How do you choose which software to buy?

[drumsnbass]

I have now settled on a Mackie 1402VLZ for a mixer for my drums et al. I hope to midi in a keyboard & try to make some tunes.

There is a LOT of software out there, and I have not a clue which direction to go or really what is needed to make a home recording that is efficiently good, but not too expensive.

Hints?

Thanks!

 

[bcains]

Depending on whats "not to expensive" heres some of many;

Pro Tools (with digi 001 or 002)
Cakewalk Sonar 4 - $300
Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio XL - $160
Tracktion 2 - $150
Steinberg Cubase SE - $100
Cakewalk Software Sonar Home Studio - $100

Also do you have an interface? The delta 1010 is very popular and ive seen a few posts with people that have the Mackie 1402VLZ and delta 1010 or the delta 66/44.

with the Mackie 1402VLZ i think it can only handle 4 -track stimulus recording. How do you plan on miking your drum set? if its 4 mics or less thats fine.

 

[gordone]

Don't forget N-Track! I believe it's around $70. http://www.fasoft.com

 

[aaroncomp]

This might help - demos:

Adobe Audition 1.5
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=92&platform=Windows

SONAR 4:
http://www.cakewalk.com/download/default.asp#windows

Tracktion 2:
http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion2/index.html

 

[TimOBrien]

N-Track is excellent. So is CubaseSE at $99. (I use both.)

You can get a demo to try out of N-Track from the ntrack.com website.

You can also find links to demos of Cubase and Sonar from www.hitsquad.com
(an excellent place to look for music software.)

 

[dwillis45]

If, for some strange reason, you are running a Mac, take a look at the following.

http://www.bigbluelounge.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11441

 

[drumsnbass]

Depending on whats "not to expensive" heres some of many;

Pro Tools (with digi 001 or 002)
Cakewalk Sonar 4 - $300
Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio XL - $160
Tracktion 2 - $150
Steinberg Cubase SE - $100
Cakewalk Software Sonar Home Studio - $100

Also do you have an interface? The delta 1010 is very popular and ive seen a few posts with people that have the Mackie 1402VLZ and delta 1010 or the delta 66/44.

with the Mackie 1402VLZ i think it can only handle 4 -track stimulus recording. How do you plan on miking your drum set? if its 4 mics or less thats fine.

Well, i hope to mic my set with up to 7 mic's. Snare, bass, three toms, two overhead cymbals (which, can I push both into a stereo track?)

Also, does would Reason 3.0 work for me? I have read some cool stuff about it.

Thanks!

PS does anyone know of a link out there that "reviews" the features of all the above in a table format?

 

[fraserhutch]

Buy the one that comes in the prettiest packaging.

 

[bcains]

Well, i hope to mic my set with up to 7 mic's. Snare, bass, three toms, two overhead cymbals (which, can I push both into a stereo track?)

Also, does would Reason 3.0 work for me? I have read some cool stuff about it.

Thanks!

PS does anyone know of a link out there that "reviews" the features of all the above in a table format?

You could do it that way, with some patiences.
Or invest in an 8 -track stimulus mixer, with that than becomes pricey.
Or invest in some pre amps, instead of the mixer. Like the Presonus Firepod.

I've heard great things about Reason 3, I've still got Reason 2.5
Reason 3 starts at about $450. You can set up a midi keyboard and play in real-time with orchestra sounds, drums etc. It would be much easier on a keyboard than, placing each note in, or playing the on-screen keyboard. Which was a pain in the arse, when i first started but got use to it.

Good luck.

 

[Phyl]

The current issue of Electronic Musician reviews all the low cost sequencers out there - plenty of in depth information.

I was surprised when they rated PowerTracks (PG Music) as the best value.

 

[drumsnbass]

You could do it that way, with some patiences.
Or invest in an 8 -track stimulus mixer, with that than becomes pricey.
Or invest in some pre amps, instead of the mixer. Like the Presonus Firepod.

I've heard great things about Reason 3, I've still got Reason 2.5
Reason 3 starts at about $450. You can set up a midi keyboard and play in real-time with orchestra sounds, drums etc. It would be much easier on a keyboard than, placing each note in, or playing the on-screen keyboard. Which was a pain in the arse, when i first started but got use to it.

Good luck.

I never did mention we have an Ensoniq KS-32 weighted keyboard/synth. I am assuming MIDI has not changed since like 97/98 when we got this.

But back to Reason -- this will record my tracks ok?

As for the mixer, it has 6 pre-amps already, so I am most of the way there!

 

[bcains]

I never did mention we have an Ensoniq KS-32 weighted keyboard/synth. I am assuming MIDI has not changed since like 97/98 when we got this.

But back to Reason -- this will record my tracks ok?

As for the mixer, it has 6 pre-amps already, so I am most of the way there!

If it is the Ensoniq KS-32 MIDI/76-key weighted action keyboard, than yes. I know if definitely works with Reason 2.5

What about buying a second mixer, to go along with it, to give you more pres. Remebering, if you go with this mixer, and squash 7/8 tracks into stereo, make sure the levels and everything are perfect before recording. Nothing worse than recording it all and than realise, you need more kick in the mix.

Quick question what interface are you running this into? I'd suggest the Delta 1010

 

[drumsnbass]

If it is the Ensoniq KS-32 MIDI/76-key weighted action keyboard, than yes. I know if definitely works with Reason 2.5

What about buying a second mixer, to go along with it, to give you more pres. Remebering, if you go with this mixer, and squash 7/8 tracks into stereo, make sure the levels and everything are perfect before recording. Nothing worse than recording it all and than realise, you need more kick in the mix.

Quick question what interface are you running this into? I'd suggest the Delta 1010

I can pick up the 424MkII cheap used, but do not know if it has any pre-amps in it. DOes it?

 

[gordone]

I have a 424MKII. It has 4 pre-amps, but no phantom power, so you won't be able to use any condenser microphones unless you get an external phantom power supply. A dynamic mic such as a Shure SM58 will work fine. The 424 is a nice unit. I had a lot of fun with it before digital recording took off.

I can pick up the 424MkII cheap used, but do not know if it has any pre-amps in it. DOes it?

 

[bcains]

This mixer has Four track simultaneous recording capability, yes it does have 4 built in pres, but i dont know enough about it sorry.

 

[bcains]

With your budget, and the number of tracks needed to record at once i'd be going for the Firepod. Pres,Interface comes with Cubase LE it's a good way to help you atleast start recording. Than you can think of other ways to extend once you have the money.