A
andymerc
New member
Imagine I am starting from scratch (not far from the truth) with a new audio orientated PC. Which is the best bit of software for me to get started on?
ola
Newbie
Check out N-Track from fasoft.com. It's really great and pretty darn cheap.
/O
/O
DavidK
New member
I agree with Ola. Why should a newbie invest a bunch of
money up front? N track is like 50 bucks
money up front? N track is like 50 bucks
AlChuck
Well-known member
Yeah, then you will be in a better position to make an informed decision with vision and concision rather than the inevitable collision -- uh oh, I'm starting to rap again... what I mean is, use something inexpensive for a while until you get the hang of the concepts and then you will have a better idea of what you need in a more professional product later on.
One caveat, though, if you want a product that sequences MIDI too, is nTrack the way to go -- does it support MIDI? This might be an issue depending on what type of recording you want to do. For me MIDI support is indispensible.
You might look into PowerTracks Pro Audio, which at $29.95 might be the lowest price product of this nature available. See http://www.pgmusic.com/demo.htm#pt5
One caveat, though, if you want a product that sequences MIDI too, is nTrack the way to go -- does it support MIDI? This might be an issue depending on what type of recording you want to do. For me MIDI support is indispensible.
You might look into PowerTracks Pro Audio, which at $29.95 might be the lowest price product of this nature available. See http://www.pgmusic.com/demo.htm#pt5
Gidge
Lapdance Test Dummy
N-Track supports Midi, but its forte' is digital audio....its not really feature packed for sequencing...whenever I have to use midi, i sequence it in Digital Orchestrator Plus and import it in to N-track....I have power tracks also and its collecting dust...i think the newest version does direct x plugins but the one I have doesnt...also, if you move up to 24bit, PowerTracks doesnt support that....N-Track rulez.....
Torpid-x
Member
Check the Demo's of ALL!!!!!!
if you dont want midi, and you probably will eventually, check out N-Tracks, check into cakewalk, if that's your cup o tea, buy the cheapest upgradable version and upgrade to sonar at there website, but a software purchase is a major decision, once you pick a major brand you're pretty much stuck with it cause of familiarness and upgradeabillity, unless you have the money and time to start from scratch. I'm stuck with Cake, but that's a good choice all in all, but try Cubase, sonic foundry, etc. etc, you should stick to the major brands though, even though any one of them could sell out to another company at any given time.
This is one of those "UP TO YOU" but guided decisions, just like sound cards
TX
if you dont want midi, and you probably will eventually, check out N-Tracks, check into cakewalk, if that's your cup o tea, buy the cheapest upgradable version and upgrade to sonar at there website, but a software purchase is a major decision, once you pick a major brand you're pretty much stuck with it cause of familiarness and upgradeabillity, unless you have the money and time to start from scratch. I'm stuck with Cake, but that's a good choice all in all, but try Cubase, sonic foundry, etc. etc, you should stick to the major brands though, even though any one of them could sell out to another company at any given time.
This is one of those "UP TO YOU" but guided decisions, just like sound cards
TX
A
andymerc
New member
Had a very quick check of the n-track site yesterday. Looks good and you can even download a demo version which is ideal. Also, this weekend I shall be taking a trip to my local music store to try out some of the alternatives.
My main use will be digital audio for bass and guitar work. I have a midi keyboard too, though I can't play it so well yet. I can play well enough to add some fills and background stuff on it.
Thanks for the advice though, guys. This is the best and most active BBS I've seen for a long time. Long may it continue.
My main use will be digital audio for bass and guitar work. I have a midi keyboard too, though I can't play it so well yet. I can play well enough to add some fills and background stuff on it.
Thanks for the advice though, guys. This is the best and most active BBS I've seen for a long time. Long may it continue.
J
j
New member
i think sonar and revalver are cool for doing guitar based recording....the trick here is to monitor with your usual sounds and record clean guitar tracks to be processed in revalver...i guess i'm kind of a freak cause now i just record guitars direct....i figure, if my playing sucks no amp or effect is going to make it unsuck......you couldn't pay me to use cubase or logic audio.....or i can't pay them, which is it? 
ntracks seemed cool when i used it a long time ago....the best thing out of italy though is t-racks, at least in my little black book...check out fruity loops....if you aren't recording a live band.....good luck!
ntracks seemed cool when i used it a long time ago....the best thing out of italy though is t-racks, at least in my little black book...check out fruity loops....if you aren't recording a live band.....good luck!
