Software Comparison? Hardware? Options

[donWolf]

Hi I want to play around making electronic music. I've had a sampler before so I'm familiar with the concept, but it seems like people aren't using as many keyboards synths anymore as much as just software. For example, what's the difference between Logic Pro and a synthesizer? I have a mac, do I need just software or do I need at least one keyboard for the recording. If I'm not ready to buy LP unseen, can I demo it, or better yet it and other software? I really don't know where to start to know what I need.

I need a sequencer, and synth, and effects, as far as I can tell. Eventually vocals, and multitrack but I think GarageBand is a multitrack.

What's the cheapest and easiest way to get started with some synth sounds until I know what I need want? Thanks in advance.

donWolf

[monkeyboy23]

Hi I want to play around making electronic music. I've had a sampler before so I'm familiar with the concept, but it seems like people aren't using as many keyboards synths anymore as much as just software. For example, what's the difference between Logic Pro and a synthesizer? I have a mac, do I need just software or do I need at least one keyboard for the recording. If I'm not ready to buy LP unseen, can I demo it, or better yet it and other software? I really don't know where to start to know what I need.

I need a sequencer, and synth, and effects, as far as I can tell. Eventually vocals, and multitrack but I think GarageBand is a multitrack.

What's the cheapest and easiest way to get started with some synth sounds until I know what I need want? Thanks in advance.

donWolf

Fire up Garageband... that's your best bet right now until you learn some more about computer recording software. On the Apple site, there is a demo version of Logic Express.

The difference between a synth and Logic? A synth is a synth ( ) and Logic is basically a recording studio in a box, with just about everything you need to record, arrange, mix, and master multitrack recordings. Garageband uses the Logic audio engine, but pales in comparison to the feature set of it's bigger brother. However, it does have nice sounding synths and other instruments built in and is certainly enough to get your feet wet. You can even just use the computer's keyboard to trigger the sounds in Garageband/Logic until you get a MIDI or audio/MIDI interface. I'll leave that up to someone else to recommend...I use Pro Tools and haven't kept up with interfaces since I picked up my Digi 002.

[Dipp]

Hi all. I just watched the Peak Bias' demo.. i think its a really nice software.. what other Daws would you recommend?


Thanks so much!


dip

[gdoubleyou]

Peak is not a multitrack DAW, it's used mostly for audio file editing and preparation for mastering.

Logic Pro and it's little brother Logic express are full featured recording and composition apps.
With Logic you can record and edit midi performances and record and mix the audio from live or midi performances.

Logic contains a slew of intergrated virtual instruments, and effects. you can check out the video tours here...
http://www.apple.com/logicpro/quicktours/
http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/quicktour/index.html

All new macs come loaded with Garage Band an entry level DAW based on Logic, that contains simplified versions of the Logic instruments and effects. It is a good place to start, and for some the only app needed.

[DANO10]

Check out Digital Performer from MOTU. DP also comes with many virtual instruments and composition apps. I've been a DP user and a PEAK user for about 5 or 6 years and am very happy with it. DP and Logic are the most popular high end apps. Chec them both out. MOTU

[rickenbacker]

Cubase 4 is worth a look, too. Not perfect, but then none of them are. I've been a Logic user for 5 years and I still don't love it. Cubase seems a little friendlier. I, too, hear good reports of DP5. If all else fails, there's always Pro Tools

[Dipp]

Thank you so much guys!!

I watched the demo for logic...nice

[mechcon]

check Ableton Live as well if you can, very nice piece of software!!

[pchristy]

Cubase 4 is worth a look, too. Not perfect, but then none of them are. I've been a Logic user for 5 years and I still don't love it. Cubase seems a little friendlier. I, too, hear good reports of DP5. If all else fails, there's always Pro Tools

Cubase 4 is worth a look, too. Not perfect, but then none of them are. I've been a Logic user for 5 years and I still don't love it. Cubase seems a little friendlier. I, too, hear good reports of DP5. If all else fails, there's always Pro Tools

"If all else fails, there's always Pro Tools?" Man, I don't get that. I have been a Pro Tools user since before it was called Pro Tools, and it is still the only way to fly, imho. It just gets better and better. Now, I'm not sure why I keep upgrading to more and more expensive TDM hardware versions, but I just love the power of all the plugins and real time audio processing. Still, even at the radio station where I work, the non-TDM version of Pro Tools seems to have all the capabilities of my big system--if you don't mind processing elements via AudioSuite. I just totally recommend Pro Tools over any other system (and I have tried them all, including evil Windows based software.)

PC (pardon my initials)

[rickenbacker]

Your phrase "more and more expensive" sums Pro Tools up prefectly. Avid sure loves to gouge its customers, no matter how "industry-standard" its software is purported to be.