another old timer looking for the right program, but using a mac

[antichef]

I got my first mac less than a year ago, and started using Garage Band, and that really got me going on my current home recording kick. I can probably keep using it indefinitely, but I'm starting to get curious about other packages. This really started when I realized that GB only works with a 44.1Khz sampling rate. My hardware does better, and I thought that's what I was using - should I be embarrassed about that? Nah. I feel safe here.

I've also noticed that you're stuck with the same tempo in GB for the whole song, and I don't much like the export option (via iTunes, that is). I could see the hard limit on plugins per track becoming a problem, but it's not now. I do really like GB.

I have "lite" versions (I think) of Cubase and Audiodesk that I got with some hardware that I purchased (Presonus Inspire, MOTU Traveler), and I buddy of mine at work keeps urging me to learn Pro Tools, of which I heard you can get a free "lite" version (but I can't find it). I know Logic has a big installed base in the mac crowd, too.

I've *tried* doing things with Cubase, and gave up frustrated, because I wasn't taking the time to learn the details. I've stared blankly at Audiodesk, but have done nothing yet. On my son's PC, I've used Audacity (fine, except for no midi, so prefer GB), and installed Fruity Loops, but never figured out what it was for.

I don't have the time to learn more than one of these, and I probably won't have it any time soon. I record mainly instruments and vocals, but it's nice to lay down a midi track for some fake piano, or whatever, and I'm addicted to drum loops. I'm obviously not a professional, and I don't aspire to be one. Which way should I go?

 

[mixmkr]

personally, I think you should just keep the Mac, probably becuase it never crashes on you and switch over to the dark side.... but seriously, I think you have many more options in a wide variety of price ranges with the PC.

Otherwise you have Protools or your garage band...or your Cubase. Put Photoshop on your Mac and use it for that. Get the PC.
If you want MIDI, welll..... the other thread tells what I ended up with... and ONLY because of MIDI at this point.

 

[antichef]

Put Photoshop on your Mac and use it for that.

But I'm not a visually oriented person

I actually used nothing but PCs from about 1988 to last year, mostly Windows, but quite a bit of Linux. Right now I'm typing on a spankin' new macbook with 2 gigs of ram that I got two weeks ago specifically for audio, and GB was a big factor in that choice. I don't doubt that there are more and cheaper options for PC (and I've already seen that in the free plugin arena), but this laptop is nice and quiet and stable, and I hope I never spend another minute trying to get a win or linux sound driver / device to work and keep working.

 

[mixmkr]

But I'm not a visually oriented person

I actually used nothing but PCs from about 1988 to last year, mostly Windows, but quite a bit of Linux. Right now I'm typing on a spankin' new macbook with 2 gigs of ram that I got two weeks ago specifically for audio, and GB was a big factor in that choice. I don't doubt that there are more and cheaper options for PC (and I've already seen that in the free plugin arena), but this laptop is nice and quiet and stable, and I hope I never spend another minute trying to get a win or linux sound driver / device to work and keep working.

as a Mac owner also, I understand....but for what it's worth, I've got this cheapie Dell performing flawlessly.
Honestly, other than what has already been mentioned, I don't really know of many other options. Apparently you grew out of garage band!!

 

[dgatwood]

as a Mac owner also, I understand....but for what it's worth, I've got this cheapie Dell performing flawlessly.
Honestly, other than what has already been mentioned, I don't really know of many other options. Apparently you grew out of garage band!!

Digital Performer. I would highly recommend it. It has a very straightforward interface---if you're comfortable in GB, you should be able to adapt to it pretty easily. Last I checked, MOTU offered a 30 day money-back guarantee. If you don't like it, send the software back and they'll refund it.

Of course, if you are struggling with AudioDesk... I'm not sure you'd find DP any more comfortable. Looking at the screenshots, it looks pretty similar.

 

[sonnylarsen]

Logic Express would be the logical (no pun intended) progression from GB. You would be able to open your GB songs in it and utilize the same software instruments. GB's technology is all derived from Logic. There is a bit of a learning curve involved, but it sounds to me like you are getting more serious about recording so it would benefit you to learn it. In fact, just about any app on a mac or PC is going to present you with a learning curve because GB is sooooo easy to use.

The only app I can think of that comes close to GB's ease of use is Ableton Live. I have used both 5 and 6 and don't let anyone tell you it is only for live use. It is a full-blown DAW now with tons of cool features. It is also pretty easy to get started with compared to any other app.

I am currently using Pro Tools M-powered and it is great for both audio and midi.

Remember that using any of these will require some time investment to get the most out of them, but it is time well spent. All of these apps have the ability to create top-notch professional recordings, assuming you have good equipment going into them (mics, pre's, audio interface).