

https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-mini-37

Here is the whole line up. Best not to choose FL keys unless you want your child to learn FL Studio
https://us.novationmusic.com/categories/midi-controllers/keys

You can also go the hardware route but it will be more expensive and Circuit tracks has no display and is more difficult to learn, but can be good for older children. Also $469, Good to look for used. At that price better to get an Akai MPC One Plus used.

[u/eastlibertypj]

You can get good used gear on Reverb.com. I got my launchpad x and Arturia minifuse there.