what software?

[tonyh]

ok, so ive got everyhting i need except for software. I did get a version a=of abbleton lite with interface , but i cant figure it out. I cant get my vicals to record and everytime I turn on my phantom power the interface stops playing sound from my cpu and i have to reboot!! is this the software or the interface? what about some of the cheap software like acid? i just want tor record some acoustic and electric guitar, use midi for drums and bass, and record some vocals. What software is the easiast to use?:

[Electriclight]

Your software should be fine, especially if it came with your interface. Every software will have setup issues and a learning curve. Let us know what interface and other gear you are using and someone can probably help you get going. Good luck, Dave

[tonyh]

I have an m-audio interface, I downloaded a trial version of sony acid 7, I was up and recording in no time. I still have not been able to get ableton to work or understand it. I think it may be to advance for me. Im thinking about buying the acid software. its only $60. can any one tell me why i should or shouldnt start with it? why is it so cheap? am i missing something? does it come with effects like drums and synthesizers? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Electriclight]

Until someone more familiar with Acid answers, I'll just give a quick opinion. I looked at the Acid Family comparison at
Sony Creative Software - ACID Music Studio 7 - ACID Family Comparison

and Acid Music Studio may serve your needs just fine. It is first of all a looping program, but it also allows recording audio and MIDI. As far as I can tell there are no drums or synths included. The only down sides I can see are:

1. It only lets you work in 16 bit depth, which is alright but not great. 2. It doesn't support direct monitoring while recording.
3. This last thing would be a deal breaker for me: It supports VST instruments and effects but no automation of their parameters.

ABLETON LITE says they only give you 4 audio tracks and 4 MIDI tracks; you would outgrow that very soon. Everybody has different opinions but if you can swing $150 Cubase SE3, is the "real deal" and something you won't outgrow for a long time.

Read these articles from Brandon:

Steinberg Cubase: More Difficult Than Sonar or Pro Tools? | Home Recording Blog

The Problem With Simple Recording Software

[brandondrury]

everytime I turn on my phantom power the interface stops playing sound from my cpu

This sounds more like you are hitting an "off" button than hitting the phantom power button. If this is really the case, you have serious problems in your audio interface. I'd contact the manufacturer immediately.

The phantom power button should be 100% isolated from your computer. The phantom power is before the preamp. If they are somehow connected, something really bad has happened in your audio interface.

Brandon

[tonyh]

ok, om looking at the cubas se3 now. But i have a few beginner questions.
1. what does midi stand for? ( i think i know what it is)
2. what is a vst instrument?
3. what are plug ins?
4 does cubas se3 come with drum samples or any other samples?
5. what is the difference in the educational edition and the normal edition? ( im a student and i think i can get the educational edition)
6. This site rocks, thanks for all of your help guys!!!

[tonyh]

oops , one more question. Can I use the software on two computers? "ie" desktop and laptop?

[richiebee]

Originally Posted by tonyrhancock@hotmail.com

ok, om looking at the cubas se3 now. But i have a few beginner questions.
1. what does midi stand for? ( i think i know what it is)

Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It's been around since the 1980's and is the standard communication protocol between electronic musical instruments. It contains no sound itself, but is simply instructions to devices that do produce sound (or light... but that's a whole other subject!). It contains simple data like note on and note off, velocity, pitch bend, modulation, plus a whole bunch of other "controllers".

2. what is a vst instrument?

Virtual Studio Technology is a protocol designed by Steinberg (who brought us Cubase). It's virtual instruments - synthesizers, samplers, effect/signal processors etc. all within your computer. VSTi is just one of several protocols (Protools has its own RTAS, and there's also DX and AU), but is the most standard.

3. what are plug ins?

VI's (or VSTi's).

4 does cubas se3 come with drum samples or any other samples?

Dunno. I don't think it has a drum editor, so I have my doubts it comes with drum samples, but it might. Cubase 4, and Cubase 3 SL and SX both have drum editors and drum sounds. Cubase 4 comes with a virtual Rompler, so you'll have drum sounds in that. I believe they come from the Yamaha MOTIF.

5. what is the difference in the educational edition and the normal edition? ( im a student and i think i can get the educational edition)

If you can get the educational version, I suggest you look at Cubase Studio. It's many times more powerful than SE which is very much an entry level DAW. I doubt there are any differences other than the license which probably prohibits using it to create work for profit.

[brandondrury]

Tonyh,

It's too bad I took down the glossary from the site to put in my book. It looks like you needed it today. ha ha

Brandon