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Which DAW do I need?

Jeremy5000

Jeremy5000

Feb 25, 2008
75
7
#1
Ok, I'm using FL Studio but the multi-tracking seems like it's missing something, (or maybe I am). :crying:
What I would like;
Something with a good step sequencer for drums/drum machine etc. I just want to be able to program a drum line and then drop in live tracks, (with some amount of croping and punching).
Are Logic, ACID, Pro Tools etc. any more intuitive or should I give it up if I don't like the multi-tracking in FL?

Sorry for the n00b question but I figure my bassist brothers are the ones who will give me a straight answer.

P.S. I thought things like Logic ACID and pro tools were thousands of dollars, I had no idea there were versions in the range of a few hundred dollars :rolleyes:
 
#2
Since you're on PC I'd look at Reaper or Cubase. Cubase is what I use, Reaper is similar but cheaper. They're not exactly the most intuitive programs but once you figure it out they're great. There's plenty of info out there to get you started, youtube tutorials etc..
 
#3
Cakewalk's Project 5 is worth a very serious look has all the bells and whistles and is fairly intuitive. It will also put you on the path to Cakewalk's Sonar which regularly gets rave reviews, if you would eventually want to get more into pro-level multi-tracking. Do some searches on YouTube as I believe Cake had some online clips of how to use the software.

Craig
 
#4
I went with Cakewalk Sonar 7 Studio (about $300). There is also Cakewalk Studio 6, at around $150 (don't get the cheaper one without Session Drummer).

You may care to check-out the Cakewalk Sonar Forum: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

At worst, you'll see what a supportative community it is. Register, and ask questions! At worst, you can read about what others there use for drums. In general, the Session Drummer II that comes from Cakewalk sounds great, but it lacks some features of more mature drum synths. Still, for me, it is more than enough.
 
#7
If you like FL Studio for step sequencing you can use it as a VSTi inside another host.

I like Reaper quite a bit for working with audio tracks. It has a slightly different paradigm in that it has very few mouse tools but a lot of (hidden) key commands. Its MIDI is not tremendously advanced (no step sequencer or notation). The free demo is fully-functioning and doesn't expire; a non-commercial license is only $50.

I'd also check out Sonar which has everything including the kitchen sink. IMO it's a little bloated, but very capable and has a free 30 day demo. There is no Cubase demo available but you can get lite versions bundled with soundcards.

Current versions of Logic only work on Mac. ACID is good for working with loops, and Ableton Live is a great tool for creative real-time audio/MIDI manipulation.
 
#9
Thanks folks!

First I’ll step back and explain what I don’t like about FLs multitracking. To record say a bass track to go along with the drum line; You record into the included plugin called Edison, then you have this sample. Then you can either put the sample in the pattern editor or put it in the play list. To assign it to the mixer it has to be in the pattern editor but then it shows up in the step sequencer as an “instrument” along side the individual drums, so if I want to do multiple punches for the bass line I’m going to have all these samples running around all over the place. Well there’s probably some better way but it all seems kind of disjointed to me.

Reaper looks ok but I really want something very standard and all inclusive, and I’m willing to spend a little more.

Hunta and mattskull – Why cubase? Just wondering why you like it/what you’re using it for.

Jeff said he’s using Ableton as a composition and performance tool, but I wouldn’t need the live aspect of it.

Pro Tools? Seems like a standard for studios but for home use?

Cakewalk Sonar has a screenshot of a plugin called “Session Drummer” (ahh, this is what dbcandle was talking about), which looks pretty sexy, and it looks like everything I’d need there. What’s the difference between Studio and Producer edition?
Looks like this is the version I’d be looking for?;
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Cakewalk-SONAR-7-Studio-Edition?sku=702979
 
#11
I am not sure the differences between studio edition and producer edition. This message can be used for bumping purposes only :)

I purchased Sonar 5 producer edition back in the day, just because it supports VST plug-ins, which studio edition didn't at the time. I am still using the 5th version with some minor patches (5.11) because it utilizes my Peavey Studiomix better than newer versions. But now that I see Studio edition supports VST, I really don't know what the differences are. Though I am guessing producer edition might have additional and/or higher quality software effects, possibly at the mastering side of the equation.
 
#12
I use Sonar 7 Producers Edition. I cross-graded my Cubase LE which came with my presonus firebox to Sonar 7 Studio. They were running a promotion a couple months ago so I jumped up to the the PE version for cheap. I really did not like Cubase at all, it was not intuitive in the least. The LE version all did not have support for dragging and dropping midi tracks which was pretty annoying. Sonar seems a bit more reasonable to me as it set everything up correctly for me, and a quick read of the manual and I was all ready to go. Recording is a snap, no issues. I haven't gotten into all the plugins yet. The reason I went to PE was for the multitrack quantize function. It also includes some reverbs which are handy. Also people tend to recommend the PE version if you are going to be mastering stuff -- I don't know why yet, because I am still very much a novice.
 
#14
The best DAW is the one you have and spent your time learning and making music with. The exception is the one you make money with if it is part of your gig.

For me I use Logic and getting up to speed on ProTools because that is what they use where I do audio. Which brings up the different DAW each have their strengths. Like Logic is liked by composers types more and ProTools by those mainly tracking and recording. If wanting a DAW to eventually make money then what DAW are studios and engineers in your area mainly using.

So there is a lot more to the question than who's using what.
 

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