Pro Audio 9

  • Thread starter Thread starter entangle
  • Start date Start date
E

entangle

New member
I'm new at Computer recording. I've spent years with a midi system, syncing up an Atari to an analog 8 track with Hybrid Arts SMPTE Track software. So I bought the Aardvark LX6 which comes bundled with Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, because I want a lot more tracks for guitar and vocals than I've ever had with the analog 8 track. I waited for it to come in the mail, so I can read the software manual, and buy a pc. Well, there is no software manual, but Cakewalk told me in support that the help file on the software has the entire manual. But I'm not so sure now that I want to use it, of the LX6. It seemed like a good thing, since it was only $350 for both the interface and the Pro Audio 9. But I have to install this card in the pc I'm going to buy, and have never been so good at knowing exactly what to buy. The Aardvark software will load into any windows program, even the older ones, but it's just a format for recording, some windows of mixers and stuff; it does not record by itself. But it will work with emagic and other more advanced programs if I don't like the Pro Audio 9. So, I'm not sure what pc to buy, that's all. Should I get windows XP? Is the home edition or the office edition more important to me? The only thing I am going to do with this pc is recording, no internet or digital images or anything, so there shouldn't be any clutter. Cakewalk said to buy 2 hard drives as well, one for windows programs, and one for wave files. But if I'm only doing music, is this necessary? I'm going to be recording a lot of audio tracks, so I'm sure I'll use a lot of memory. If anyone can gather what I'm asking, and give me some advice, I'll be thankfull. I do want to be able to use third market soft synths and stuff. I think Pro Audio 9 does this, but I read on the forum that it doesn't 'support' soft synths. I'm not even sure what this means. And I'd like to be able to buy loops from some of these companies too. Should I just send it back and get some more advanced software? Either SONAR or something else? But then I'll have to buy a different interface, since I'd have to send the whole Aardvark package back. I'm a little lost. Chris
 
Wow, lot's of text without space... pressing enter once in a while won't hurt you.. :D

Anyway. PA9 is a good program, but if you want the best, get Sonar. I would say install WinXP, it's the most stable OS to date.

Two drives is a great advantage, but you don't need two physical drivers, just partition the one you get if you don't want to shell out for two drives. It's so much easier to work with two drives, just imagine if you need to format. :)

And why would you need to send the whole package back if you get Sonar?
 
Well, I thought the package was a good deal, since it's the interface and the software. But if I buy Sonar, I paid $350 for just the interface, and will have to pay more for Sonar now, which is okay if this is a good interface. I'm not sure if it is. I just wanted to try it all out. The card with it is shielded, which I've read is a good thing, it says it's very low noise. Is the LX6 good? I know, I type a lot, and I'm a mess with this stuff. I just can't wait to get going with having a LOT of audio tracks. I love lots of vocal harmonies, and guitar overdubs, ala Brian May, Jimmy Page, and have never had the tracks. Thanks for the input. Every bit is helpfull. Chris
 
Well, I started with PA7 with a crappy SB AWE 32, moved over to PA8 and 9 and Sonar 1 and 2, upgraded from Awe32 to Awe 64 to SB Live to SB Audio to Audiotrak INCA88 (which I'm very happy with).

But start with PA9. If it does it for you, there's no need to shell out for Sonar (but you can test the demo from www.cakewalk.com)
 
Okay, here's what I think I want. I want to be able to use lots of third party stuff, it that's what it's called. Loops, soft synths, effects, that are for sale on eBay and all over the place. 10,000 drum samples and Fruity Loops and Acid Loops and anything that strikes my fancy. I have 3 synths, and am happy with what they do, each one does what it needs to do well. A Roland Juno 2 is my analog, a U-220 for a few half-way decent sampled sounds, and a D-70 for controller and also has a few good sounds. I have a 24 channel new Berhinger board. (I had two older boards strung together which I'd used to much they actually didn't even work properly anymore, nor did my Fostex 1/4" 8 track) So I have plenty of channels to use the outs on these synths and take the best sounds from them and have them in stereo. But I want NEW synth sounds, and loops! Loops up the ass, and SOFT SYNTHS, God I can't wait to here some of them. I want to create newer sounding music that doesn't sound like 80's crap. SO, will Pro Audio 9 allow me to buy a lot of this stuff and run it? It won't will it. I've read that it's fairly limited in this respect. At least I think I've read that. God it's so confusing. And yes, I type like lightning. I'm also a playwright, and general babbler of other forms of literature. So don't mind my long windedness. Or just slap me when I talk too much.

So, will Pro Audio 9 run lots of new loops and soft synths that I can purchase after I get it going? Or would I be better off with a newer program that will.

Thanks, Chris
 
PA9 will run DX plugins; however, it will not provide the ability to automate them that Sonar does. Also, PA9 will not run DXi's (soft synths), and will not handle acid type loops.

