Mixing with Software

[JayDeLuca]

I currently have a setup which includes an Alesis HD24, with a mackie 32 channel 8 bus mixer with a multitude of racks. I have a firewire with which to get my tracks to my computer from the Alesis. At the moment i do some minor editing (mainly effects) with Sound Forge 7 (it was a gift and all i have at the moment) and then i do my final mixes back on my setup through my mackie. This has been working fairly well but there are certain downsides.

1) i have compression, 2 Samson 4 Channel Compressors, along with 2 ART pre-amps that i use for left/right compression in the final mix. Even with these, my mixes sometimes peak, and i don't think i am getting as much quality compression as i would be able to achieve with software compression.

2) I have no automation. I have to sort of memorize my mixes before i do the final mix so i can manually adjust faders at different points in the songs.

So now i get to my question. I am looking for Software strictly for mixing and effects, that has both of these features. I know that many programs are used for the recording part itself and i do not need that, so i dont know if there is software that is possibly less expensive because it doesnt have that part of it.
I am starting school at Full Sail in august for recording arts, at which point i will be getting a student discount on Pro-Tools, so im debating whether or not that is the way to go or whether i should wait on that.

So if you have any suggestions for good software for mixing within the price range of under $300 preferably, that would be greatly appreciated.
(i am running a PC, not a Mac)

Thank you,
Jay DeLuca

[michaelst]

Jay...

I do FOH sound for a band and record via the direct outs on my Midas Venice into an Alesis HD24. After transferring to my PC thru the firebox, I remix using N-Stracks Studio 4.1.5. It's not expensive($75) for the 24 bit version. I can get a studio sounding recording from a live performance.

N-Tracks is stable, intuitive and versatile.
It's got a lots of good plg-ins, plus all your Sony plugins can be used in N-Tracks also.
Check it out at N-Tracks Studio

[JayDeLuca]

Thank you i will definitely check that out.
If it is not too much to ask, is there a way i could possible hear a sample that you have mixed with the software?

Thanks again,
Jay DeLuca

[michaelst]

Jay...

Here's a few:

Strawberry Fields Forever

Come Together

Lady Madonna

These are live one take recordings. No overdubs or retakes.
I picked these to show how I added effects to the vocals. Lots of panning and special effects too.
I used Ozone to master them.
As you can hear, the band I do sound for is a Beatles tribute band, so there is a standard with which to compare.