QQ for the Remixers.

[AceFace]

hey guys. i'm really wanting a music editing/making program for christmas this year and i'm not sure what to get. i'm new to any of this and all the choices are overwhelming. i was hoping maybe some of you could help me chose a program.

i have friends that use Cool Edit/Adobe Audition. they say it's pretty easy. since i'm new to this stuff i really want to have something i can learn somewhat fast so i can get to learning how to create beats and using samples and stuff. i know it may not ever truly be easy to learn it fast, but i just need something "user friendly".

I've looked into Fruity Loops/FL Studio and Acid. i'm just completely at a loss for what to get.

what do you guys use? what did you learn off of? what programs do you suggest? i'm not looking for a tutorial or anything like that, just a general point in the right direction.

thanks guys! and i'm loving all your awesome remixes! it's amazing to me how you all can do all this stuff. you've inspired me to try it myself.

[bassdriver]

what do you guys use? what did you learn off of? what programs do you suggest? i'm not looking for a tutorial or anything like that, just a general point in the right direction. Propellerhead Reason (http://www.propellerheads.se/) is another program you should check. I think these are all great. and if you want to BUY (instead of free downloading) a software you could go to a music store and let an expert explain you the difference between the programs. depending on your PC you should also think about getting a decent soundcard (http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm). I'm working with logic audio but I know Reason pretty good. it's definitely a useful and complete software.

good luck.

[TheMightyAjax]

DOWNLOAD demos first!!!!!!!!!

Everyone's different! Getting used to software is like breaking in a guitar or a new baseball glove! You get used to the feel of a program and can work fast and efficiently with it.

There is NO industry standard! Sure, recording studios usually go with ProTools which is great for recording bands, live inputs, etc. but when it comes to sequencing loop-based music it's USELESS!
It depends on what you do, what style, etc.

I use many different programs, depends on what type of feel I'm going for.

Here's some:

Ableton Live (Might be my new favorite)
For sequencing, playing soft synths, sketching out ideas REALLY QUICK! Like an analog 4-track easy! Can record instruments as well, I usually run a guitar through LIVE for cool effects.

Fruity Loops (Whatever edition it's up to now...probably the cheapest price for software)
Same deal. Sequencing, playing soft synths, drum programming, chopping up samples and replaying them, testing vst effects, etc. Not recommended for recording vocals, instruments. More for sequencing/arranging.

Acid Pro
Great for time-stretching samples and laying things out where you can see them, drag, drop and arrange. I record vocals in Acid, guitars, bass, keys, etc.

Cool Edit Pro & Wavelab (For editing every sound)

I use both for recording basically anything. Every sound in my library gets tweaked, chopped, fixed in Cool Edit Pro. I'm starting to use Wavelab more...seems more "HI-TECH" but whatever...CEP does it all for me. I don't sequence with them. They're just for fixing sounds. Think of them as a receptionist before you can go in to see the BOSS. (Ableton Live in this case).

VST Instruments Synths & Effects
I could write a novel about these. The best part of PC recording!!!
You've got every synth, sound, effect, imaginable with these addons!

Then there's times when I'll just record on a 4-Track Cassette recorder. Still love the sound and warmth of any tape, no matter what size.

Download the demos, READ THE HELP FILES AND MANUALS!!!! I know many that say "I can't learn this it's too complicated." Well, if you read the friggin' manual you'll know what the f**** to do!!!!

Try the demos and see what you like. Most places don't let you return software so if you buy a $500 program and don't like it....You're S.O.L.

Hope this helps.

[silence7]

Half of these guys mix with their feet!! Hands tied behind their backs, blindfolded, while high and or drunk. I don't think there's any software involved, just a lot of 8-Track tapes, a dual cassette recorder, and a bag of corn chips. ;)

Silence7

[AceFace]

*writing this down* ...and a b-a-g of corn chips. GOT IT!

thanks guys! this helps a lot! i think i'm gonna DL some demos like Ajax suggested. yay!

as for reading the manuals, i am sooo down with that. i get obsessive anyway so that's right up my alley.

i'm really wanting to try sample heavy stuff. taking songs, stripping them and creating something new with them. but we'll see how well i do with that!

[faz]

I use sound forge to cut and chop my samples, fruit loops to make the loops, and acid pro to make the track (combine acapellas with the beats etc) but I got a friend who produces music to show me how to do it. I had no clue what I was doing with all the software.

[AceFace]

so think i've decided to try Fruity Loops for several reasons:

1. drrrr it's cheap
2. i liked the demo
3. they have a TON of tutorials on their site and
none of the others really went that in depth.

thanks so much peeps!