I think what moskus was suggesting was to use PA9 as a learning tool. You already have it, so it won't cost you anything. And much of the learning would be directly applicable to Sonar - if and when you chose to upgrade.

Many people jump into digitial recording with both feet. Only to later get put off by the amount of "computer geekiness" required to fine tune things and keep everything running properly. This is not an 8-track cassette deck that you plug in and push the record button.

Therefore the suggestion is to take it slowly and spend your money wisely. Buy something ONLY after you know what it is and what it can do. And then buy the best you can afford.

PA9 will not do everything you want to do. However, it is not a bad piece of software to use while you decide how serious you are about this adventure. After a few weeks or months you will want/need to upgrade to Sonar. But by all means, start with PA9 since it requires absolutely no investement on your part except time (and you would have to invest that time anyway even if you ran out and bought Sonar now).

(And as a playwright, you must have missed the class on paragraphs. :) )
 
Thanks. I've always been a bad shopper. The reason I did well with the older midi stuff I have is that I took a one week course on it at the National Guitar Summer Workshop, so knew just what to buy and how to work it, the Hybrid Arts and Atari stuff. Damn.
I really want the new sounds right away, along with the large amount of audio tracks, to work with them together creatively.
I think I might send it back, get SONAR or something more powerful. It doesn't even come with a manual, the Pro Audio 9 that comes with the LX6. I'll use that for an excuse. I always cheap out too. This was $350 for the interface and software together. I thought I'd read enough to understand what I could do with it. I get lost. Thanks again. Chris
 
It's your money! :)

BTW, I believe the online help file in PA9 has the exact same information as the manual. Just not as convenient to curl up in bed with.

Check out the Getting Started section. I believe you will find the tutorials quite helpful. That's what got me over the "what do I do with all this shit" stage. :D

Good luck. If you decide to take the plunge, Sonar is an excellent choice.
 
Well thanks again, it's encouraging to have a specific direction, such as SONAR, so I don't end up yet again looking through the vast sea without oars. Yeah, Cakewalk support told me that the help file on the disc has the entire manual too. I've just been so long with this old stuff, I don't want to work up. I'm willing to spend the time learning and tweaking the new, but want the higher end right away, especially soft synths and acid loop stuff.
I should have just bought a higher end software right off the bat, damn it. I almost bought the emagic platinum 5 or whatever it's called, but cheaped out. That's pretty expensive. Now I'm looking on eBay, since you have me thinking about SONAR, and some guy has ten of them for $119 each, but I usually don't like buying electronic stuff on there, even a software cd. Any advice on that?
Plus he has no manuals. Probably some pirate. And now (sigh) I'll also have to find the right interface. I'll just do that I did with the Aardvark, buy the software first, then see what it say's about suggested interfaces. But that Aardvark seems to have a nice interface, and the software for that looks real friendly, the mixing board windows and stuff. Hmmm, maybe you're right. Just start out with it and run from there. I just hate installing and uninstalling. As he vaccilates back and forth........
 
Here is a list of the cards that Cakewalk recommends for use with Sonar.

http://www.cakewalk.com/Tips/audiohw.asp

The Direct Pro LX6 is among them - although there is a note that this card does not offer "true" WDM drivers. However, the note states that performance is similar - which is the bottom line.

I've only used the Delta 1010 myself. It is an excellent sound card, but I'm sure there are others just as good. Without direct experience, though, I can't make a recommendation.

The only cards I would recommend staying away from are the Creative Lab cards. I know someone will flame me for that, but I still believe these are cards primarily designed for gamers - not serious audio work.

Most of the higher end sound cards, however, do not have built in midi synths in them. However, you indicated that you were looking toward soft synths anyway, plus you have your external synths as well.
 
Thank you SO much. I just had to run to JFK airport and work a bunch of overtime, and was thinking it out. I'm hell bent on the SONAR, I've been settling for ages, and I have the goddamn money, and I want to break out with some noise. Some heavy noise with new sounds complimented by a barrage of vocals and guitars. Old Queen meets Frank Zappa meets Simian. I'm going to get the SONAR, I'm going to get the SONAR, I'm going to get the SONAR. ( I need to reinforce)
 
I set up to return the Aardvark, and have purchased the SONAR 2 XL. So now I have to look into a card again, but I'm glad.
Thanks for that link, dachay2tnr.
I see you're in the same state as I am. If you would like to email, my address is c_journal@hotmail.com
Maybe we could hang sometime. I work and live in the northeast part of the state.
Chris
 
dachay2tnr said:
Here is a list of the cards that Cakewalk recommends for use with Sonar.

http://www.cakewalk.com/Tips/audiohw.asp

The Direct Pro LX6 is among them - although there is a note that this card does not offer "true" WDM drivers. However, the note states that performance is similar - which is the bottom line.
Click to expand...

One other point - using WDM drivers with Sonar is much less of an issue now because Sonar 2.2 supports ASIO. My Direct Pro 24/96 has ASIO drivers, and I believe the LX6 does too.

-lee-
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top