Cub, I think you are our resident musical expert, so I put you in the thread title, but I welcome input from everyone.
My son recently decided that he wanted to record music he makes with me. I was in a band some years back, so I have some rudimentary (and at this point very out-of-date) recording equipment (e.g., a digital 8-track, etc.). Also, while I play a few instruments, drums is one thing I am not adept at (and I don't own a set).
So, I am looking for two things. I would like a software program (or drum machine, or whatever) that could do a decently-realistic-sounding job of playing drums. And, I am looking for a decent multi-track recording program that is relatively easy to use.
Currently, I have a PC that runs XP. But, I will need to upgrade it in the near future and am open to replacing it with either a PC or a Mac, it that is important for the debate.
Thanks in advance for any input.
My son recently decided that he wanted to record music he makes with me. I was in a band some years back, so I have some rudimentary (and at this point very out-of-date) recording equipment (e.g., a digital 8-track, etc.). Also, while I play a few instruments, drums is one thing I am not adept at (and I don't own a set).
So, I am looking for two things. I would like a software program (or drum machine, or whatever) that could do a decently-realistic-sounding job of playing drums. And, I am looking for a decent multi-track recording program that is relatively easy to use.
Currently, I have a PC that runs XP. But, I will need to upgrade it in the near future and am open to replacing it with either a PC or a Mac, it that is important for the debate.
Thanks in advance for any input.
I use an old freeware version Cool Edit Pro for audio editing, it was later bought up and made into Audacity. I find Cool Edit good so Audacity being a more up-to-date and souped up Cool Edit is probably a safe bet. I just use Cool Edit still because I only do simple edits.
EDIT: I should add. Cubase's namesake comes from an audio software called... Cubase. Just incase they don't drop in you should check out that too. Only thing I know is that its possibly a more robust set/suite of tools. And might depend on what you want to use things for as to if Audacity or Cubase would suit better.
EDIT: I should add. Cubase's namesake comes from an audio software called... Cubase. Just incase they don't drop in you should check out that too. Only thing I know is that its possibly a more robust set/suite of tools. And might depend on what you want to use things for as to if Audacity or Cubase would suit better.
(Ruri_Ayanami from the old Tex Murphy ezboard).
"I don't believe in intuition, don't know why... just a feeling." - Tex Murphy
"I don't believe in intuition, don't know why... just a feeling." - Tex Murphy
Both great suggestions Fred and Sai.
There is a lot of software out there, both free and not. Depending on your needs I suggest you try a few out and see what works.
Some of the ones on the lower end of the price scale that come to mind are: Ableton, Fruityloops, Cubase LE, Audacity, Reason, etc... these are all available on the PC. They are all great pieces of software that enable multi-track recording with the ability to work with 3rd party plug-ins and samplers/modules. Plug-ins are great becuase you can pretty much get any instrument you want and load it up as a virtual instrument to have as an accompaniment. For example: I work with a lot of orchestral pieces, and at any given time have 5 or 6 virtual instruments loaded in my project, each serving their purpose in the piece. Most modules will whoever require a MIDI controller keyboard to function properly... basically a keyboard that plugs into the computer and enables you to control the virtual instruments. They are not too expensive so take a look at around.
When you are getting up to the high end we start talking about Pro Tools (Pc and Mac) and Cubase 4, etc. I use Cubase as Sai said (and it's where my username come from), and it's great... but it is a bit on the expensive side (about $800 to buy). Pro tools is even more deer. But both a great for audio recording. Both offer demos I think from their website which you might want to try.
Aside from software you will need a decent sound card which will serve 2 purposes: 1. provide decent quality audio-in recording via multiple channels, and 2. give you lowest latency for MIDI controlling. Both are VERY important. You might also want a mini-mixer as well to plug your instruments into and then send it's output into the sound-cards in, for extra control. A decent sound card will set you back up to $1,000, but there are a few cheaper alternatives out there that suite the pro-sumer market quite well, such as the M-box by Digidesign. Also, if you can get your hands on the higher end Sound Blaster cards (like an X-fi elite pro) these will give you a pretty good experience, as I have been using an old Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum, and it works a charm.
So what we have now is two expenses, that can be quite cost effective if you are willing to work closer to your means. But in terms of a 3rd one it would probably be your computer hardware. Audio recording is very CPU intensive, especially when you are working with multiple instruments concurrently.If you are running a dual or even a Quad core already, you should be fine.... but if you are running as single core, you may need to look at upgrading. RAM is also important as for each instrument to load up, it will take up a chunk of ram. 4gb,or even 8 is idea, and RAM is cheap nowadays which is good. Lastly, a quick Hard Drive, becuase in the case where an instrument is not loaded into RAM, it is accessed from the Hard Drive, and if the HDD is not a quick one, you will see a lag when trying to playback music that is using samples stored on that drive.
