Should i upgrade Cubase or just go to a cheaper D.A.W.

[bobbybovine]

I am looking at upgrading cubase pretty soon, but after searching google on DAW's there seem to be many cheaper options. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to which would be comparable to Cubase, or god forbid maybe even better?? And why of course. If I can save a couple hundred bucks then why not. For an example I will never (ok, not for a long time if ever) need the scoring editor in cubase so that seems like I would be spending money for something I don't use.

[m24p]

Reaper: it has an automatible mix knob for every plugin. It seems retarded not to include that in a DAW. Folders make the workflow really nice. Routing is super flexible. You can even create feedback loops to assemble your own delay plugin.

Small footprint: you can install it onto a jump drive (usb stick) and take it with you everywhere.


I've used: Cubase, Sonar, Reaper

[jackslab1]

What version of cubase are you using? Steinberg has crossgrade discounts.

[bobbybovine]

Reaper: it has an automatible mix knob for every plugin. It seems retarded not to include that in a DAW. Folders make the workflow really nice. Routing is super flexible. You can even create feedback loops to assemble your own delay plugin.

Small footprint: you can install it onto a jump drive (usb stick) and take it with you everywhere.


I've used: Cubase, Sonar, Reaper

I was looking at that and it was what got me thinking, $60 is a steal actually, but since I am not doing it as a business yet I do have a hard time spending the $200 for the upgrade. So since you used Cubase, are there any limitations in Reaper as far as functionality?

What version of cubase are you using? Steinberg has crossgrade discounts.

I am using v5 but when I saw reaper's website it got me thinking. I could save $140 just by using reaper and I could really use that towards a solid vocal mic of which I am lacking.

[m24p]

Reaper doesn't include good virtual instruments, it's just a D.A.W. The manual pitch correction plugin isn't as shiny, either.

Why don't you download it and try it? The demo is fully functional with a nag screen.

Which reminds me: no dongle for Reaper. This is a major plus for some.

[bobbybovine]

Reaper doesn't include good virtual instruments, it's just a D.A.W. The manual pitch correction plugin isn't as shiny, either.

Why don't you download it and try it? The demo is fully functional with a nag screen.

Which reminds me: no dongle for Reaper. This is a major plus for some.

I will do that, I am on vacation for 2 weeks starting next week. I will have to set aside a day or so to test it out if possible.

[the evil]

if you are a student or have a kid in school (no matter what grade) you can get an academic version discount on a lot of software. i used my kid to save me a couple hundred bucks when i bought cubase. there is no difference between the academic version and the full version as far as i know and i have received all the upgrades and support as a regular cubase consumer. i really havent used another DAW since cakewalk from about 6 years ago, so i cant help you there.

[DLChuckles]

I recommend Reaper as well. I haven't used the full version of cubase, but from watching Brandon's Killing with Cubase series and a few other videos, I can't see very much cubase has that reaper doesn't. Variaudio is way better than reatune and the way cubase handles "takes" seems a lot faster than Reaper, but that's about all I can think of.

[m24p]

Takes are pretty easy with Reaper. Of course you have the ability to do per-take volume automation envelopes. What was it about Cubase that you liked better?

[brandondrury]

I am looking at upgrading cubase pretty soon, but after searching google on DAW's there seem to be many cheaper options.

Why were you going to upgrade Cubase? The reason I ask is I assume there were specific features that you wanted to take advantage of. These specific features are the only reason to upgrade. I was once told, "A guy like you, Brandon, should have Nuendo." I asked why as I could do everything I needed. They had no good response.

I can't see very much cubase has that reaper doesn't.

Yeah, I'd imagine that Reaper is the best bang for the buck for anyone starting out. I'd be curious to know of it's flaws that a person doesn't discover until 2 years into it and how they'd affect my way of working. That's part of the deal. I definitely have my way of working and it would be a major hassle for me to have to completely reinvent that.

[m24p]

Why were you going to upgrade Cubase? The reason I ask is I assume there were specific features that you wanted to take advantage of.

That's actually a good question. Upgrading to the latest version is by no means necessary.

[richiebee]

It is quite typical for users to skip an upgrade or two. I'd say if you're comfortable with Cubase, and happy with it, changing for the sake of $50 is silly. What's your time worth to finding a new work flow?

[Radukku]

Oh Bob...
Since I 'lost' my old computer and thus forced to buy another (new) one I decided to look into a new DAW as well...And I found out exactly what the Evil said: you got a kid in school you can buy the edu version which is identical to the 'retail' but 50% cheaper! Instead CAD500 (before tax)I paid a little over CAD300 (tax included)...the only 'catch' is that you cannot sell it if you don't want it anymore (but what is that?!) unless you buy the next upgrade case in which your educational license becomes a normal 'retail' one!
Again, just like the evil I started with the 'free' Cakewalk Sonar home edition (didn't really liked it...ever), then got my Lexicon Omega that came with Cubase 4LE...no looking back ever since...did try Reaper, Fruit Loops and more recently Studio One from Presonus...
...but bloated or not, expensive or not...CUBASE RULZ!
I love Variaudio (still doesn't compare with the 'pro' edition of Melodyne...but i don't need the pro edition anyway!...)...I love the lanes when tracking...I ....I... heck I chose to buy even my audio interface from Steinberg and it's worth EVERY penny!
Good luck with your decision!

