Turtlerock Forum

Hi all, at the risk of sounding silly or inadequate, I am seeking advice on what software to use to record stuff.

This is my first real post on here as I only registered a couple of days ago, but have been having a sticky-beak for a little while now.

I am using a mac and I have a version of Cubase LE, it is the free version 1 point something (I got it when I bought a Zoom H4).

I have begun recording some duo material I do with my wife (singer) - Yes I know Rick said not to marry the singer...

At this stage, I am going to be recording guitar and vocals, then later moving onto, bass, keys, percussion, horns.

I am using a motu 828 (version 1) into my mac.

But I have just stopped doing any further recording as I am deciding whether to continue along this (software) line.

And, so (finally) my question(s) is:

1. Should I stay with Cubase LE (free one); or
2. Buy a version of Cubase; or
3. Buy Logic Express 8

At this stage I am leaning towards Logic, what do you think?

i reckon if cubase is free, and you dont feel like you're growing out of it, stick with it :)

jkhuri44 wrote:i reckon if cubase is free, and you dont feel like you're growing out of it, stick with it :)

2nd that... If it's duo stuff, it shouldn't be too hard to transfer to a different DAWS if you change your mind later. The main questions I'd be asking are -

1. Is the workflow smooth ie. are you getting slowed down by poor functionality
2. Is the audio tracking quality sufficient.

Just my 2c

2. Is the audio tracking quality sufficient.

as i said above and ryan seconded....functionality is all u should be looking at...

the program u choose wont be affecting ur audio quality...the interface, pre's and mics you use will though

:)

I did hear that Cubase didnt "sound" as good as other software. Which I didnt really understand, since stuff is stored electronically, but maybe its the algorithms that are used that may not be as good as in other software.

jkhuri44 wrote:

2. Is the audio tracking quality sufficient.

as i said above and ryan seconded....functionality is all u should be looking at...

the program u choose wont be affecting ur audio quality...the interface, pre's and mics you use will though

:)

Thats not what hitler would say!

Gian wrote:I did hear that Cubase didnt "sound" as good as other software. Which I didnt really understand, since stuff is stored electronically, but maybe its the algorithms that are used that may not be as good as in other software.

There is a fair bit of contention about this topic as to whether or not different software "sounds" different.

Some say they can hear a dramatic difference. Others say its complete baloney...

Choose your side, but choose wisely.

"The red pill, or the blue pill"

Or just be like me and choose to not care and use the DAWS which your most comfortable.

I did hear that Cubase didnt "sound" as good as other software. Which I didnt really understand, since stuff is stored electronically, but maybe its the algorithms that are used that may not be as good as in other software.

i really do think this is a gynormous can of worms...thats been debated on every forum everywhere...even this forum, hehe

reality is, there are professionals using every major player in the software game...use what you can afford and what works...i honestly dont think anyone will pick you apart for the algorithm's sound colouration...:P

Gian wrote:Hi all, at the risk of sounding silly or inadequate, I am seeking advice on what software to use to record stuff.

This is my first real post on here as I only registered a couple of days ago, but have been having a sticky-beak for a little while now.

I am using a mac and I have a version of Cubase LE, it is the free version 1 point something (I got it when I bought a Zoom H4).

I have begun recording some duo material I do with my wife (singer) - Yes I know Rick said not to marry the singer...

At this stage, I am going to be recording guitar and vocals, then later moving onto, bass, keys, percussion, horns.

I am using a motu 828 (version 1) into my mac.

But I have just stopped doing any further recording as I am deciding whether to continue along this (software) line.

And, so (finally) my question(s) is:

1. Should I stay with Cubase LE (free one); or
2. Buy a version of Cubase; or
3. Buy Logic Express 8

At this stage I am leaning towards Logic, what do you think?

Hi Gian,
Welcome to the forum :-)
Its not hard to feel inadequate or silly on a forum that has such a prolific swag of audio luminaries here.. but step up to the plate and put on your best playing gloves!!
I'm would not admit I'm an expert either, but I agree with Jamil and Ryan.
I am an old Cubase user of many yrs, however, moved to Pro Tools thinking that its what most studios use these days (not always what you think either!!)
I started on Steinberg Pro 24 (on an Atari 1040ST) and migrated to Cubase which as far as most people are concerned these days, does a great job. However, I see the wonders of Nuendo (from the Steinberg stables) as well - nice DAW with lots of great functionality.
I have never used Logic before, but seeing it in action for the listening sessions a couple of weekends ago didnt give me any reasons to want look at it - was buggy and cumbersome (disclaimer - on the day in mention only)..
If you are tracking one track at a time, I would probably stick with what you know and works well for you.
Last thing you want to do is learn a new program while you are tracking, etc..
Your MOTU will interface nicely with Cubase however I am guess that a free version is severely limited in its overall ability - track counts/number of sends/aux channels/midi composition/editing/VST engine, etc, etc
Consider an upgrade to a more recent version of Cubase - might be worth its weight alone..

If you bought the Motu it means you get the paired down DP for free Audio desk.

It comes with all the audio features of DP but has the midi disabled.

I tell you it worth a look and maybe a second one as well.

Why not use Reaper? It costs next to nothing and it is being developed amazingly fast, and you can demo it for free to see f you like it.

Thirteen wrote:Why not use Reaper? It costs next to nothing and it is being developed amazingly fast, and you can demo it for free to see f you like it.

I was just about to post the same thing. I find Reaper very easy to use. You get a fully functional 30 day demo after which period you can purchase a non-commercial licence for $50us or commercial licence for $250 or something. I find it a lot more hassle free than some of the other programs i've used. It just seems to work...for me anyway.

snips Ryan
>Choose your side, but choose wisely.
>"The red pill, or the blue pill"

Is that from the Matrix? Or does it go back to Alice in Wonderland?

Thirteen wrote:Why not use Reaper? It costs next to nothing and it is being developed amazingly fast, and you can demo it for free to see f you like it.

I did end up downloading Reaper and starting it once, but then I thought..."oh no...now I have to learn another DAW interface" which will be the case - if I do move to another software product - anyway.

Gian wrote:snips Ryan
>Choose your side, but choose wisely.
>"The red pill, or the blue pill"

Is that from the Matrix? Or does it go back to Alice in Wonderland?

Or "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

As far as Reaper goes it took me a couple of days to learn how to use things in Reaper that took me ages in Sonar.

Gian wrote:snips Ryan
>Choose your side, but choose wisely.
>"The red pill, or the blue pill"

Is that from the Matrix? Or does it go back to Alice in Wonderland?

Choose your side, I just kinda made up... But possibly unintentionally plagiarized.

The blue pill, red pill thing is indeed from the matrix but it actually references alice in wonderland.

The exact quote i believe is -

"You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes."

I believe there is a fair few Alice in Wonderland references in that movie funnily enough...

The youtube clip -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGQF8LAmiaE

I'll add my support for REAPER

It comes with good VSTs and is very feature rich

I have Protools LE 7 somewhere but I never use it.

that said - all DAWs are good enough for me. I'd use Logic or Sonar or Cubase.