I've had my gnx4 for a while now, and have been thinking of upgrading my recording software from pro tracks. Any discussion on \"the best software\" would be appreciated.
If you like ProTracks, you should try Sonar. For something different but sort of the same, try Cubase. For something totally different, Adobe Audition (or CoolEdit in early incarnations) is a notable one.
HEY!! 8) Another B.C. boy in the house, welcome to the forum 2df.
I've alway used Cakewalk Sonar, and found it pretty easy to use. I don't know how much Sonar 6 is now, but it can be pretty pricey, aswell as the upgrades.
As for which one is \"best\", they all have there little bugs.
Good thread, I'm in the process of doing the same thing. Here is a question for those w/sonar 5/6, can you run plug ins without the silly sample and then process procedure a la ptp? I was noodling with albeton live lite that came with my toneport, and I loved the way one can just drag and drop plugins, even while the track is playing! 8) 8) It also was much easier than ptp to get my e-mu midi keyboard going. Once I get a few tracks and midi up and funkin', I inevitably hit the wrong something and got piled up alot with live though.
How about cubase, anyone use plugins w/cubase?
The GNX4 and the handsfree footswitch ARE compatible with sonar...right?
Any other unmentioned s/w with users out there?
P.S. Tried out NI guitar rig 2 at the local drug store today... 8) 8) 8) i'm thinkin' about succumbing to my G.A.S. and diving in! I'm also in the process (ordered) upgrading from department store computers to this : http://www.shop-sonica.com/pd_d945i_workstation.cfm I'm still up in the air on the new interface though.
I'm gonna have to get the credit card bills sent to the office soon
This will be controversial, but I have tried a lot of software packages (cheap to expensive), and can say that nothing gives you a return on your dollars like the Magix series. The Magix products are extremely feature rich, support plug ins, are very intuitive, and come with lots of goodies.
I originally bought it way back when I was first getting into computer recording just to make sure I'd enjoy doing it. I've purchased countless more expensive software packages, but I keep coming back to it.
Basically, Magix Music Maker is great if you like to use loops for drums, and record your own guitar and bass tracks. You can drag and drop loops in, and it will adjust them as necessary. Editing tracks is as easy and fast as I've seen--you can just click and drag fade-ins, stretch it vertically for volume adjustments, etc... It also has great music generating tools, including drum machines and bass tools.
Every other piece of software seems to lack something. CoolEdit Pro is slow (at least my version), the interface is awkward, and it doesn't work with loops the way I like. Acid (whatever version I have) is probably my second favorite, but Magix has all of the same features in a more intuitive package. I could never get into PTP--it seems like the oddball of the bunch. Cubase seems fine, but I have had some problems with it hanging--again, I probably have an old version--I just don't use it anymore.
\"Intuitive\" is different for different people, and is the biggest reason why you should try a few different softwares. The ones mentioned are worth a look. I loved Sony Vegas, but they're concentrating on video now with that program, so support is crappy. BUT if you can find an old version 5 for cheap and don't need MIDI or Rewire, it's an option. ACID still doesn't \"flow\" as well for pure audio, IMO.
I d/l'd magix last night :shock: WOW :shock: I was configured, and laying down trax in no time...stayed up screwin' around until 2:00am 8) . Today I'm gonna mess with midi... I'll fill y'all in later...off to the dungeon ...
Many people swear by Pro Tools. It is the de facto industry standard. If you record on Pro Tools at home you can take it to a studio to mix and master it. Personally, I swear at Pro Tools, but that's just me. I use Sonar 4. I would need a major system upgrade to run Sonar 6, but maybe next year, I'll think about that. My advice - if you can find demo versions, try out everything you can. See what makes the most sense to you. I hated Pro Tools, I liked Fruity Loops, I loved Sonar. All these products, and the other ones, exist because someone found them to be the best for their purposes.
Pro Tools like others have their share of problems. Many times it's not the software itself when starting out. hardware recemmendations can fool anyone since many seem to think they are good at the MIN requirements. This is not the case in most of these programs.
Double or go higher than the required RAM.
Update XP and eliminate garbage programs you don't need or use.
GET A GOOD SOUNDCARD ! You have to have better than your standard on board sound card and instead use one made for recording purposes.
Anything from Maudio to EMU is in the lower tag ranges, for ex an EMU 0404 is only $99 but a great card. 1212M can be had for 149 and you can always buy the audiodock later if need be.
Many good cards can reduce cpu taxing and latency issues since the card does more of the processing than the cpu has to perform in as many situations. Most people will have a dedicated PC for recording purposes.
We haven't even touched on plugin's. Those can really tax your system resources. Pro Tools LE is very capable, so are Sonar and Cubase. Abelton is a simple system that assembles by clips. I'm not real famil with Abelton but the more I read into it, the more I may like it...
