As this post suggests, I am not real versed when It comes to the computer tech side of guitars.
I was wondering if anybody had suggestions for good software, that is priced within reason (or even cheap) to get started in the world of computer recording?
Sorry if this is a tired subject. I Did not find much in the archives about it (however the search engine for the website doesn't always take you were you want to go)
Thanks,
Jeff
I have a lexicon omega. It's ok for what I need it for. I would contact someone like wenzel, who records all the time,if that is what you want to do. But wenzel or Proteus would be a great help to you. If they don't show up on your post you can always click their icons and send them a message.
I can't recommend Cakewalk Sonar enough. Edition 7! I have a PC and not a Mac. If I had a Mac I'd probably use Pro Tools or Cubase. I like Cakewalk since everything is where it should be. It's easy to use and the learning curve isn't too steep. Good luck and hope to hear some recordings soon...
Wenzel, do you use an interface/controller, or do you control everything via mouse? Also what are you using as far as an audio interface?
Mackie Tracktion is pretty cheap and has a very usable interface, quite different from Cubase or Pro Tools.
I like the Line 6 Toneport UX2. It comes with a Lite version of Ableton Live, which is pretty intuitive, I think. The hardware portion works great too.
== Sean
I love Tracktion2.
Got my copy with a Tapco LinkUSB interface for 60 clams. What a super easy to use program and has good tools too. But don't go looking for that pitch correction tool or hacking your song together with the slice tool from 50 takes. Just play, get it right in a couple of takes, and mix down.
(BTW, I used to have protools... couldn't get rid of it fast enough.)
if you can aford th interface,pro tool L.E. series is pretty mighty(a lot of people don't realise all the features)the HD stuff is as the kids say"off the hook" you need major ram to run it though
good luck 
Cakewalk, Sonar here with M-audio 8 in/ 8 out sound card.
I'm also a ProTools disliker. I know it does everything (and her brother), but its interface seems unwieldy to me. My choice for high-end recording is MOTU's Digital Performer...
...but I haven't used all the other available programs, so I can't offer informed comparisons.
For a beginner, ProTools or Performer are overkill.
You didn't mention if you're Mac or PC, and that matters. But in truth, ANY multi-track recording software that comes with an interface is going to do everything you'll need to learn, and then some. It's hard to buy bad recording gear of any sort in these days of modern times. A couple decent mics and any interface, and you can do great quality recordings with all kinds of flexibility.
I like ADR's suggestion: get started cheap and (relatively) simple, learn enough to know what you need next, and build from there.
I would suggest Sonar Homestudio. It is reasonably priced (as well as the upgrades from older versions) and has plenty of features. Personally I prefer the userinterface of Sonar compared to e.g. Cubase. I feel that it is more truely windows look&feel, where Mac originated software usually feel bit awkvard to use in windows for me.
get a mac.even the cheapest lowend macbook comes with garageband installed thats the simplest thing to use and be up and running in minutes.best sketchpad ive ever had for demos.
and ichat has the coolest avatars ever...hollowbody guitars.another reason macs rule :)
oh yeah and theres also Logic Pro/Express if you wanna kick it up to the next level
I have an old version of Cakewalk Home Studio (now called Sonar) and it's excellent. For an interface I use an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 soundcard.
The biggest problem I've found with PC recording is the noise of the PC itself. Despite having fitted all the most 'silent' fans etc my condenser microphone still picks up noise from it.
candyapplegrey said: get a mac.even the cheapest lowend macbook comes with garageband installed thats the simplest thing to use and be up and running in minutes.best sketchpad ive ever had for demos.
I agree with candyapplegrey. If you have a mac you allready have garageband. It's a great soft to start with. If you need more get Logic Express. (that's A LOT of software for your money) you can find video lessons for garageband and logic at www.macprovideo.com.
If you don't own a mac then really think of buying one when you need a new computer.
I use a mouse, but I want the Tranzport.
I use the Tascam US-1641 16 channel interface. It's really awesome and it's currently underpriced IMO.
Anyone use a Mac mini? I've been considering getting one of these purely for recording.
I'm sure mini will work but a laptop will allow mobility.
Isn't it also important to have a computer with enough horsepower to process the info so there is no latency when overdubbing? Reading the hardware recommendations for Pro Tools and Sonar is intimidating to the computer challenged. Motherboards, chipsets, sound cards. Old news for some of you but for those who view computers as another appliance (although a powerful one) on the order of a toaster its a bit hard going. (treading where maybe I should not, due to lack of experience)
Mark, I'd say most PCs bought today have easily enough grunt to manage a few tracks in something like Sonar Home Studio. When I started messing around with PC recording I was using an AMD 1500 processor with 512MB of RAM and that comfortably coped with a handful of audio tracks. I've never experienced any latency problems.
RLJ
The good and bad thing in the windows PC world is the flexibility, which brings the incompatibility issues as well. Choosing the right components and software and getting them to work together can be tricky.
The latency with overdubbing can be usually solved by using external audio interface (USB or firewire) which has zero latency monitoring. So you can connect headphones to the interface and listen your playing in realtime together with the recorded tracks. Latency could and will be an issue if you use software instruments but if you mainly record audio tracks then it will be easier.
Still you need decent computer and with fast enough hard disk. Some laptop computers have slow hard disks.
PS. Apple Mini costs 799$ in USA and 799 euros in europe (about 1288$). Quite a price difference.
Jeff,
I just went Mac and I'm not going back. I purchased Sonar in the fall and like Wenzel says it's good. I had an older version of Cubase before that. I just think that Logic for Mac is a bit more straightforward for the musician who wants to get right down to recording. Again, Sonar is good. I might sell my recently purchased Sonar software. PM me if you might be interested.
You can get great advice on anything recording at: www.tweakheadz.com.
Zig
Two good AND cheap alternatives:
http://ntrack.com/ if you don't use MIDI and/or VSTi's. It used to do it all very well but after V3 things got flaky for many users. I still use n-Track since I only do straight audio stuff & pretend to be a MIDIot. Us old users are all awaiting V6 with baited breath.
http://reaper.fm/ is supposedly the new kid on the block that does everything well. Haven't tried it myself (yet) but several people I know are convinced & have converted.
Check'em out, grab the demos :)
I use a Firebox Firewire interface by Presonus, and it packed with Cubase LE. I was recording 18 tracks in a few minutes and never looked back. Quite intuitive, though there are some settings puzzles one must get past at the beginning...like anything else.
Thanks For all the Info.
Proteus, I use a PC. (I should have realized that would have helped to narrow things down, sorry).
Zigracer, Great link, I am going to check out sonar, and I may contact you.
I like ADR's and Proteus's Ideas of starting cheap and working from there.
There is alot of info to digest here. I will keep you guys up to date on my choice.
Thanks again,
Jeff
I use a PC with a 3 ghz processor and 2.5 GB's of ram. I have had very little issue with my setup. I had to manually set cakewalk's latency setting since it was making every subsequent track drift by a few milliseconds. Now that I did the snare over snare over snare recording test it is working perfectly.
