PC Software studio

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:50 am

Hi guys! I'm looking into buying a studio software to record my songs. It seems that the stores around here have no clues of what I'm talking about ( small town!!). Can you help me as to what kind of product I should be looking for.
I'd like a virtual multi track mixer to add all my different instruments parts and my vocals. I just got myself a good sound card to do that... Now all I need is the program to achieve the rest!
Waiting for your inputs!

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:05 am

Check out the Rampant Recording Techniques section, you may get more info there.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:54 am

Dan, there are loads of software packages out there. In the UK, Cubase is as popular as ever, amongst others & in the US, other similar packages are just as good & just as popular. Perhaps your choice should be decided on compatibility. Do you want to share your work? If so, then take advice from those that you will be working with...if not, then go with any number of packages that are available, but do essentialy the same job. Cubase, Cakewalk, etc....

firstbassman · Post by **firstbassman** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:01 am

Dan, I agree with Anthony. In my experience they are all ABOUT the same.
My instructor and rhythm guitar player both use Cakewalk. That is one of the oldest and most popular. But a little pricey. If you want something a little less expensive look at Live Lite 4 and Magix Studio. If you own a Mac, GarageBand is the most popular.
Also don't forget that some input devices come with free software too.

bitzerguy · Post by **bitzerguy** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:05 am

I use Sonar on my PC for recording. It is pricey (I use the Producer Edition) and has a bit of a learning curve, but the tools, sound quality (with decent hardware) and flexibility are simply amazing. THey have several versions. I started with Home Studio XXL and moved up.

I use it on an XP based PIII 866Mhz based PC with a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card. I get good sound quality with no artifacts (so far). I think the software cost more than my PC did!

It has great automation features and I use a midi pedal bank to control different features. I like it better than the Cubase I had. Mind you, I spent more time learning to use the Sonar than the Cubase. I haven't tried Pro Tools, so no comment there.

...Dean

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:11 am

Dan, are you planning on making "public release quality" recordings, or is this "just for fun" type of recording? I think that this is an important distinction, and also ties into your budget.

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:13 am

It's just for fun recording. I just wish to burn a personnal CD with my old personnal composition before I get too old to do it. Who knows, my grand children might get a kick out of it!!!
Someone told me that Cakewalk SONAR 4 was a good choice for what I was aiming at...what do you think?

tomg · Post by **tomg** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:18 am

Dan, I have a copy of Sonar 4 studio for sale.

Completely legal, registered to me. Upgradable to Sonar 5, if desired.

I can work with you to get the registration transferred to you. Includes the orginal CDs and the Sonar 4 Power! book.

I just bought a pro tools mbox2 factory package, so I don't need sonar 4 anymore.

If yer interested, email me at [email protected]

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:35 pm

I do my recording on a Korg D16 or a D16XD. I do have a very old version of Cakewalk (can't remember the version number!), but haven't used it much, and not for a while.

revolver · Post by **revolver** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:29 am

Hey Dan,

I do my recording on a Digi001 running Pro Tools 6.4, but before you go dropping cash on software/hardware there are loads of freebies you can try out legally.

The recent issue of Guitar Player listed several free Audio workstations.

(from guitarplayer.com)

"Software

Steal this Digital Workstation!

By Marty Cutler | April 2006

One of the home-studio threads in the Guitar Player Editors’ Office forum (guitarplayer.com) asserted that anyone with a decent computer and an audio interface could assemble a pretty marvelous digital-recording workstation—loaded with editing power and signal-processing plug-ins—for free. Well, we checked it out, and it’s true! There is a vast variety of terrific, free recording software available on the Web that can be yours for a download. In fact, there’s so much good stuff out there that we couldn’t possibly list all the options in one article. So here is just a peek at some choice places to score some bountiful recording tools for zero outlay. Happy Hunting!

A Pro Tools system for free? Believe it. Digidesign Pro Tools Free 5.01 (digidesign.com/ptfree) offers eight tracks of audio and up to 48 MIDI tracks, but it’s for older systems. The Windows version is for Windows 98/ME users, and the Mac version works in systems as late as Mac OS 9. Free even lets you use some RTAS and AudioSuite plug-ins for added signal processing and effects, and the download includes a dynamics processor, a delay, and EQ.

Although it falls more closely into the category of audio editor, Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net) lets you record and overdub tracks—up to 16 at once if your hardware can support it—and the software comes in Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux-based varieties. It also imports and exports a hefty variety of file formats, including WAV, AIFF, and mp3. If you need help, the Web site links to a very active forum. You can use LADSPA or VST plug-ins with the use of an optional (also free) VST Enabler, which opens up your recording options to a ton of great-sounding, free plug-ins.

The Kristal Audio Engine (kreatives.org) gets you 16 audio tracks, and features built-in EQ, delay, chorus, reverb, and something called a “Kristalizer.” The software supports third-party VST effects, and, best of all, it features LiveIN—a virtual rack that lets you play live through a stack of VST effects in real time.

Ardour (Ardour.org) is an open-source, platform-independent, multitrack audio recorder. Currently, you can only download Linux and Mac versions, but Ardour makes the source code available to anyone who wants to build the program for another platform. The software offers unlimited audio tracks (up to the capabilities of your computer), and MIDI support is in the works. Ardour only works with LADSPA plug-ins, but the company’s Web site provides links to more than 100 plug-ins.

If you’d like to investigate your recording options further, kvraudio.com is a mind-bogglingly complete nexus for all things related to computer-based recording. It provides links, news, and forums for recording software, plug-ins, software synthesizers, and lots more. In addition, the Shareware Music Machine (hitsquad.com) is an amazing source of links to commercial, shareware, and freeware music software of all kinds."

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:53 am

Jeepers creepers guys...I didn't expect so much all at once!!!! You're great!
Thomas, I thank you for your offer but the reason why I was asking about SONAR is that a guy at work offered to lend me his so I can try it! So I'll keep you informed on this one!
Dave, it was my intention to do free try outs on software before buying and I will definitely go and look for some of that stuff you're suggesting. I'm on PC so I have to pass on MAC software even if I know that it would be better!
The software I'll pick will have to be user friendly...I've always said KISS it( keep it simple stupid!) since I'm not at ease with computers!!!
I'll give you some inputs on my finds in the next week and I'll make sure I ask you guys a lot of questions when I find myself in front of a black hole!!!