Recording software for the complete idiot

[brammy]

This has probably been discussed before, but...

I used to have a Tascam 8-channel recording deck (analog cassette) and would like to now get back into home recordings. I could go with a new digital recording deck like this one:

Tascam DP01FXCD 8-Track Hard Disk Recorder with CDR

Or I could record with "virtual studio" software on my PC (not Mac). I think I'd like to go the software route.

THIS is a large topic I know, but does anyone have recommendations for software I should look at? I dont need top-of-the-line stuff (its just for my own amusement) but I'd like to get something powerful and relatively easy to use.

[kcole4001]

There are advantages to both routes, I think.

The separate deck can be used for live recording or set up at another band member's house, etc.
The software can make editing recordings much simpler.
I use my old Fostex 4 track deck as an interface to my soundcard & have Cubase SX for editing, etc.

I'm no expert, but this works well for me.

[brammy]

Thanks... its a good start as I investigate software.

Cubase SX is probably more than I need, however I said that with an old Vestax 4 track and soon realized that more tracks would be a while lot better. Then I went to the 8 track (analog cassette) and realized that 16 would be a whole lot better. I cant imagine that I'd need more than 16!

http://www.tweakheadz.com/review_of_cubase_sx_3.htm

[leesh]

I'm a Mac user...but if I had a PC it would be hands down:

SONAR SONAR SONAR!

[brammy]

man, there are a bunch of sequencers out there. For me - a very casual recorder who just wants to have some fun - it looks like GarageBand fills the bill, but of course I'd need to buy a Mac.

On the lowend for PC's there is AUDACITY which will allow simple multi-track home recordings but is a toy compared to something like Cubase. However the price is right... free.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/documentation

KRISTAL Audio Engine is another one and looks more capable than Audacity. Its also free.
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/index.php?section=details

[brammy]

Sonar looks ok.

Alisha, can you tell me more about it?

[leesh]

First let me say that I started with ProTools (and having no recording background at the time it was pretty daunting). When I bought my Mac and found out about GarageBand I was super excited. That thing is the most user-friendly interface and easiest recording software ever. I wanted more functionality and options and sort of outgrew that program after a year or so (I still use it for brief demo's, etc) and went to Logic Pro. The song I did for the forum CD was done about two years ago on Garage Band.

I've done my homework and had some demo's of Sonar (it is only available on PC) and the thing was incredible. I was (and still am) almost tempted to install bootcamp on my mac just to be able to use that program. Great interface....easy to use...just a great piece of software.

[brammy]

To get a Mac and use GarageBand would probably be my best option for now... and then I'd likely go through the same process you did.

Whats the cheapest Mac I could get that would run GarageBand? Answer: MacMini for $599:
http://www.apple.com/macmini/

Probably what will happen in that I'll give the free KRISTAL Audio Engine a try first. Its interface is simple and made to look like a mixer:

http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/index.php?section=details

[leesh]

or a used/refurb mac.....but a mac mini'll do it. Just make sure that you get enough RAM. You'll have some issues if you have less than 2GB.

[bitzerguy]

I've been using Sonar since version 2.0. It can be as simple or complex as you wish. I am currently running version 4 Producer Edition as it runs on my hardware very well. A bit overkill for home recording, but it does it all including vidoe editing. It is amazing the very professional results you can achieve even in the basement... or bathroom.

And it also has the mixer style interface (select View menu, Console).

...Dean

[johnhall]

We've been using Sonar in the studio since, well, before it was Sonar! The Hautewerk CD "Stop Start Again" was done entirely with Sonar 5 and we're currently using Sonar 6.

It's simply an amazing program, with everything close at hand, including full vocal controls, loop generation, track layering and comping. It comes out of the box ready for video and surround mixing; this is useful as our almost completed new studio has 7.2 sound, full SMPTE lock gear, and video equipment.

With Pro Tools and Nuendo, I spend all my time trying to figure out how to do something while in Sonar I just do it and am making music immediately.

I'm currently using Sonar to transfer the Roger McGuinn "Back From Rio" demo masters from tape to 24 bit, 192K Hz. digital. Fortunately I had the foresight when we originally recorded these to include a SMPTE track on the tape and now it's a dream to sync everything straight into Sonar.

[captsandwich]

I use Garageband. So simple, even a guitar player can use it.

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

How many tracks do you need?

If you're all alone, more can be wonderful. You can "build" a part using several tracks. I can't drum and my keyboard playing is inconsistent. But I do know exactly what I want to hear. So I can build a great piano part by just playing the left hand alone on one track, and just the right hand on another...or even more, then mix them together, viola. Drums can be built the same way, and it could take 8 to 10 tracks to get it just right.

Sure, it's cheating. But I usually just want to get the various components of a song out of my head and onto tape, and then perhaps the "real" musicians can take it somewhere from there.

[winston]

I have been using Cakewalk Sonar for a couple of years now and I'll echo what has been said so far. It's a great, user friendly program.

[brammy]

>>>And it (Sonar) also has the mixer style interface (select View menu, Console).

thanks, thats good to know.