Recording software

[Keyboard Player]

Hello, I'm an aspiring musician who wants to start recording his music. I've spent numerous painstaking hours looking for the right software for me, but I can't seem to find out ONE simple thing with alot of the softwares. Which ones come with built in drum machines (I know pro tools does, but it won't run on my version of vista)? I know this seems like a stupid question, but you would not believe how hard it seems to be to find this out. If someone could point me to some nice software programs that simply have this (and don't cost 600 dollars), I'd be very happy.

Another related question: would it be better to just buy a drum machine or get drum machine software? And, if I do, can I record the drum machine with the recording sofware?

I'll worry about system requirements and budget (although, I'm looking to get a nice setup for less than $500.00), but if someone could just point me in the right direction I would really appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance.

KP

EDIT: maybe just to clarify. I'm looking for nice software that I can record, edit, mix, loop, etc, my keyboard playing and simply just play the drums for me. While all at the same time giving me semi-professional sound quality. (I know the interface really impacts sound quality though)

 

[shortedaman]

1st question = ableton does all that you are asking though it is a little pricey ( for the full version.) but a lot of interfaces come with live lite and that would probably suite your needs as well. remember though that if you do decide too spend big bucks on software you will still need to get an interface.

also, a drum machine and drum software both pretty much do the same thing. so as too which one you should get is all up to you. and yes you can record the drum machine into the software but again you will need an interface.

 

[alanarbor]

1st question = ableton does all that you are asking though it is a little pricey ( for the full version.) but a lot of interfaces come with live lite and that would probably suite your needs as well. remember though that if you do decide too spend big bucks on software you will still need to get an interface.

also, a drum machine and drum software both pretty much do the same thing. so as too which one you should get is all up to you. and yes you can record the drum machine into the software but again you will need an interface.

Considering you should be able to buy an older drum machine like an Alesis SR 16 or equivalent dirt cheap used I'd go that route, since you can simply record the audio output, or use it to drive software midi syths. You'll be able to do this with a minimum cost interface.

 

[shortedaman]

Alan you are correct but the OP doesn't have any software, so he is still going to have too get some software but like i said his best bet prolly is too get an interface that comes with abelton live lite. also, abelton live lite also comes with drum software already so a drum machine might not be needed or wanted.

 

[Keyboard Player]

Thanks for the replies. I'll look into both and compare prices and stuff.

Like I said, I've dont alot of research, so I know the basics of what I need. But I have just one more real quick question so I know what I'm looking at as far as pricing goes. Should I record my keyboard directly through the interface and software? or should I hook up a mic to the interface and put it next to my keyboard amp and go from there?

 

[shortedaman]

again that just another matter of preference. but IMO direct would probably be the best way to go

 

[Keyboard Player]

again that just another matter of preference. but IMO direct would probably be the best way to go

Cool, hopefully I won't have to get a mic then. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[Supercreep]

Here's a thought:

Do you have a reasonably competent friend or acquaintance who has a set up that you know works?

Use the same set up.

As far as drum programs go, the only way you are going to get "semi-professional" quality is to program the drums yourself in an intelligible and musical fashion. Otherwise, it's going to just sound like a drum machine.

 

[Keyboard Player]

Here's a thought:

Do you have a reasonably competent friend or acquaintance who has a set up that you know works?

Use the same set up.

As far as drum programs go, the only way you are going to get "semi-professional" quality is to program the drums yourself in an intelligible and musical fashion. Otherwise, it's going to just sound like a drum machine.

Yeah, I do, but he is using a really old (several years old now) BOSS digital recorder. I like all of the features on it I just don't like the module itself. I'd prefer a computer based setup.

I meant semi-professional sound quality, not drums. Though what you say is true, for now I just want a beat to play stuff over, nothing fancy.