So I've been obsessed with beatboxing for a few years now, one of my favorites being Beardyman. He has decided to start destroying on a couple of KP3's and I would love to possibly get one. My only issues are:
1. I know nothing about mixing (never really had an interest until the KP3).
2. I have 0 equipment (other than the obvious computer).
3. I don't have a lot of money (...school).
I was wondering what exactly is required to start messing around and learning on the KP3. I looked into the Tenori-on but that is far out of my price-range (although exactly what I'm looking for to help me learn and just mess around in my free time). I know this has probably been answered, but I'm had four 16 hour days and I'm half asleep, that combined with failing google-fu skills.
Thanks in advance for any helpful information you guys can give me, and sorry about the ultra-noob post.
Possible KP3 purchase.
Moderators: Sharp, X-Trade, Pepperpotty, karmathanever
Beardyman really does inspire, doesn't he? Along with selling the hell out if the KP3. :p
If the main purpose (at least for a start) for getting a KP3 is to use it for beatboxing, all you really need as well is a half-decent microphone and talent. I'm assuming you're knew about the latter.
I'd probably experiment with one or two basic guitar effects pedals too but they are by no means necessary.
However, you mentioned the Tenori-On... Leading me to think that you want something as backing for your beatbox skills. Is this right? The KP3 does have some synth sounds but its primary function is to process the samples on its banks or the external audio source with its host of effects.
Hope this goes some way to answering you. Let us know specifically what you want to be able to do.
If the main purpose (at least for a start) for getting a KP3 is to use it for beatboxing, all you really need as well is a half-decent microphone and talent. I'm assuming you're knew about the latter.
I'd probably experiment with one or two basic guitar effects pedals too but they are by no means necessary.
However, you mentioned the Tenori-On... Leading me to think that you want something as backing for your beatbox skills. Is this right? The KP3 does have some synth sounds but its primary function is to process the samples on its banks or the external audio source with its host of effects.
Hope this goes some way to answering you. Let us know specifically what you want to be able to do.
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Ptotherice
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2010 3:27 am
Hey man, thanks so much for the information. Honestly, right now, my beatboxing will not come into play, haha. My skills are hardly even amatuer. I was mainly looking for something to just creates beats and learn to mix and change them and just kind of mess around with. I'm always enjoyed mixing, just never thought about doing it myself. That's why the Tenori-on is so intriguing to me. It has everything you need to create a song and to play around with that song. I didn't know if the KP3 had the same features and "simplistic" interface that allows for someone new to the game to learn and have fun. The other equipment is what I'm mainly worried about. I have yet to see a video of the KP3 without at least 3 things plugged in. What those things are, I have no clue, but like I said I have 0 equipment.
Thanks again for the help already given, this is probably the quickest intelligent response I have had in a long while.
Thanks again for the help already given, this is probably the quickest intelligent response I have had in a long while.
Well, if you're not going to be playing around with your own voice and beatbox beats, you won't really need the microphone.
With no other equipment, the KP3 is limited. It does have some synth and drum programs but, like I said, its primary function is to alter other instrument's input or its own samples (which can be from the external source or the limited synth and drum patches).
As far as "mixing" goes, what do you mean? Mixing as in mixing like a DJ and using other people's songs? Mixing different musical ideas of your own together to make songs/pieces of music? You mentioned Beardyman. His sets, aside from the comedy aspect, usually take on the form of a kind of self-produced DJ set, where he makes the parts of the music himself but it's largely based on actual material. Is this what you intend to do but with synth and drum machines instead of beatboxing?
When buying equipment, the most important thing to look at is what you want it to do. Have a think about what you aim to achieve. Try thinking about the types of music you want to be able to emulate because, at the end of the day, nothing is 100% unique, you'll always be likened to someone.
With no other equipment, the KP3 is limited. It does have some synth and drum programs but, like I said, its primary function is to alter other instrument's input or its own samples (which can be from the external source or the limited synth and drum patches).
