M
Mxlplx
New member
Does it really matter what software someone uses to record with. isnt it the hardware that determines the quality of the recording?
VOXVENDOR
New member
Thats a good blanket statement...
But then you scratch into the surface... What bitrate do you want to record at?... What features will you use, How many tracks, Other features, Compatability with computer and platform and accessories (plug-ins)???
It's a whole other world out there!
Joe
But then you scratch into the surface... What bitrate do you want to record at?... What features will you use, How many tracks, Other features, Compatability with computer and platform and accessories (plug-ins)???
It's a whole other world out there!
Joe
Barometer
New member
Vox is right, way too general of a statement. There is going to be software out there that better suits your needs as well as better suiting your personal working methods. Every person thinks and works differently and each audio app has strengths, weaknesses and an individual interface. You can find what's comfortable by trial and error. And there is certian information you can provide to help hone your search (exactly what you intend to do recording and editing) so you don't have to evaluate every one in existence, but in general trying them out is the best method for determining what's best FOR YOU. You can also search through this BBS for threads that already discuss this issue to help you determine what you might want to try.
Welcome to the board mxlplx (great user name BTW) and good luck!
Welcome to the board mxlplx (great user name BTW) and good luck!
TexRoadkill
Audio Bum
Mxlplx said:
Assuming all you do is record and playback a digital file with no gain changes, mixing or effects than it is all dependent on the hardware. As soon as you do anything to the audio file then the software does matter.
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blinddogblues
New member
Software matters very much, don't ask me why, but I have seen others on here discuss the algorithms and what not that different software uses. I know one thing. I started with Cubase and switched to Samplitude and Samp definitely sounds better for audio.
nave
Cave Relic
Points above should be well taken...but the bottom line is that if you are asking this question then your most likely just starting out right? It's good to gather as much knowledge as possible and it's good to know that the software does matter....but for now....it ain't that much of an issue for you.....Being new to it, You aren't going to see much difference in results (infact you won't see any) no matter what you are using for software. You should just get your feet wet with what ever is easiest for you. Work on developing your ears, gathering knowledge and maybe then somewhere down the road you can fret over which software ap is best for you. At this point....I'd say it don't matter..However, at this point Hardware does matter as you guessed...Hardware matters way more.....Just trying to balance the opinions out! Good luck with whatever your doing.
drstawl
Banned
Here's Where I Stand
>As soon as you do anything to the audio file then the software does matter.
Well- that is a fuzzy line because NO soundcard will work without drivers and that is software.
The Soundblaster type of cards probably haven't needed a driver change since 1992- I dunno I could be wrong, that was just a snotty outburst, but basically the truth. The only other variable that comes to mind is the O/S and not all of them required a rewrite of the basic SB driver.
But newer, fancier cards that support multiple input sources, larger sample sizes and sampling frequencies or use non-standard data buffers each require their own custom-written driver and this is where the rubber meets the road.
When the computer route works it is indeed wonderful. You've cut out the "middleman" as the tracks are already on your HD in a place that allows you a lot of flexibility in subsequent manipulation.
It also gives you a lot more backup choices at a far lower cost.
And try surfing the web or playing Doom on an HD24......
BUT:
If the recording software author isn't on the same page of music as the author of the driver for the soundcard you've got anything from an infrequent glitch to a total waste of time.
This knowledge alone should steer most toward a standalone HD recorder because their manufacturers have to stand behind the WHOLE thing from front to back. It either works or it doesn't.
All of the rest of them (HW/SW audio vendors) can point fingers at someone else when things don't work as advertised.
If you're out recording bands, reliability and portability have immense importance. At home this shortfall just becomes a minor annoyance.
>As soon as you do anything to the audio file then the software does matter.
Well- that is a fuzzy line because NO soundcard will work without drivers and that is software.
The Soundblaster type of cards probably haven't needed a driver change since 1992- I dunno I could be wrong, that was just a snotty outburst, but basically the truth. The only other variable that comes to mind is the O/S and not all of them required a rewrite of the basic SB driver.
But newer, fancier cards that support multiple input sources, larger sample sizes and sampling frequencies or use non-standard data buffers each require their own custom-written driver and this is where the rubber meets the road.
When the computer route works it is indeed wonderful. You've cut out the "middleman" as the tracks are already on your HD in a place that allows you a lot of flexibility in subsequent manipulation.
It also gives you a lot more backup choices at a far lower cost.
And try surfing the web or playing Doom on an HD24......
BUT:
If the recording software author isn't on the same page of music as the author of the driver for the soundcard you've got anything from an infrequent glitch to a total waste of time.
This knowledge alone should steer most toward a standalone HD recorder because their manufacturers have to stand behind the WHOLE thing from front to back. It either works or it doesn't.
All of the rest of them (HW/SW audio vendors) can point fingers at someone else when things don't work as advertised.
If you're out recording bands, reliability and portability have immense importance. At home this shortfall just becomes a minor annoyance.
Slackmaster2K
Gone
That's why I typically recommend n-Track to guys who are starting out. It's not fun to dump $400 into an application that you don't understand and can't get working. With n-Track, you get most or all of the important features of the big time software, at only $60 tops. Of course it's buggy and hard to get working right, but that's kind of a good thing when you're just starting out because you'll learn a lot of the ins and outs of software and drivers.
As far as sound quality goes...yes, software does make a difference, but it probably won't make any difference at all on your first 100 recordings!
Slackmaster 2000
As far as sound quality goes...yes, software does make a difference, but it probably won't make any difference at all on your first 100 recordings!
Slackmaster 2000