Best Budget Recording PC Software

UJ99 · June 02, 2009, 08:42:38 PM

What ho chaps!

Want to get back in to recording, but the days of a 4 track and a blank 90 minute cassette are over!

However, I don't have the PC hardware, experience or the cash for something like Pro Tools.

So - what do you think is the best budget (no more than say $150) PC software for making/mixing demos? I've seen mixed reviews for both Sony Acid Studio and Cakewalk (which also seems to have Vista problems...hey who doesn't?).

Thanks!

RWA · June 02, 2009, 08:58:11 PM

Reaper is highly recommended; only $60 --> //http://www.reaper.fm/
EnergyXT is good also; also only $60 --> //http://www.energy-xt.com/

Geetar · June 02, 2009, 11:39:16 PM

Another vote for Reaper.

By the way, any of you availed yourselves of the Breverb offer ?... I just did, and will be playing with it over the next few.

http://www.audiomidi.com/Breverb-audioM ... 12240.aspx

vocalnick · June 03, 2009, 01:30:13 AM

Yet another thumbs up for Reaper. We're using for T3E#2 by choice (I've got Pro Tools and/or Logic lying around here which I could jump to, but I keep coming back to Reaper)

My point being It's not JUST cheap - it's actually bloody good too.

landslug · June 05, 2009, 07:34:01 PM

There are a lot of freeware programs out there too (I'm at work, so I can pull up the links).
I used one called Luna that was light on my PC's processor, and was perfectly fine for my little home recordings. I think there was a purchase option to get more tracks and room for additional plugins too

SerFox · June 12, 2009, 06:47:58 PM

http://www.propellerheads.se/products/record/

In beta, but its the best out there right now. Reaper is good, but it's very finicky and the effects management is dire and their midi implementation leaves a lot to be desired...

Bokkie · June 13, 2009, 12:24:25 PM

And if you like fooling around with pc's maybe you could try open source stuff.
http://www.64studio.com/

catherine · June 13, 2009, 12:42:37 PM

I thought I liked fooling around with PCs - but I'm still failing dismally to get my wretched M-audio card set up properly. Output's no problem but can I get the input to work?

Bokkie · June 13, 2009, 06:38:12 PM

Still wrestling with that m-audio card, Catherine? Have you tried it on an other pc? So you can check if your card is working properly.

catherine · June 13, 2009, 06:41:39 PM

I could get input and output from it when it was in my older PC... dunno what's going on.

Bokkie · June 13, 2009, 06:58:01 PM

Well, that leaves you with two options: there's something wrong with your box or with windows. Did you try a clean install?

SerFox · June 14, 2009, 05:42:02 PM

in response to the M Audio card, I'd say its either a driver issue or an OS issue. In your older PC what OS were you using, and in this one what are you using, your newer PC?

Have you tried installing new drivers for the card?

I doubt a clean install would help.

catherine · June 14, 2009, 06:05:16 PM

XP Pro, in both old and new PCs.

The newer PC has the newest drivers for the card for XP that I could find.
The Windows installation in my new PC was a brand new install...

Bokkie · June 14, 2009, 07:59:55 PM

Pfff..i'm out of ideas. And my knowledge of Windows has slipped a way lately. I have become a non windows user.

CraigSteen · March 31, 2010, 10:57:24 PM

I bought a Tascam US122 MKII usb audio interface (c£100) and it came with Cubase Le which I'm really enjoying now that I'm getting the hang of it.

... but then... I am only a drummer...

If you need an audio interface (not sure if you do or if you already have one?), how about getting one with an LE version of Cubase or Sonar DAWs included ? Or am I being a pillock (it's quite common for me?).