Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kash Meer
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Kash Meer

Kash Meer

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Hi everyone...im new to audio recording...im about to follow a course on audio engineering also...i wanted to know which D.A.W can i buy?a very good one... :)
 
Reapers as good as any IMO
I really like Cubase too. Although my versions old
 
May I suggest you don't stop at reading about the DAWS?

A lot of DAWs--including both Reaper and Cubase--allow you to download a free trial to see how you get on with it. I personally think this is important since, besides the absolute list of features, a very important aspect of you choice is the user interface. Some people take easily to one DAW while others hate exactly the same thing. You're going to be spending many hours in front of the DAW--it's worth being as comfortable with the interface as possible.
 
thanks Bobbsy...personally to u,which one has the better interface?i still see cubase...and which one is easier to u for a newbie to start with?
 
thanks Bobbsy...personally to u,which one has the better interface?i still see cubase...and which one is easier to u for a newbie to start with?

Well, of the two I slightly prefer the Cubase interface but very much prefer the Reaper price!

However, for my own DAW I don't use either--I've been using Adobe Audition since the days it was called Cool Edit Pro and that one is by far my favourite. However, the feature set might well not suit your needs--it doesn't handle any MIDI.

One thing I should have said earlier though is that, if you're going to be taking an audio engineering course, do they have a DAW that will be used as part of the course? If so. it might be worth going that route (and there may be student discounts on the software they use).
 
I would say that none of them are necessarily easier to learn. Each has it's own way to approach things. Some just work better for certain people.

I started my learning with Cubase. After a couple years with it, I tried Reaper. It just did not work for me, BUT that is not to say it was not a worthy DAW. I was just already set on the workflow that I had spent so much time with already.

A bunch of 'you' working with trials of the different DAW's as you learn, will be a great benefit to you. I wish I had been a member here when I started. So many here have taught me so much since.

Likely a audio engineering course will teach you Protools. Sorry to any other users of the program, but I loathed every moment working with it previous to Cubase. That is just my opinion though. You decide what works for you. Not the opinion of some internet forum hack like me. :)

Either way, you will have support from members here regardless of which DAW you decide to use. Or even while experimenting with multiples.
 
it is fairly personal. Some people just seem to be a good fit for one but not another. I started with GarageBand, so easy to use and decent results. i still use it for quick stuff. I tried Cuebase and hated that thing so much. Now I have Presonus Studio One Pro 2 and just love it. To me it is just laid out the way I would do it (Haha) so it is easy to learn and use.
 
Thanks Mate...im still sticking with cubase after a lot of reading etc...one thing now,which midi keyboard controller works best with cubase?
I would say that none of them are necessarily easier to learn. Each has it's own way to approach things. Some just work better for certain people.

I started my learning with Cubase. After a couple years with it, I tried Reaper. It just did not work for me, BUT that is not to say it was not a worthy DAW. I was just already set on the workflow that I had spent so much time with already.

A bunch of 'you' working with trials of the different DAW's as you learn, will be a great benefit to you. I wish I had been a member here when I started. So many here have taught me so much since.

Likely a audio engineering course will teach you Protools. Sorry to any other users of the program, but I loathed every moment working with it previous to Cubase. That is just my opinion though. You decide what works for you. Not the opinion of some internet forum hack like me. :)

Either way, you will have support from members here regardless of which DAW you decide to use. Or even while experimenting with multiples.
 
Pick one. I have not heard of any that doesn't. Cubase does very well with MIDI.
 
I'm a Cubase user, I love it and recommend it, but I'm surprised the course doesn't recommend Protools as a must have.
 
Hey jimmys69 or anyone else,all i need now is to buy a new pc...can u advise if this PC will be ok?
Specs:
ASUS H561-E /USB m Board
Intel Core i5 Processor
8GB DDR3
1TB Hard Disk
USB Key Board and Wireless Mouse
Gaming Casing
Graphic Card Asus En 210 w/1GB DDR3
24x DVD +/- RW
22inch LED Monitor
24 Months Warranty
OS(optional)
Pick one. I have not heard of any that doesn't. Cubase does very well with MIDI.
 
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Hey jimmys69 or anyone else,all i need now is to buy a new pc...can u advise if this PC will be ok?
Specs:
ASUS H561-E /USB m Board
Intel Core i5 Processor
8GB DDR3
1TB Hard Disk
USB Key Board and Wireless Mouse
Gaming Casing
Graphic Card Asus En 210 w/1GB DDR3
24x DVD +/- RW
22inch LED Monitor
24 Months Warranty
OS(optional)

It'll work but a couple of suggestions.

First, try to have two disks even if it means your 1TB one gets a bit smaller. DAWs love to have the operating system and software on one disk and the music files on a different one. If the disk holding the OS and Cubase can be a solid state drive, so much the better. Also, you don't specify what model of HDD you're getting. Make sure it's at least a 7200 RPM device.

Second, I don't know that graphics card but it's worth checking that it can handle two monitors (and swapping if it can't). Even with a 22 inch monitor, you'll rapidly wish you had a second screen you can drag things between. DAW work is greedy of screen real estate.
 
Good advice Bobbsy!

And also, some mother boards will allow you to connect one monitor from it, then use the video card for another-or two in my case.

Plus, what i5 is it it comes with? I believe there is only one version of the i5 that is 4 core.
 
Thanks Bobbsy and jimmys69...ill check the HDD and if the graphic card will allow to connect to another monitor at the same time...its just core i5...so,if both the HDD and graphic card are as what u mentioned above,i guess i can make the move rite?I already bought the DAW (Cubase)...Please check this midi keyboard controller (IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro MIDI 37-key Keyboard) ...thats the only one i can start with as im running low on budget.It says it will work with any DAW.
 
That keyboard should work fine with Cubase and decent enough to get started.

Again, you should find out which i5 you are getting. The 4 core models will give you more processing power to play with.

Look HERE. :)
 
Ok thats cool...I read about the core i5...now i know what u mean.Ill definitely check that and get back to you soon.Do u think im gonna need an audio interface?is there a good one @ cheaper price jimmys69 u could recommend me?
That keyboard should work fine with Cubase and decent enough to get started.

Again, you should find out which i5 you are getting. The 4 core models will give you more processing power to play with.

:)
 
If you plan on recording with any type of microphone, than absolutely yes you need an interface. What you have to spend has much to do with your needs. How many instruments at a time to be recorded?

For two input channels I would recommend the Steinberg UR22 ($150). Same preamps that I love in my UR-824's.

Another that was really cheap on sale last week was the Tascam US 144MKII ($50). Just tested it before sending to a member here and the preamps were quite clean and high gain. Doubt you will see that price again soon. That was one of those 'Stupid Deal Of The Day' from Musicians Friend.
 
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