[What Do You Tihnk Of Massey Plugins?]

hey Andy

Thanks for the link. i'll take a look, perhaps write up a review for Songstuff too if I have time.

Yeah, they are great plugins... what did you think of them?

[Hello From Andyc - Producer / Songwriter (Sweden)]

Thanks Guys.... Looking forward to seeing the sort-a-thing that goes on here! Looks like there are a lot of creative people... great to see.

[Any Pro Tools & Reaper Questions? Just Shout!]

Hi all.

Not sure how many Pro Tools or Reaper users there are here, but thought I'd see if anyone needed any questions answered? If you are wanting advice on buying a system or need some help with the setup or operating.... I'll do my best to help.

I've been using Pro Tools for many years for location recording, studio recording, film and audio and all that. Got experience with LE and HD rigs.

Additionally we started using Reaper for Mixdowns last year, its a great bit of software... if ya get any problems just shout and I'll see if I can suggest an answer.

AndyC

[What Do You Tihnk Of Massey Plugins?]

Hi guys, Not sure if its been mentioned on here before, but last year we discovered a 'one-man' plug in making company called 'Massey'. We love the EQ, Compressors and Limiters. Its worth taking a look and trying them out if you havent already?

I think the guy used to work for one of the big programming companies... not too sure, but he sure knows his thing! Really easy to use and they sound great. PLUS they are FREE to try! here is a link: http://www.masseyplugins.com/

Let me know what you think of them.

[Wat Do U Think Of Massey Plugins?]

Sorry... new to this... ignore this post!

[My Equipment Sucks! Lol Where Do I Even Begin?]

My advice on the recording front... Get an apple mac and a pro tools rig. Lots of options out there, so it can work to your budget, but honestly once you switch to apple you'll have no worries about recording.... just hit record and away you go! I'm a big fan of the M-Box range... perfect for home production. I use a 003 alot for getting ideas together, then you can take it into a larger studio running HD for track laying and mixing. Works perfect for me!

Microphone wise I invested in a Neumann 8 years ago... best investment I've made. Great for putting down guide vocals and general acoustic sound sources.

It all depends what you want to do with your recordings? But for me its really worked having an high quality basic set up for any home work... means that your time is spent creating music and not spent fixing problems or wondering why things dont sound how they should.

I run a Apple Macbook Pro and have an M-Box 2 and 003 (so can choose which set up depending on what im working with), then have a G4 for standard home recording and getting the ideas down. We then use studios that run HD rigs (and acoustically treated rooms... meaning great drum and vocal recordings) to track lay guitars, drums and vocals. It works really well... as you get the quality and cross compatibility of session files. (ie... we take in our pro tools file to the studio... and take away the pro tools file at the end of the day and edit back on the 003 (LE setup).

Other thing to consider... getting good monitor speakers. If you cannot push the budget for quality speakers at this stage, I'd start with good quality headphones... so you can hear whats going on.

Sorry for the ramble... maybe some of this helps? lol

AndyC

[Hello From Andyc - Producer / Songwriter (Sweden)]

I've been a professional in the industry for over 15 years. I first got into music through songwriting and having a band, I studied Media Production (Sound) back in 2000 and from there got involved in a string of projects and adventures. I've grew up in Bristol (UK) and now live in Stockholm, Sweden. I've worked alongside many of the great names that the Bristol scene is known for and have worked in a full range of recording studios.

My songwriting and production skills were grounded through a two year management deal with Harry Barter (Paul Youngs and many others manager... also a songwriter for a number of major acts and labels... back in the day when you were employed 9 to 5 to write tunes!), a guy who took our simple band of rebellion and taught me the art of songwriting and how the music industry works for an artist, this lead meetings and development deals with the major labels and publishing houses (EMI, Island etc) and fully showed me the true picture and demands of mainstream music. During this time I had a death in the family, which lead me to growing a beard and drinking far too much red wine, basically turning my back on music and the pressures of writing 3.5 min singles for suits.... it just didnt make sense right then.

I dabbled in music product, working with some 'averagely' talented songwriters who paid to have their songs re-written and recorded, I also did some music for TV, some independent films and voice over recording for TV ads. To be honest, rather soul destroying if you do it too much! But, it paid the rent and I learnt alot.

I did a few solo projects as a singer / songwriter, played a few gigs and explored the avenue of becoming a solo artist. Alongside this I was doing sound engineering and things, got to work along side a few big names who really helped out with advice and mentally preparing for the joys and strains of the music industry.

I started a music tuition company in 2001, which grew and still is around today. We provide modern music programs for a complete range of young people. This work has led to running projects for schools, councils, youth groups and international festivals, also with a bit of guest speaking here and there. (Kaytosound.com is the company home).

I worked with South Glos council to set up a state of the art training studio in 2009, its a top grade Pro Tools based facility that enable young people to get there hands on some serious kit and get a great start in recording and playing music.

So now, I'm just starting to build links between the UK and Sweden with a new music production company. We set out to produce market focused 'ready to sell' music productions for artists and bands. Currently working with a couple of talented UK acts, with our first Swedish productions starting this month. Over the next couple of weeks we'll know if we've landed our first major contract to produce an album (which, if the rumors are true, might include a few days recording in the legendary Abbey Road studios).

That brings me to now, I'm starting to co-write with a few of the clients, its been a while, but im really looking forward to it. I thought it would be great to get involved in a forum and see what others are up to and maybe find a few killer tunes that we could produce, or lovely people to share the journeys with! ha.

My main thing is.... Enjoy Music... sounds simple, but ya have to keep it in the forefront of ya mind once the wheels are rolling!