There are some excellent LONG LONG tutorials at VTC.com I'm talking HOURS not a few min blurbs.. From starting to mastering, it's there!
These cover Soundforge, Sonar etc.
:twisted: PROTOOLS :twisted:....Yea I'm a true believer with a Mbox with LE 6.9. I dont have enough B@11$ on my laptop to run that many pluggins at once but I do love all the real time plugins like d verb, amplitube, t-racks that come with it. They are light versions but still wail over my buddys version of ...cakewalk cant remember what version... IMHO (thats not to say you cant get great stuff outa cubebase or whatever). We are both currently saving for the step up in Protool's its addicting! an I have only scratched the surface but hopefully I'm learning:oops:
My problem with Pro Tools problem centered around the system I had. It was recommended to me by a very knowledgable dealer in Santa Fe, NM, but it just did not want to run on my system. This was years ago. It was the Mac version with the Audiomedia card. I have since tried the Pro Tools that was available for free for Mac OS 9, and it was a fine program. And, I do realize that it is the program for a professional studio. For my purposes, the Cakewalk products were the better choice.
I d/l'd magix last night :shock: WOW :shock: I was configured, and laying down trax in no time...stayed up screwin' around until 2:00am 8) . Today I'm gonna mess with midi... I'll fill y'all in later...off to the dungeon ...
Dobb.
Great! I don't use MIDI, so it may be lacking in that area--hopefully it works for you, because it will save you a lot of money over other solutions.
For everyone else, is PTP much different than the real ProTracks? From my exposure to PTP, I just don't understand how/why it's the industry standard.
For everyone else, is PTP much different than the real ProTracks? From my exposure to PTP, I just don't understand how/why it's the industry standard.
ProTools, a DigiDesign (not to be confused with Digitech) product, and ProTracksPlus, a Cakewalk Product, are entirely different. As far as differences between Pro Tracks Plus, and Sonar, its big brother, yes there are significant differences in features, flexibility, etc.
For most pro's PROTOOLS is the industry standard and has been for some time. Protools come in a variety of packages and now include the home recording package in the LE version. And there is Protools 7.0
The HD versions of protools can run some big $$$ and require some serious hardware to operate. LE version can use most Home recording type systems and sound cards.
Sonar and Other products are for the home recording enthusiasts for the most part. many items from Guitar Tracks PRO, Sonar Studio, Abelton and many other simplified programs can be as useful. Protracks plus is a simplified version of Sonar 2.0
the magix program looks pretty easy to use.
What it all amounts to is your willingness to spend time and moolah on whichever product you wish to work with. If you see LE attached to most programs when you buy a soundcard or other hardware, chances are its a Limited EDition.. meaning less than functional as it's big brother. Start simple and work your way up to your potential. Home Recording can be as GASSING as guitars.. worse yet, it changes every NAMM show!
I prefer FL Studio (Fruity Loops) and love it. I've tried PTP and didn't like it. For me, FL Studio has everything right there on your screen. It's so easy to add effects and tweek parameters. What I'd like to see is someone take a few tracks I've done and duplicate in Pro Tools what I've done in FL Studio so I can see how it performs. I'm not against Pro Tools, I just need to get more information on it and how to do things.
OK, now I'm curious. What does Pro Tools offer that Sonar doesn't? On second thought, I'm not sure that I want to know.
You don't I was happy with PTP untill I saw how cool the realtime pluggins were for Pro Tools LE :roll: in there monthy mag (picem up for free at GC) Pro's (John Meyer , Sara Mc, Elton, Black eyed Peas ...on and on) were useing the LE systems on the road then coming back off tour and actually useing a few of those tracks in there big studio pro tools sessions mixes...thats scalablity.) My freind greg has resisted for about a year he uses a cakewalk home addition for his recording...but my pluggins are so much easier and better sounding than his that he usually Masters at my place now. we both want the digital mixer version soon its abot 2 gs ...but oh so cool....I have G.a.s. really bad right now so I have to stop talking about it
But thats just my opinion...there Loads of other software thats great out there too
The new Acid Pro 6 is AWESOME. If you are Guitar-based and can work with Loops it works fantastic. I have tried everything and nothing comes close to being the QUICKEST and CLEANEST way to get your ideas down , hassle free. The new MIDI implementaiton is so easy to use it makes me scratch me head whey people use anything else... I see tons of posts on here with \"Pro tracks this\" and \"Protracks that\" just to get it to work .. Why put yourself through that?
Adobe Audition. In my experience, it makes recording my band nice and easy, with no stupid hardware issues that plague PTP.
It also has extremely powerful editing features and has all the effects you need built in.
