D
dayslikefriday
New member
Ok, so, the below software is what I'm considering to own. However, I have no idea what's better or worse. So, basically, I want to know (as probably many others do, too)... What's the 'cream-of-the-crop' for your money? What do I need and don't need? What am I missing? Etc... I want opinions and thoughts.
Ok, thank you!
SOFTWARE
Fruty Loops v4
BIO:
FL Studio 5 is a full-featured, pattern-based sequencer perfectly suited for creating complex songs and realistic drum loops. It has 32-bit internal mixing and advanced MIDI support. Your creations can be exported as WAV or MP3 files and all MIDI events can be exported to standard MIDI files. Producer Edition also lets you record and mix up to 999 tracks of audio and use effects on inputs while recording. Also features a 64-channel mixer with per-track EQ and integrated WaveEditor.
Acid Pro 5
BIO:
ACID Pro software continues innovating with version 5. Powerful new features and advanced functionality make AP5 the most comprehensive application of its kind. Create songs, remix tracks, produce 5.1 surround audio mixes, score videos--the possibilities are endless. AP5 allows for unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, realtime pitch and tempo matching, and an impressive new Media Manager that lets you search, tag, and catalog your loops accurately and efficiently. Set up and mix 5.1 surround projects for audio and DVD productions with AP5's superior mixing and editing options. 20 DirectX effects including flange, delay, and amplitude modulation enhance your sonic palette. Comes bundled with the Sony Sound Series: Loops and Samples collection!
Cool Edit/Adobe Audition
BIO:
Designed for demanding audio and video professionals, Adobe Audition offers advanced audio mixing, editing, and effects processing capabilities. Its flexible workflow, coupled with exceptional ease of use and precise tools, gives you the power to create rich, nuanced audio of the highest possible quality. Record, edit, and mix high-resolution 32-bit files using any sample rate up to 10MHz, including standard rates such as 44.1kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz. Support for 24-bit/96kHz recording ensures DVD-ready sound production. Be as precise in your cuts as you like. All edits are sample-accurate and can be automatically snapped to zero crossings; short crossfades can be added for smooth, pop-free cuts every time. Work with more than 45 digital signal processing (DSP) tools and effects, mastering and analysis tools, and audio restoration features. Adobe Audition also supports third-party Microsoft DirectX plug-ins. High-quality sample rate conversion ensures great-sounding results, and is ideal for up-sampling CD material from 44.1 to 48kHz for video or 96kHz for DVD. Adjust volume, pan, effects, and more for individual tracks in a multitrack mix. Envelope curves can be adjusted using splines to produce gradual, nonlinear transitions. Get up and running quickly thanks to an intuitive interface that you can configure to meet your production needs. Create default sessions to use as templates for projects that share similar configurations.Process effects in real time. To reduce CPU usage, lock a track to cache the rendered effect, and unlock it instantly to make adjustments. Import audio from Adobe Premiere® Pro or After Effects® software for use in Adobe Audition. Use the Edit Original command to make changes to the original WAV file and import the changes into Adobe Audition. Keep project resources at your fingertips using the Organizer window, where you can access currently open audio, MIDI, and video files, effects, and favorites.
Cubase SX
BIO:
Cubase SX3 takes music production to a new level by adding more than 70 updates including powerful Audio Warp realtime time-stretching, an intuitive Play Order Track, convenient In-place Editing and many new editing functions. For the first time, a native music production system combines full-featured audio and MIDI recording and editing, virtual instruments, and powerful audio mixing with the added flexibility of loop- and pattern-based arranging and mixing. Cubase SX3 supports Windows XP and Mac OS X and works with a multitude of audio interfaces. Add to that the seamless integration of external audio and MIDI hardware, and Cubase SX3 redefines music production technology.
Reason 3.0
BIO:
Synthesizers, samplers, drum machine, ReCycle-based loop player, mixer, effects, pattern sequencer, and more. As many of each as your computer can handle. Reason is an infinitely expandable music workstation on a CD-ROM, complete with its own realtime sequencer. Version 3.0 features the Combinator -- a sophisticated software device which allows you to build elaborate chains of Reason units -- instruments, effects, pattern sequencers, you name it -- and save as Combi patches.
