Software Recommendation

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Extreme Recording Novice
Member Since: Sep 08, 2003

After finally getting my hardware set up and working I'm ready to purchase software. On my other thread pjk was kind enough to make some suggestions and I just wanted to see what others had to say.

I'm basically a novice to computer based recording so I need a program that doesn't have too steep of a learning curve... but I also want a lot of features that I can use down the road as I learn more about things.

I will mostly be recording acoustic and electric guitar, vocals and drums... so I need a solid multitracker. I also am going to be buying an inexpensive midi controller and want to get into using some synths as well. I've been researching Sonar 5 Studio, Cubase SX3(?) and Reason. I looked at Pro-Tools M-Powered but didn't hear good things about it. I'd be interested in hearing what you all think. As always... thanks so much for the help.

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 27, 2006 02:09 pm

I lean toward Sonar, I have been using Sonar for a few years and been very happy with it. M-powered hasn't gotten much great press.

Didn't any software come with your Delta 1010? Typically Ableton Live or some such multitracking app comes with M-Audio stuff...or I think it does anyway. it may be worth checking out what you may already have. That said, with a card like the 1010 most any app will work with it as it has MME, WDM and ASIO drivers...

Extreme Recording Novice
Member
Since: Sep 08, 2003


Jun 27, 2006 02:52 pm

Thanks for the recommendation. Ableton Live did come with the 1010 but I'm pretty sure it's just a demo version. I also was having problems with a ton of latency when I tried to mess with it. I may give it another shot.

I know that the computer stuff is old hat for you, dB, do you think I could get up to speed on Sonar quickly?

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 27, 2006 02:58 pm

I doubt it's a demo in terms of time limited, just feature limited probably, like limited to 8 tracks or something...

latency is usually driver related.

I'll help where I can, but I certainyl; need some more specific questions than "this computer stuff" ;-)

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 27, 2006 03:19 pm

just a thought,

I received ableton live with my 1010lt when I got it, but I didn't want to sink any time into learning something that wasn't a real version. The ableton live is a 'Lite' version, at least it was when I got it.

I can't see spending a few months figuring out how to do things, just to realize you're limited in what it can do.

But then again, maybe the lite version will do enough of what someone wants, so it won't be a problem.

That said, i'm still using 3.3 of n-track. It's been great to work with, easy to pick up, and lots of great features. Won't break the bank, either.

I do admit though, that sonar has some pretty sweet features that n-track doesn't. Notably the variphrase thing, plus their midi work. n-tracks sux in the midi dept, IMHO. I use FL studio for anything MIDI or softsynth related.

Extreme Recording Novice
Member
Since: Sep 08, 2003


Jun 27, 2006 04:16 pm

Thanks for all of the feedback guys. I'll probably have to just make a decision and then jump in with both feet. Hopefully I can swim.

pjk, I downloaded the free version of ntrack on your recommendation... but haven't tried too much with it. I initally tried to record a track and something was very much out of whack. Every 10 seconds or so there would be a very loud noise that came out of nowhere. I have some extra time tonight... I might give it another shot.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 28, 2006 08:04 am

he does have a organ tone every so often now, as a demo bug. I think it's 30 seconds, or so. I think it sux, as the older versions just disabled any type of mixdown, and some of the effects processing.




I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Jun 28, 2006 11:06 am

Yeah Ableton Live Lite came with my Delta44, and I hate it as a multitracker. As a loop sequencer its OK but I think it sucks as a multitrack app.

You could grab Kristal Audio, which is a freeware multitracker. Very simple, no frills, and not much of a learning curve. It's something to get you off the ground to learn the basics. And when you outgrow it, no loss since its a freebie.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 28, 2006 08:30 pm

I will second the Sonar recomendation as well. Being a loooooooonnnnnngggggg time user of Cakewalk products I will simply say they have one of the easiest interfaces to learn. And if you start with the Studio version and find you need to upgrade to PE or the like it is a very fair price to upgrade later.

As well they have some of the best online help and tutorials included with the software. So you almost never have to open the manual if you dont want to.

Extreme Recording Novice
Member
Since: Sep 08, 2003


Jun 29, 2006 12:41 pm

Thanks for all of the advice. I bit the bullet and bought Sonar. It should be here for the long weekend.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 29, 2006 12:42 pm

thru zZounds.com hopefully? :-)

You'll love Sonar, it rocks.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jun 29, 2006 05:43 pm

i love sonar....

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 29, 2006 07:17 pm

Congrats, if you end up with questions just ask.

Noize

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