Choosing the right Sequencer

[Razien]

I know there'll be threads about the general "best" program available and all that so im not going down that route. I am wondering though if some are more tailored to certain situations than others.

I have friends that use FL studio 9, so i was thinking of getting that. But from reading around it appears as though people use it largely for making beats/hip hop/dance. Then sometimes export what they have into pro tools or something to mix it. Im more into rock/acoustic/pop. I would personally be looking to record vocals, acoustic & perhaps electric. Then using software/synths for drums or maybe violins if i wanted those.

Ive read that SONAR, Cubase, LOGIC & Pro tools are good. Though i only have a pc so that rules out Logic. Again though they seem to have different qualitys. Many saying that Pro tools is very good for recording audio, or editing it but not so much for actually creating using software. Where as logic/sonar do that side of it & so they switch between programmes for each task.

So what would best suit my situation? To use Sonar/cubase or even fl studio to make beats/music parts & then pro tools to record myself or my instruments ?

Thankyou for any help.

 

[Bristol Posse]

Most of them offer free trials so you can check em out with no money down

Really it comes down to work flow and which is the most intuitive for your personal preference. There have been numerous tests done that show when everything is set and leveled the output of pretty much any DAW is identical in terms of the sound so what it comes down to is which feature set is most attractive and which can you operate with the least amount of fuss for the right price.

This is about making music so the last thing you want to be doing is fighting software when you could be recording

Download the free trials and give em shot see what works for you

 

[keithersgsx2003]

I know there'll be threads about the general "best" program available and all that so im not going down that route. I am wondering though if some are more tailored to certain situations than others.

I have friends that use FL studio 9, so i was thinking of getting that. But from reading around it appears as though people use it largely for making beats/hip hop/dance. Then sometimes export what they have into pro tools or something to mix it. Im more into rock/acoustic/pop. I would personally be looking to record vocals, acoustic & perhaps electric. Then using software/synths for drums or maybe violins if i wanted those.

Ive read that SONAR, Cubase, LOGIC & Pro tools are good. Though i only have a pc so that rules out Logic. Again though they seem to have different qualitys. Many saying that Pro tools is very good for recording audio, or editing it but not so much for actually creating using software. Where as logic/sonar do that side of it & so they switch between programmes for each task.

So what would best suit my situation? To use Sonar/cubase or even fl studio to make beats/music parts & then pro tools to record myself or my instruments ?

Thankyou for any help.

I have been using Sonar home studio 7XL for about 6 months now, and am very happy!!!!!!! I mainly record rock/hard rock. But everything works flaswless for me. I am running Windows Vista 32 bit as well. Also 7XL has a few software instruments that are ran via controllers........I use an M-Audio 49 key------keyboard. The instruments are Orchestra, which is everything including your violin, Electric piano, Bass guitar, and Drums. I paid 150 bucks for it as well......brand new. Sonar is also VERY easy to use....... This is just my personal experience though.......But i would def reccomend it!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck man!!!!


cheers!!!!!

 

[Dr. Varney]

I have friends that use FL studio 9, so i was thinking of getting that. But from reading around it appears as though people use it largely for making beats/hip hop/dance.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that because that's what it's mainly used for, it can't produce any kind of music.

I think originally, it was aimed at the hip-hop/breakbeat/dance market - because it's easy to use and that kind of music can be often fairly simple to create. I thnk the label has stuck because of the nature of the samples and demos that are supplied with it.

I use it to make rock music.

Ive read that SONAR, Cubase, LOGIC & Pro tools are good.

Yeah but also expensive - unless you happen to have LE versions bundled with your sound card.

I have Sonar, Cubase and Ableton and find them monstrously hard to get along with. But that's just me.

Cubase & Pro-Tools are generally seen as the industry standard but don't underestimate FL Studio as a serious tool as well.

Yes, many people I've spoken to also, use a variety of different programs to achieve one end result, but not all.

I use FL, because it's very quick and very easy to create with. It's very well featured and has more than I need for getting guitar, bass, synths and drums down. So I'm recording audio and using VSTs. I also use it to mix because the mixer is very intuitive, so I find it a good all-rounder. I have a friend who uses Cubase but always starts in FL, dancing down the basic bones of his project first.

