Your equipment choices willbe influenced by the type of project(s) you want to produce. If you're looking for a driving rock guitar and drum sound, you may want to combine the digital and analog mediums, or just work in the analog realm. If you're keyboard and vocal based with sequenced tracks, the all digital realm may work just great for you. The problem I've encountered is once you find equipment you want to use, it may be difficult finding a way to link it all together without buying another expensive module or interface. Those dollars to make equipment compatible add up real fast. Diagram the different options you could see working together for your projects, then start your research. Check all interface connections and make sure if you're using a computer, everything is compatible. Usually computer interfaces are pretty standard, i've been using my same interface for years, but will be updating when I go to a hard disk system. Use what you can reasonably afford, buying the best you can get--used is O.K. as long as you do your homework. Always check out the number of hours on used equipment and for what purpose.

TIME YOU CAN SPEND

Your goals will influence your setup. If you are doing pre and primary production, you may not need as many Effects, EQ, and Compressor units. If you want the freedom to spend unlimited time in doing all aspects of production and mixing, purchase those units as you go along and keep a hard disk system in mind as you put your equipment list together. The best advice I've gotten is to build my computer system (in the midrange price category) to be compatible for my future needs. I'm already reaping the benefits.

SPACE

If you have a limited space, such as in a home studio, don't be afraid to use some of the items you have around first. Simple shelves, baskets, and racks can be set up to keep things organized. As you think through your equipment wants and needs, think about space restraints as you're deciding whether to get the keyboard or rack version of a piece of equipment. Unless you have more than a cubicle to work in, 2 keyboards are hard to keep set up and work around. A good computer workstation can be a basic start for you. Also modular studio furniture (made with rack spaces) are a good option because you can buy one piece at a time. Spend enough time organizing your workspace so you can work easily and quickly.

BUDGET RESTRAINTS

If you have an unlimited budget, you can probably ignore most of this page, as you can hire someone to customize your studio. But if you're like most of the rest of us, you need to shop around. I find that unless you're programming movie scores or writing for a major artist, last year's sounds and equipment are just fine. The equipment turnover is so incredibly fast now and many times the older version may work just fine. (Unless it was the first one out!) You can get your questions answered at your local music store or web site for specifics about the equipment you're looking at and it's compatibility. There are a lot of equipment junkies out there who quite often replace their equipment for the latest model. Also music stores run their lead items to get you into their store--watch their ads. My main advice here is to buy good equipment in the mid-price range. Don't just buy something because it's a good deal. You may never use it and it's better to put that money into something else.