Anyway, off the top of my head that's what I can help you out with. I can of course give you more insight if you have any more specific questions.
Regards,
-Cub. =o)
There is a lot of software out there, both free and not. Depending on your needs I suggest you try a few out and see what works.
Some of the ones on the lower end of the price scale that come to mind are: Ableton, Fruityloops, Cubase LE, Audacity, Reason, etc... these are all available on the PC. They are all great pieces of software that enable multi-track recording with the ability to work with 3rd party plug-ins and samplers/modules. Plug-ins are great becuase you can pretty much get any instrument you want and load it up as a virtual instrument to have as an accompaniment. For example: I work with a lot of orchestral pieces, and at any given time have 5 or 6 virtual instruments loaded in my project, each serving their purpose in the piece. Most modules will whoever require a MIDI controller keyboard to function properly... basically a keyboard that plugs into the computer and enables you to control the virtual instruments. They are not too expensive so take a look at around.
When you are getting up to the high end we start talking about Pro Tools (Pc and Mac) and Cubase 4, etc. I use Cubase as Sai said (and it's where my username come from), and it's great... but it is a bit on the expensive side (about $800 to buy). Pro tools is even more deer. But both a great for audio recording. Both offer demos I think from their website which you might want to try.
Aside from software you will need a decent sound card which will serve 2 purposes: 1. provide decent quality audio-in recording via multiple channels, and 2. give you lowest latency for MIDI controlling. Both are VERY important. You might also want a mini-mixer as well to plug your instruments into and then send it's output into the sound-cards in, for extra control. A decent sound card will set you back up to $1,000, but there are a few cheaper alternatives out there that suite the pro-sumer market quite well, such as the M-box by Digidesign. Also, if you can get your hands on the higher end Sound Blaster cards (like an X-fi elite pro) these will give you a pretty good experience, as I have been using an old Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum, and it works a charm.
So what we have now is two expenses, that can be quite cost effective if you are willing to work closer to your means. But in terms of a 3rd one it would probably be your computer hardware. Audio recording is very CPU intensive, especially when you are working with multiple instruments concurrently.If you are running a dual or even a Quad core already, you should be fine.... but if you are running as single core, you may need to look at upgrading. RAM is also important as for each instrument to load up, it will take up a chunk of ram. 4gb,or even 8 is idea, and RAM is cheap nowadays which is good. Lastly, a quick Hard Drive, becuase in the case where an instrument is not loaded into RAM, it is accessed from the Hard Drive, and if the HDD is not a quick one, you will see a lag when trying to playback music that is using samples stored on that drive.
Anyway, off the top of my head that's what I can help you out with. I can of course give you more insight if you have any more specific questions.
Regards,
-Cub. =o)
Well to save you the hassle of fiddling around internally, I would suggest getting an external USB based sound card to use with your software. I am about to purchase the Edirol Cakewalk UA25EX... the benefit having one is that it is 100% portable should you want to do any live work, and it's just easier to work with.
In terms of computing horsepower, what is your current system like specs wise?
-Cub. =o)
In terms of computing horsepower, what is your current system like specs wise?
-Cub. =o)
The exeternal sound card sounds like a good idea, Cub. (pun sort of intended)
I'd have to get home and look at my computer to tell you its specs for certain, but I'm running an AMD processor (I think a 3.7 or 3700, however they phrase it) with 1GB of RAM. My computer is around 5 years old and it's probably time to upgrade regardless of the audio software I'm running.
As you can tell, I have very little knowledge about computers, so that's going to be the next thread I start: what kind of computer should I buy?
Thanks again for all your help.
I'd have to get home and look at my computer to tell you its specs for certain, but I'm running an AMD processor (I think a 3.7 or 3700, however they phrase it) with 1GB of RAM. My computer is around 5 years old and it's probably time to upgrade regardless of the audio software I'm running.
As you can tell, I have very little knowledge about computers, so that's going to be the next thread I start: what kind of computer should I buy?
Thanks again for all your help.
Yes, it is fairly out of date, and you may run into some problems. I would suggest going quad. There are some good deals to be had if you know what you're looking for.
For example:
Intel Core i5-750 Quad Core 2.66Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115215
...great performance, and best bang for your buck out there for a Quad.
Couple it with this basic motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128425
Add these babies for 8GB of ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231323
This fella for your video card (IF you want more than onboard video):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814150322
And this dude for 1TB fast storage:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product
Bung in your Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Brand.aspx? ... me=Corsair
...and you will have:
Quad Core 2.66Ghz i% processor
8GB DDR3 RAM
1GB GeForce 9550 Video Card
1TB Fast Storage
650Watt Power
All for under $730 (excluding case and Operating System).
