Digital Audio Workstation Software

What software should I use for composing music?

Q: I am an amateur composer who likes to put together my own tunes. I am currently using Sony’s Acid Express, Finale Notepad, and Audacity to make my songs. As you might have noticed, all of the above is free software, and I think I’m ready to upgrade to a commercial product.

I’ve been doing a bit of research and I think some of the more popular software (Digital Audio Workstations) out there are Fruit Loop Studio, Sony Acid Pro, Cubase. I’ve also heard of some others like Cakewalk or Adobe Audition.

Which of the above would you suggest? Are there any others that you use and are happy with?

If you’re wondering, I would prefer something that can record audio tracks, and can also support MIDI input and MIDI editing. Would also be great if it supports Acid loops.

A: I really like FL Studio. I have the Producer Edition which features audio in (ASIO) recording and includes a great audio editor (Edison).

http://demo.flstudio.com

My music is mainly electronic (lounge, downtempo) but I’ve also done pop and rock songs with electric guitar recordings on it.

I also really like Ableton Live, which isn’t on your list but it can also do everything you want. http://ableton.com (trial version is available for download)

I think the other software you mention would do everything you want as well, but the thing is, you’ll need to figure out which one works best for you, so please try the demo versions of these programs and see what has the best workflow for you. It may take some time to figure out but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that ultimately doesn’t “feel good” to you.

In case you go for FL Studio you can get 10% discount on any order of $90 or more from the Image-Line online shop with my promo link: https://support.image-line.com/jshop/shop.php?offer=Default&promo=BACJBAA468

Make sure you get the right version though, as the express and fruity editions don’t have ASIO audio in recording. The promo code only works for new customers so get all you want in one go.

Using MIDItar Hero with a Digital Audio Workstation


Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Resource Kit $0.27

Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Resource Kit

Get the definitive reference for deploying, configuring, and supporting Office Communications Server 2007 with expert insights direct from the Microsoft Office Communications Server Team. This official Microsoft RESOURCE KIT delivers in-depth technical guidance on architecture, deployment, security, administration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting Communications Server 2007. You ll also dis…

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Photos, Video and Music for Seniors with Windows Vista: Learn How to Use the Windows Vista Tools for Digital Photos, Home Videos, Music and Entertainment (Computer Books for Seniors series) $12.34

Photos, Video and Music for Seniors with Windows Vista: Learn How to Use the Windows Vista Tools for Digital Photos, Home Videos, Music and Entertainment (Computer Books for Seniors series)

Seniors can use this learn-as-you-go book right alongside their computers as they perform the tasks laid out in each chapter and explore the brand new multimedia aspects of Windows Vista. With clear, step-by-step instructions accompanied by vivid illustrations, seniors will see how simple it is to enjoy their home photos and video in Windows Photo Gallery, rip and listen to their music in Windows …

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Silverlight 2 in Action $11.99

Silverlight 2 in Action

***When you purchase the Print book, you can download a PDF copy from Manning Publications at no additional charge*** Microsoft describes Silverlight as a “cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web.” That’s a really boring description for a really exciting new technology. Anyone who has …

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Sony Acid Music Studio 8.0 $49.91

Sony Acid Music Studio 8.0

ACID Music Studio 8…

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Logic Express 9 Retail $199.00

Logic Express 9 Retail

Record, edit, and mix your music on a Mac using the new Logic Express 9. Open your GarageBand files and get right to work, or start from scratch with a new composition. Logic Express 9 is a guitar player’s dream, with two new plug-ins that re-create the sound of legendary amps and classic stompbox effect pedals. Make music right out of the box with over 100 instrument and effect plug-ins from Logi…

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Power Tools for Pro Tools 8 (PACKAGE) $28.87

Power Tools for Pro Tools 8 (PACKAGE)

Power Tools for Pro Tools 8 is the in-depth guide to Digidesign`s digital-audio-workstation software, the industry standard in recording applications. Includes advanced tips and tricks for using Pro Tools software (on both HD and LE-based systems) and …

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Rain Recording Solstice Dual Core Desktop Audio Computer $1199

Rain Recording Solstice Dual Core Desktop Audio Computer

The next generation Solstice Digital Audio Workstation is designed and tuned by Rain and is certified to work with several Windows compatible audio software and hardware, including Pro Tools and Native Instruments. Rain’s Solstice Desktop DAW gives you the power to record, edit, mix and master your music at home or in the studio.

