Which Multitrack Software Is The Best

[Retro]

Is there anything in the $100 and less range besides n-trak that does 24 bit?

After I posted, I found out the 24/96 bit version of Quartz Studio is $99. The under $100 24 bit software seems to be a new development. The Cakewalk Home Studio 2002 (with 24/96 capability and unlimited tracks) looks like a real good alternative to N-Track in the sub $100 range.

 

[blinddogblues]

I have somewhat limited knowledge but my vote is Samplitude. I started with Cubase and spend 6 months trying to get it to work. It was very unstable and their user forum was full of people who were extremely upset as they were having the same types of problems as me. (This was about 1-1/2 years ago). I finally got fed up and tried Samplitude. I have never had a problem with it. It is stable as a rock and fairly simple to use. One consideration is whether you are doing audio or midi. At the time, Cubase was known as a midi program primarily and Samplitude was primarily for audio. Steinberg's audio program is Nuendo as I understand it. I think the best advice on this thread however is to download the trial versions of anything available and try them for yourself.

PS...The one weakness for me on Samplitude is no support for VST plug ins which use far less resources on your computer than DX. They do have an adaptor though, but it is still DX.

 

[cominginsecond]

I've used Cubase, Cakewalk, and N-track, and N-track is, by far, the easiest to learn and the most intuitive and productive package out of those three. It supports VST and DirectX plugs and instruments, and integrates well with a two-track editor like Sound Forge or CoolEdit. Of course, i don't do any MIDI stuff, so I don't know how N-Track does for that.

 

[cominginsecond]

Oh, to be completely fair about N-track, I do have to admit that it crashes more than I would like. Probably once every other session. I deal with this probably by saving after every take.