which DAW is better do you think?

> > > which DAW is better do you think?

Posted on

Member Since: May 31, 2011

im looking to buy my first DAW as i am using reaper at the moment to practice and get used to recording. but i now want a really good one so i can really jump in and learn everything.

i am looking for one to run on an imac. i first started out thinking i'd buy reaper, but then i found logic studio and after comparing the two, i went with logic as the go.

i then toured around a uni studio, and they suggested i go with pro tools. i then took a few weeks really digging into them both to see which was better, but i decided to still go with logic.

then the other day i was speaking to my cousin, and he said to have a look at ableton aswell because that is what they use in their band.

whats the best one to get, i know its kind of get what you like, but overall, what do people use the most

[ Back to Top ]


Member
Since: Jan 30, 2011

Jul 04, 2011 11:47 pm

I use cubase, and I really like it.
But for the most part they all do the same stuff.
I outgrew audacity and got myself cubase and never looked back.
Im sure if i got protools it would be the same story.
They all have multitrack views for recording and mixers for mixing.
All the plugins I use are free ones I've found on teh internets, and theyre fantastic.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Jul 05, 2011 06:44 am

I like Sonar. I very much disliked Cakewalk before their release of Sonar, they have always been the easiest to use, but it didn't sound good (I thought), with Sonar they rebuilt their audio engine, and it's still, in my opinion, is the easiest to use and now sounds good to boot. Feature packed, and has versions in all different price points, which is nice. The Home Studio package will work very well for a lot of people, it does for me, but the studio and profession editions have loads more features which power users may dig.

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007

Jul 06, 2011 02:39 am

See if you can demo 'em and try a few different DAWs out. When you get down to the nitty gritty, all DAWs have the same basic functionality.

Reaper, FL Studio, Sonar, Pro-Tools, Cubase, Ableton, Logic, etc. etc. etc. All are capable of recording audio, midi, automation, mixing, etc.

IMO, try the demos, and see which one really works well with your work flow. How long does it take you to set the tracks up and get rolling? Is the midi editor intuitive, or klunky? How easy is it to integrate external plugins into the tracks?

Now granted, the fancier DAWs or rather the more expensive versions of those DAWs will have some extra features. Extra built-in plugins, possibly a notation/score editor, etc. However, certain DAWs shine in different areas. Some are great for audio, but a bit weak on the midi side. Some are good for midi, but the audio side can be kinda clunky. So, it's good to demo and see where the DAW's weaknesses are.

I think Quincy uses pro-tools to some extent, so he'd be able to answer any questions on it, and mention any pitfalls. I've always heard they're good for audio work, but their midi editing/scoring side is a bit weak.

I also think Sonar/Cubase/Logic are good solid options. Ableton can be good as well, but I've heard it's more of something used in live situations (hence the name)

I'm still using Reaper myself, though I also have the fruity edition of FL Studio. I actually switched from FL Studio to using Reaper primarily since I find the audio work to be much more intuitive. I think FL Studio still has the best midi editing, but Reaper has been improving on that front as well.


Anyway, if you like Logic, and it works well with your workflow, and does what you need it to do, and has everything you need, then I say go for it.

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007

Jul 06, 2011 03:19 am

I use Sonar 7 and stand by it all the way!

I used to use Reaper, but moved up to Sonar 6 and eventually 7 Producer when I got the cash.

It's got more then I use, I admit, but I find myself using more and more every time I open it.

Amazingly easy to use and learn.

If you're curious, check out this link- www.cakewalk.com/products...CFULc4AodkRUrWw

www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005

Jul 06, 2011 02:07 pm

I use a Roland VS-2400 for tracking and Sonar for mixing

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jul 06, 2011 02:40 pm

As of PT 8...MIDI editing is awesome! PT 9 is the same. Sibelius midi notation is really cool if you're trying to write music for players who can read without reading music yourself. You can just play what you want them to play on the keyboard, quantize the notes to snap it to the tempo of your song, and spit out a sheet of notation in about a second. Love that.

No complaints on Midi in ProTools! The complaints people had were mostly directed to PT 6 and younger, I think.

The only complaints I have with PT:

1.) It's expensive. There used to be a lot of nickel and dime charges, but the "nickel and dime" charge complaint isn't relevant now that PT 9 has come out. For instance- PT used to require that you purchase a digi interface to use their software, this is no longer the case. They used to charge $30 for an mp3 export option; this is now free and built in. The software is still ~$600 and you need to buy a $50 ilok in order to use it, so it's still an expensive option. You can use most audio interfaces with PT now. If and when I upgrade my Digi 002R BLAudio rig, I'll probably get something more modular like the Symphony I/O. 16 inputs would be nice from time to time.
2.) It is not easy to use at first, and while there are some presets...it's nothing like Logic or Sonar where you can basically record and mix a whole session based on icon visuals/labels alone. For instance, with PT, you need to know the difference between a MIDI track and an instrument track, and then you need to know that with an instrument track, you need to add the instrument you want as an insert, and you need to know if the instrument...you can't just click a button that says "Add Piano". I like PT more than anything else I've used, but it's likely because I've spent time learning it. If you're the sort of person who is technology inclined and if you want to be forced to learn how to troubleshoot...PT is great. I think it was healthy for me to learn to troubleshoot, because I never feel frustrated for lack of knowing what I need to do to achieve a sound. I'd recommend the book ProTools 101. Helps a great deal. If you're an artist looking for something that "just works"...go buy something Apple makes, ya hippie. hah

Samplitude looks awesome, with its object oriented editing. If I ever decide to kick my PT habit, I'll give that a shot first.

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jul 06, 2011 03:32 pm

If you plan to make electronic music in PT, let me know because there are some really important, really not obvious things to learn if you want to be competitive with people using more electronic music focused platforms like Ableton

Member
Since: May 31, 2011

Jul 07, 2011 01:54 am

cheers guys for all your feedback. im not really looking to record electronic music, just more band type music. i am really good with technology and love learning and teaching myself, so yeah i will be trying demo's first if i can get hold of them.

if people were wondering what mixer i have, its an allen and heath zed r16 with KRK Rokit 8 powered monitors

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007

Jul 07, 2011 04:18 pm

yeah, I like the A&H stuff. I think Noize2u might have said the Zeds are more for live music than a studio space, since they can be kinda noisy.

If I ever get around to recording bands at some point (and manage to get a larger place so I can set up a proper studio and record said bands) I'll go with one of the A&H MixWizards.

KRK makes some decent budget nearfields. I haven't used em myself, but I've always heard pretty good things about 'em. Also heard good things about the Tannoy Reveals, so I have a pair of their older Reveal 6 unpowered speakers on an ART SLA1 amp.

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Jul 07, 2011 05:41 pm

I've used the Rockit v8's in a wonderfully treated room. They rule for the price! Not sure if those are the same as the rockit 8's

> > > which DAW is better do you think?

Related Forum Topics:


If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.