Recording Software

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 09:55 AM

Just had a bit of a play with Ardour. The busses and tracks, effects, etc. seem to make sense to me. Seems a bit like my mixer only with Ardour has more buses, routing options, etc.

Using alsa_in, I just had it recording from a ZoomH4 and a Yamaha mixer at the same time.

Not that I'm planning on getting one, any idea what the Lexicon Omega which looks as if it can do 4 mono tracks from one device is like.

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 07:44 PM

I don't see myself using it properly but I'm downloading AVLinux. Sounds worth a look.

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: treewind
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 06:56 PM

Audacity is fine for simple edits of mono or stereo material, but
Ardour's multitrack recording and editing capabilities are in a completely different league. It's worth learning but you do need a low-latency or real time kernel if you want to do overdubs or build up recordings a track at a time, or you'll get too much monitoring delay. The best way to install it is to get the whole AVLinux distribution - when I did, everything just worked, after I'd spent about a week messing with 64studio and Ubuntu Studio and getting nowhere. I have a separate PC for it, but actually it's good for ordinary office stuff too, and the same PC even dual-boots Windows.

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: Tootler
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 06:14 PM

I use Audacity and have been for some time. Easy to learn the basics and it does what I want. I was recently able to put together a 3 part recorder arrangement of "All Things Bright and Beautiful" for someone who wanted it for a funeral. He asked me on Saturday afternoon and wanted for the Monday. I had it ready for him on Sunday tea time. The only major fault was that the middle part was slightly out of sync and that was my playing not Audacity. It's what comes of doing something in a hurry. Anyway he seemed happy.

I don't record directly into the computer. I use my Edirol R09 instead. I find it gives cleaner recordings with less noise than going directly into the computer.

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: Arkie
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 01:19 PM

I have been using the latest beta version of Audacity and am extremely pleased with it. Time spent on one weekly task has been cut in half. I suspect that what might be viewed as limitations are really my limitations and not the software. It may not meet expectations of a highly skilled technician but it works great for someone with my limited knowledge.

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 08:08 AM

I'm on Linux and I use Audacity for the bits of recording I want. I do have Cubase AI and LE (bundled with hardware) but they do not run on Linux and while they may be good, I've not had the need to either run Windows to use them or attempt to get them to run under Wine on Linux.

I think the most interesting for Linux (and possibly of interest to Mac owners) is ardour. Seems quite complicated to learn but it does seem to be targeted for professional use.

I believe the lack of MIDI support has put some off but their 3.0 alpha which I built the other day adds this. I could only find an event list editor though and nothing like the score editor Cakewalk has.

Subject: RE: Recording Software
From: Musket
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 07:11 AM

I used Cubase and Cakewalk in different iterations for many years. Both good, both do what they say on the tin.

In recent years, my PC of choice has been Mac. If anybody is reading this who has a recent Mac, you probably already have Garageband. This does 99% of what you need, really. (I am basing my comments at Mac owners here, not necessarily the OP.) it is very powerful, can get plug ins and if you then want to go more professional, you find that it is a cut down version of Logic Studio, which is up there with the best I reckon.

Mind you, regardless of what you use, one tip that was pertinent a few years ago and I reckon is still a good idea. Always shut down all other programs and stop anything working in the background on the computer, including killing the internet connection before recording. If your interface has a choice of USB or firewire, then firewire every time.

My experience anyway..

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 13 May 02 - 05:43 PM

Yes - My buddy and I figure one of us can set down a tune, e-mail it to the other, have an accompanying track laid out and then sent back for mixing. He's the song writer and I could then add the leads or back ups at my leisure - got us all excited.

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: hesperis
Date: 13 May 02 - 01:57 PM

Yaaaaaayyyyyy!

Ain't it great?

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 13 May 02 - 10:08 AM

Got Cakewalk - fought cakewalk - surrendered - then last night I figured part of it out. Laid three tracks down. I haven't mixed them yet but that is next. The first giant hurdle is over!! Yayyyyyyyyyy!!!

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 10 May 02 - 10:27 PM

Hmmmm - I took my Music Match Jukebox and recorded a few songs into it. Took a few tries to get the volume how I wanted it. Now mind you I can't lay a track down and then add one to it - but I recorded it as an mp3. I have a little 4 channel Micro Mixer and used one for the vocal mic, one for the guitar mic, one for the electrics in my guitar, and then rehearsed until it was as good as it gets. Then - just like a cheapo tape recorder - hit record and recorded it. I have a great latitude for adjustment of sound levels but have to get it all right at the same time. (Yes Amos - That is how you received what I did.) Then I went to my Windows Media Player and transferred them to a CD. It automatically converted the files to .wav and put them on the CD. I just finished my first home recording.

