[NewMusic] PC recording software advice

Fri Dec 21 18:02:01 PST 2007

Probably the best pc freeware multi-tracker that I've used is kristal:
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

its give you eigth tracks and and works with audio vst effects. so if
you later change your mind about using max/msp, you can use it to host
your custom effects:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/7/11111183_f1cf3d77fb_o.jpg

I like to use virtual instruments in addition to just effects, and for
a long time used the free version of cubase that came with my
presonus. I have also played around with audition a little, and
concider it a good call too.

But if your into looping, like me, then Ableton live can be a pretty
sweet rig for a performce/studio hybrid

Of course if you want it all for free then the best distro with no
risk to microsoft office is:
http://dynebolic.org/

On Dec 21, 2007 4:17 PM, Joseph Zitt <jzitt at metatronpress.com> wrote:
> Another vote for UbuntuStudio. I'm using it as my main OS at home and
> loving it, though I haven't actually used it for much music of late.
>
> I'm online right now, though, with my tiny, cheap, and utterly
> droolworthy Asus Eee PC. I'm hoping to put PD on it, as well as other
> relevant thngs over time.
>
>
> On Dec 21, 2007 1:50 PM, Brady Sharp <bradysharp at gmail.com> wrote:
> > I second UbuntuStudio.  I just recently nuked my main windows PC and
> > installed it, but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment in that I enjoy
> > trying to figure stuff out.  That said, it's pretty intuitive out of
> > the box for just musical use (I've got a web server, print server, fax
> > server, etc. running on it as well).  It contains Ardour and some
> > other pretty good tools, and the audio routing capability of the Jack
> > audio engine is pretty powerful, and would lend itself very well for
> > performance as well, I would imagine.
> >
> > Another option for Windows is Reaper (www.cockos.com), which used to
> > be free, but is now uncrippled, unexpiring Shareware, so it's
> > definitely worth a look.  $50 for non-comm personal use and $225 for
> > Commercial use when you are ready.
> >
> > Of course, Audition is great, too..
> >
> > Brady
> >
> >
> > On Dec 21, 2007 3:19 AM, barry threw <bthrew at gmail.com> wrote:
> > > 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
> > > IM: captogreadmore (AIM)
> > > http:/www.barrythrew.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Bay Area New Music Discussion Group
> > > NewMusic at music.mills.edu
> > > http://music.mills.edu/mailman/listinfo/newmusic
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Bay Area New Music Discussion Group
> > NewMusic at music.mills.edu
> > http://music.mills.edu/mailman/listinfo/newmusic
> >
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