Real "multitrack" software?

[ira_numan]

I've been shoving music into my computers since, like, 2005 and I'm wanting to expand a bit and cram at least four tracks all at once into it using a DAW. Or at the very least play my Martin and pretend to sing into it. I realize that I need to get a Delta 44 or better to accomplish this so we'll rule that advice out immediately, but thanks. Already thought of it.
Anyhow, I have Sonar 7 Producer and all the educational material I've found so far assumes the average Sonar user is already nearly an expert so I can't make any sense of it at all. (Kinda like Adobe Premiere educational material. What's with these guys anyway?) Everything I've learned is by the hunt-and-peck method. Thanks, Cakewalk, for being so f... this is where I don't cuss... user friendly. Magix is user friendly, but to afford their big guns- and I'm not sure they can do what I think I want to do- I must either rob a bank or win the PowerBall.
What say ye, O mighty DAW gurus?
At present, I record using- going backwards- Audigy2 ZS Plat Pro <either a BK1 condenser or an AKG Perception 200 <live amp, acoustic gtr. or live vox all into Magix. I'm on MMM'05 Dlx b/c all the entry level Magix warez have failed to be as good. I get VST support and even import some of my Sonar's VSTs. About the only thing I use Sonar for is V-vocal. And that's after I tweak it in Magix using the timestretch/resample fx. (Though I've had little use for that since investing in the VoiceTone Correct pedal. Yay.) I can't, though, capture a "live" performance singing with a guitar in my hand. I have to resort to one track at a time. I want to be able to to do post production after I record on each individual track. Y'dig?
Many thanks in advance.
Eric

 

[Massive Master]

First, I'm sorry to hear about your Audigy.

Second - I'm pretty confused at this point by most of the post. You're trying to record multiple tracks simultaneously to your computer, correct? Well, you're going to need an interface with at least as many simultaneous inputs as you need. There's no negotiation there. Your Audigy has two (just a guess, but I'm sure it has either two or more than two). If you need more, you need a different interface, period.

Software is nothing. "User friendly" is relative. Most interfaces are going to come with some sort of "LE" type audio software, Reaper is only 50 or 60 bucks for a non-commercial license.




BTW: You might do well to avoid terminology like "warez" around these parts.

 

[dastrick]

Any software you use will have a learning curve. You just have to put in the time to learn it.

 

[getuhgrip]

Your needs are pretty simple, but like the other guys said, there are some basics you just can't escape. A little 4 ch mixer and a cheapie USB interface is the minimum hardware part.

Lot's of "basic" tracking software out there. Some are even free. I'm trying to relocate a program I used several years back. Straight forward, no frills 16 or 22 track. I think it was produced by the guys that did "band in a box". When I find it, I'll send you the link.

 

[Doowah]

Your needs are pretty simple, but like the other guys said, there are some basics you just can't escape. A little 4 ch mixer and a cheapie USB interface is the minimum hardware part.

Lot's of "basic" tracking software out there. Some are even free. I'm trying to relocate a program I used several years back. Straight forward, no frills 16 or 22 track. I think it was produced by the guys that did "band in a box". When I find it, I'll send you the link.

I believe that you're talking about "PowerTracks Pro Audio" by PG Music, Inc. I've used that in the past with great success. Very reasonably priced, too. Here's their website:

http://www.pgmusic.com/