which software is the best??

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metal mike

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I am wondering if there are so many music softwares in the world ,all doing the same things, having almost the same features how do I know which one is the best(assuming that you have a powerfull PC,a professional soundcard,a good pre-amp,good monitors...and so on).I mean, if you can record and then mix the tracks,applying effects on every track you want...why,some people say: this software is better than others.
 
Much of it is personal preference, usability, and features. Personally, I can't stand Logic because I can't get used to the interface, but there are people (like Steath, I'd assume) who feel right at home with it and can make it do exactly what they want.

IMO, the interface is a very big deal if you're going to be putting some hours into your recording/mixing - that's why it's so important to thoroughly test-drive the demos before you buy the program. Some apps are stronger with different features than others - Logic being among the strongest with MIDI (which I rarely use).
 
If you go by what pro studios use:
Pro Stools far and away #1,all hail Alsihad (if you don't mind old code and proprietary hardware at outrageous prices)
Nuendo (does 5.1 surround,excellant sounding summing bus)
Digital Performer (mac only)
Logic (mac only)
Samplitude Producer (Apple didn't get them as part of the Logic deal)

For a regular homewrecker,I would suggest Cubase SX,which has the nuendo audio engine and only lacks some of its post production features.Good audio sound plus solid midi.
 
I agree 100% with Tom Hicks recommendations. Sonar is a good program too, and pretty-much in the same league as Cubase, I just don't like the interface as well as Nuendo (which is virtually the same as Cubase). Not to mention, the Cubase family (Cubase, Nuendo) supports VST effects and VSTI instruments where Sonar does not. You can get a "VST wrapper" that would allow you to, but they're buggy from what I've heard.

Cool Edit pro, is more of an audio editor than a multi-track package. While it does support 4 tracks (I think 2.0 supports more), it's just not in the same league as Cubase/Sonar. If you were to work with demos of each, you'd see what I mean (I still can't help but laugh thinking about CE's "Brainwave Synchronizer") :) To me, it just feels "Mickey Mouse-ish"

From what I remember, Vegas has some nice features - there are people here that use it - but, it's not as widely used (and dockable windows make me crazy).
 
Cubase sx! Don't mess with logic unless you have a mac. They just cancelled the pc version. (right after everybody went out and bought it);)
 
yea logic is number one, but they did just stop making it for the pc.
it will be a long way before 5.2 is obsolete, but still, i'd go with protools or cubase SX as a second choice.

well, cubase SX, protools you can only use protools gear
 
Thank you guys! Until now I understood your points.What I don't understand,maybe because I'm not so experienced,is: in which way Cubase,for example, is better than Cool Edit or Vegas or some other software? The effect itself(like reverb ,chorus....) that you are apply on a track sounds better in Cubase?Or is it something else?
 
Well, that is one part of it. Most multi-track programs come with built-in effects plugins, and I'm sure that the ones that come with Cubase SX are loads better than CE.

In my opinion, Cubase and Vegas are in the same league. Cool Edit is kind of a step below (you get what you pay for).

The other thing is how well the software is put together, and how much control you have over your project. For example, a better program will allow you to type in a numeric value for a pan setting, instead of having to "eyeball" it. The better programs have more flexible compression, the ability to automate faders and effects, and are more efficient (can handle more tracks and effects at once), support higher quality audio (24 bit, 32 bit), and so on, and so on.
 
metal mike,
I think the choice of software also has to do with how you will work with it. Are you going to use it for mainly Midi or audio. How many channels do you need...record at the same time.

I use Logic and love it, but it's a little harder to learn.

If you're a PC user, have a look at Cubase SX or Nuendo. I believe the PC recording world belongs to Steinberg...until Logic comes back which I think.

Remember the free downloadable version of Pro-tools (http://www.digidesign.com/) . It's limited to 8 tracks. In my opinion the Midi part is a shame, but the audio part is fantastic, simply the best. If you could manage with this, forget about Cooledit and the others...and it's free.

Hans,
www.hagen.nu
 
hrn said:
metal mike,
I think the choice of software also has to do with how you will work with it. Are you going to use it for mainly Midi or audio. How many channels do you need...record at the same time.

I use Logic and love it, but it's a little harder to learn.

If you're a PC user, have a look at Cubase SX or Nuendo. I believe the PC recording world belongs to Steinberg...until Logic comes back which I think.

Remember the free downloadable version of Pro-tools (http://www.digidesign.com/) . It's limited to 8 tracks. In my opinion the Midi part is a shame, but the audio part is fantastic, simply the best. If you could manage with this, forget about Cooledit and the others...and it's free.

