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Which music production software to use?

I

iMook

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 7, 2003
168
0
First off, I'd like to say that I'm a PC guy, just to get that out of the way. But, since Macs are more adept at multimedia tasks (and the software I'm considering is dual-compatible) I'm going to ask the Mac crowd.

I'm interested in getting into computer-based music production (emphasis in techno), but am not sure which software package to use. I have 14 years training in classical piano with concurrent music theory, and have had a bit of experience with 2D and 3D rendering programs, so I'd like to think that I can adapt quickly to multimedia interfaces.

Currently, I'm looking at Fruity Loops Studio (unlikely, since it's a less versatile program), Cubase SX 2, Reason, and Cakewalk's suite.

Any preferences or suggestions for additional choices?

It'd be best if I can get some pros and cons of each.
 
reason is the way to go, or "live" by www.ableton.com - it depends what kind of tools you expect from the software. ableton just released a new version, so that purchase would in theory keep its value longer as it is expected that reason v3 will also soon come out...

but anyway, those are THE tools.
 
Go with the Mbox... just follow my long-winded explanation

I don't believe you can record audio into Reason or Abelton Live. However, midi is another thing and ableton's new release of Live 4.0 now has MIDI capabilities. Both reason and live would be great for techno, and if you are playing on incoporating your laptop into your live setup (for interaction and on-the fly adjustments) go with Live. An inexpensive option would be to purchase the Mbox. It comes with ProTools LE which includes versions of Reason and Live (among others) the work seamlessly through ProTools. This way you have more expanded audio capabilities along with loops and midi. The Mbox and software only cost $450, plus you could get the "factory bundle" which comes with more plug-ins and toys. Also, you can upgrade to the full versions of Live and Reason for much less than buying them by themselves. Another positive of this aspect is that you will have PT, which is the industry standard.... this will make incorporating, sharing your work with others easier as well as providing more greater possibilities ofgetting new plugins, programs and material from other sources.
IF you had an Apple, programs such as logic (works well with others such as protools which leads to easy compatability wtih reason and live among others) and DP4 would open up many more opportunities for you. However, it is easy to work with something you know and own (your PC). Having a PC also gives you the option to go with ACID... a great and easy program to seamlessly work with loops and quick compositions.
I'd strongly recomend buying any audio related itmes through Sweetwater. I had some rather large purchases to make (I spent nearly my life savings!) and they really helped me through the confusing process by giving me extreme personal attention and answering all of my questions without breaking a sweat. They really bend over backwards for you and continue to give you any technical support you need once you have your stuff up and running. There prices aren't guitar center cheap, but it is still a good deal and they can give you professional knowledge as opposed to a clown like me on this website.
Hope all of the vebal diarheaa helps!
 
I don't have time now to answer this in-depth rigth now, but to correct something above you can definitely record audio into Ableton's Live. It's essentially and audio sequencer.
 
Let's not skip the obvious--try Garage Band. It'll come with your Mac. Download the developer's kit and make your own loops. Then when you outgrow that, move over to Reason + ProTools.
 
Horrortaxi said:
Garage Band. [...] when you outgrow that, move over to Reason + ProTools.
Click to expand...
i used GB for the first time a few weeks ago, tried recording a guitar and bass simultaneously. oops! found out i couldn't record two mono sources at a time. guess i outgrew it immediately :)
 
I'm another PC based musician that has worked with Acid pro, Reason and Rebirth on the windows side. Along with my new G5 I've purchased Logic Express (to see how I like the program). A lot of my work has been electronic stuff and remixes. I've since gotten out my guitar again and am seriously looking at Guitar Rig from NI.

My suggestions would be:
Reason - for various techno/dance/midi work
Logic Express - start here for audio recording (if you want upgrade later to logic pro) it can also sync with Reason
Guitar Rig - for any guitar recording if you need it

A lot of pro musicians use Logic or Pro Tools. An article in the latest issue of Remix magazine talked about Liam Howlett's latest work on the new Prodigy album. He did it all with rough cuts in Reason on his Powerbook then took it to Logic for final mastering work in the Studio. Liam was very atament about ditching all his gear and using Reason.
-jim
 
Developers' Kit??

Horrortaxi said:
Let's not skip the obvious--try Garage Band. It'll come with your Mac. Download the developer's kit and make your own loops. Then when you outgrow that, move over to Reason + ProTools.
Click to expand...

What is this Developers' Kit you speak of??
Is it a free download?

Thanks,
N.
 
The most practical and intelligent choice would be the MBox (unless you already have an audio interface). You get both ProTools LE with 32 tracks of audio recording and Reason Adapted. And yes, audio recording is important..I dont recommend that you buy a light edition of an audio software and then move onto a higher one. With ProTools LE you will be well equipped. I have used Logic, Digital Performer 4, Pro Tools and Cubase/Nuendo. ProTools is the easiest and fastest software to use..especially editing techniques. Hope this helps.
 
zimv20 said:
i used GB for the first time a few weeks ago, tried recording a guitar and bass simultaneously. oops! found out i couldn't record two mono sources at a time. guess i outgrew it immediately :)
Click to expand...

Hehe, I am in the exactly same position. I play guitar and sing. With GB you cannot record voice and guitar at the same time. I outgrew it immediatly as well.
:(
 
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