Hobby Music production - what tools to get?

I’m trying to get back into music production (not serious, just as a hobby). I used to use FL studio and my computer keyboard to make beats. I’d also throw in some VST for some nice instrumentals. Now, I’m trying to redo my workflow so I could work smarter. I come from a piano instrumental background so a MIDI controller sounds right up my alley.

I’m looking to produce Hip-Hop, Electronic, and 8 bit chiptunes. I was thinking of pairing a DAW like Logic or Reason with a MiDI controller but I’ve also heard using the Maschine is pretty damn good. Anyone use it before? It has the ability to integrate into many DAWs as a VST but I don’t want it to just be an expensive MiDi controller if I can’t get much use out of it.

Thanks!

Hey care to take a look at my thread? I also need some help on tools and the basics.
I've used reason 4 with an M-AUDIO keystation 61es in the past and it's been a lot of fun (it had a lot of instruments already, and was easy to make new synths). I don't want that though, I want to use a tracker, if software like that still exists.

There's still quite a few trackers out there. FamiTracker is one of them. Not sure how it would compare to a DAW in terms of creating your own sounds though.

If you're going to produce EDM/Trap/Electronica etc you'll always be better off with a DAW that does pretty much everything.

Three common choices are Bitwig, Ableton Live and FL Studio.
If you're already familiar with FL Studio's interface, I'd probably stick with it. Avicii, Martin Garrix and a whole host of other producers use FL Studio - it's perfectly fine.

As far as midi controllers go, they're all much of a muchness because midi technology has been around for some time and hasn't changed a whole lot. You'll find that the more expensive midi controllers offer extra features and are arguably the same as the majority of cheaper units, albeit without extra inputs and such.

An inexpensive keyboard is all you'll need to jump in and start producing, as the keyboards' built in midi controller will be perfectly fine. If you're looking at DJing or doing any live stuff, then maybe look into buying automated midi controllers like the Maschine, APC, Launchpads etc. Unless you just hate using the mouse :P

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If you are comfortable with FL studio, why change that? It offers more ways to work than most DAW's really, since the majority are still worked via piano roll alone. The most important part in your system is monitors/dac imo. You have to be able to trust your own ears. A midi controller can be good fun but I do not personally find it a must. I mostly just draw my automations directly into the DAW. But for a idea jam session any midi controller really will do the job as long as your DAW can use it.

I would just think it's helpful since I come from a piano background but doing a regular 8 step kick with some octave variation wouldn't be too hard to just draw in. I think I'll stick with FL Studio based on everyone's suggestions. It seems to be getting better every iteration and it's cheaper too. Thanks.