jhon_shepherd's Reviews
36 reviews Back to jhon_shepherd's Equipboard
407
Its price is kinda scary at first..
Like most things in regards to quality, They come at a price and Ableton 10 Standard/Suite is no exception. However, I am not feeling any buyers remorse in the least by working my way up to standard. For over a year now I've been using Ableton because after the FL Studio 12 update, I realized that I had a great run with it since day one but I had reached my limitations with the interface changing constantly, Initially I got 9 Live Lite when I purchased the Arturia minilab and realized that I spent years denying myself the simple things in production like a greater workflow dynamic. Even though its a software workstation, I cannot help but describe its dynamic workflow as tactile and with the ability to render audio to .wav as well as the linear/performance style interface, I don't think I will grow bored of this for some number of years, In fact I've still so much to learn.
Version: Ableton Live 10
407
49SL MKII
I purchased this controller roughly 3 months ago at a fantastic price from reverb.com. As for functionality in Ableton (My current DAW for over a year now) is fantastic. It has a pretty solid weight to it and although the sliders and knobs feel a bit "Light" compared to most hardware synths I've had the opportunity to put through the ringer, Its hands down the most durable MIDI controller I've owned. I can understand that even after 10+ years this particular model still retains its value and rightfully so.
407
Diverse EQ
I recently obtained a Gibson G400 and by doing so, I come to appreciate just how expansive this EQ plugin is. I've used it in other applications but when I incorporate it into an fx bus of an external instrument like an electric guitar, mic, or synth, It really comes into its own. +1 for team Image Line for having some of the greatest native plugins at no additional cost.
407
I think its great.
One of the biggest drawbacks for my workflow has always been drum programming. I've spent many hours wondering how I could make my drums more expressive (Other than just piano rolling them to death) I found the MPD-18 at a local pawn shop so $30 well spent. I find that more and more this gears function goes beyond expressive drum programming. I've been using it as a secondary synth, I will have the same sound bed playing in 2 different octaves at the same time. Probably not the most cutting edge thing to ever be done, But it works for me. I highly recommend this piece or something similar.
407
Quite Surprised
The Alesis MM4 may be small, But it's functionality and usefulness allows this unit to pay for itself time and time again. I was and still am surprised at how great this computer recording interface is. With 2 built in High Pass Filters and gains on the first 2 channels (An option to switch between line/guitar on the first channel is equally awesome) And the size of the unit means it's stupidly handy to take and plug into your laptop when you are on the go or even doing a live show.
407
Drumaxx
This drum machine is nothing short of amazing. It's crazy as to how articulate it is and what you can do with a little experimentation. If you are anything like me, drum programming is always a pain in the butt, Thanks to this since I have figured it out, Can't get enough of it.
407
Must Have!
Korg really knew what they were doing when they released the legacy collection, As for the FX plugins, There is really no need for anything additional once this purchase is made. Everything you could possibly want or need for from subtle reverb to destructive lo-fi.
407
Sytrus
This has always been a personal favorite of mine for the last few years. The sounds of this machine are highly expressive, Especially the string selections, They make for a good starting point in designing complex and haunting sounds.
407
Awesome!
This is essential if you intend on doing your own mastering as it offers a limitless array of functionality, The only drawback is its extremely RAM intensive but that problem can be solved by rendering your project into a wav file after your mix down.
Version: iZotope Ozone 5
407
Korg MS-20
As far as virtual modular synths go, This is hands down the greatest by far. I love how well it creates glitchy abstract sounds.
407
Yamaha goodness
Modeled after the Yamaha DX7 synth, It offers limitless capabilities in terms of design as well as a really solid sound bank.
407
A great fx vst
Since I started taking my production seriously under the Semmath moniker, I made the decision to try and create things on an original level because lets face it, With 1,000+ bedroom producers out there, It's even more challenging to do something to stand apart from everyone else. D-Blue Glitch is an amazing program once you begin to understand it's full capabilities, You can create an entire album with this plugin and have a sense of individualism that makes no two tracks exactly the same. I especially like it's ability to incorporate absurd time signatures.
407
Amazing Sounds
NI Massive is an incredible and powerful VST that is only limited to ones imagination. I would recommend this along side any other NI Plugin.
407
Tried, Tested, Approved And Used
I suppose to each their own, But I simply cannot understand why this DAW is not respected by some. The learning curve on this is very straight forward to the point that I began creating arrangements right away. I first started using FL Studio when I downloaded the fully functional demo of FL 3 all those years ago, And in doing so, I realized that I had no need for another daw so I made the purchase and I never looked back or even once had any major technical problem with the software. In terms of price and lifetime free updates it's simply amazing.
Version: Image Line FL Studio 11
407
M-Audio love
I first purchased an M-Audio Keystation25 back in 2008 and immediately fell in love with it because of the size and functionality. I had no idea that I would end up using that same controller for 5 years, Sometimes under very extreme circumstances. At last the time had finally come to retire it and look for a new controller, Hence this beast, The M-Audio Oxygen49. All I can say is that this controller practically performs every function I need it to. I especially love the fact that the only time I even have to reach for the mouse is to load a VST. Amazing piece of hardware and I imagine it will be sticking around for quite some time.
407
Z3TA
I cannot say enough good things about this program. I love the overall sound design and versatility that it offers. It will more than likely always be my go to stand alone VST. Every bit worth the investment.