The implication for me is that Windows XP converts the files back and forth for me as I ask for them to be placed elsewhere. Dangdest thing to hear myself coming out of my stereo.

Now Sunday me, Charlie, and Irv are going to play with Cakewalk Home Studio and see what we can do. That ought to be a fun thing - like running the hundred yard dash while trying to pick the guy next to you's . . . . ahhh we'll do our best *BG*

Steve (slightly dumbfounded)

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 09 May 02 - 10:30 AM

Thanks pict - once again -

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: pict
Date: 08 May 02 - 09:30 PM

If you look at the following site

Harmony Central

under the recording section there are many links some of which might be useful to you.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 08 May 02 - 03:37 PM

Is there any place one, like myself, could go to have someone show me how these things work? My MusicMatch Jukebox - is the best so far - just no multi tracking.

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From:
Date: 05 May 02 - 06:15 PM

Let me know if you want a copy of Cakewalk or Soundforge.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: hesperis
Date: 05 May 02 - 05:12 PM

I use cakewalk and love it - however I have not used much else. Would like to try cooledit and soundforge, but haven't had time to try to wrap my head around how they work, yet.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Rob Hall
Date: 05 May 02 - 03:31 PM

I use a combination of Digital Orchestrator Pro from Voyetra (www.voyetra.com) and Cool Edit Pro. This give me a nice interface to record with (DOP) and great effects processing using Cool Edit. You can hear a couple of the tracks we recorded in my last band using DOP at

http://druidry.org/obod/text/eisteddfod/audio.html

under Damh the bard, which purely used DOP which we banged down to DAT and had pressed. As for hardware I'm using an 800MHz processor, Win 98 SE and a fast hard drive. I have a Soundblaster Live Platinum card which came with the unit (is it called the Live Wire?) which fits in a 5 1/2" bay in the front of the PC and means you can plug in 1/4" jack plugs and also has DIN sockets and allows you to adjust the headphone volume and line input gain from the front of the PC instead of having to grub around behind the PC.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 04 May 02 - 04:40 PM

LOL - To be honest I have really enjoyed XP. My system has not crashed once since I got it and it works with the speed of light. Any perceived problem is immediately sent to Microsoft for review. I wouldn't pee on it either Amos - I did that once on an electric fence - broke me of urinating on electrical devices!!! I think if I wasn't so frustrated with trying to get an attachment fixed I could use the software - I'd just need to assign the Win98 compatibility software to it. And that is two mouse cliks worth of work.

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Amos
Date: 04 May 02 - 01:36 PM

I wouldn't piss on XP if its FAT was on fire.

Ya wanna dreamy OS stick to Win2K (second best) or brave the new frontier of Mac OSX, a real best of show in MHO. I don't know much about Linux, so no slurs intended, ok?

A

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 04 May 02 - 01:07 PM

I've had no significant problems keeping my S.O.'s Win2000 up and working, and frankly find it easier to work "compatibility" issues on her Win2K than on my own Win98 machine. My experience is probably different because, for business reasons, we stick mostly to mainstream programs and accessories.

I would not consider going back to Win95, and Win98 users should be sure to have Win98-Second Edition. It makes a big difference.

I'm not sure, right now, whether my "new machine" would be Win2K or XP, but the "handwriting is on the wall." Both Win2K and WinXP incorporate capabilities that are not available in Win98 and earlier. Software that uses the new capabilities will not be compatible with Win98.

Micro$oft has always made a reasonably conscientious effort to maintain "backward compatibility," and it has hurt the performance of every "new generation" of software. It will be very difficult to continue this philosphy.

While it's pure speculation, I will predict that a whole lot of stuff is going to come out very soon that will do new things we'll eventually find "necessary," and that will require Win2K or WinXP to run.

This is not an immediate threat to people who intend to "keep on keeping on" with what they've got, but anyone with an urge, or a need, to "do better," is going to need to step up.

I've said before, if you got your op system preinstalled with a new machine, it's a beta copy. Hopefully, things will be more "stable" by the time I'm forced to change - but the time will come -- soon. Those of you fighting to find the bugs (especially in XP) -- thanks!

John

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: DMcG
Date: 04 May 02 - 12:24 PM

The XP comment doesn't surprise me - its difficult enough even getting things to work with Windows 2000. Eg I bought a new HP printer six months ago and the drivers for 2000 were not provided. I've had exactly the same thing with graphics cards. How people without Internet connections are supposed to cope I don't know (The HP download was 7.5Mb, so even people with ordinary modems have a rough time of it)

My guess is that the mass market is happy with 95/98 and so manufacturers find more profit in new features on products for old systems than the same features on a newer version of Windows.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Bill D
Date: 04 May 02 - 12:16 PM

I keep seeing grumps about folks having problems getting Windows XP to handle MANY things....it seems to be kinda picky about what it likes...

