Which software program??

sled · #1 03-01-2015, 09:38 AM

This may have been asked a thousand times, and I tried a search, but when I start reading computer terms my eyes glaze over and "what"? What is the best software program for home recording with the ability lay down several tracks. A chord transposer would be nice, but not necessary since I can get that with other programs. Has to be for PC since I don't have a Mac. Under $200.00. I see numerous ones online, but wondering if one is better than the rest?

FlyFast · #2 03-01-2015, 09:55 AM

Audacity is free to download.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows

Mbroady · #3 03-01-2015, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sled

This may have been asked a thousand times, and I tried a search, but when I start reading computer terms my eyes glaze over and "what"? What is the best software program for home recording with the ability lay down several tracks. A chord transposer would be nice, but not necessary since I can get that with other programs. Has to be for PC since I don't have a Mac. Under $200.00. I see numerous ones online, but wondering if one is better than the rest?

There are loads of choices. I am a Calkwalk Sonar User. The basic software (sonar artist) Is around $99. What ever software you get there will be some learning curve. From learning how to use the software to understanding signal chain, mic placement, room dynamics, take you time and enjoy.

The plus side is it is at home, so You are not on the clock, and there are loads off resource on youtube/Internet.

UncleJoe · #4 03-01-2015, 10:06 AM

I use Mixcraft. $90.00. 8 tracks.

I'm still learning how to use it but so far so good

badweather · #5 03-01-2015, 11:56 AM

Reaper - http://www.reaper.fm/

Fantastic DAW - I know Wyatt Rice is using it in his studio.

sled · #6 03-01-2015, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.... I'll look at all of them..

M19 · #7 03-01-2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badweather

Reaper - http://www.reaper.fm/

Fantastic DAW - I know Wyatt Rice is using it in his studio.

I second that.

$60 for a personal use license I think. Inexpensive and very full featured.

polarred21 · #8 03-01-2015, 04:06 PM

I downloaded audacity last week and yes it is free and complicated as others have said. They do have a support forum that is very active if you have questions. I'm not a user of the software yet since I'm having microphone issues. I would suggest download it and try it if you are record ready. Give us your feedback as others have suggested this as well, Thanks

Woodstock School Of Music · #9 03-01-2015, 04:24 PM

Another vote for Reaper

M19 · #10 03-01-2015, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polarred21

I downloaded audacity last week and yes it is free and complicated as others have said. They do have a support forum that is very active if you have questions. I'm not a user of the software yet since I'm having microphone issues. I would suggest download it and try it if you are record ready. Give us your feedback as others have suggested this as well, Thanks

You can run a "limited" version of Reaper for free for 30 days to see if you like it. It took me a bit to get used to it vs. Audacity, but now I wouldn't go back.

polarred21 · #11 03-01-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M19

You can run a "limited" version of Reaper for free for 30 days to see if you like it. It took me a bit to get used to it vs. Audacity, but now I wouldn't go back.

Sounds like you are saying Reaper may be easier to use than Audacity?

What systems does it run on? Windows, Mac, Android, IPOS.....

Thanks

badweather · #12 03-01-2015, 09:19 PM

Reaper will run on Mac and Windows. It more a true DAW, whereas Audacity in my opinion is more of a wave editor. The community and support around reaper is very strong. I wouldn't use anything else either.

RPK · #13 03-02-2015, 03:54 PM

A friend of mine installed Adobe Audition 3 on my (designed for recording) laptop. He set it all up for me and I could make it work, sort of. After a frustrating session I took a chance and downloaded Reaper. There can't be anyone in the world more computer challenged than me. I can actually make Reaper work quite well. Don't get me wrong, Reaper is a very powerful program. The free user's guide is hard for me to follow. Again, I am very computer challenged. At least with Reaper, I can sing and play my guitars more than struggling with some complicated software. Good luck in your search.

RPK

Rudy4 · #14 03-02-2015, 05:30 PM

Reaper.
There are lots of YouTube demos to get you started, too.

MikeBmusic · #15 03-03-2015, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M19

You can run a "limited" version of Reaper for free for 30 days to see if you like it. It took me a bit to get used to it vs. Audacity, but now I wouldn't go back.

It's not 'limited' - it is the full version of Reaper, there's just a pop-up letting you know you haven't paid for it.

I wouldn't say Reaper is easier to learn than any other DAW, but it has all advanced features of much-more expensive DAWs. When it comes to DAW choice, it is often what the operator likes - the GUI, how options and 'extras' are accessed, etc.
I read most of the 400+ page Reaper manual before starting to use it, and found the standard GUI fairly intuitive - the main view is much like a mixing board. Finding the options from drop-down menus or right-clicking is what can take some time.