Editing Options with PC

[jeffreysw]

I downloaded the track transfering utility from Fostex for my new MR8 and it works OK, so now I can copy tracks from the MR8 to my PC without having to mix down. The next obvious step is to get ahold of some sort of editing software for my PC. I've heard some names batted around (Cakewalk, N-Track, Pro-Tools), but I've not used any of them.

Could any of you please give me your opinions on what you've found useful? Good or bad experiences?

Bill Jeffreys

[poutine]

I use Pro-Tools Free (their demo) on a Macintosh. It's fine for all kinds of smaller (8 tracks or less) projects that I do. A while back I also sent tracks that I had recorded on the MR-8 to a friend who uses Cubase on a PC and who has many more effects than I do and a midi setup. What he was able to do sounded great! He didn't have any complaints about the tracks I sent him in terms of basic audio quality.

[Jimmie]

Sawstudio.com

It cost money but if your serious about computer editing, this is the program. Best thing I have seen and used out there.

[mrx]

Bill,

Looks like you're already getting a variety of options (never thought I'd see SAW mentioned!)

You'll probably find that the majority of MR-8 users use n-Track. It's cheap, it works, and has an active community of supportive users. I'm biased, having used Cakewalk forever and suffering through endless problems. To be fair, my PC is nowhere near state of the art, but stuff that would make Cakewalk choke runs fine on n-Track.

[kdgospel]

I've used different software that cost $100s more than N-track. I've been on this board for more than a year. The easiest to use, least expensive, and overall best multi-track software for a homerecording studio is without a doubt N-track.

[dave in toledo]

its the way to go, cant beat the quality for the price

[robjh22]

I feel like I'm missing out on something big: if you have a Fostex, aren't these programs duplicative and/or redundant?

Alternatively stated, if you are going to buy the computer program, why do you need the fostex other than portability? I think if I had it to do things over again, I'd buy a powerful laptop and n-track and be done with it, though I don't know that the sound card in a laptop is sufficient. But seriously, what can you do with n-track or cool edit that you can't do directly on ANY fostex plus a CD burner and ripper to convert to mp3?

[dave in toledo]

nice thing is, you dont have to deal with latency issues, very easy interface, lots of problems getting soundcard drivers and recording programs to play nicely together, i make 4 tracks export to pc, import new mix to channel one of mr8, use it as a go by for addding more tracks and repeat....

many people love recording streight to the pc, i didnt like it, made the whole thing easy for me....

what cant you do, have accest to 20 band eq on each channel with a spectrulm analyser, accest to thousands of effects through vst and directx that as out boared gear wound be a fortune, many good efects are free.....up to 88 tracks of stereo , ability to draw volume envelopes, panning and effects envelopes, it goes on and on.....

[budcrowe]

I just started using the Kristal recording software with my MR8. It seems to work really well...in my limited testing...only does 16 tracks but it is FREE and has lots of features. check it out at
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Bud

[dave in toledo]

that looks like a nice program, only downside i can see is it doesnt suport vst or directx plugs, vst is the standared for most all applications, and you are limited to two effects per channel.... but it is free

[budcrowe]

actually I have downloaded lots of VST plugins into Kristal and they all work great. Yes only 2 fx per channel but another 3 fx available on master mix. I am trying demo version of n-TRACK but cant seem to get the hang of it yet...but will keep at it
Bud