beginner software

[riconga]

Ive never used a computer for any audio application and i like to try without getting in to deep. can anyone reccomend some entry level software that i could get my feet wet with so i can see if it its something i want to persue ( i have a pretty good analog chain now) I think i have the computer and soundcard part handled, really interested in mixing in the digital domain I dont mess to much with midi.

 

[hargerst]

There's an entry level program that's pretty good called "n-track". It's available on the net and it's pretty easy to use as I understand. A lot of people are using Cakewalk. Those are the first two I'd look at for multi-tracking.

For 2-track editing, it's hard to beat CoolEdit 2000. Feature packed, fast, and cheap.

 

[Aaron-Carey]

If you are not too interested in MIDI, Vegas is a GREAT app. Very very very easy to use, but still plenty powerful to the end.
For my needs I have forsaken the SSL/Studer a827 combo I am used to and just use vegas mostly...it is great for what I need.

Everyone can laugh if they want, but thats the way I like to work

 

[Godzilla]

Hey man,When your starting out DO NOT spend all your money on software DONT DO IT!!!!!!!!!
A program like n-track from http://www.fasoft.com
should be all you need to get started for software, and its less than $80. Its uses vst and direct x plugs, and its not some limeted scaled down version either.

There also pro tools free: http://www.digidesign.com

Then take the money you saved by not getting $300 software, and get something like a microphone, or take a vacation or something.

Now, you say you have the analog chain to your liking. If that is so, Id reccomend looking into nuendo, vegas, cool edit, cubase, logic, cakewalk.

Any of the big ones are going to be good to work with if your willing to pay, it depends on how you want to work wich is something youll need to decide for yourself.

I'll tell ya, everybody has a different opinion, and most people just say whatever they own is the best simply because its what they use. So, try to get a feel for how different programs interface and sound, and what features you need.

 

[Rader Ranch]

2nd the Protools free...works for pc and mac, has audio and midi, and if you don't find it easy to learn

 

[riconga]

Thankyou one and all! I took all your advice, did the downloads and this should keep me mighty busy for a while. Now I think I can evaluate whetther this is gonna work for me or whether I go running back to analog!
Yours in bits n bites rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[GZsound]

One product that wasn't mentioned here is Sonic Foundry Sound Forge XP. It is under fifty bucks and works pretty good for two track mastering and recording. I use mine in conjunction with Cool Edit and between the two of them I have about all I could ask for as far as simplicity of use and features.

 

[dwalmz]

n-track Studio is a great program for the money. $39 to register and $20-$50 for add-ons. I also use Cakewalk Home Studio 9. Both also use VST and DirectXplug-ins I would suggest using a small program called EndItAll that will automatically shut down all background running programs (except systray and explorer).