As far as "mixing" goes, what do you mean? Mixing as in mixing like a DJ and using other people's songs? Mixing different musical ideas of your own together to make songs/pieces of music? You mentioned Beardyman. His sets, aside from the comedy aspect, usually take on the form of a kind of self-produced DJ set, where he makes the parts of the music himself but it's largely based on actual material. Is this what you intend to do but with synth and drum machines instead of beatboxing?
When buying equipment, the most important thing to look at is what you want it to do. Have a think about what you aim to achieve. Try thinking about the types of music you want to be able to emulate because, at the end of the day, nothing is 100% unique, you'll always be likened to someone.
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Ptotherice
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2010 3:27 am
I'm taking most of my inspiration from Beardyman. Starting a song from scratch and just making it up as he goes. I know it's not something for a beginner, but hell, it's something I can learn in my spare time. My hopes for the KP3 would be that it would be kind of like the Tenori-on and allow you to do everything with the device itself. I hate to keep comparing them, but like I said, I'm new to this sort of thing.
The mixing thing is just like you said. I would love to use the music I have but also do like Beardyman and make my own from scratch. Sorry I can't really explain it any better. All of my descriptive talent goes to cars haha.
The sounding like someone else thing is absolutely true. I played bass guitar for 3-4 years and it was hard to do anything without sounding like someone else, which isn't always a bad thing. The main music I enjoy with this aspect to it is stuff like Justice, Air, Massive Attack, Portishead, and anything on the same lines as those groups/bands.
The mixing thing is just like you said. I would love to use the music I have but also do like Beardyman and make my own from scratch. Sorry I can't really explain it any better. All of my descriptive talent goes to cars haha.
The sounding like someone else thing is absolutely true. I played bass guitar for 3-4 years and it was hard to do anything without sounding like someone else, which isn't always a bad thing. The main music I enjoy with this aspect to it is stuff like Justice, Air, Massive Attack, Portishead, and anything on the same lines as those groups/bands.
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Ptotherice
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2010 3:27 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39n4wow8fWE
That video is a good indication of where I want to go with this. Once I can afford a good mic at least.
That video is a good indication of where I want to go with this. Once I can afford a good mic at least.
two other machines you could be interested in are the Digitech Jamman and the BOSS RC 50. There are a lot of beatboxers here in Belgium (RoxorLoops for example).
All the beatboxers I know have begun with a Jamman, then they change to the RC50 which allow to stack more loops - But without any effects.
All the beatboxers I know have begun with a Jamman, then they change to the RC50 which allow to stack more loops - But without any effects.
di - soundcloud.com/BerimbauJack
Hmm... Well, the KP3 is not really that comparable to the Tenori-On. Although still different, the Kaossilator Pro (KPro) is more like the all-in-one box of which you speak.
Or even an original Kaossilator (KO-1) with the KP3 would be a very powerful set-up. Especially if you then got a decent mic.
As for the music you mentioned, melodic, beat-based, danceable music seems to be your aim. That being said, any device that can loop can be twisted to be used for any style (as Beardyman shows well).
However, you'll still need some way of inputting sound.
The KP3 does have some in-built sounds, the KPro has alot, the KO-1 has a good selection (though largely electronica in type) or then there's the whole hosts of other synths and instruments.
It deprends on how much you want to spend and also whether applying effects to your recorded loops is important.
Or even an original Kaossilator (KO-1) with the KP3 would be a very powerful set-up. Especially if you then got a decent mic.
As for the music you mentioned, melodic, beat-based, danceable music seems to be your aim. That being said, any device that can loop can be twisted to be used for any style (as Beardyman shows well).
However, you'll still need some way of inputting sound.
The KP3 does have some in-built sounds, the KPro has alot, the KO-1 has a good selection (though largely electronica in type) or then there's the whole hosts of other synths and instruments.
It deprends on how much you want to spend and also whether applying effects to your recorded loops is important.
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Ptotherice
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2010 3:27 am
didjeko: I'll check those out tonight for sure! Thanks! And yes, RoxorLoops was actually the first beatboxer to get me into beatboxing, he is unbelievably good.
Mr36: I have yet to look into the Kaossilator, but I have heard a lot of good things from just reading about the KP3. I will check that out also, and see if it is within my price range. I've been looking on craigslist and there are some good packages that people are putting up on there, so that will probably be my best route. KPro honestly sounds like the way to go for me, I'll be doing some research tonight.
