DAW Recommendation

[justinutley]

So.. I'm ready to start recording more songs, and I'm faced with a delima.

I'm a singer/songwriter, play guitar and piano, and have used a boss br1600cd for the last 5 years. Its done me well, but I'm getting tired of the small window to work (which makes editing and looping a b*tch), and the limited tracks available are frustrating. It also doesn't provide much by the way of loading additional effects, pitch correction, harmonies (that vocal toolbox it comes with is pretty much useless).

I also have a 2005 version of Sony Acid that I haven't installed (was a bday gift, but I was happy with my br1600 at the time and didn't see the need for the program).

About 6 months ago I bought a Roland vs2000cd from a bass player I worked with, which has a VGA extension (which rocks.. I can actually see what I'm recording). Though, after turning it on, thinking I could just hit record and "go", I'm finding the learning curve looks pretty steep. Also, it only has the basic setup for effects, and to add any more (such as the pitch correction and more guitar effects) requires another expansion board (VS8F-3) which isn't manufactured or sold anywhere (can't even find it on craigslist or ebay). So basically I'm screwed there if I wanted any add-ons.

I went to guitar center, and they almost talked me into completely ditching the multi-track recorder and going with Logic, Protools, or Ableton, and perhaps adding an interface to keep a bit of the "hands-on" approach instead of using a mouse for everything.

But I also discovered there are other interfaces that come with software, like Yamaha's MW series, which is more plug-and-play.

Any feedback? I know Logic and ProTools are more of the "standard", but from your experience, what do you recommend? Is the Yamaha MW (and similar workstations) a good transition from the Boss 1600? Is the learning curve crazy? And/or should I just jump right into Pro Tools-type stuff?

Please help. My brain hurts.

-Justin Utley

PS: btw.. I've been a reader of this forum for quite some time. Bought a Babybottle and some KRK monitors after reading the forums.. and am very happy!

[Bluesman48]

The advantage of pro tools type daw is the editing ability and literally tons of apps. Dis advantage a little steeper learning curve. I have a Tascam 2488 its first generation. Twenty-four tracks, on board effects. It is fairly intuitive so therefore learning curve not quite so steep. Disadvantage: limited editing capability. Depending on how far you want to take your music, if you are wanting to go pro I'd go with Pro-Tools, if more in the hobby havin fun recording for family and friends the Tascam would suit you well. I bought mine when I set up my current "studio" about 5yrs ago and I've been happy with it.

[joelsampson]

Avid / Pro Tools is a crummy company to deal with. I won't have it on my hard drive!

Try reaper, download a 30-day trial at www.reaper.fm. If you like it, license it.

[Andrew_Malloy]

Avid / Pro Tools is a crummy company to deal with. I won't have it on my hard drive!

Try reaper, download a 30-day trial at www.reaper.fm. If you like it, license it.

Tried Reaper... meh.

The plugin support is terrible, I didn't find it any faster than Pro Tools to edit in, but I thought the mixer architecture was SEVERELY lacking.

[TheKeytarist]

I am assuming that you know quite a bit about recording. My advice is to go with logic 9. If you want effects, logic 9 is loaded. There is also flex time, and a plethora of other instruments and editing options. Apple is very dependable, and their products are always dependable, and the learning curve is never gigantic.

Logic all the way.

[dutch81]

I am assuming that you know quite a bit about recording. My advice is to go with logic 9. If you want effects, logic 9 is loaded. There is also flex time, and a plethora of other instruments and editing options. Apple is very dependable, and their products are always dependable, and the learning curve is never gigantic.

Logic all the way.

Hello all, a DAW newb here... I. Had my sights set on pt9 til I saw this forum. Now I'm back to square one. As a aspiring hip hop artist/ beat maker is pt9 more suitable for my goals? No experience at all with recording whatsoever. Logic 9 a better fit? Thanks guy.

-daniel

[Andrew_Malloy]

In my opinion, I think Reason is actually better for that type of music production. The best part is when you are ready to put it into something else to mix, you can rewire it into Pro Tools or Logic. You also can pick up Record with it which makes the two unbelievably powerful and far easier than Pro Tools or Logic.