why start big?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rock995
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rock995

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Ok, gotta start sometime...here goes post #1: I'm interested in Sonar vs Home Studio, but this could probably apply to VST and Emagic "pro" and "beginner" programs...

Since I know nothing, zero, nada about all this stuff but am a quick learn, I'm wondering if starting out in the Lite program such as Cakewalk Home Studio with the (perhaps incorrect?)
asumption that the learning curve on the cheap version would be
easier to learn and burn than with the expensive one.W ould the eventual switch to the pro program require a return-to-square-one transition when I eventually move on up?

Take the Sonar vs Home Studio question. The new Home Studio works with "Acidized" loops, right? It may be able to hold its own up to a point soundwise and be a lot easier on the newbie brain to figure out. Yes? No?

Any thoughts on the other two companies (Steinberg and Emagic) comparing the beginner vs pro programs with regard to learning curve and eventual upgrade ease? Would PG's Powertracks be a lo-cost contendah?

Thanks very much,

Rock
 
What's up

what up Rock
Iam from baton rouge also I attend LSU (Geaux Tigers) ok
well I say if you are not sure what to buy download some of these free demo program and see what you take a liking to. Then after research and testing the product Buy Big, instead of buying twice.
 
Hmmm...I don't have any experience with Cakewalk products, but I have noticed some general trends about "entry level" recording programs.

They might be easier to learn, but that is only because there are so many things that they can't do. The basics are really just as easy to learn in the full versions, it just becomes more complex as you start learning to do more sophisticated things.

I have used both Cubasis and Cubase VST and they are both really easy to use. Just hit the manuals and documentation that come with whatever program you buy and live on the basics until you get them down. Record songs right and left without worry about how good they sound- found out WHAT you can do then focus on doing it WELL.

One program that falls into the cheap-but0full-featured category is call n-Track. Its really inexpensive ($65, I think) and does almost everything the big boys do. You might want to check it out a www.fasoft.com.

Probably one of the most important things to remember when picking your first program is this:

You will get used to using the program that you have and all the others will seem comfusing.

Therefore, research your program choices carefully. Are you doing mostly audio and no MIDI? Cakewalk stuff might not be what you want. Do you need exacting MIDI control and features? Cubase might work for you, but Cakewalk might be better.

I'd recommend downloading the demo of n-Track and playing around with it. Eveything you learn there translates pretty readily to whatever program you buy next, and you'll learn more about what you need from your recording software without commiting to any one platform.

That way you can buy big with knowledge instead of having to buy twice, or three times, to find out what you really need.

Good luck,
Chris
 
Rock995, elreM here!

I had the same questions that you are asking about 2 weeks (maybe 3) ago. I agree with all the responses so far from the other posters, except, I downloaded 4 or 5 free demos and could not figure out chit from them! And, I'm new to all this stuff also.

Anyway, after downloading and trying to learn about what these different software packages do, I finally gave up and bought SONAR. Yes, it's expensive, but it can do most everything I needed and more...

But, what I liked about SONAR is that it comes with a hardcopy manual and a really good tutorial "Getting Started". After about 3 hours or so going through the tutorial, I caught on right away how to use it. Now, I just have to learn how to get what I want out of it!

But, it has lots of cool features. Sometimes it's better to spend to get good quality rather than trying to skimp and save and never get satisfied with what your looking for. IMO

Oh, by the way, WATCH OUT FOR "TEXROADKILL", the boy likes to sneak upon you and hit you in the head with rocks!! ;>)

Merle
 
Merle has a good point- the demos never come with good documentation. That's one reason why I recommend n-Track: you can get its manual with the demo version (all electronic) and learn how to get around in a multitracking program for FREE.

Once you know how to get around, you can then play with other demos and have some idea of where to find what you need. Just like any new program or technology, it takes a bit of fiddling and experimentation to figure it out.

Be wary, though: try not to spend much money until you know what you are spending it on. All of the name programs are good and worth the money, but they all have thier strengths and weeknesses. Your money will be best spent when you can pick from those strengths and weaknesses.

Take care,
Chris
 
Lite versions can actually be harder to use because the manuals are usually written for the full versions and refer to features that you cant use.

If you cant afford the full version than lite is cool but dont expect them to be easier to use.
 
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