Simple DAW software for personal recording

Muffinhead · #1 09-02-2015, 08:13 PM

I record songs that I learn to play mainly for my wife to have. I once gave her a mini album of love songs for her birthday and you would think I gave her a diamond ring with matching diamond earrings and a matching bracelet. Then I was using a Mac and used Garageband. I now have a PC and can't use Garageband anymore.

This is only for personal recording so I can give recordings to family and friends. But I would like for whatever you suggest to be capable of supporting VSTs, and not have a steep learning curve. I am currently using Reaper and I like it, but it is more complex than Garageband.

buzzardwhiskey · #2 09-02-2015, 08:29 PM

No VST support, but the DAW called Auria that runs on an iPad is elegant and sort of amazing.

Muffinhead · #3 09-02-2015, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey

No VST support, but the DAW called Auria that runs on an iPad is elegant and sort of amazing.

I am sure it is a fine DAW, but I think you missed the part about needing to run on a PC.

buzzardwhiskey · #4 09-02-2015, 08:50 PM

I did indeed. Sorry.

scripsit · #5 09-02-2015, 08:58 PM

Audacity is free and works well on PC. Very straightforward to use.

There are some add-ons (VST bridge? or a name like that) that allow you to use additional VST plugins.

Kym

Fran Guidry · #6 09-02-2015, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muffinhead

I record songs that I learn to play mainly for my wife to have. I once gave her a mini album of love songs for her birthday and you would think I gave her a diamond ring with matching diamond earrings and a matching bracelet. Then I was using a Mac and used Garageband. I now have a PC and can't use Garageband anymore.

This is only for personal recording so I can give recordings to family and friends. But I would like for whatever you suggest to be capable of supporting VSTs, and not have a steep learning curve. I am currently using Reaper and I like it, but it is more complex than Garageband.

My strong recommendation would be to give REAPER a bit more time. Possibly investigate some of the free video tutorials. And consider asking for some workflow tips at the REAPER forum.

Can you identify a specific issue you're having? I don't have any Garageband experience but I've been recording simple acoustic stuff using REAPER for a few years now so I might be able to assist.

Fran

Rudy4 · #7 09-03-2015, 06:37 AM

+1 on sticking with Reaper. It also doesn't present you with obstacles with adding third-party VST plugs.

I have some recommendations for relatively easy recording on my "Simple Home-style Recording" page:

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/pageRecording1.html

MikeBmusic · #8 09-03-2015, 07:03 AM

Reaper is only as difficult ot use as you want to make it. For simple 'track and mix' use, there's nohting hard about it.

jpd · #9 09-06-2015, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy4

+1 on sticking with Reaper. It also doesn't present you with obstacles with adding third-party VST plugs.

I have some recommendations for relatively easy recording on my "Simple Home-style Recording" page:

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/pageRecording1.html

Rudy....this is a great info site that you've created for "techno challenged" players like me

Muffinhead · #10 09-06-2015, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy4

+1 on sticking with Reaper. It also doesn't present you with obstacles with adding third-party VST plugs.

I have some recommendations for relatively easy recording on my "Simple Home-style Recording" page:

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/pageRecording1.html

Thank you so much Rudy. I will stick it out with Reaper. I also went to your home recording guide and downloaded a couple of the VSTs that you have recommended. I am looking forward to experimenting.

Thanks for a great guide.