PC DAW Help

[chris p]

I live on Planet Mac, but I'm so open minded and tolerant that some of my friends have PCs.

One has asked for my help. She's a pianist / songwriter who wants to get into a DAW that will take her playing (via MIDI) and produce editable scores (notation).

Normally I would recommend she buy a Mac and Logic, but in the spirit of open-mindedness and reconciliation, what's out there in PC world that is either free or cheap (say less than $100) that does this?

For example, I looked at Reaper but can't find out if it does scores.

Does anyone have suggestions on MIDI to USB cables/boxes on the PC side?

[Futureman]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/USB-MIDI-Cable-C ... 20aeb4480f

for USB - midi.

I've had McDonalds meals that cost more.

[Bent my VU]

Sibelius might be worth a look

[lonearranger]

Also take a look at Sonar and Cubase - looks like even the entry level products do notation (from the look of the feature lists) - cubase essential and cakewalk home studio.

Cheers

[Sheer Noise]

Finale Songwriter (US$50) is great 'cause it's REALLY simple to use and is set up to make chord charts and lyric sheets as well as notated scores really simply. Mac or Windows XP only though I think. I've used it a lot. Not as powerful as Sibelius, but much easier to use.

http://www.finalemusic.com/SongWriter/

For the interface, all you want is something like this:

http://www.billyhydemusic.com.au/shop/v ... interface/

Dave

[chris p]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys - I think Sheer Noise Dave wins the virtual Iced Vovo with Songwriter - seems to nicely fit the bill.

Futureman, thanks for the USB-Midi link - that's scary cheap, that is.

[Sheer Noise]

... just in time for a late snack too! ;)