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Amos
Date: 04 May 02 - 11:52 AM

Screw this computer stuff, Nort -- buy yourself one of them wire recorders. Or maybe an 8-track? :>)

A

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 04 May 02 - 10:49 AM

Unfortunately the trial version does not work with Windows XP - I've about had it with these programs. None of them are simple nor easy. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 02 May 02 - 04:50 PM

Thanks everyone. I have recently purchased Guitar Tracks II from Cakewalk ($49 US). It is very simple to use and does what want. The 30 trial provides a full function version and is downloadable from www.cakewalk.com.

dw

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 08:33 AM

Ditto Cool Edit 2000. The basic is 70 bucks, and a 4-track plug in's another 50. They've got more, but I haven't needed it yet.

The thing I don't like about compter recording is adapting good mics down to a 1/8" plug.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: pict
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 12:32 PM

Lots of people use Shure SM58 dynamic microphones and are happy with the results but for really clear detailed recordings a condenser microphone such as those made by Rode,Studio Projects,Red5 audio,AKG etc is much better but they are not so robust as dynamic mikes they also need external power either from a mixers phantom power or a separate power supply(usually but not always included).

There is also a type of condenser called a back electret which are usually cheaper than a true condenser mike but they are very good sounding the cheapo mikes that come with computer soundcards etc are also back electret designs but they use a heavier back plate joined to the mike diaphragm(the part that picks up the vibrations of the voice or instrument)which inhibits their ability to respond quickly to vibrations so they generally sound muffled.

A good quality back electret e.g. AKG C1000 apart from being cheaper has the backplate separate from the diaphragm which is suspended above the backplate,this type is very clear sounding,as good as a true condenser in many cases but has the disadvantage that after maybe 10 to 15 years the back plate loses its electrical charge and the mike becomes more noisy because of it.

If I was starting out with recording on computer and wanted good results for as cheap as possible I'd go for a back electret condenser(Stage line is a company who do cheap and good sounding back electrets)and a reasonable quality soundcard like the audiophile 2496 which is a 24 bit sound card with very good sound quality these 2 items will probably set you back between 350-500 dollars depending on where you shop.How may tracks you will be able to play back on your computer will be limited by how fast your hard disk is(at least 7200rpm is preferable).

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: WyoWoman
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 11:11 AM

Does it matter what kind of microphone you get to record with the different software programs? I know if I get Cakewalk, which I've been contemplating, I need to get a better mic than my $20 RadioShack (sorry LEJ) mic.

What's best, dya think?

ww

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Amos
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 03:27 PM

Peak is also a well-respected program by Bias Software. They make several bundled packages for effects, multitrack, etc. at reasonable costs -- $100-200.

A

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 02:56 PM

Here's the link for it - Thank you so much pict!!!

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: pict
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 02:31 PM

The big 3 in recording software are Emagic Logic audio platinum which I use,Cakewalk Sonar,and Cubase VST (now Cubase SX).A lot of pro studios use Pro tools a hybrid software hardware system that is exorbitantly expensive.There is also a program called Samplitude(recently bought over by Magix) which is superb and a cheaper but good prog called Cool edit pro by Syntrillium.

Any of these progs will do what you need with many features that you may not need at the beginning but could very well come in handy at a later date.Logic audio,Cubase,and Cakewalk all started their life as midi only progs later adding their very powerful audio recording and editing features.Pro Tools,Samplitude,and Cool edit all started as audio only progs and later added limited midi functionality.For the Mac there is also a very good prog called Digital Performer it costs about the same as Logic.

There is also a cheap(I think between 50-100 dollars) but apparently quite good shareware prog call Ntrack which is an audio only prog.

Emagic logic audio platinum costs about £600,Cubase about £500,Cakewalk Sonar about £300,Samplitude about £600,Cool edit about £200 and Protools about £10,000 upwards!(expensive).Emagic,Cubase and Cakewalk all do cheaper versions of their progs like logic audio silver or gold,Cubasis etc but all of these progs will enable you to do much more with your recordings than any Tape based recorder ever could.

Cakewalk Sonar,Cool edit pro and Samplitude are probably the easiest progs to learn for a newbie but imo after having used them all extensively(with the exception of Pro tools which I have only used for short periods)Logic Audio is the most powerful(though they're all pretty powerful)and fastest to use prog to use but it does have a few concepts to get your head 'round before you get good use out of it.

