What is the preferred Recording Software for PC recording?

[zenabi.777]

Hey Jemsite members! I need your opinion on what the best PC recording software is today. I want something that is capable of doing it all. I currently have the Boss BR-1180 CD standalone. I really don't like it. Just bought a new Dell Dimension 8200 with everything you can think of so I have the computer already. Also, direct me where I can go to get a great deal on the software if you can.

Thanks.

[Drew]

Well, pro tools is sorta the industry standard... Someone with more experience than I with pro tools can probably give you more specific advice, but myself, I'm leaning towards the m-box coupled with pro tools LE when I finally get around to replacing my laptop with a dedicated desktop recording system... I think it's, all told, somewhere around $300, and I don't see myself needing to record more than two tracks at a time for quite a while now- working on my own, etc.

That said, it depends on your needs. I personally like the interface for Sonic Foundry (now bought out by Sony, of course) Acid- I do a lot of loop based stuff to reduce the strain on my laptop, and don't record more than a track at a time, so it works pretty well for me.

-D

[bduersch]

I use Cakewalk Sonar, but I was pretty much raised on the Cakewalk suite (I think I first used it in a music theory class back in 1993). The sound quality and flexibility are great. Biggest downside... it's becoming more complex to operate faster than they can streamline the interface, so with each version it feels like it takes me more time rather than less time to do routine tasks (perhaps a lighter version of Cakewalk would be better suited to my needs).

--B

[track7]

I'll throw in the other one,

Cubase SX/SL. Everyone has their own favourites and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. I think though Cubase has the most power and flexibility overal in the price bracket and user level. It completley wipes the floor with Pro-Tools LE in tersm of power and features. Of course it wont compete with a PT HD system and all the core cards but then your talking prices that if you know what they are you probably wouldnt be asking advice on software.

Havn't useed the most recent versins of cake and logic but i've used them all in the past and Cubase always feels like home to me. Try them all and see which suits you. I like the feel of PT to use but as mentioned the featuer set is lacking i nthe LE versions

Unless you want to get into spending serious amounts of money to get pro-tools LE up to scractch (the suuplied plug-ins are poor etc) the I'd stay away from pro-tools, and you'llget far more bang for buck with cubase (or the others) and then you can spend you money on some nice mics/pre-amps etc

Good luck, hope you find one that works for ya

David.

p.s i think there is another thread where i went ito serious details about this topic, but i cant remeber where or when...in fact it could ahve been another forum lol if i find it i'll post the link.

[Drew]

I love the fact that three different guys have suggested three different setups so far- Pro Tools may be the "industry standard" at the pro levl, but it appears at the home studio level, it's still very much a free for all. and competition sorta has a way of leading to better and better products, so as far as I'm concerned, this is great news.

-D

[track7]

Precisely Drew thats what drives progress and lowers prices - and the gap between what you can do at a home level and in at pro=level is rapidly diminishing.

Industry standards are useful things thogh on the other hand, imagine a world where the top studios were all using different things Translation and moving projects from one place to the next wouldn't be possible.

Although now I think about it are there ANY other major players in the pro-audio market for recording systems. I mean serious ones like the system is gonna set you make multiples of G's like the PT HD and core rigs cost?

DAve

[Champagne Mist]

Pro tools would definitely be the way to go if you are looking to go anywhere with your recording. mbox with PTLE will run you maybe $400, and if you can deal with only having 2 inputs, it should suit you just fine.

[JESTER700]

You can also look at Audacity and Kristal for freeware; maybe after checking them out you'll get a feel for what commercial software would fit your needs best.

And Mackie is giving a version of Traktion away for free now, too.

[jeff l]

I've always felt comfortable with Cool Edit Pro, now known as "Adobe Audition".