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Cakewalk SONAR Studio Recording Software (Windows) $199

Cakewalk SONAR Studio Recording Software (Windows)

Sonar 8.5 Studio offers the best creative tools, and the most power of any digital audio workstation in its price range. Built upon the same core feature set as Sonar 8.5 Producer, Sonar 8.5 Studio gives you the edge in your productions –from recording audio and MIDI, composing with virtual instruments, remixing with loops, mixing with professional effects, to delivery of a polished final track–with the recognized best audio quality in the industry.

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Cakewalk Pyro Audio Creator Software (Windows) $39

Cakewalk Pyro Audio Creator Software (Windows)

Audio Creator combines all the essential audio tools needed in today’s digital age. With Audio Creator’s virtual toolbox, you are just a click away from recording and editing; burning and ripping CDs; converting and cleaning albums to CD or MP3; encoding, tagging and organizing your sound library; and even publishing to the Internet.

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Steinberg WaveLab Audio Editing and Mastering Software (Windows) $549.99

Steinberg WaveLab Audio Editing and Mastering Software (Windows)

WaveLab 6 is the all-in-one solution for professional mastering, high resolution multi-channel audio editing, audio restoration, sample design and radio broadcast work right through to complete CD/DVD-A production. Already a standard application for digital audio editing and processing due to its outstanding flexibility and pristine audio quality, WaveLab is used worldwide by top professionals and audio enthusiasts alike.

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Focusrite Scarlett Plug-In Suite Software (Mac and Windows) $99

Focusrite Scarlett Plug-In Suite Software (Mac and Windows)

A professional plug-in suite that provides a definitive suite of Compression, Gating, EQ, and Reverb for tracking and mixing, Scarlet includes the most popular formats including VST/AU and RTAS (Pro Tools). From one of the most prestigious names in pro audio, made famous by the original Red range and the classic ISA console modules, this plug-in suite provides the perfect upgrade for your Digital Audio workstation.

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Rain Recording Element X2 Octo-Core Desktop Audio Computer $3999

Rain Recording Element X2 Octo-Core Desktop Audio Computer

Introducing the next generation of Element, the awarding winning flagship of Rain’s digital media workstation line. Engineered as a platform for industry-standard digital audio and video software like Pro Tools, Adobe Premier and Native Instruments, Element now comes standard with 8 Cores courtesy of Intel’s “Nehalem” Xeon processors. Rain has redefined pro audio/video with a system that gives you up to 12 terabytes of RAID storage and an unbelievable 48 gigabytes of memory. And when it’s time to edit your next movie, you can choose the NVIDIA Quadro FX3800 Workstation Graphics Accelerator certified by Avid and Adobe for non-linear editing.

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Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 2408mk3 Digital Audio Interface $949

Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 2408mk3 Digital Audio Interface

This box contains everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit/96kHz digital audio workstation. The 2408mk3 provides 8 channels of pristine 96kHz analog recording and playback, combined with 24 channels of ADAT and Tascam digital I/O – the most ever offered in a single rack space audio interface. Connect up to 4 interfaces to the included PCI-424 card for an expanded system capable of 96 simultaneous active input and output connections at 96kHz.

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Behringer UCA222 USB Audio Interface $33.99

Behringer UCA222 USB Audio Interface

The Behringer UCA222 is an ultralow latency 2 in/2 out USB audio interface with digital output and massive software bundle.

