Best Home Recording Software?

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DrkSyde 313

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Anybody have any favorites, when it comes to home recording?
Is pro tools better than cubase, or is Logic platinum better?The reason I'm asking this question is because I want to know if I should buy the Digidesign Mbox or not. Can someone help me by telling me what is it they use in their studio.
 
I have just started using digital performer and prefer it rather then ProTools, but thats just me. It also depends on what type of music you want to make, if its loop based then I suggest Live or Acid, but if your recording an ensemble ProTools or Dp might be more appropriate.
 
i've never gotten protools to run on my machine... Sonar/Cakewalk has always been a bit odd for me. I absolutely *love* Cubase however. I've been putting in a decent amount of "screw-around" time on Cubase VST/32, and i'm really enjoying the feel and operation of the program.
 
Some of the choice depends on your hardawre including the computer and operating system. If I was using the Digidesign Mbox or the 001/002, Pro Tools LE seems like a good choice since its bundled with the equipment. I would use Digital Performer with the MOTU 828, 896, etc. if I was a confirmed Mac addict. MOTU and Mac have a longer track record and the combination seems to deliver fewer conflicts. Setting up a computer-based recording system always invites the possibility of glitches and the best way to limit these issues is to use a well kown and tested combination. Beyond that, I would say that on some level all high quality recording software is complex and has a reasonably steep learning curve. If it doesn't, you are either gifted or you bought software with limited features that won't grow with your needs. All things being equal, buy one of the leading brands (ProTools, DP, Logic, Cubase, etc.) and jump in.
 
What do you want to do with your software?
Audio tracks only?
MIDI and Virtual Synths?
Beats / Loops?
Video and Audio editing?
Studios often specialize in certain areas, and so does software packages. Most software will do a little of everything, but the better programs generally are focused in a certain type of work and the workflow patterns are built around that.

Have though about what you would like to focus on? Trying to do everything at once can be very frustrating.

It would help in suggestion making to know your direction.
 
I'm only working with audio, so what I'm looking for is audio software that will give me a nice fat sound.
 
If it's only audio, and even with a bit of midi, I'd say ProTools all the way.
 
I've gotten to a point where I can really make Nuendo fly!
I use it in conjunction with a control surface, and mixing, panning, solo/muting is a breeze!
Its a pleasure to work with. I've been using it for a few years now, and there IS a steep learning curve, but once you do learn it, most operations are very intuitive.
I also use its Surround Sound plug-in package, which in my limited dealings with Surround, seems to yeild amazing results!

In addition to all this, it can of course import video, and sync, frame accurately to any audio you want to put into it.

I use it in combination with Steinberg's 96/52 sound card, its "daughter board" expansion card and ADAT optical link. I have VERY low latency, and super audio quality. While Nuendo is NOT proprietary to Steinberg's hardware, I can't help but to feel that the success of my system is due in part to using Steinberg's product line with the s/w.

Its an expensive s/w, but well worth the investment of time and money.
 
IF you are a newbie, that will use audio files and loops, etc - start with ACID Pro 4.0.....it's cheap, easy to learn and your'll be up & running in a few days....plus you can record any amount of guitar/keyboard/instrument tracks ya want.....

After you ge tthe hang of that....then move up to Cubase SX, or Pro Tools...all depending upon your Budget $$$ and computer environmnet....

KEV
 
I've tried Protools, and Sonar, and ended up using N-track. It's cheap ($43) and easy to use. The interface is the most user-friendly I've come across.
 
I'd have to say that Sonar pretty much ROCKS. Been with Cakewalk Sonar since version 1, haven't felt the need to even check out any others.
 
They all do the job well. I have only tried Sonar and Cubase. I like Sonar but chose it mainly because I was able to get it much cheaper ($149) than the other available products (because I was a previous Cakewalk owner). That's what it usually boils down to for me, value.
 
I use ye old Sonic Foundry Vegas because I don't have any controllers...YET!

Pro Tools, Cakewalk, Cubase, Logic Audio, Digital Performer - all of the DAW software programs are essentially the same. It's all in what you are comfortable with...
 
Sometimes, your choice of software will depend on what you'll use it for the bulk of the time. I went through the "Do I go with Digital Performer or Pro Tools" stage awhile ago. Some guys swear that DP is better to work with MIDI, while Pro Tools is a better tape recorder. I went with Pro Tools because I knew the program and didn't have to start from scratch like I would have with DP. I didn't do much MIDI at the time either.

Echoing a lot of the previous posts here, but everyone has a program they feel the most comfortable with. Many of the more powerful programs will essentially do the same thing, it's just your ability to manipulate the program.
 
rvdsm said:
I use ye old Sonic Foundry Vegas because I don't have any controllers...YET!

Pro Tools, Cakewalk, Cubase, Logic Audio, Digital Performer - all of the DAW software programs are essentially the same. It's all in what you are comfortable with...
Click to expand...

Yeah, all the same in the sence that they are way, way over priced!
 
My favorite is Samplitude 7 for editing, but when it comes to the mixing part, it seems to me that Cubase has a cleaner, fatter sound. I guess I'm just wondering if there's any software better than that. Also I need a software thats not going to rape my computer for its power.
 
Sonar here

Sonar 3 Producer edition here. Demos of Cubase never seemed to win me over. I came within a gnat's @ss of switching to Logic just before Apple bought it and made it Mac only. My presumption (however accurate or not) of Pro Tools being very expensive and requiring highly proprietary hardware ruled it out long ago. Samplitude had no MIDI to speak of when I was making my choice years ago. If I've inadvertently insulted someone's favorite app, I apologize.

Sonar has been very slow to evolve in certain areas. I started with KCS, then Bars & Pipes + Studio16 on Amiga computers. There are certain features B&P had that Sonar is just catching up to, and some it will probably never really duplicate (and B&P hasn't been updated since 1986 or so). Reason I bring this up, is to say that Sonar is not perfect... none of them are. You live with your choices as best you can. Since the Amiga had become a dead end, I had to make a choice when switching platforms.

Fortunately, Sonar has been (erratically sometimes) moving in the right direction. Every new version has made me less likely to switch to something else. Nearly every thing they've changed/added I consider an improvement.
The only disturbing trend I've witnessed is a closing off of lines of communication. I had been quite vocal with Cakewalk in the past, never hesitating to send rather pointy emails bristling with my frustration at whatever bug/limitation/omission had possession of my 'goat' at the moment. I had email addresses all the way up the food chain to the top. The conversations seemed genuinely constructive. Things I've pointed out have been fixed. I used to get responses from even the CEO, but lately not. I sincerely hope they're not becoming disinterested in what their customers think. The support people are excepted from this, as they've always been responsive.
 
I use Cubase SX, and it's amazing. There definitely is a learning curve, but it is a program I have been able to grow into as time goes on and my needs/interests change and I want to try new things. I started with VST 3.6, and have upgraded all the way through SX. Though I still haven't explored everything it can do, whenever I find a new technique I want to try, Cubase has it covered (automation, VST instruments, midi...), and it's nice to know I'm using such a professional product that has me covered and is easy to use!
 
Can anybody compare Nuendo to cubase sx? I didn't much diffrence in the screen shots of nuendo. I have sx. It's sweet
 
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