A
axehead
New member
How much you looking to spend? I'd check out the Logic Audio series, or perhaps see what you think of the free Pro Tools edition. Try out as many sequencers you can, to see what fits you the best. If you're just wanting to record bass/guitar etc.. and you're on a budget, I'd highly recommend Guitar Tracks 2. You could always upgrade from that if you wanted to use MIDI at a later date.
Cheers!
Cheers!
K
Kaydis
New member
I have to agree, get started on something simple and inexpensive. When you find yourself banging your head against the wall a bit too much, or wishing for features it doesn't have, then move on.
When I was looking at sequencers I downloaded and used demos from every one I was interested in. I eventually settled on Logic, but only after I'd given it and others a test drive to see which I liked best.
When I was looking at sequencers I downloaded and used demos from every one I was interested in. I eventually settled on Logic, but only after I'd given it and others a test drive to see which I liked best.
drstawl
Banned
For MIDI- I'd look for an old (v5 or v6) version of Cakewalk. Those guys wrote the book on MIDI sequencing way before they dove into digital audio. For audio I'd suggest Vegas Pro. The easiest program to learn I've seen. While it's really expensive (even if you get that M-Audio package deal with a pricey soundcard) you can play with a FULL version by downloading the demo. How's that for cheap?
DavidK
New member
Cakewalk Home studio or Guitar Tracks are decent choices because you can upgrade to Sonar if you aspire to later.
Logic or Pro Tools? I disagree if you are a newbie. These programs have a very steep learning curve, and the are not for newbies. Check out the posts from Pisces---- about Logic, the guy is living in Germany and has noone to show him Logic; he just wrote a post saying he finally got Logic to do something after 3 months.
Of course, figuring out this stuff depends on a lot of stuff, but in general they all have a learning curve, and once you learn a program like Power Tracks or N Track, that knowledge will help immensely if you go with something fancy like logic or pro tools.
Logic or Pro Tools? I disagree if you are a newbie. These programs have a very steep learning curve, and the are not for newbies. Check out the posts from Pisces---- about Logic, the guy is living in Germany and has noone to show him Logic; he just wrote a post saying he finally got Logic to do something after 3 months.
Of course, figuring out this stuff depends on a lot of stuff, but in general they all have a learning curve, and once you learn a program like Power Tracks or N Track, that knowledge will help immensely if you go with something fancy like logic or pro tools.
A
axehead
New member
I'd agree about the steep learning curve if you jumped right in at the high end of the Logic series, but if you start at the bottom with Micrologic AV, or even Logic Fun, then I don't think the learning curve is too big. I've only just got into MIDI sequencing, after only recording/mixing guitars/bass etc.., and I started with Logic Fun, and I had no problem with it. It was very intuitive. I've just upgraded to Micrologic AV, and the learning progression has been very smooth.
Start at the bottom and work you're way up, as the learning curve will be manageable. I admit Pro Tools free isn't a good option for a newbie, but then I quite like being plunged in at the deep end, 'cause I like figuring all the software out!
aLeX
Start at the bottom and work you're way up, as the learning curve will be manageable. I admit Pro Tools free isn't a good option for a newbie, but then I quite like being plunged in at the deep end, 'cause I like figuring all the software out!
aLeX
Y
Yadi
New member
cheap cakewalk
I agree with drstawl above. If your looking to do midi, and you can find a cheap copy of an outdated cakewalk, you'll be in great shape. Pretty straightforward to learn.
I agree with drstawl above. If your looking to do midi, and you can find a cheap copy of an outdated cakewalk, you'll be in great shape. Pretty straightforward to learn.
A
andymerc
New member
Thanks for the advice chaps. I'd have to agree about the cheaper, easier end of the software market to start with. I don't want to end up spending all my time buying then learning about then simply having to have the very latest version of the best package on the market. All I want to to make music. The other stuff can just get in the way. I don't want to end up like some demented computer geek after all.