[ssjk]

After a number of false starts I’m finally ready to learn to record some simple stuff. I’d appreciate your thoughts on where to invest time and maybe some money on a DAW. I looked at reviews on line and I went through threads here, but much of the discussion is about capabilities I don't care about.

I have limited requirements:

record a scratch track
replace it with individually recorded instrument and vocal tracks
edit and merge

I don’t ever see myself using MIDI or externally sourced material
I’m not likely to post anything anywhere, but I might make it available to a friend or two


I have a MacBook and an iPad, and would prefer to record directly to the Mac

I have the following software, but haven’t used any of it, so I’m starting from scratch:

StudioOne 3 (mac)
Garageband (iPad and mac)
Auria (iPad)

StudioOne requires an upgrade for $49
Auria works only on the iPad - no mac version
Garageband gets REALLY negative reviews, but it’s free to me
Reaper gets good reactions, but all I know of it is the name

I’m inclined to believe the Garageband reviews and just go for the upgrade of StudioOne. Anything else I should really consider for my simple requirements at a price of $0 - $100?

Thanks for any observations.