Recording software. Need the scoop. ( opinions )

Posted on Feb 28, 2004 04:02 pm
kivi
Member Since: Feb 25, 2004

I am about to invest in some software. Here is what I have found from reading. I would like feedback please. This will be for my home recording setup. I do little midi work, mostly audio in.

Pro Tools: Very expensive. Kinda a pain to learn, and use. Industry standard. Very confused about how I feel about this.

VST: ?? What about this? Is this Cubase? *boggles*

Acid: I have used this. I like it alot, but I am worried about how it will be in the long run for me. I love the interface, the ease of cutting and pasting. But I worry about the sound quality of this program.

Cakewalk: Havent used it. Know little of it. This is more for midi though right?

I just hate to spend a wad of cash on something and then realize it is not something I wanted. Software is one of those things that arent very returnable.

I have gotten alot of great advice here so far, and I do appreciate you all helping out.

EDIT: Ok I did a search and have been reading quit a bit about software options, and am more confused then ever.

I dont need Midi. I would like some mixer functions. I would LOVE effects built in. I dont care much for video options. I would like the ability to make loops within the program if that is possible ( for drum tracks )

Thanks again in advance.

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olddog
Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003

Feb 28, 2004 04:23 pm

Another good option for recording software is Adobe Audition. There is a 100% functional 30 day tryout at Adobe's site, I'd recommend downloading it and giving it a try. It has over 45 builtin effects and imo is a very strong piece of software even more so price considered.

Dan

dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 28, 2004 04:36 pm

Ok, let's roll...

VST is a standard for plugins, which are little programs that work inside of other application, such as Cubase, Sonar, Vegas, whatever. These application can either be third party effects, like a reverb unit or delay, compressor and the like. OR they can be actual software instruments (typically called VSTi) that are usually synths or drum machines tho there are others.

Acid is cool, great for looping, one member here I know uses it and makes some great music with it.

Cakewalk's new flagship product is called "Sonar" and it is hardly just for MIDI, and actually, I just closed down Sonar before answering your question, it's what I use. It does have power MIDI feature but is also a top-notch audio recording and mixing environment. It support VST plugins and instruments with their VST adapter and also supports DirectX plugins (just another common format) as well as DirectX instruments (DXi). Sonar is very easy to use and is very powerful, great app in my opinion.

If you are worried about spending a ton of cash, go download the demo of Multitrack Studio www.multitrackstudio.com/ It is a great app, support VST, support 16 and 24bit audio with the top version available, which is only $120. Great audio recording, mixing and editing features, plus a slew of MIDI stuff...which you said you don't need anyway, but ya never know, you may in the future. MTS's MIDI features are not as intuitive as Sonar, but the power is still there, notthat you care right now.

In the product reviews, I did a review of the newest, and the previous versions of MTS, maybe you should read those for more info and visit their site www.multitrackstudio.com/

Hope that helped a little bit...

flame
...bringing sexy back
Member
Since: Jul 01, 2002

Feb 29, 2004 01:00 pm

i love the technical nature of the multitrack website, with regards to what kinda system you need :

Quote:
Requirements : A computer that's not older than 4 years (older ones are too slow).

dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 29, 2004 01:02 pm

hehehe, yeah, I find that kinda funny myself. Then followed up by saying it will run on Windows 95, an OS that is WELL over 4 years old...

flame
...bringing sexy back
Member
Since: Jul 01, 2002

Feb 29, 2004 01:06 pm

where are these guys based?

anywas, afternoon dan, nice to see ya!

dbmasters
Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Feb 29, 2004 01:34 pm

US somewhere...but really, not even sure about that.

Edvo
Member
Since: Feb 18, 2004

Feb 29, 2004 02:04 pm

I use Samplitude Studio. As far as I know, new versions support VST. Very convenient interface. Also I tried Saw studio demo, its the best recorder, that I ever saw. It is programmed with Assembler, so it makes very small loads on CPU, you can make real time processing on a lot of tracks, that means you can process a tracks within whole mix without problems. But it is 2500$ and is not convenient to control.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 01, 2004 11:24 pm

You can also look at CakeWalks program called Guitar tracks Pro, or Home Studio 2004. they are both a lower price then Sonar and come with some great goodies to use like amp sims and such. Otherwise I second dB on the MultiTrack Studio app, it is a great littel app and a very good price.

I as well as dB use Sonar and it is at the top of the Pro level recording software apps.