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M-Audio Delta 44 Digital Audio Sound Card $149

M-Audio Delta 44 Digital Audio Sound Card

The Delta 44 offers the same features and high performance as the Delta 66, but is designed for the person who does not require S/PDIF digital I/O. The Delta 44 features the same 24-bit 96kHz converter section that makes the Delta 66 the envy of the audio card community. And like the Delta 66, the Delta 44’s breakout box handles 4 balanced or unbalanced, +4dB or -10dB signal level analog inputs and outputs. Also included is the Delta control panel software, which configures the card and controls digital mixing and routing.

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Korg KLCDE Legacy Collection Digital Edition Software (Macintosh and Windows) $149

Korg KLCDE Legacy Collection Digital Edition Software (Macintosh and Windows)

Introducing the Korg Legacy Collection — Digital Edition; stunning software versions of 2 Korg digital synthesis masterpieces — the M1 and Wavestation — plus the MDE-X multi-effect plug-in. Now you can get the classic sounds of these 2 ground-breaking synth legends updated for the 21st century and ready to rock your computer, in VST, Audio Units and RTAS-compatible formats!

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Native Instruments Audio 2 DJ Audio Interface $99

Native Instruments Audio 2 DJ Audio Interface

The AUDIO 2 DJ fills the need for a high quality, ultra-mobile audio interface for digital DJs using TRAKTOR or other DJing and performance software. Even though it’s the smallest DJ USB soundcard in the world, it still has enough punch to rock the world’s biggest clubs!

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Cakewalk UA-101 USB Audio Interface $499

Cakewalk UA-101 USB Audio Interface

The Cakewalk UA101 is a professional 10×10 USB audio interface for Mac and PC. The UA101 is a half-rack, high-speed USB audio interface designed to turn your Mac or PC into a powerful digital audio workstation. The Cakewalk UA101 is built to offer low latency and extraordinary stability. It’s the easiest-to-use yet most-powerful compact audio interface available.

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MixVibes Cross DJ Software (Mac and Windows) $129.95

MixVibes Cross DJ Software (Mac and Windows)

CROSS is a new digital vinyl and MIDI DJ software for Windows and MAC platforms. Mixvibes drew from its experience in audio engine and vinyl control design to deliver a new PRO DJ oriented product that brings more efficiency and simplicity to the mix. CROSS delivers the best of MixVibes’ know how in DJ software in a solid and back to basics package! This software will satisfy the needs of professional DJs who need a powerful and reliable DJ tool.

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Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) Volta Voltage Controlled Instrument Plug-In $199

Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) Volta Voltage Controlled Instrument Plug-In

Volta is a virtual instrument plug-in that turns your audio interface into a voltage control interface. Any hardware device with a control voltage (CV) input can be placed under precise digital control from your favorite audio workstation software. You can play and automate modulars, analog synths – even effects processors.

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eMedia My Voice Vocal Removal Software $25.95

eMedia My Voice Vocal Removal Software

With My Voice software, you can replace the original singer on your favorite audio CDs. Now you can become the star! With My Voice there’s no need to buy equipment or special CDs. My Voice hides the vocals on your audio CDs to help you create your own remixes, karaoke or recorded masterpieces. Using the Digital Studio you can add special effects to your final creation, and the Karaoke Maker lets you add karaoke lyrics to any song. When you’re done, you can burn the finished result onto an audio CD, playable on your home stereo system — or go mobile by saving it to your iPod. The My Voice software comes with a high-quality microphone, so you can get started right away!

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eMedia Intermediate Guitar Method Software $49.95

eMedia Intermediate Guitar Method Software

Learn to play lead guitar and more! Everything you need to take your playing beyond basic chords and melodies. New techniques are demonstrated in over 175 lessons with full-motion video, variable-speed MIDI, recorded audio and an animated fretboard. You’ll also find rhythm and fingerstyle chapters, plus lessons on the basics of improvisation. Additional accessories include an automatic tuner, digital metronome, recorder and 1000-chord dictionary with audio playback.

