MacDaddy Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Ok, so I'm a complete numpty with all this computer recording malarkey, but I'm determined to take the first tentative steps. So advice needed. Ease of use is the priority, please do not underestimate my lack of ability with this kind of thing - I am yet to find an 'initiative interface' which I have found intuitive lol. I want to be able to record guitars and create my own drum patterns. If I get the hang of it I'll think about upgrading, but at the moment the plan is to start with the free stuff and see how it goes. Any recommendations? Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monckyman Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Reaper is very good, but not free. You can however use it fully for 60 day till you decide whether to buy or not. http://www.reaper.fm/download.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Monckyman' timestamp='1392475662' post='2369183'] Reaper is very good, but not free. You can however use it fully for 60 day till you decide whether to buy or not. [/quote] And even then, if it's for personal use (which it is if you're just starting out, I'm guessing) the discounted licence is only £36. It's a great DAW by any standards. And I've used a few. I heartily endorse this event or product! Edited February 15, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Some reviews of free software here http://freemusicsoftware.org/category/free-windows-audio-software/audio-sequencer-windows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 15, 2014 Author Share Posted February 15, 2014 [quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1392476137' post='2369194'] Some reviews of free software here http://freemusicsoftware.org/category/free-windows-audio-software/audio-sequencer-windows [/quote] Awesome, even has a link to the free version of Reaper. Any idea which is easiest to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 (edited) [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1392477843' post='2369219'] Any idea which is easiest to use? [/quote] All, or none. Whichever you choose you will need to make a time commitment. [size=4]Just proceed logically, read the manual, look at the tutorials, don't try to do too much at once and when you get frustrated, do something else and come back to it later! [/size] [url="http://forum.cockos.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20"][size=4]http://forum.cockos.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20[/size][/url] Edited February 15, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I downloaded Reaper and got stuck very quickly. (Numpty as well) Here's a thread I found very useful http://basschat.co.uk/topic/229026-how-to-record-simply-using-reaper/page__fromsearch__1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 I started from scratch and after a few false starts , settled on Reaper . I dont really think any of them are intuititve when you start to use them , you have to get into the habit of doing certain beginner stuff so that the initial stumbling blocks become less frustrating. Some people remember menus and where to find the bits you need easily , I didnt until I used it repetetively , then the penny drops and you know what to do next , and just as importantly you know where you went wrong . Reaper has great tutaorials online , you tube etc , OK some versions might differ , but the idea is normally still valid. When you get a block , use them , set links in your favourites to them , it will save hours of head scratching , and it is sooooooo much easier if someone shows you how to do it rather than just try to explain it . Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiMarco Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Reaper is AWESOME! But I switched to Cubase (artist) to be compatible with my old man's studio. Best money ever spent on music stuff. At one time I ventured into Linuxland to try some of the free software that is available there. Stick with Reaper is my advice if you are not inclined to using linux and rather stick to the Windows operating system. If however you do fancy a bit of adventure you can try out Ubuntu Studio which features the Ardour DAW Relevant links: http://ubuntustudio.org http://ardour.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prosebass Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1392472867' post='2369140'] If I get the hang of it I'll think about upgrading, but at the moment the plan is to start with the free stuff and see how it goes. [/quote] Probably best to stick with one DAW that does what you want from the beginning. Many are available with a free 30 day trial download so you can try a few. One to consider is Sony Acid Music Studio (about £29.00) which is simple but effective and fully featured. Don't forget you will also need a USB audio interface and some decent monitor speakers. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 there's always audacity, or http://kristal-audio-engine.en.softonic.com/ both free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 16, 2014 Author Share Posted February 16, 2014 I've got a guitar to usb lead, will this be adequate for recording guitar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1392551003' post='2369884'] I've got a guitar to usb lead, will this be adequate for recording guitar? [/quote] I have the same one (Alesis..?), it works perfectly well. It's all I have or need for recording, except for voice, of course. Recommended, especially if budget is low. