New DAW

[Eddie C]

Hi, I’m a solo musician, electric guitar and backing tracks.
For the last 30 odd years , I’ve been mixing midifiles in Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 .
Through Roland JV1080, transferring to MP3 using Audacity.
I’d like to do some home recordings using midifiles and adding vocals and guitars to mix.
I’ve downloaded a trial version of Reaper and I need help in understanding how it all works.
Do I still need to use my JV1080 or are the sounds already there ?
I’ve no idea how VST,s work, do I need to download them ?
If yes , where do I download from ?
I think I have all the equipment needed , laptop , Audio interface, microphones, headphones.
Anything else I need ?
Thanks for accepting me to group and thanks for any help.

 

[Papanate]

Hi, I’m a solo musician, electric guitar and backing tracks.
For the last 30 odd years , I’ve been mixing midifiles in Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 .
Through Roland JV1080, transferring to MP3 using Audacity.

You use Midi Files and now have converted you midi files to Audio? Why did you do that? Just keep them as Midi Files.

I’d like to do some home recordings using midifiles and adding vocals and guitars to mix.
I’ve downloaded a trial version of Reaper and I need help in understanding how it all works.
Do I still need to use my JV1080 or are the sounds already there ?

If you like the JV1080 you should continue to use it. Reaper works just like Cakewalk - the workflow is slightly different - but the controls are the same.
Just look up Reaper Tutorials on YouTube - they will get you running in no time

I’ve no idea how VST,s work, do I need to download them ?
If yes , where do I download from ?

Well VST Plugins are just that - then there are VST Snyths etc….there are paid versions and free versions.
I use Logic so I don’t know what VST are good or where you get them.

I think I have all the equipment needed , laptop , Audio interface, microphones, headphones.
Anything else I need ?

Curiosity.

 

[rob aylestone]

I have a 1080, but subscribe to Roland's VST versions - so I still use the 1080, just the software version. However - no real problem with simply just playing it via MIDI, and bringing the audio in via your interface. That works with every DAW - you just need to get one that works like your brain works. Eveyone has their own favourite!