Magix Music Maker or PGMusic Power Tracks?

[yamahaguy]

Hello. I am new to the forum. I've searched on here for information about both Magix Music Maker and PGMusic Power Tracks but I'd like to see opinions in one thread about both.

I'd like to play around with recording acoustic and electric guitars and add drums/midi to complement what I record.

I've been trying out the Magix Music maker 16 Demo version and it seems intuitive and fairly simple to use (simple in terms of recording software, anyway) but seems to be more geared to creating music from pre-existing loops/sounds. Maybe that's because I don't have access to the full program?

I have previously used Cakewalk Music Creator but found it to be cumbersome.

I am recording guitars through a Digitech RP 250 using the USB port.

I don't know much about Power Tracks.

I'm trying to stay under $50.

I see many recommend Reaper but it's a little more $. Is it worth it compared to the other products I have mentioned?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Jim Lad]

I've been trying out the Magix Music maker 16 Demo version and it seems intuitive and fairly simple to use (simple in terms of recording software, anyway) but seems to be more geared to creating music from pre-existing loops/sounds. Maybe that's because I don't have access to the full program?

Yeah: That's because you have Magix Music Maker as opposed to Magix Music Studio which is designed for creating music. As you've already noted, Music Maker is designed for modifying prerecorded music and making loops etc..
If I was you, I would switch to Mixcraft 5 or Reaper.
I'm extremely well versed in Mixcraft so I'll be sticking with that but if I didn't have it, Reaper would be the one.
Again, given your budget, you may want to use Reaper for now and give them $60 when you are able.
I am not a big believer in free DAWs but will recommend Kristal Audio Engine. Does have an excellent support forum but no Midi.
At the end of the day, the DAW has to suit you, so this is not something that anyone but you can decide on.
Have fun trying them out.
http://www.reaper.fm/download.php
http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/download.htm
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

 

[yamahaguy]

Jim - Thank you for the reply. I have tried Kristal previously and it's ok. I went ahead and downloaded Mixcraft and have been testing it out for several days, and.... I like it. So much that I decided to purchase it.

It also has a very intuitive interface and I was able to create music almost instantly with it. I like the effects that are supplied with it too.

As I get more into it I'm sure I'll have some questions for you.

And as a bonus, I have a friend that's going to loan me one of his extra MIDI keyboards for awhile.

Thanks again.

 

[Jim Lad]

Good.
The Mixcraft Midi is easy to use.
Enjoy!