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='Prosebass' timestamp='1392546287' post='2369815'] Probably best to stick with one DAW that does what you want from the beginning. Many are available with a free 30 day trial download so you can try a few. Paul [/quote] Agreed Find a DAW with a work flow that is good for you. As mentioned, they all (mostly) do demo versions, and quite often the full version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enricogaletta Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Almost all the demo or light versions of the main daw, are great to start. In my opinion is better start with some of them, because if you need to go to the next step you don't have to relearn a different software. Plus if you need to buy an entry level audio interface (better), almost all of them have good softwares included, entry level daw, drums, keyboards and guitar plug in. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 I've had a look at a lot of them, and have downloaded Kristal Audio Engine. At the moment it looks like controls for the Enterprise, so I've a lot of reading to do before I actually try and use it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Right, so which is the easiest to use free vst drums? Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1392771181' post='2372660'] Right, so which is the easiest to use free vst drums? Lol [/quote] I can't guarantee it being the 'easiest to use' (although it's not hard; even I manage..!), but I would recommend 'MDrummer Small', which can be found here... [url="http://www.meldaproduction.com/plugins/product.php?id=MDrummer+Small"]MDrummer Small...[/url] BDF Eco is good, too, although limited only to sticks, for instance... [url="http://www.fxpansion.com/index.php?page=103&tab=276"]BDF Eco...[/url] Have a look around in here, too... [url="http://www.vst4free.com/index.php?plug-ins=Drumkits"]VST 4 Free, Drums...[/url] ... and try a few out. There's many different approaches to drum tracks, and the solutions vary. Do you want 'real' drum sounds (samples, WAVs...) or synthetic (nowt wrong with that; there are many excellent-sounding synths...). Do you want to program all the hits, or paste loops together, or generate whole drum tracks automatically..? Will you only want a basic 4/4, or are varying tempos required..? I can't answer all that for you, so have a scout around and plump for a couple to play with, and come back with more questions. Hope this helps... Edited February 19, 2014 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1392774770' post='2372676'] I can't guarantee it being the 'easiest to use' (although it's not hard; even I manage..!), but I would recommend 'MDrummer Small', which can be found here... [url="http://www.meldaproduction.com/plugins/product.php?id=MDrummer+Small"]MDrummer Small...[/url] BDF Eco is good, too, although limited only to sticks, for instance... [url="http://www.fxpansion.com/index.php?page=103&tab=276"]BDF Eco...[/url] Have a look around in here, too... [url="http://www.vst4free.com/index.php?plug-ins=Drumkits"]VST 4 Free, Drums...[/url] ... and try a few out. There's many different approaches to drum tracks, and the solutions vary. Do you want 'real' drum sounds (samples, WAVs...) or synthetic (nowt wrong with that; there are many excellent-sounding synths...). Do you want to program all the hits, or paste loops together, or generate whole drum tracks automatically..? Will you only want a basic 4/4, or are varying tempos required..? I can't answer all that for you, so have a scout around and plump for a couple to play with, and come back with more questions. Hope this helps... [/quote] ta! downloading it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1392816117' post='2373018'] ta! downloading it now. [/quote] Mdrummer isn't what I'm after so next I'm gonna try GTG DPC 3. DrumSampler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1392844502' post='2373524'] Mdrummer isn't what I'm after so next I'm gonna try GTG DPC 3. DrumSampler. [/quote] [URL=http://www.smileyvault.com/][IMG]http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/CBSA/smileyvault-cute-big-smiley-animated-041.gif[/IMG][/URL] Way to go..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmorris Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Assuming you don't need to be 'industry standard' ProTools(£££££) compatible then : Reaper is pretty much the thing to goto. Uncrippled Demo to try then very VERY cheap licence with long free upgrade period. Good Honest Software. It doesn't come packaged with Sample Libraries / Synths etc but to me ( admittedly abit 'old school') that's like complaining that you're DDA desk doesn't come with a DX7 !!! ) Reaper routing seems to be the best of what I can see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Regarding free drum machine software, I can't comment about how it integrates with software such as Reaper, but I have heard some good things about Hydrogen (though there hasn't been an update of the Windows version for a few years) http://sourceforge.net/projects/hydrogen/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) [quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1392851430' post='2373618'] Regarding free drum machine software, I can't comment about how it integrates with software such as Reaper, but I have heard some good things about Hydrogen (though there hasn't been an update of the Windows version for a few years) [url="http://sourceforge.net/projects/hydrogen/"]http://sourceforge.n...jects/hydrogen/[/url] [/quote] Hydrogen is very good as a stand-alone, but isn't a VSTi. One may export a WAV, which is therefore frozen, or as MIDI, which would need sounds (such as SoundForge or the like...) to be played by Reaper. A bit of a shame, certainly, as it's easy enough to get going with. Edited February 19, 2014 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 20, 2014 Author Share Posted February 20, 2014 So some DAWs that say they can use VST plugins is a bit misleading, as they can only use vst effects but not vst instruments - like drum machines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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