software question

[icystorm]

Hi,

What is your favorite software that allows a user to (a) manually type in notes (e.g., C, C#, D, etc.), (b) select virtual instruments to play back the notes, and (c) arrange the tempo, note duration, etc.?

Thanks.

Joseph

 

[PDP]

I'm using Cubase 5.5 64, I'm happy with it, runs 64bit softsynths very nice (runs 32bit synths like crap, I dont even bother) The Midi edit windows work well and are pretty easy to pickup. There is the midi note editor window where you draw bars in as notes, The drum editor, and score if you can compose (staff)music.

 

[icystorm]

I'm using Cubase 5.5 64, I'm happy with it, runs 64bit softsynths very nice (runs 32bit synths like crap, I dont even bother) The Midi edit windows work well and are pretty easy to pickup. There is the midi note editor window where you draw bars in as notes, The drum editor, and score if you can compose (staff)music.

Thanks, PDP. I will try that one out. I am also considering Finale 2011.

 

[noisewreck]

Thanks, PDP. I will try that one out. I am also considering Finale 2011.

So, are you looking for a DAW/Sequencer or a Notation program?

If you're considering Finale, you might also want to try Sibelius. I believe they both have demo versions (Finale does for sure). They also nowdays come bundled with sample players (for example the Kontakt Player) custom built into the software, mostly with orchestral samples to allow you to hear your work as you notate it.

If notation software isn't exactly what you're looking for, then DAW/Sequencer might be the easiest way to enter notes, as there are many ways you can do so, ex. record MIDI as you play, step entry (select note duration, hit the note on a keyboard), draw with the mouse.

Another option might be to look at trackers such as Renoise. These work differently from sequencers, but have very detailed ways to enter notes and all kinds of other stuff, so check them out as well.

 

[TimOBrien]

Far cheaper way to get started:

Sequencer - Reaper www.reaper.fm $60
Sony ACID Express (free 10-track sequencer): http://www.acidplanet.com/downloads/xpress/
Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net (free multi-track with VST support)

Notation - Harmony Assistant http://myriad-online.com $80
If your needs are limited, MuseScore is FREE http://musescore.org/

If you want to play virtual instruments, you can do it for FREE:
Cakewalk's SFZ will play soundfonts
If you want a full sampler, Shortcircuit from http://vemberaudio.se/shortcircuit.php

You can also go out to any bookstore and find "Computer Music" magazine - they have a full FREE series of programs (plus other goodies) on every month's DVD.

 

[icystorm]

Far cheaper way to get started:

Sequencer - Reaper www.reaper.fm $60
Sony ACID Express (free 10-track sequencer): http://www.acidplanet.com/downloads/xpress/
Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net (free multi-track with VST support)

Notation - Harmony Assistant http://myriad-online.com $80
If your needs are limited, MuseScore is FREE http://musescore.org/

If you want to play virtual instruments, you can do it for FREE:
Cakewalk's SFZ will play soundfonts
If you want a full sampler, Shortcircuit from http://vemberaudio.se/shortcircuit.php

You can also go out to any bookstore and find "Computer Music" magazine - they have a full FREE series of programs (plus other goodies) on every month's DVD.

Thanks. MuseScore meets my needs.

Cheers,
Joseph

 

[JOHN D]

CAKEWALK SONAR 8.5- with this you can enter notes on keyboard view or musical notes in staff view. This can then be played back with a wide range of included synthesizers such as Dimension pro, Rapture LE, Z3ta amongst others. With Rolands involvement these really kick.

 

[guitarplayr82]

I haven't messed around with other software instrument apps, but the way Logic handles it is very smart and easy to use. You can adjust all of the parameters from velocity to pitch/modulation to even altering the individual sample waveforms or viewing the recorded data as a piano roll or as notes on sheet music. There's some pretty good stock synths and always room to download some or make your own too.

 

[guitarplayr82]

Another option might be to look at trackers such as Renoise. These work differently from sequencers, but have very detailed ways to enter notes and all kinds of other stuff, so check them out as well.

Renoise is good too. I got a free copy of one of the older versions when I worked at a software review website. It's confusing at first, but it has some very flexible capabilities.