Because it doesnt use ASIO, you can use all the devices in your system to record or playback. When i record my band I use my maudio delta 66 and the gnx4 so I can have 8 tracks, without paying heaps for an 8 track card.
OK, now I'm curious. What does Pro Tools offer that Sonar doesn't? On second thought, I'm not sure that I want to know.
You don't I was happy with PTP untill I saw how cool the realtime pluggins were for Pro Tools LE :roll: in there monthy mag (picem up for free at GC) Pro's (John Meyer , Sara Mc, Elton, Black eyed Peas ...on and on) were useing the LE systems on the road then coming back off tour and actually useing a few of those tracks in there big studio pro tools sessions mixes...thats scalablity.) My freind greg has resisted for about a year he uses a cakewalk home addition for his recording...but my pluggins are so much easier and better sounding than his that he usually Masters at my place now. we both want the digital mixer version soon its abot 2 gs ...but oh so cool....I have G.a.s. really bad right now so I have to stop talking about it
But thats just my opinion...there Loads of other software thats great out there too
There's plenty of good realtime plugins for Sonar, what am I missing?
Great stuff in Sonar editions. I think what he means about protools is the seamless integration of plugins. But again, Protools is only as powerful as the system itself. It's a hungry resource program and the more plugins you run the more sys requirements are needed or you get all the same latency and other issues as any other software based recorder or sequencer.
Great stuff in Sonar editions. I think what he means about protools is the seamless integration of plugins. But again, Protools is only as powerful as the system itself. It's a hungry resource program and the more plugins you run the more sys requirements are needed or you get all the same latency and other issues as any other software based recorder or sequencer.
Plug-ins work without a hitch in Sonar, and computers generally don't get along with me. Maybe it just goes back to program familiarity?
Let me ask a question. When using the GNX4 or GNX3000, do you still need a \"Better\" sound card. I though the GNX4 and 3000 act as your sound card when you use the drivers. Am I correct. So if you own a GNX4 or 3000, you don't need a better sound card, you just use the GNX, am I right...
Let me ask a question. When using the GNX4 or GNX3000, do you still need a \"Better\" sound card. I though the GNX4 and 3000 act as your sound card when you use the drivers. Am I correct. So if you own a GNX4 or 3000, you don't need a better sound card, you just use the GNX, am I right...
That's how I do it bro. With Pro Tracks Plus. I use plugins as well. I had to buy an Adaptor program, but it was worth it & once the plugins are wrapped there always there for use. This is a good thredd!! 8)
Pro Tools does a few obscure things, like sidechaining; various track/bus rerouting to submix as you record; etc. As far as capability, I can't see anything that Pro Tools can do that Sonar couldn't achieve as the end result, but certain \"old-skoooooooj\" recording/mixing tricks are easier and less time-consuming to pull off in a ProTools environment.
Sonar is easy to use and I like it best. Protools is very nice but is very propritary. I guess the decision would come from needs, usages and capabilities. Sonar 5 PE is a great solution for many things.
Most music stores will gravitate towards Protools LE or even Cubase when asked.
Comments
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/default.asp
http://www.steinberg.de/983+M52087573ab0.html
http://www.adobe.com/products/audition/overview2.html
I've alway used Cakewalk Sonar, and found it pretty easy to use. I don't know how much Sonar 6 is now, but it can be pretty pricey, aswell as the upgrades.
As for which one is \"best\", they all have there little bugs.
Good luck.
Good thread, I'm in the process of doing the same thing. Here is a question for those w/sonar 5/6, can you run plug ins without the silly sample and then process procedure a la ptp? I was noodling with albeton live lite that came with my toneport, and I loved the way one can just drag and drop plugins, even while the track is playing! 8) 8) It also was much easier than ptp to get my e-mu midi keyboard going. Once I get a few tracks and midi up and funkin', I inevitably hit the wrong something and got piled up alot with live though.
How about cubase, anyone use plugins w/cubase?
The GNX4 and the handsfree footswitch ARE compatible with sonar...right?
Any other unmentioned s/w with users out there?
P.S. Tried out NI guitar rig 2 at the local drug store today... 8) 8) 8) i'm thinkin' about succumbing to my G.A.S. and diving in! I'm also in the process (ordered) upgrading from department store computers to this :
http://www.shop-sonica.com/pd_d945i_workstation.cfm I'm still up in the air on the new interface though.
I'm gonna have to get the credit card bills sent to the office soon
Peace,
Dobb.
I originally bought it way back when I was first getting into computer recording just to make sure I'd enjoy doing it. I've purchased countless more expensive software packages, but I keep coming back to it.
Basically, Magix Music Maker is great if you like to use loops for drums, and record your own guitar and bass tracks. You can drag and drop loops in, and it will adjust them as necessary. Editing tracks is as easy and fast as I've seen--you can just click and drag fade-ins, stretch it vertically for volume adjustments, etc... It also has great music generating tools, including drum machines and bass tools.