Mr36: I have yet to look into the Kaossilator, but I have heard a lot of good things from just reading about the KP3. I will check that out also, and see if it is within my price range. I've been looking on craigslist and there are some good packages that people are putting up on there, so that will probably be my best route. KPro honestly sounds like the way to go for me, I'll be doing some research tonight.
Let me know what you decide. I'm just assuming (correct me if I'm wrong) that you don't have much musical experience. In saying this, I don't mean you don't have talent, just that "real" instruments would have to be learnt, as opposed to the Kaossilators, which pretty much anyone can make a half-decent track with (not that they are not capable of making really very good quality music) and are definitely a good way to get into music making.
The looper pedals also mentioned are good devices but with them you would definitely need to buy something to input sounds, as they are just for recording the loops not for making the sounds themselves.
I think KP3 and KO-1 or KPro would be a good start but keep looking.
The looper pedals also mentioned are good devices but with them you would definitely need to buy something to input sounds, as they are just for recording the loops not for making the sounds themselves.
I think KP3 and KO-1 or KPro would be a good start but keep looking.
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Ptotherice
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2010 3:27 am
I played bass guitar for a few years (3-4) and was always told of high amounts of talent in me, but I always set my bar too high and just gave up after a while.
I'll definitely let you know. I doubt it will be any time soon because of money issues, but I've been looking for a good deal on ebay and craigslist. I'm hoping to find something. Thanks for all the input guys, you have been extremely helpful.
I'll definitely let you know. I doubt it will be any time soon because of money issues, but I've been looking for a good deal on ebay and craigslist. I'm hoping to find something. Thanks for all the input guys, you have been extremely helpful.
Apologies for my wrong and actually stupid assumption of your lack of musical experience. I completely forgot you had mentioned playing bass.
Though some may argue that playing bass and having no musical experience go hand in hand. :p
I, however, am not one of those people and if you still have a bass, you should try using that as an input instrument. You could be the next Squarepusher! :p
Though some may argue that playing bass and having no musical experience go hand in hand. :p
I, however, am not one of those people and if you still have a bass, you should try using that as an input instrument. You could be the next Squarepusher! :p
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darthballs
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2010 7:33 pm
Unless you're gonna do strictly Beardy man (or I guess any other loop-based beatboxing Schlomo-type stuff), the KP3 will be useless to you without other instruments. The onboard "synths" effects aren't even worth mentioning, and the drum loops are mediocre at best, and are plagued with tempo clocking issues.
I'd get the Kaossilator Pro, which will let you mess around with music as well as looping. The bad news is you're gonna spend $400+tax on a new KOPro in the states, versus grabbing a KP3 off craigslist for $220.
I'd get the Kaossilator Pro, which will let you mess around with music as well as looping. The bad news is you're gonna spend $400+tax on a new KOPro in the states, versus grabbing a KP3 off craigslist for $220.
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Ptotherice
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2010 3:27 am
Well, beatboxing is becoming more and more my main plan with a KP3. I've been trying (been extreeeeemely busy lately) to research more on the KPro. I am really wanting to get both a KP3 and a KPro. If I had the money I would have an entire setup already (amazing local deal for a KP3, KPro and a bunch more and an iTouch for about $500), but school is preventing money from being expendable haha.
Mr36: Don't worry about it buddy. I do that stuff on my car forum alllll the time. I agree that MOST bass players have 0 skills and use it as an easy way out, although I played bass following Victor Wooten and Les Claypool styles, so I actually had to develop my apparent talent. It helps me with beatboxing because I've learned to be able to follow a beat really well and am able to use that all the time.
Mr36: Don't worry about it buddy. I do that stuff on my car forum alllll the time. I agree that MOST bass players have 0 skills and use it as an easy way out, although I played bass following Victor Wooten and Les Claypool styles, so I actually had to develop my apparent talent. It helps me with beatboxing because I've learned to be able to follow a beat really well and am able to use that all the time.
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darthballs
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2010 7:33 pm