PC equivalent of Garageband

[patton63]

After playing with Apple's Garageband, it seems pretty intuitive and fairly simple to use. Unfortunately, though, I have a PC.

I am a novice player, but would like to record some tracks and play around with things. The recording software options, however, are pretty daunting. Is there a PC program that is the equivalent (or better) than Garageband in terms of ease of use. It would also be a plus if it didn't cost an arm-and-a-leg.

Thanks a lot.
- Chris

[chjohnst]

I used Reaper, its a little trickier in some aspects but once you get the hang of it its real good. There is also audacity which is easy to use for beginners, just the UI is not as purty.

-Chris

[VroomVroom]

I'm using M-Audio's 'Session' software - it came bundled with the $100 FastTrack USB interface I bought. Kludgy drivers and software install issues aside, I've been quite happy with it. The canned tracks are plenty sufficient to offer 'play along' functionality in a variety of styles, or you can certainly just layer your own tracks.

That said...I appreciate the thread, as I'd really like to find something a bit more powerful.

[Captain_Arrrg]

Originally Posted by chjohnst

I used Reaper, its a little trickier in some aspects but once you get the hang of it its real good. There is also audacity which is easy to use for beginners, just the UI is not as purty.

-Chris

+1

Reaper is crazy powerful, and free save for a nag screen. If you just want to record .wavs, Audacity is also free and simple.

[BigOldHarry]

I think what the OP is looking for is not just recording software (and yes, Reaper is dandy for that) -

I suggest Acid. It is great for dragging and dropping loops and whipping up music in a hurry. Very fun.

[chjohnst]

Yea, this is something reaper doesnt do well in where garageband does. What is acid? Free?