Every other piece of software seems to lack something. CoolEdit Pro is slow (at least my version), the interface is awkward, and it doesn't work with loops the way I like. Acid (whatever version I have) is probably my second favorite, but Magix has all of the same features in a more intuitive package. I could never get into PTP--it seems like the oddball of the bunch. Cubase seems fine, but I have had some problems with it hanging--again, I probably have an old version--I just don't use it anymore.
Plus, you just can't beat the price of Magix Music Maker:
http://site.magix.net/english-us/home/music/music-maker-11-deluxe/
And I second the \"good thread\" comment!
Another up & comer is REAPER:
http://reaper.fm/download.php
I d/l'd magix last night :shock: WOW :shock: I was configured, and laying down trax in no time...stayed up screwin' around until 2:00am 8) . Today I'm gonna mess with midi... I'll fill y'all in later...off to the dungeon
Dobb.
http://www.digitalmusicdoctor.com/
Double or go higher than the required RAM.
Update XP and eliminate garbage programs you don't need or use.
GET A GOOD SOUNDCARD ! You have to have better than your standard on board sound card and instead use one made for recording purposes.
Anything from Maudio to EMU is in the lower tag ranges, for ex an EMU 0404 is only $99 but a great card. 1212M can be had for 149 and you can always buy the audiodock later if need be.
Many good cards can reduce cpu taxing and latency issues since the card does more of the processing than the cpu has to perform in as many situations. Most people will have a dedicated PC for recording purposes.
We haven't even touched on plugin's. Those can really tax your system resources. Pro Tools LE is very capable, so are Sonar and Cubase. Abelton is a simple system that assembles by clips. I'm not real famil with Abelton but the more I read into it, the more I may like it...
There are some excellent LONG LONG tutorials at VTC.com I'm talking HOURS not a few min blurbs.. From starting to mastering, it's there!
These cover Soundforge, Sonar etc.
Great! I don't use MIDI, so it may be lacking in that area--hopefully it works for you, because it will save you a lot of money over other solutions.
For everyone else, is PTP much different than the real ProTracks? From my exposure to PTP, I just don't understand how/why it's the industry standard.
http://site.magix.net/english-us/home/music/music-maker-11-deluxe/muma/e-version/?no_cache=1&version=eversion
You can probably find the full version at CompUSA--which is why I think this product isn't kosher with tube-snobs.
ProTools, a DigiDesign (not to be confused with Digitech) product, and ProTracksPlus, a Cakewalk Product, are entirely different. As far as differences between Pro Tracks Plus, and Sonar, its big brother, yes there are significant differences in features, flexibility, etc.
The HD versions of protools can run some big $$$ and require some serious hardware to operate. LE version can use most Home recording type systems and sound cards.
Sonar and Other products are for the home recording enthusiasts for the most part. many items from Guitar Tracks PRO, Sonar Studio, Abelton and many other simplified programs can be as useful. Protracks plus is a simplified version of Sonar 2.0
the magix program looks pretty easy to use.
What it all amounts to is your willingness to spend time and moolah on whichever product you wish to work with. If you see LE attached to most programs when you buy a soundcard or other hardware, chances are its a Limited EDition.. meaning less than functional as it's big brother. Start simple and work your way up to your potential. Home Recording can be as GASSING as guitars.. worse yet, it changes every NAMM show!
Holy software trial week! I'm working my way thru as many as I can.
Is there any difference between pro tools LE and pro tools m-powered?
Peace,
Dobb.
I prefer FL Studio (Fruity Loops) and love it. I've tried PTP and didn't like it. For me, FL Studio has everything right there on your screen. It's so easy to add effects and tweek parameters. What I'd like to see is someone take a few tracks I've done and duplicate in Pro Tools what I've done in FL Studio so I can see how it performs. I'm not against Pro Tools, I just need to get more information on it and how to do things.
You don't
But thats just my opinion...there Loads of other software thats great out there too
It also has extremely powerful editing features and has all the effects you need built in.
Because it doesnt use ASIO, you can use all the devices in your system to record or playback. When i record my band I use my maudio delta 66 and the gnx4 so I can have 8 tracks, without paying heaps for an 8 track card.
There's plenty of good realtime plugins for Sonar, what am I missing?
Plug-ins work without a hitch in Sonar, and computers generally don't get along with me.
That's how I do it bro. With Pro Tracks Plus. I use plugins as well. I had to buy an Adaptor program, but it was worth it & once the plugins are wrapped there always there for use. This is a good thredd!! 8)
God Bless!!
Partch
Most music stores will gravitate towards Protools LE or even Cubase when asked.