It may have limitations but I haven't found them yet, though remember I'm still learning myself.

It may do everything you want but shop around, do more reading, study screen shots; look up the vids on Youtube to see how they operate. Do you have friends who could let you try different software on their rigs? Who can say what your preference will be in the end...?

I looked at Reason on their website and I have to say, I was attracted because of the user friendliness it boasts.

Many saying that Pro tools is very good for recording audio, or editing it but not so much for actually creating using software. Where as logic/sonar do that side of it & so they switch between programmes for each task.

Well, my guess is that they're switching between programs because they find certain features easier to use. I tend to think they will all make the same recording and achieve, within reason, pretty much the same result but the workflow is just different.

So what would best suit my situation? To use Sonar/cubase or even fl studio to make beats/music parts & then pro tools to record myself or my instruments ?

It's hard to judge your situation from here. It's a personal thing. I think you have to feel comfortable with the workflow and, although you might put it last on the list - the look of the program. You're gonna be starring at it for hours. You need something you feel excited and inspired by, every time you sit in front of it...

For me, Cubase is too cold and clinical. I don't feel any inspiration when I look at it. You on the other hand might love it. But when I open FL, I see everything in front of me and I can get going immediately. I know this may sound silly, but it feels very 'friendly' to me.

Hope this helps. Maybe you could try downloading some legal demos?

(There are other methods of trying things but I'm not going to discuss them here!)

Best regards

Dr. V

 

[kcearl]

I think FL studio will do pretty much what you want but it does not cater to audio as well as the others..workflow wise the others are better for audio regardless of Docs preference..I use Ableton...it too is not considred as freindly an audio recorder by many..I find it inspiring but I also own sonar...they both took a bit of investment when it came to learning how to utilise them

if price is a problem the reaper will cover you..I bought sonar without researching and ableton was an upgrade with a free sampler...if not Id probably be using reaper as well..Ive downloaded it and its straightforward and does as much as anyone here would probably need or require, all at $60

 

[sk0m]

go check the tracktion man its easy as 123 and very good from my point of view!!!

 

[Dr. Varney]

I think FL studio will do pretty much what you want but it does not cater to audio as well as the others..workflow wise the others are better for audio regardless of Docs preference..

Actually, now I look back, recording audio with FL was a bit of a faff. The Edison recorder is inserted in a channel as FX, whereas I think, with the others, you set up a 'recording track' and all you need is included in the macro.

I may yet turn to something else later on, as the need arises.

I don't get on well with the FL Help manual but I'm lucky, having a friend on the end of the phone, who can advise me when I get stuck.

I think it helps to start out with what your mates are using at first, because it means there will always be someone who can come to your rescue (with a bit of luck). It's horrible when you feel stranded and feel your golden inspiration seeping away, like a fart when there's no one around to appreciate the smell.

Dr. V

 

[Razien]

Thanks for replies.

I do like the look of FL studio from what ive seen, how its laid out. Seems pretty easy to understand. Havent been able to compare to much, just seems the programme isnt taken as seriously by most also from reading around.

Ill try to download some demos of others.

The main thing is the issue of getting an audio interface & making sure i get one thats compatible with Pro tools if i wanted to choose that at some point. Trying to plan ahead.

The mbox2 seems to only have USB1.1 & has been around a good while now, i have USB2 & firewire so id prefer to use one of those. Might have to get something thats not pro tools compatible for now, not sure.

 

[Dr. Varney]

just seems the programme isnt taken as seriously by most also from reading around.

'Seriousness' is a subjective term. Instead it might be wiser to think in terms of 'usefulness'.

The main thing is the issue of getting an audio interface & making sure i get one thats compatible with Pro tools if i wanted to choose that at some point. Trying to plan ahead.

The mbox2 seems to only have USB1.1 & has been around a good while now, i have USB2 & firewire so id prefer to use one of those. Might have to get something thats not pro tools compatible for now, not sure.

Your audio interface is just an interface. It's not software dependant. It will come with it's own driving software (usually it's own mixer as well as some other tools) but which sound card you choose has no bearing on which software you can use and vice versa.