This is provided you can get a dude to build it all up for you. Or you could just pay a little bit more and get a pre-built with similar specs. Either way this machine will totally ace whatever you need to do.
-Cub. =o)
For example:
Intel Core i5-750 Quad Core 2.66Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115215
...great performance, and best bang for your buck out there for a Quad.
Couple it with this basic motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128425
Add these babies for 8GB of ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231323
This fella for your video card (IF you want more than onboard video):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814150322
And this dude for 1TB fast storage:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product
Bung in your Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Brand.aspx? ... me=Corsair
...and you will have:
Quad Core 2.66Ghz i% processor
8GB DDR3 RAM
1GB GeForce 9550 Video Card
1TB Fast Storage
650Watt Power
All for under $730 (excluding case and Operating System).
This is provided you can get a dude to build it all up for you. Or you could just pay a little bit more and get a pre-built with similar specs. Either way this machine will totally ace whatever you need to do.
-Cub. =o)
Last edited by dcat151 on July 30, 2010 • 6:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The idea of building my own computer is somewhat intriguing. But, I'm not sure I'm completely up to the task.
Actually, I've been looking a HP laptops. My current computer is an HP and, except for an initial motherboard issue, has been pretty good.
The laptop I am considering has:
Windows 7
AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile Processor N930 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
1TB 5200RPM SATA Hard Drive
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA]
Lightscribe Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n Card with Bluetooth (Dual Band)
The price on this is ~$1300, so it's definitely more than doing it myself.
Now I will confess that I don't know what half of the abbreviations in the above spec list mean, so any input is welcome. Also, I'm not sure how the brands compare: i.e., AMD v. Intel (and clearly the processor on this spec list is slower than the one Cub pointed out), ATI v. GEForce, and a 5200RPM HD v. 7200RPM.
I am not a heavy computer user. I would like to play around with some music software, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, and I may watch the occasional video. I play some games, although most of the PC games I play anymore are retro games.
My wife (who owns a Mac) is trying to convince me to get a Macbook Pro, but I really can't see paying roughly twice the price for something that doesn't appear to be that superior of a machine. (I know I am treading on thin ice with the last sentence; I certainly don't want to start a PC v. Mac battle.)
Actually, I've been looking a HP laptops. My current computer is an HP and, except for an initial motherboard issue, has been pretty good.
The laptop I am considering has:
Windows 7
AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile Processor N930 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
1TB 5200RPM SATA Hard Drive
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA]
Lightscribe Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n Card with Bluetooth (Dual Band)
The price on this is ~$1300, so it's definitely more than doing it myself.
Now I will confess that I don't know what half of the abbreviations in the above spec list mean, so any input is welcome. Also, I'm not sure how the brands compare: i.e., AMD v. Intel (and clearly the processor on this spec list is slower than the one Cub pointed out), ATI v. GEForce, and a 5200RPM HD v. 7200RPM.
I am not a heavy computer user. I would like to play around with some music software, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, and I may watch the occasional video. I play some games, although most of the PC games I play anymore are retro games.
My wife (who owns a Mac) is trying to convince me to get a Macbook Pro, but I really can't see paying roughly twice the price for something that doesn't appear to be that superior of a machine. (I know I am treading on thin ice with the last sentence; I certainly don't want to start a PC v. Mac battle.)
Yuck. I hate Macs. My husband and I are at continual war. I'm a PC. He's a Mac. Somehow we have yet to file for divorce.
Buy what you want and you'll be happy. That's all I say.
Your specs sound good except I prefer to get harddrives that go at 7200 rpm to decrease lag time. 8GB of system memory is great since most machines come with 64bit windows to take advantage of it. 1 GB on your video card is awesome. However I don't see specs for a sound card. I assume you intend to use the sound from the motherboard then?
Buy what you want and you'll be happy. That's all I say.
Your specs sound good except I prefer to get harddrives that go at 7200 rpm to decrease lag time. 8GB of system memory is great since most machines come with 64bit windows to take advantage of it. 1 GB on your video card is awesome. However I don't see specs for a sound card. I assume you intend to use the sound from the motherboard then?
Samantha
Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.
Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.
Yea, I guess I would have to either use the internal card or the USB one that Cub mentioned. The spec list didn't list a sound card (at least that I could find), so I assume it's just incorporated into the motherboard. (You can see my extreme lack of computer knowledge.)
I think that the only time I was considering a Mac was when I saw they had some decent music software, but since starting this thread, I don't really see the point in owning one. (Don't tell my wife I posted that.)
I think that the only time I was considering a Mac was when I saw they had some decent music software, but since starting this thread, I don't really see the point in owning one. (Don't tell my wife I posted that.)