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AudioWarrior AudioWarrior Kreator Plug-In Sample Workstation $99

AudioWarrior AudioWarrior Kreator Plug-In Sample Workstation

AudioWarrior Kreator Plug-In Sample Workstation is a massive, 3GB professional softsynth sound module expertly programmed by musicians for recording engineers, filmmakers, broadcasters, game developers, effects artists, and other media professionals. This music production solution has everything you need to make complete songs for music demos, TV, Film, or any audio-visual project—mellotron, acoustic and electric guitars, acoustic studio-drum kits, electronic drum kits, analog synthesizers, acoustic and electric pianos, organs, acoustic and electric basses, sound effects, soundscapes, World percussion—all from one super, easy-access interface. Easily produce stunning music demos with its on-board DSP and fine-tune your sounds using AmpModeling, WAH-WAH, Speaker Cabinet Modeling, Flanger, Rotary, Chorus, Reverbs, and TalkBox Vowel Modeling—AA, EE, II, OO, UU—accessible directly from its 8 MIDI-Learn SOUND EDIT Controls. With Kreator 2.0 plug-in sample workstation, you can compose, perform, and record a huge selection of instruments right on your computer desktop, and it works with any Mac or PC recording software such as Pro Tools, Cubase, or even in standalone mode. Included Instruments and Sounds: AW Studio Tron Plug-in: Contains all of the best sounds from the original MelloTron used on 100's of #1 hits throughout music history. The vast list of 24-bit/44.1kHz instruments and sounds includes: Brass 2, Brass 3, Cello Octavious, Cello Octavious Violin, Cello, Chorus 1 Ohhh, Chorus 2 Ohhh, Chorus 3 Ohhh, Clarinettes, Female Choir [15], Female Choir [1], Flute Octavious, Organ, Strawberry Flute, Trombone Trumpet Sax, Trumpet Trombone, Vint Choir, Vint Tron strings, Choir Aug [15], Male Choir [15], Choir [15], Violins Cello, Violins Octavious, Violins Cello Strings. Unlike the the original MelloTron's 8-second tape that would run out, each individual patch is perfectly looped but can also be made to run 8 seconds like the original. Play it standalone or in your preferred sequencer. The sample workstation software lets you tweak the Reverb, Compressor, Chorus, and Limiter to get the sounds you want. AW Studio Synths Plug-in This sample collection was inspired by historical synths like the Juno, Oberheim, Moog, Prophet, and Oscar synths—the models that made synthesizers irresistibly cool. It's like the Holy Grail of leads, bass, FX, and pads from the analog and digital synthesizers of the 60s & 70s that made the biggest impact on music as we knew and know it. With the AudioWarrior Kreator plug-in, you can command searing synth leads, rumbling bass, FX, and pads with on-board DSP at 24-bit. It has Evolving Alien Environments and Soundscapes including Rain & Thunder, The Grays, BladeRunner, RAIN, Deep Sea, Alien Locust, Ethereal Bog, Frogs of Plague. This huge collectors' treasure chest of highly sought after synthesizers all work with Kreator's built-in DSP so you can play them standalone or in your pre

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Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 8PRE 16×12 FireWire Audio Interface $549

Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU) 8PRE 16x12 FireWire Audio Interface

The 8pre FireWire audio interface delivers everything you need to turn your computer into a powerful 24-bit, 96kHz digital audio workstation. The 8pre provides 8 microphone/instrument preamps with pristine 96kHz analog recording and playback, combined with 8 channels of ADAT optical digital I/O. Expand your system by connecting additional 8pres or other MOTU FireWire audio interfaces.

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Zoom ZFX C5.1T Modeling Software with USB Computer Recording Interface $149.95

Zoom ZFX C5.1T Modeling Software with USB Computer Recording Interface

The new ZFX Stack and Control packages from Zoom offer countless options for guitarists and bassists to creatively manipulate their sound with assistance from legendary guitar rigs. Used as stand-alone software or as a VST plug-in application for use in digital audio software such as Cubase, the C5.1T is a floor controller that offers a total solution for guitar and bass players.

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