When you buy your soundcard, it may come bundled with some very popular titles in LE or 'Lite' version. Settle on an interface you like and buy that first. If it comes with a bundle, then you can at least try the software that came with it before splashing out. There's your free trial... And LE versions, like Cubase aren't time-restricted trials. You can use them forever, provided their restrictions don't hamper you in practice.

Plus - don't quote me on this, but I believe with many, once you have the smaller version you can upgrade to the full version for a greatly reduced price.

When I bought the E=MU 0404 card, it came with Cubase LE, Ableton Lite, Wavelab Lite and Sonar LE. If you're that curious about Pro-Tools, you might find a card which comes with a trial.

I'm not saying you should choose your card only on the strength of it's bundled stuff but it's certainly something to consider.

Dr. V

 

[kcearl]

Actually, now I look back, recording audio with FL was a bit of a faff. The Edison recorder is inserted in a channel as FX, whereas I think, with the others, you set up a 'recording track' and all you need is included in the macro.

I may yet turn to something else later on, as the need arises.

I don't get on well with the FL Help manual but I'm lucky, having a friend on the end of the phone, who can advise me when I get stuck.

I think it helps to start out with what your mates are using at first, because it means there will always be someone who can come to your rescue (with a bit of luck). It's horrible when you feel stranded and feel your golden inspiration seeping away, like a fart when there's no one around to appreciate the smell.

Dr. V

what ever you invest time in is generally what you stick with, especially if its not a free programme, Im sure you'll reach FLs limitations at some point and the others will seem far less daunting for that experience..

Id only suggest the others as if you get one, you get them all...its only slight changes that differ...and that ignoring progs like XT, Samplitude, Saw, Studio One and a plethora of others give you no advantage, in fact Id say some of these are better than the big boys..Samplitude and Studio One are excellent...

As for farts, everyone smell mine, I mean everyone...the benefits of vegetarianism

 

[Dr. Varney]

Im sure you'll reach FLs limitations at some point and the others will seem far less daunting for that experience.

You've hit the nail on the head, KC. That's exactly what I'm hoping... It just got me started.

Dr. V

 

[Razien]

Your audio interface is just an interface. It's not software dependant. It will come with it's own driving software (usually it's own mixer as well as some other tools) but which sound card you choose has no bearing on which software you can use and vice versa.
Dr. V

?? I thought it does with pro tools. Not all interfaces work with it, thats why people have to spend a lot of money on certain ones when they own it.

The only reason id have gone with Pro tools is if the LE version/m-powered etc provide better audio recording/editing as ive heard. If its just down to preference as some of you have said then theres not much point any time soon. So ill have a much wider ranger of Audio interfaces available to use if i just go with Fl studio or one of these other programmes.

 

[kcearl]

?? I thought it does with pro tools. Not all interfaces work with it, thats why people have to spend a lot of money on certain ones when they own it.

The only reason id have gone with Pro tools is if the LE version/m-powered etc provide better audio recording/editing as ive heard. If its just down to preference as some of you have said then theres not much point any time soon. So ill have a much wider ranger of Audio interfaces available to use if i just go with Fl studio or one of these other programmes.

the audio engine in pro tools is no better than any other DAW, M audio is a decent enough interface but its neither the best or the worst..

where did you hear it was the best audio? on the internet?

 

[Dr. Varney]

?? I thought it does with pro tools. Not all interfaces work with it, thats why people have to spend a lot of money on certain ones when they own it.

Okay... I think you're right there. Sorry, it's outside of my knowledge base. Reading around, it does look as though this is correct but I would never have thought it. It appears you're limited to those made by M-Audio or Digidesign. That makes it expensive. I can't personally see the advantage, when I can buy any interface and use it with any software but you will have to now find out what the real advantages are, in using Pro-Tools, above anything else.

For one thing, it appears there is a lot of specialized peripheral hardware, made by M-Audio, which Pro-Tools needs to work. It looks exciting but it also makes me think they're hoping to sell you a load more gear. Ableton also has specialized controllers, which only work with Ableton. I aim to get by with generic ones because I buy a lot of second hand gear. It's your choice, really.

Seek advice from others more knowledgable but I would say this: Don't be sucked into something just because it says 'industry standard'. In some areas, it's a subjective term. It doesn't necessarily mean that everyone in the industry actually uses it (or that, as a professional, you absolutely can't get by without it).

