OT - DAW Software

[Sigmunds Couch]

So- I'm an old dude. Started with tape. Loved tape. Bit my tongue and went to ADAT. Loved ADAT. Going to computer based. What am I going to love when I convert?

Basic Requirements:

- MIDI editor
- sequencer - for both live and recorded applications.
- MIDI contoller / sequencer for outboard gear
- Drum "machine" - both loop based and single hit "composition"
- Low latency
- 24b/96k resolution

Specific applications:

Studio recording
Live show tracking
Live performance sequencing

Rehearsal sequencing (when one of my ultra reliable bandmates can't make practice). This is probably the most important. First off, I want to be able to take MIDI versions of covers that we do and add the missing part - typically the drums. Secondly, I want to convert original recordings to MIDI to accomplish the same thing.

I'm leaning towards Cakewalk SONAR Home Studio V4.

I need some real world feedback... The recording part is easy. Everything does that. It's the different applications that I want it to be able to do that is spinning everything around.

 

[Colin]

Personally there is no one program that will do all. ProTools is the standout for me 24bit/96k not a problem, low latency definitely not a problem. The audio hardware that goes with it, even down to the mbox2 still impressive. As for midi, Sonar is a standout program, I just did a gig today and that's what I used live. Sonar is excellent as an audio product but you need to marry it up with the right hardware. That could be a disaster if not done right. Of course this is just what works for me. And before I forget dedicating a computer just for recording is also adviseable.

Colin

 

[Luiz Gustavo]

If you plan to start into pro tools, worth to check Digi 002 Rack. If you prefer controll at hands go to Digi 002 Mixer.

Im using 002 rack with Mackie Controll Hui.

You can try Nuendo 3.
I prefer it to pro tools.
More functional, supberb midi, handle VSTi right the way and endless tracks, what makes me use it everyday.
Support DX and VST and works with digidesign hardware.

One thing:

we did zilions of tests here and with same sessions type, pro tool stills sound better. But with MBox, Digi 001 or 002 you can think in 32 tracks, including master fade and aux inputs.

Only TDM has 48 tracks.

That's our studio B, using and Digi 002, Focsrite Octopre, Urei 1176, Mackie Control Hui and other things, take a look !!

http://www.studiohp.uaivip.com.br/studiohp.jpg

 

[Sigmunds Couch]

I've got a significant investment in a Mackie Onyx 1640 that I will be using for my interface so Pro Tools is out. I don't want to spend the money on a second interface right now. Gotta save it for the Y2D.

For live flys I will probably use Tracktion 2 which is bundled with the Mackie Firewire card and mix in the "production" software that I finally end up with.

It's the MIDI control/edit/playback, the drum "machine" functions and the live sequencing that I am most interested in.

 

[Colin]

It's the MIDI control/edit/playback, the drum "machine" functions and the live sequencing that I am most interested in.

Sonar would be a good start then.

 

[jeffrey]

I went the other way. After 7 years or so of Pro Tools/CuBase recording, I'm using stand-alone DAW's and loving it.

The Roland VS2000 and VS2480's are fantastic units, the sound quality is just as good (and easier to obtain). Recording is faster for me now and since they have VGA outputs and you can use a mouse now, the interface problem is licked.

Consider me a convert.

 

[OrangeChannel]

Logic Pro 7...word up.

 

[Colin]

Logic Pro 7...word up.

Isn't that mac only these days? I started on an atari with notator which eventually became logic.

Colin

 

[tvanveen]

I'm using Cubase...but I don't do all the stuff you're wanting to do.

I would check out Ableton Live...it does all the regular recording stuff, but it started out as live performance software. Sounds like it's right up your alley.

tv

 

[Luiz Gustavo]

Sorry Jeffrey, but these Roland VS doesnt sounds good to me.

They sound like Mini Disc to me, with a lot of compression like ATRAC ..........

 

[jeffrey]

Funny since there is no compression (especially ATRAC).

Does this sound like compression to you?

That's my band recorded on my VS2000CD.