Home recording. 'future proof' software.

  • Thread starter Thread starter mattwoppz
  • Start date Start date
M

mattwoppz

New member
Hello all,


I'm new to the forum and couldn't see a thread answering exactly what I wanted so I thought I'd send a quick post (any help is much appreciated)...

In short I am in the process of starting home recording. I have a suitable mic and audio interface, the next thing I want to look at is suitable software for my laptop. In the short term I want to record vocals and put them over existing instrumentals (much like a hip hop 'mix tape'). I'd then want to progress to creating my own beats, maybe later use some of my own guitar rifts and other sounds and incorporate them.

I'm a novice so I was wondering what would be ideal for the above. I'd really want something that can grow with me as I become more advanced (rather than changing halfway through my development). You should assume money isn't an issue and I'm open to getting a Mac opposed to a PC if it makes sense... I have no affiliation either way at present (most likely I will create a separate thread about that at some point).

Thank you!
 
I saw a thread that said

Cubase (Recording)

Fruit Loops (Beats)


Not sure if that's still relevant/agreed with as it was a few years ago. I'd be looking at doing more hip-hop, DnB, Garage type stuff.

Please let me know your views.
 
He's already got the music part covered, so no direct need for Ableton.
I'm also working with Cubase and FL. However you could check out Reaper instead of Cubase. It's free (or really cheap, if you are distracted by nag screen at start). I don't know if they make Reaper for Mac though...
 
Reaper is for Mac & PC. It isn't free, though - the trial is unlimited and they use an honour system with a nag screen to encourage you to buy a license. It costs $60, last I checked.

Were I making DnB, I wouldn't use Reaper.
 
jonny deep said:
Have a look at Ableton Live for electronic music.
Click to expand...
While that is its aim and primary use. Ableton can be used for traditional recording (arrangement view). But it does shine in EDM.

It is also a good stage/Live DAW for any kind of music. I think that is its secondary focus.
 
DM60 said:
While that is its aim and primary use. Ableton can be used for traditional recording (arrangement view). But it does shine in EDM.

It is also a good stage/Live DAW for any kind of music. I think that is its secondary focus.
Click to expand...

Indeed, any of the "full-featured" DAWs could be used for any genre. However, Ableton is aimed at EDM producers and performers and its workflow is designed for that - hence its prevalence in electronic music.

Another option would be Reason.
 
You have an audio interface Matt, what is it?

It is rare you see for an AI to come without DAW software and a good 50% of them supply a light version of Cubase and Cubase is an excellent choice especially if you want to go on to use MIDI. The included software also almost always gives you a discount to upgrade.

If not, Reaper is very good but do download the demo of Samplitude ProX. VERY powerful and you might just "click"!

Dave.
 
Sorry for the late reply I had to travel last minute.

I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the responses... very helpful.

I have a free copy of Cubase, I've gave it a quick try. Going to download reaper as well and see what I think of that.

Should be able to make a decision from 1 of the 2 from that
 
mattwoppz said:
Sorry for the late reply I had to travel last minute.

I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the responses... very helpful.

I have a free copy of Cubase, I've gave it a quick try. Going to download reaper as well and see what I think of that.

Should be able to make a decision from 1 of the 2 from that
Click to expand...

You are most welcome Matt. One thing though...You can't really give ANY recording software a "quick try". Cubase is no "harder" than Reaper just "different". Chose one and stick with it for a week. Once you are moderately adept with one DAW you will find others easier as the concepts (mostly!) transfer.

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
You can't really give ANY recording software a "quick try".
Click to expand...

Actually the 'demo' of Reaper is the full software. You can try it all you want and all you'll get is a nag screen at startup, no functions are limited.
You ARE on your honor to give the guy the miserable $60 license if you continue to use it.
The guys at Cockos believe in being straight up with users.


BTW: as for the thread title..... "future-proof software"
There is no such thing.
Computers change and evolve, software changes and evolves. Companies go out of business. New ones spring up.
There is no "future-proof" in this game since the start of personal computers in the early '80s.
 
TimOBrien said:
Actually the 'demo' of Reaper is the full software. You can try it all you want and all you'll get is a nag screen at startup, no functions are limited.
You ARE on your honor to give the guy the miserable $60 license if you continue to use it.
The guys at Cockos believe in being straight up with users.


BTW: as for the thread title..... "future-proof software"
There is no such thing.
Computers change and evolve, software changes and evolves. Companies go out of business. New ones spring up.
There is no "future-proof" in this game since the start of personal computers in the early '80s.
Click to expand...

Not sure if you got my drift Tim?

I mean't that whichever software the OP tries out he needs to give it a good few days larnin'.

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
Not sure if you got my drift Tim?

I mean't that whichever software the OP tries out he needs to give it a good few days larnin'.

Dave.
Click to expand...

To your point and to keep this international. Giving software a quick try is like taking an F1 car that you have never driven one before for a quick spin.
 
Definition of 'a good few days' may be needed here. 14 hours per day of constant reading and hands on use, is likely what he meant. And this would be under the assumption that one had basic understanding of how any DAW works. It might take 2 months to figure out how to download the correct drivers for some...
 
jimmys69 said:
Definition of 'a good few days' may be needed here. 14 hours per day of constant reading and hands on use, is likely what he meant. And this would be under the assumption that one had basic understanding of how any DAW works. It might take 2 months to figure out how to download the correct drivers for some...
Click to expand...

Leave us not put the guy off James! (and does software have drivers?) .

There are some basics.
First off, how easy is it to find your soundcard/AI and setup the inputs and outputs. As an example, I find Cubase much more of a faff for this than say Samplitude.

How easy is it to save songs an WTF do they go?

How easy is it to get a VSTi to play? I have Sonar Cakewalk EssX1 and have given up trying! You also cannot export MIDI data from Sonar AFAICS.

The above basic things might take a day or so, couple of hours at a stretch, then when these actions are fluid and a bit automatic you might move onto another DAW to compare.

But yes, deep music mashing takes a long time to learn and a lot of skill. I can't do it. Son can, but then he can't fix amps!

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
Not sure if you got my drift Tim?

I mean't that whichever software the OP tries out he needs to give it a good few days larnin'.

Dave.
Click to expand...


Sometime my flash reading speed moves faster than my brain for sure, especially when the pets are causing a ruckus...
 
Reaper for "future proof"

When you purchase Reaper, you automatically get free upgrades through the next release. So if you purchase v.4, you get all upgrades through v.5.

I've used Sonar for years and when I migrated over to Mac, I used Logic. I liked Sonar better than Logic for most purposes, but surround was better on Logic. Reaper is an amazing program that has its benefits over other programs too. Each DAW is different with their positives and negatives. Try out Reaper though, it has the best features per dollar by far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top