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 Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:32 pm
I'm really thinking about getting a recording program and interface like Protools or something but I'm not sure which one to get. I want one that's not too expensive and has a good library of virtual instruments. I'm gonna mostly be recording guitar and MIDI from a keyboard.
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:40 pm
I use Pro Tools. It is pretty good but it has some disadvantages. The bouncing thing makes perfect sense, but isn't always convenient when I just want a rough demo (plus they lower the volume of the bounce, for mastering purposes, though I wish there was an option). You're also required to use its hardware, the M-Box or M-Audio.
I also have Magix, which I don't recommend (except its drum machine is super neat, but only capable of 4/4) -- not very lenient and frustrating in many ways. Nuendo seems the best DAW, but it is super expensive. I've heard great things about Ableton Live. 'Course, there's also Adobe Audition, FL Studio, Sonar, and Cubase, among others; I don't have any experience on those.
For what you're looking for in terms of virtual instruments, it might be one of those latter 3, or Live (but maybe someone could give you a better idea). I can definitely say that Pro Tools included instruments are awful. Also, Pro Tools uses RTAS format for its plug-ins... if you want to use VSTs too, you'll need to get a program called FXpansion VST To RTAS Adapter.
Now, some of the other DAWs are much more VST-oriented (where that is their strongest point), so I hear they come with good instruments. You can find lots of free VSTs out there too. However, some of the best virtual instruments are the ones you gotta buy (... or *cough* pirate), unfortunately.
If you want my opinion on those--
There aren't many bass guitar VSTs, if you're looking for one... I only know of Cakewalk's Instruments pack (not too impressive), and the Steinberg Virtual Bassist (pretty decent!). I could be wrong, but I hear the latter is unfortunately discontinued. But hopefully, you'll have a real bass or bassist.
Lots of programs for drums... the mother of 'em in terms of realistic samples, is BFD2, but that's really heavy on space (I think 5 gigs or more). For symphonic orchestral, Garritan Personal Orchestra all the way. Got a pretty good piano too, though you could look into piano-specific VSTs as well. For crazy, spacey ambient and electronic sounds, Native Instruments' Absynth 5 is incredible (but has a tough learning curve). These are all really expensive though, but these are just some of the best virtual instruments out there, imo.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 9:32 am
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:58 pm
I guess it's important to ask how you're recording. Are you planning on making a direct feed into your comp or are you planning on putting a recording mic in front of an amp? Direct feeds into the comp makes for a poor quality track, micing in front of an amp is preferable. And if you could have that feed go through something else to further improve the quality that'd be even better. Anyways, this is a good vid for you to watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUIxxmykEz0
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