Which software DAW has best effect plugins?

[undrtkr_00]

I am planning to upgrade recording software (currently a 7 yr old version of Cakewalk Sonar), and am fairly overwhelmed at the number of choices out there. One of the things I use a lot in Sonar is the included EQ, compressor, and other effects plugins that are bundled with it (though I have not idea how they rate with competitors). I like being able to start with their suggested settings given the type of track I am working with (vocals, keys, etc.) and then tweak for my own tastes. So I am wondering which software DAW's have the best built-in plugins? While I may be open to 3rd party plugins, I have some concerns about compatibility, etc. so I'd rather just go with the software that has the best built in already.

Thoughts?

 

[D_Vincent]

I would have to say none of the DAW's have the best built in plugins.

I would download reaper DAW then use your cash to buy some decent plugins.

 

[kcearl]

probably sonar...the sonitus ones are a step up from the normal daw plugs and when you add the rest like vintage channel and LP64 EQ & multiband etc its better than ive tried on any others

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/overview.aspx/Audio-Effects-In-SONAR-8.5

unfortunately I dont like sonar much...but you are already used to it so it would probably be a smart move


saying that, if theres no upgrade option Reaper and using the spare cash on plugs may be a good route as mentioned

 

[CFox]

I am planning to upgrade recording software (currently a 7 yr old version of Cakewalk Sonar), and am fairly overwhelmed at the number of choices out there. One of the things I use a lot in Sonar is the included EQ, compressor, and other effects plugins that are bundled with it (though I have not idea how they rate with competitors). I like being able to start with their suggested settings given the type of track I am working with (vocals, keys, etc.) and then tweak for my own tastes. So I am wondering which software DAW's have the best built-in plugins? While I may be open to 3rd party plugins, I have some concerns about compatibility, etc. so I'd rather just go with the software that has the best built in already.

Thoughts?

What plugins are you after ?

The following is a list of very HQ and very FREE plugins:

Boot EQMkII - channel strip with tube simulator...this rocks on vocals, especially the "sophisticated" preset ( make sure to roll off your low end EQ or rumble ). Be sure to read the accompanying manual

Epic Verb.... The best verb I heard ( until i get my NI reverb that is )..great on vox too. For a modern vocal presence sound simply select the default and switch the reverb to ambience and dial in the wet/dry mix. Be sure to read the accompanying manual

Nasty VCS ...effing fantastic channel strip that requires a bit of tweaking ( just like real life ). It has mic preamps, tube simulator, EQ and compression/limiting. Be sure to read the accompanying manual


All of these are available on the download page.

All of these also work flawlessly with Reaper ( which in itself has some very good plugins. Dont be put off by the resource saving, minimalist GUI's )


If you go the Reaper route, then with the money you save you can get one of the Native Instruments Komplete 7 pack. Either Komplete 7 ( 80 gigs of samples,synths and effects for $550 ) or Komplete 7 Elements ( 16 gig of samples,synths and effects for $120 ).

You may as well download and try Komplete 7 Players with is totally FREE. The included Kore Player is actually a very handy effects plugin in its own right.

So Yeah. Get Reaper on a fully functional 30 day trial and Komplete 7 Players to start out.


Taking my advice is the most awesome thing you could do right now.

 

[undrtkr_00]

What plugins are you after ?

...
Taking my advice is the most awesome thing you could do right now.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I mostly use EQ, compressor, and a little verb. I really like the parametric EQ on my current Sonar. It has a visual mode, which allows you to see the level of each frequency live as the music plays. Also optional lo and hi pass. I use it pretty extensively to move different parts around in the mix and highlight particular aspects of a track.

Anyone have experience with Propellerhead Record? I will probably download the demo version in the next couple of days. I will definitely check out Reaper, as well.

 

[CFox]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I mostly use EQ, compressor, and a little verb. I really like the parametric EQ on my current Sonar. It has a visual mode, which allows you to see the level of each frequency live as the music plays. Also optional lo and hi pass. I use it pretty extensively to move different parts around in the mix and highlight particular aspects of a track.

Okies, pretty much every DAW offers visual representation, including Reaper with its FFT filter - showing both unprocessed and processed signal.

Anyone have experience with Propellerhead Record? I will probably download the demo version in the next couple of days. I will definitely check out Reaper, as well.

I just checked it out and it looks good. Propellerhead are known for their very high end time stretching/compression algorithms and this app has it included alongside some other pretty cool features and effects.

 

[TimOBrien]

In the old days (get off my lawn, kids!) the bundled plugins a sequencer had was critical because they usually ONLY played the plugs it came with.

With VSTs now you can get a bajillion plugins from kvraudio.com; if you have a problem, you can find a tool to solve it (and that's all that really matters....)

 

[FunkDaddy]

In the old days (get off my lawn, kids!) the bundled plugins a sequencer had was critical because they usually ONLY played the plugs it came with.

With VSTs now you can get a bajillion plugins from kvraudio.com; if you have a problem, you can find a tool to solve it (and that's all that really matters....)

Absolutely this.

Basically every DAW besides Pro Tools uses VST (PC) or AU (I think? for Mac). You shouldn't base your decision for what DAW to use on what type of plugins in comes with. Some of them come with pretty solid plugins (Reaper, Logic) but you can always expand regardless, which is the beauty of computer based recording.

Figure out what DAW software best suits you as far as workflow, interface, etc.

 

[undrtkr_00]

Thanks again for the feedback. Have very briefly looked at Prop. Record and Reaper. Bingo! Reaper already comes with the Timeworks EQ I liked using in Sonar. No presets, but I can pretty quickly set those up and save my own presets. Record looks pretty sweet - I will continue to check it out, but that was a definite plus for Reaper.

 

[Prado Escondido]

+1 Reaper
+1 Bootsie (anything of his!)

I'm a softslut and over the years have purchased or upgraded to Live 6, Acid Pro 6, Cubase 5 and Reaper v3.'changes daily.'

I'm married to Cubase, but still have time for my mistresses when the wife's out of town. But, if I hadn't married this fine lady and invested hours and hours in her 'honey do' lists ... so I could taste that sweet honey ... I'd marry Reaper were I a young single buck.

Most will never out grow Reaper ... and if they ever do, Reaper probably will have jumped ahead of them. In fact, Reaper actually has the most sophisticated routing scheme of any DAW ... though it's sort of a steep learning curve.

About a year ago I was gonna divorce the old lady and make Reaper my main squeeze ... you know, modern, not get married, just live together, like that ... but I came up with some VST glitches I couldn't get around. Since the old lady literally invented VST, decided to stick with her after all.

If I had all the money I'd invested in Cubase, Live and Acid Pro back, with $60.00 for Reaper, I could get a UAD or Powercore DSP system and still have some serious change.

But then, hey, when you've got more money than brains it can still be fun.

Prado