Cakewalk Sonar
BIO:
This edition of SONAR delivers powerful production tools in a fast, streamlined user interface. With SONAR4, Cakewalk has added powerful new recording, editing, comping and navigation tools that optimize workflow for today's professional. In addition, version 4 combines innovative surround and AV capabilities along with precise engineering tools. SONAR4 Producer Edition is the perfect solution for composing, recording, editing, mixing, and remixing music productions; and for providing voice over, score, sound design and post audio for film, TV, video, commercials, and games.
Pro Tools LE
BIO:
Supports select M-Audio interfaces including Audiophile 192, Audiophile 2496, FireWire 410, FireWire 1814, and Ozonic. (One of these devices is required.) The world's best-respected and most-used professional digital recording software adapted to give you award-winning audio recording, editing, and mixing capabilities. Instant compatibility with Pro Tools TDM and LE systems around the world. Features fully integrated MIDI sequencing and readily accepts ReWire output stream directly from applications like Ableton Live for further mixing and processing. Includes Beat Detective LE automatic groove analysis and correction tool for flawless time. Supports Digidesign's Command|8 control surface for hands-on mixing. A huge selection of optional plug-ins and applications are available. Works with Windows XP and Mac OS X.
Sound Forge
BIO:
Sound Forge® software is the tool of choice for media professionals who want to create and edit digital audio files with absolute speed and precision. Acclaimed for its power, stability, and no-nonsense interface, it's the fastest way to get from raw audio to finished master. Sound Forge software is everything you need to analyze, record, and edit audio, produce music loops, digitize and clean up old recordings, model acoustic environments, create streaming media, and master replication-ready CDs.
Live 4.0
BIO:
Ableton Live 4 is the revolutionary music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic, and virtual instruments as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use. In short, Live lets you focus on what really matters: your music. Live's award-winning elastic audio sequencing lets you record, import, arrange, and process multiple audio clips and loops into complete songs regardless of their pitch or tempo, all in real time while the music continues. You can even change tempo and pitch of audio independently after the fact and clip envelopes create endless loop variations. Of course, you can also integrate linear tape-style recording along with your loops. With Live 4, Ableton's unique approach to music production extends to a new paradigm in MIDI sequencing and manipulation as well, complete with virtual instruments. As simple to use as it is powerful, Live 4 is a completely unique musical tool.
*ALL OF THE BIOGRAPHIES COPY/PASTED FROM MUSICIANSFRIEND.COM*

SOFTWARE
Fruty Loops v4
BIO:
FL Studio 5 is a full-featured, pattern-based sequencer perfectly suited for creating complex songs and realistic drum loops. It has 32-bit internal mixing and advanced MIDI support. Your creations can be exported as WAV or MP3 files and all MIDI events can be exported to standard MIDI files. Producer Edition also lets you record and mix up to 999 tracks of audio and use effects on inputs while recording. Also features a 64-channel mixer with per-track EQ and integrated WaveEditor.
Acid Pro 5
BIO:
ACID Pro software continues innovating with version 5. Powerful new features and advanced functionality make AP5 the most comprehensive application of its kind. Create songs, remix tracks, produce 5.1 surround audio mixes, score videos--the possibilities are endless. AP5 allows for unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, realtime pitch and tempo matching, and an impressive new Media Manager that lets you search, tag, and catalog your loops accurately and efficiently. Set up and mix 5.1 surround projects for audio and DVD productions with AP5's superior mixing and editing options. 20 DirectX effects including flange, delay, and amplitude modulation enhance your sonic palette. Comes bundled with the Sony Sound Series: Loops and Samples collection!
Cool Edit/Adobe Audition
BIO:
Designed for demanding audio and video professionals, Adobe Audition offers advanced audio mixing, editing, and effects processing capabilities. Its flexible workflow, coupled with exceptional ease of use and precise tools, gives you the power to create rich, nuanced audio of the highest possible quality. Record, edit, and mix high-resolution 32-bit files using any sample rate up to 10MHz, including standard rates such as 44.1kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz. Support for 24-bit/96kHz recording ensures DVD-ready sound production. Be as precise in your cuts as you like. All edits are sample-accurate and can be automatically snapped to zero crossings; short crossfades can be added for smooth, pop-free cuts every time. Work with more than 45 digital signal processing (DSP) tools and effects, mastering and analysis tools, and audio restoration features. Adobe Audition also supports third-party Microsoft DirectX plug-ins. High-quality sample rate conversion ensures great-sounding results, and is ideal for up-sampling CD material from 44.1 to 48kHz for video or 96kHz for DVD. Adjust volume, pan, effects, and more for individual tracks in a multitrack mix. Envelope curves can be adjusted using splines to produce gradual, nonlinear transitions. Get up and running quickly thanks to an intuitive interface that you can configure to meet your production needs. Create default sessions to use as templates for projects that share similar configurations.Process effects in real time. To reduce CPU usage, lock a track to cache the rendered effect, and unlock it instantly to make adjustments. Import audio from Adobe Premiere® Pro or After Effects® software for use in Adobe Audition. Use the Edit Original command to make changes to the original WAV file and import the changes into Adobe Audition. Keep project resources at your fingertips using the Organizer window, where you can access currently open audio, MIDI, and video files, effects, and favorites.