When I asked a similar question, Someone on a general computer forum piped up with the idea that Pro-Tools was the only thing worth having. Why? Because although he'd touched on home recording, it wasn't his specialty and he was just going with the most popular conventional wisdom.

Some people just like the idea you know nothing and don't really want to help. They take pleasure in showing you what you can't afford and telling you how great it is. It's probably a brilliant set up but whether or not they really get their money's worth by taking full advantage of the features would necessitate you being a fly on the wall.

Obviously, get the best thing you can afford but if you're just setting out, you might not want to complicate your learning curve, with something way beyond your needs. On the other hand, it's always a good idea, when making a software investment, to choose something with plenty of 'growing room' for you as you progress.

That said, you can always upgrade later and sell stuff on, though I know some people would definitely not recommend this course.

So ill have a much wider ranger of Audio interfaces available to use if i just go with Fl studio or one of these other programmes.

It would certainly appear so. It also appears that if you choose M-Audio, your software options widen even further. Also, as I mentioned, many interfaces come bundled with serious software, in LE version, to get you up and running at no extra cost.

Listen to the music the other guys are making. If you like it, ask what they use to create it. At the end of the day, only you know where you stand on the gauge, between home enthusiast and aspiring lead studio engineer.

Dr. V

 

[Razien]

the audio engine in pro tools is no better than any other DAW, M audio is a decent enough interface but its neither the best or the worst..

where did you hear it was the best audio? on the internet?

Basically yeah, been taking down notes & thats how it was coming across. Going back over them i think Dr. Varneys right though, many of them are just saying they find pro tools to be "best" for audio recording/editing. Which is very general & probably just means they personally prefer it, but comes across as though it has some benefits over other programmes beyond ease of use.

 

[Dr. Varney]

I didn't suggest that Pro Tools does not have features the others don't - I'm merely advocating you find out (if any) what those features are and why the people who spend the extra on Pro-Tools might need them.

Somehow, I do not think the main benefit of Pro-Tools is going to be 'ease of use'. I get the impression it will be quite the contrary.

I've been told that Cubase ranks far lower on the 'industry standard ladder' than Pro-Tools and that Pro-Tools is what you'll find in most pro-recording studios. That doesn't tell me whether I want it or not.

I'll duck out now, because I think you'll benefit far more when someone who actually uses it comes along.

Dr. V

 

[kcearl]

Basically yeah, been taking down notes & thats how it was coming across. Going back over them i think Dr. Varneys right though, many of them are just saying they find pro tools to be "best" for audio recording/editing. Which is very general & probably just means they personally prefer it, but comes across as though it has some benefits over other programmes beyond ease of use.

yeah its just personal preference...I dont think any of the big ones really excel over another..I will say I use Sonar and the envelopes in it are a pain in the arse compared to others Ive tried..but thats it

pro tools just conjure up this industry standard thing that isn't really that true nowadays...I think most places are pretty much using all the big ones

 

[Dr. Varney]

Look here, mate: https://homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=47
There's an entire sub-forum, dedicated to Pro-Tools.

Can we have one for Fruity Loops?

Dr. V

 

[pipelineaudio]

The "industry standard" myth only exists because of its continued repeating

There ARE standards in audio engineering, but they are clearly defined by convention. Things like XLR, AES, tape formats, etc...There is no DAW standard, just marketing myths put out before products even see the light of day

 

[Dr. Varney]

Samples and synths are provided along with some MIDI support, but there is a strong emphasis on efficient and creative sound tweaking in a way that lends itself to dance music creation. However, being streamlined also means that Fruity Loops does not contain all the functionality of Cubase or Logic, and the key element you do not get here is multitrack audio recording.

'Nuff said. I track my intruments one at a time, so it's ideal for me. But it's worth knowing, if you were hoping to multitrack.

Yes, the industry has standards and the question is merely "Does the software you're using address those standards?". Some pro. web designers use Notepad. For example, Dreamweaver touts itself as I.S. when in fact it writes very unprofessional code. On top of that, there is always the debate on what constitutes 'professionalism'.

Dr. V