[bobbybovine]

if you are a student or have a kid in school (no matter what grade) you can get an academic version discount on a lot of software. i used my kid to save me a couple hundred bucks when i bought cubase. there is no difference between the academic version and the full version as far as i know and i have received all the upgrades and support as a regular cubase consumer. i really havent used another DAW since cakewalk from about 6 years ago, so i cant help you there.

Great idea, I have a step daughter in university but she doesn't live at home any more so I don't know how that would work, but my 5 year old is starting school in 2 weeks so I don't know if that would qualify. Starting them young

Why were you going to upgrade Cubase? The reason I ask is I assume there were specific features that you wanted to take advantage of. These specific features are the only reason to upgrade. I was once told, "A guy like you, Brandon, should have Nuendo." I asked why as I could do everything I needed. They had no good response.

Well, I really like the new drum editing (which I tend to do some almost every mix) and hitpoint to midi, the hitpoint to midi isn't that big of a deal since I plan on getting Slate Trigger at some point soon anyway, the variaudio I really like in 5 and in 6.5 it is killer. Those are my main reasons.

Yeah, I'd imagine that Reaper is the best bang for the buck for anyone starting out. I'd be curious to know of it's flaws that a person doesn't discover until 2 years into it and how they'd affect my way of working. That's part of the deal. I definitely have my way of working and it would be a major hassle for me to have to completely reinvent that.

It is quite typical for users to skip an upgrade or two. I'd say if you're comfortable with Cubase, and happy with it, changing for the sake of $50 is silly. What's your time worth to finding a new work flow?

Yeah, I thought about this this afternoon, I don't get a lot of time to experiment or even learn something that I should learn. So to throw a new workflow and learn all the little differences almost made me ill just thinking about it. It is definitely worth the extra bucks to save that hassle. The reason I chose cubse in the first place was that I knew people that use it also so I could ask them questions when the manual failed me. It would be silly to go a different direction now, hell I am just getting the shortcuts keys memorized.

Oh Bob...
Since I 'lost' my old computer and thus forced to buy another (new) one I decided to look into a new DAW as well...And I found out exactly what the Evil said: you got a kid in school you can buy the edu version which is identical to the 'retail' but 50% cheaper! Instead CAD500 (before tax)I paid a little over CAD300 (tax included)...the only 'catch' is that you cannot sell it if you don't want it anymore (but what is that?!) unless you buy the next upgrade case in which your educational license becomes a normal 'retail' one!
Again, just like the evil I started with the 'free' Cakewalk Sonar home edition (didn't really liked it...ever), then got my Lexicon Omega that came with Cubase 4LE...no looking back ever since...did try Reaper, Fruit Loops and more recently Studio One from Presonus...
...but bloated or not, expensive or not...CUBASE RULZ!
I love Variaudio (still doesn't compare with the 'pro' edition of Melodyne...but i don't need the pro edition anyway!...)...I love the lanes when tracking...I ....I... heck I chose to buy even my audio interface from Steinberg and it's worth EVERY penny!
Good luck with your decision!

Cool Rad, I remember your posts on the computer fiasco!! I will definitely look into the edu discount. I don't plan on selling it either. A local studio here that I go to for club cubase has a couple Steinberg MR816 and I thought they sounded good. I remember reading Brandon not being that impressed with that unit in a review. I think I will probably stick with Cubase, although I have to say Reaper does look like something I would like to try as well, and for $60 you can't really go wrong.

Thanks guys. Sometimes a bitch slap up the side of your head is all you need to make the appropriate decision.

[Radukku]

You do that man!
But try see if you can give the UR824 a go...that is USB not firewire (I didn't get any firewire ports on my new Dell and they said it is on its way out apparently...still get only 3.7 ms RTL with it anyway...and I also got for a damn good price (they still go for CAD800 but managed a CAD500!...All you need is copy of your step daughter's student card, show it to your dealer and you're all set. That's what I did, no other questions!
And yes I DO say Cubase IS the way!
Bloated or not...

[bobbybovine]

You do that man!
But try see if you can give the UR824 a go...that is USB not firewire (I didn't get any firewire ports on my new Dell and they said it is on its way out apparently...still get only 3.7 ms RTL with it anyway...and I also got for a damn good price (they still go for CAD800 but managed a CAD500!...All you need is copy of your step daughter's student card, show it to your dealer and you're all set. That's what I did, no other questions!
And yes I DO say Cubase IS the way!
Bloated or not...

I already got a Focusrite Safire Pro 24 on its way to me now, that will fit my needs and my almost non existent budget right now. As my needs increase, and hopefully paying clients, I will improve my gear.

[aj113]

I use Mixcraft. A lot of bang for your buck and very easy to use. It also has a free demo.