Yamaha vs M-Audio (Cubase vs Ableton)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Afficianado
  • Start date Start date
Afficianado

Afficianado

New member
I'm new to MIDI and deciding between two very basic MIDI controllers right now - similarly-priced M-Audio and Yamaha USB controllers. The M-Audio comes with a lite version of Ableton, and the Yammerhammer comes with a lite version of Cubase. Consider that I'm graduating from Adobe Audition 2 (which is severely lacking in MIDI synths and sequencing - not a problem for me before) and that my only current MIDI software is Garageband (which isn't horrible for dinking around with a computer keyboard, but I'll need more).

I've tried to search the BBS for people's opinions of Ableton, and any time someone asks a question about Ableton, it's usually met with silence. It can't be that bad, can it? It has VST and AU support and has been around for several versions. I believe it used to be only localized as a German product, but the US division has been around for a while now. It has also been, until recently, primarily a Mac platformer. I know that when people think Mac, they're usually thinking Logic, but last I checked, there was no free version of Logic being bundled with anything. Does anyone have an opinion of Abelton?
 
Last edited:
Looking for some sort of followup. Perhaps I should ask this question: Is the packaged software with entry-level equipment a reason to buy one product over another?
 
I think if I had to choose Id take the cubase package...but it wouldnt influence what interface I bought...a lite version is just that, lite...I bought a producer edition of sonar purely on the basis of the extras it gives outweighed the overall value of purchasing separately...

as for ableton try the demo

http://www.ableton.com/pages/downloads/download?language=en&operating_system=win&product_key=D_02_80

I tried it and couldnt get on with it...it seemed more geared toward midi (which i supposed it was at first) and besides Id owned a sonar product before..so cubase would be my choice here

you know kingpin, sonar, a high quality DAW designed for recording music and not some freebie multi media production platform...but then again you'd know that wouldnt you, you have waves platinum, you can read a manual...

you could always enhance your holiday photos and stick a beat to them :)
 
I wouldn't pick an interface based on what software it comes with; the software that comes with interfaces is almost invariably junk anyway. :)

If you're looking for Mac software, my vote would be for either Logic or Digital Performer, with Logic Express or AudioDesk (Digital Performer's baby brother) being close seconds. That last one comes free with most MOTU interfaces, IIRC.
 
You did say MIDI controller, as in keyboard, right? Which types are you considering?

'Keyboard-wise' I'd usually prefer a Yamaha over a similar M-Audio for the better board quality. Better base the choice on the board, you can always switch software if you don't like it.
 
Last edited:
isnt the yamaha package cubase a14? its pretty restrictive if it is, i think something like two VSTs at a time...


these things are just top tease you into the full product...like others have said I wouldnt let it influence your hardware purchase
 
I went ahead and bought the Yamaha KX49, which seems a little nicer than the equivalent M-Audio because of the superior integrated DAW functionality. I did install the Cubase AI4 software, which is certainly different than what I'm used to with Adobe Audition. The WAV editing functionality just isn't anywhere near what I'm used to, but what I'm wanting is a stepping stone to learning MIDI, which is severely lacking from Audition.

After an evening of fooling around with drivers and such, I was able to get the KX49 to work in both Cubase AI4 and Garageband. Cubase is obviously more powerful and of course has the ability to handle VST plugins, but Garageband is so incredibly easy to use. I'm probably breaking some cardinal sin by mentioning both Garageband and Cubase in the same sentence, but oh well.

Now to learn more about loops and how to use them.
 
Good to hear. But is it true about the limited simultaneous VSTs? Just curious about the restrictions, cause I'm actually considering hardware with Cubase AI4 included myself :D
 
Interesting... May be very handy even without a sequencer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top