[NewMusic] PC recording software advice

[barry threw]

You can get mobile pro tools now...the Mbox Micro...about $280 and you  
can run ProTools, if you are into that.

Honestly, if I was using a PC (and wanted to be stuck with Windows)  
the last version of logic (6.3?) for it would probably be the best way  
to go for me in leu of the Toolz, you can probably find that for about  
$100 or less.

There is also a lot of great open source recording software  
currently...if I really wanted to record on PC now a-days, I think the  
best option would probably be Ubuntu Studio.  http://ubuntustudio.org/  
Linux sounds scary, but at this point it isn't much more frightening  
than Windows, and setup is a breeze.  And its $Free.99.  However, this  
would necessitate an OS change, but assuming you don't have that  
laptop setup for other types of work, that shouldn't be a problem.

If you search around the Darkest Interwebs, you can also find builds  
of OS X for PC, and use all of the software there supported.  I have  
many friends that have gone this route and anecdotal evidence supports  
the notion that it runs great.  However, the legality of this is in  
question...and since you are considering paying for software I am  
going to assume this is an issue for you.

b

On Dec 20, 2007, at 9:49 PM, Matt Davignon wrote:

> ok....I have this new laptop that I'm planning to use as a mobile
> recording studio. I need to install music-making software, and I'm not
> quite sure what is the best way to go.
>
> I should start by saying I'm pretty dumb when it comes to music on
> computers. No max patches for me. I'm just looking for something
> really intuitive - a pretty easy to use multi track recorder where I
> can throw in some volume/panning timelines, cut and paste a few
> sections, maybe add some plugin effects here and there.
>
> I should also say that I'm only planning to use the computer for
> recording and editing - making songs. I'm not planning on using it to
> play live shows.
>
> I guess if I'm not convinced otherwise, I'll probably just buy the
> upgraded version of Sony Vegas Pro, which is pretty much what I've
> been using for multitrack stuff. The thing that I don't like about it
> is that I usually wind up exporting tracks to SoundForge to run noise
> reduction, bring up the levels, and add effects, which means I can't
> hear how what I'm doing fits in the context of other tracks until I
> save it and import it back. I'm not sure if that's really necessary or
> if I'm just being dumb.
>
> I'm willing to pay for something good. Shelling out $1000 for Cubase
> seems a bit steep, especially if I'm not sure I'm going to like it.
>
> I used to do a lot of cassette 4-track recording back in the day. When
> I made the switch to computer, I wound up doing so much cleanup on
> each recording pass that I tend to run out of patience quickly and
> storm off to play video games.
>
> I have a laptop PC with a Presonus Inspire audio interface and  
> Windows XP.
>
> Any advice appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Matt
> _______________________________________________
> Bay Area New Music Discussion Group
> NewMusic at music.mills.edu
> http://music.mills.edu/mailman/listinfo/newmusic

Barry Threw
Media Art and Technology


San Francisco, CA
Work: 857-544-3967
Email: bthrew at gmail.com
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