All of these progs are very easy to use for basic multi track recording and if you "just want to be able to click a "record" icon, record, and then play it back while I record another track along side it."There is also,now that I remember it a very good prog called Quartz audio master which is freeware which can be got at the following address

http://www.digitalsoundplanet.com/SoftwareHouse/Products/Audio_Master/Freeware/freeware.phtml

Hope this helps

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 02:21 PM

Amos - Thanks I'll check it out -

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Amos
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 10:17 AM

You want to explore Peek software. Pro quality multitrack, etc.

A

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 10:07 AM

I went to their site - $100 seems steep to me. Maybe I'm out of whack with the times tho - I think I need to save for a bit as if the three of you are using it and telling me it is superb stuff - well - I think it is good stuff.

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Musicman
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 03:56 AM

i have been using cooledit 2000 for a while now.. love it... i also have the studio plug in which gives you a 4 track recording studio on the 'puter... it has built in effects and processors, fading, overdub (for those gliches) and lots of other neat toys..... then you can mix down to mp3, .rm, or .wav..... good program... just looking at cool edit pro right now.....

musicman

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: harpmaker
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 06:33 PM

I think 'Sonic foundry vagas pro' fits the bill for you dwd. Powerfull, easy to use, with great results. I have just recently been using it, great! John.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 06:22 PM

Thanks very much - I'll try it out -

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 05:54 PM

We're also using Cool Edit 2000, upgrading the software stage by stage as we decide to try more complex recording; they provide very complete written instructions.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 03:58 PM

I swear by Cool Edit 2000. Mid-range, but highly effective. http://www.syntrillium.com/

Ron

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 03:45 PM

Cheaper cakewalk software - and what is cheaper?? 8 tracks would be more than ample for me. If I could do four I'd be ecstatic! Any names or links of this software??

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 07 Oct 01 - 07:56 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 10:25 AM

refresh

Well, a slight delay while dell sends me a new hard drive...mine blew up last night. But I am still interested in recommendations. Thanks.

dw

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 04 Oct 01 - 11:07 PM

Hey, thanks Ed. I'm a patient man. Appreciate your efforts whenever you can.
dw

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 04 Oct 01 - 06:54 PM

dwditty,

Sorry for not getting back sooner - work was hectic yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow.

Will try to write something useful and helpful over the weekend.

Apologies for the delay.

Ed

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: mousethief
Date: 04 Oct 01 - 10:32 AM

I just got a tascam porta2 mark 2. Haven't used it yet, but shall soon! Nice thing is, it's really portable, so I can record my tracks in the living room, then take the tascam to the computer and mix it down onto Cool Edit and burn CD's from that.

Just call me Phil Spector, Jr. :)

Alex

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 10:34 PM

Hey DWD, HERE is a link to an earlier thread that had a lot of good info.

Mick

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Tiger
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 05:32 PM

Keep me posted, dw, 'cause I'm thinking of doing something similar, 'cept I may go the Tascam route.

One problem is that my stereo setup is nowhere near the computer.

When are we gonna have our session?

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 01:26 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: GUEST,truckerdave
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 12:31 AM

Some of the cheaper cakewalk software will do 8 tracks, Roxio's easy CD creator will let you burn them where they will play on any audio CD player just fine. dbaudioware has some software for $100 that works pretty well for compression, etc. ..........Or, you can get just plumb crazy like me until all the stuff hooked up to your computer looks like the flight deck of the starship enterprise.

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 11:39 PM

No kidding Alex! But it got me fired up for a minute there!!

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 11:17 PM

Jack, thanks I'll read up on Cakewalk.

Ed. I have a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz card that came bundled with the PC. Here is the link

Thanks

dw

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: mousethief
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 05:52 PM

By golly but $129 is a lot of money...

Alex

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 05:50 PM

Wow - I may have to upgrade my PC - very interesting
Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 01:56 PM

No, it's very possible.

'Full duplex' means that your soundcard can record and playback at the same time.

Before, I write a lengthy post explaining all the whys, whats and wherefores, could you let me know what card you've got, and did any software come with it?

Thanks

Ed

Subject: RE: Help: Recording Software
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 01:53 PM

Guitar tracks from Cakewalk will do exactly what you want.

Check www.cakewalk.com

www.musiciansfriend.com

Subject: Recording Software
From: dwditty
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 01:29 PM

OK. I have a new high powered pc. Lots of disk, memory, and a fancy sound card-full duplex whatever the hell that means. Nice mixer. Good mics.

Objective: record multiple tracks (guitar/voice), mix down, burn a CD with a bunch of home made songs on it.

Has anyone without a PhD in Software Engineering, the philosophy of sound, or an advance electronics degree had any success doing this? Wish I had my old tascam back. I don't even know what "loop technology" means, or how many bits I should look for, etc., and, frankly, I don't want to.

I just want to be able to click a "record" icon, record, and then play it back while I record another track along side it. Am I naive in thinking this is possible?

dw