Cubase SX
BIO:
Cubase SX3 takes music production to a new level by adding more than 70 updates including powerful Audio Warp realtime time-stretching, an intuitive Play Order Track, convenient In-place Editing and many new editing functions. For the first time, a native music production system combines full-featured audio and MIDI recording and editing, virtual instruments, and powerful audio mixing with the added flexibility of loop- and pattern-based arranging and mixing. Cubase SX3 supports Windows XP and Mac OS X and works with a multitude of audio interfaces. Add to that the seamless integration of external audio and MIDI hardware, and Cubase SX3 redefines music production technology.
Reason 3.0
BIO:
Synthesizers, samplers, drum machine, ReCycle-based loop player, mixer, effects, pattern sequencer, and more. As many of each as your computer can handle. Reason is an infinitely expandable music workstation on a CD-ROM, complete with its own realtime sequencer. Version 3.0 features the Combinator -- a sophisticated software device which allows you to build elaborate chains of Reason units -- instruments, effects, pattern sequencers, you name it -- and save as Combi patches.
Cakewalk Sonar
BIO:
This edition of SONAR delivers powerful production tools in a fast, streamlined user interface. With SONAR4, Cakewalk has added powerful new recording, editing, comping and navigation tools that optimize workflow for today's professional. In addition, version 4 combines innovative surround and AV capabilities along with precise engineering tools. SONAR4 Producer Edition is the perfect solution for composing, recording, editing, mixing, and remixing music productions; and for providing voice over, score, sound design and post audio for film, TV, video, commercials, and games.
Pro Tools LE
BIO:
Supports select M-Audio interfaces including Audiophile 192, Audiophile 2496, FireWire 410, FireWire 1814, and Ozonic. (One of these devices is required.) The world's best-respected and most-used professional digital recording software adapted to give you award-winning audio recording, editing, and mixing capabilities. Instant compatibility with Pro Tools TDM and LE systems around the world. Features fully integrated MIDI sequencing and readily accepts ReWire output stream directly from applications like Ableton Live for further mixing and processing. Includes Beat Detective LE automatic groove analysis and correction tool for flawless time. Supports Digidesign's Command|8 control surface for hands-on mixing. A huge selection of optional plug-ins and applications are available. Works with Windows XP and Mac OS X.
Sound Forge
BIO:
Sound Forge® software is the tool of choice for media professionals who want to create and edit digital audio files with absolute speed and precision. Acclaimed for its power, stability, and no-nonsense interface, it's the fastest way to get from raw audio to finished master. Sound Forge software is everything you need to analyze, record, and edit audio, produce music loops, digitize and clean up old recordings, model acoustic environments, create streaming media, and master replication-ready CDs.
Live 4.0
BIO:
Ableton Live 4 is the revolutionary music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic, and virtual instruments as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use. In short, Live lets you focus on what really matters: your music. Live's award-winning elastic audio sequencing lets you record, import, arrange, and process multiple audio clips and loops into complete songs regardless of their pitch or tempo, all in real time while the music continues. You can even change tempo and pitch of audio independently after the fact and clip envelopes create endless loop variations. Of course, you can also integrate linear tape-style recording along with your loops. With Live 4, Ableton's unique approach to music production extends to a new paradigm in MIDI sequencing and manipulation as well, complete with virtual instruments. As simple to use as it is powerful, Live 4 is a completely unique musical tool.
*ALL OF THE BIOGRAPHIES COPY/PASTED FROM MUSICIANSFRIEND.COM*