Hans,
www.hagen.nu
Click to expand...

Sonar has the smallest learning curve of all the software mentioned here. It is the only software that I have been able to use out of the box without ever looking at a manual or opening a help file - it just seems intuitive. I cannot say the same about Logic or Cubase.

Also, the free version of Pro Tools only works with Windows 98 - not 2000 or XP.
 
all the software is screwed in many ways. The trick is to find the ones where the defects dont limit the TYPE of work youre doing in the way that you want to work.

If you gotta edit a LOT, and move, cut, paste crossfade etc, fix timings, then Vegas shines as a SPEED DEMON

if you have a lot of outboard midi gear, and especially if you compose using regular sheet music, Logic is UNREAL, you can control youre midi setups in a somewhat logical way..be prepared for a steep learning curve tho.

If you do a lot of composing with midi, but also a lot of experimenting where you need to change things VERY quickly, cubase might be good.

Nuendo's belly is a LOT of very very well written audio code, efficient too! Its got a lot of potential but at the moment the user interface is made for midi sequencing, and just has audio kind of thrown in...expect 2.0 to be better ( I hope )

Sonar is another midi sequencerwith audio thrown in later, BUT it is also a platform which is pushing some new limits audiowise. DX8 plugin automation, DXi support, actually using WDM drivers for input monitoring...neat stuff also acid looping, all in one app

Pro Tools ( REAL PT ) will set you back some SERIOUS cash, but is very stable. You cant use dx or vst plugins with it tho, but it has its own TDM ones. Editing is about as fast as nuendo, but Logic Murders it midiwise

but all these apps are flawed. It seems like manufacturers DONT have to use this in the real world, with customers hanging over their shoulders. Input monitoring is still an issue??? Its hard on traditional clients who are used to tape style " auto-input" monitoring. But ASIO DM sort of solves this. Plug in delay is another painful topic

also with most apps using outboard gear during a mix is a tough one. Even with PT its sort of a voodoo ritual
 
ambi said:
Sonar isn't the same thing as ACID is it?
Click to expand...

Cakewalk has been around just as long as Steinberg has (since the mid to late '80's), the only difference is that Cakewalk has been primarily geared torwards the PC platform whereas Cubase/Steinberg has its roots on the Atari ST computers and the Mac.

Both programs were originally MIDI exclusive packages used for sequencing and both evolved into more all around DAW packages in the 90's.

Sonar is a full fledged MIDI/audio production package just like Cubase, but just happens to have native support for ACIDized WAV files.

Whatever Cubase can do, Sonar does just as well and in my opinion Sonar is easier to use. With the release of the Sonar 2.1 update, it will be able to work with OMF files used by Pro Tools and Logic

http://www.cakewalk.com/Press/10-03-02-SONAR2-1.asp
 
I have never ever used or perused the programs mentioned above except Sonar, I agree that its reasonably intuitive and considering the complexity of this type of program runnning in a Windows operating system, is pretty stable ( I have Win XP ) For a home rec'r like me, I can't imagine what you would want that wouldn't be available in Sonar. I would disagree with Pipeline about Sonar being a midi seq. with audio thrown in later; some of the Cakewalk demos I had tried years ago appeared exactly like that to me, but not Sonar. Its easy to use and almost any function is available in the track view. I don't know if any of the other recording apps have the slip editing and Acid capabilities of Sonar, but for me these features are invaluable. I use prerecorded drum loops, I can cut, paste, and splice my way into a pretty realistic sounding drum track right in the track view in what I consider to be a fairly expedient time. I am certainly not a Pro, or a power user but I highly recommend it.
 
Hi,

Cool Edit Pro is not the most powerful program out
there. But it's interface is the easiest to learn and operate.
It's not what most pro's are using if any at all. But If you
don't do midi, want the quickest way to get tracks and
almost skip the learning curve this is the one for you.
For me this the best. Off course that depends on what you're looking for.
 
metal mike said:
[But what about Cool Edit Pro 2.0, Sonar,Vegas ?
Click to expand...

Listen up here metal mike, these guys are all trying to sabatoge your studio.:D

You are on the right track. Cool Edit Pro is great but Vegas is the best all audio (no midi) audio app on Earth at this time.

I've heard good things about Nuendo and Sonar, but vegas audio is $199, you can't beat that.
 
Cool edit pro 1 didnt allow you to use realtime fx on the multitrack, but I think the new one does.

Cool edit has all those really neat science things though, for modeling, and convolution and such
 
Yeah, I loved all that stuff when I first got the program.

Never figured it out...too busy recording.

I mean has anyone done the acc. modeling with their convolve function? I'd like to know.
 
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