At time, these devices have special components and special software to help them perform their best. Any delay that happens from the time that data goes into a device and the time it comes out the output device (be it speakers, monitor or whatever else) is referred to as "latency". High end hardware, such as audio and video interfaces, are very highly tuned for the optimal throughput of data as fast as possible. Hardware can make a difference in available choices in some cases. ProTools has their own proprietary standard for effects, so if you plan on going the ProTools route, be sure to keep that in mind. Very commonly VST is the standard by which such tools are used, but there are other standards out there, and some, particularly little known freeware, may not support such things at all, rather only supporting their own, bundled effects and/or synths.There are still DirectX effects out there, they are far less common then they used to be, but they are out there, as are ReWire based tools, mostly for synths, not sure if I have ever seem a ReWire effect. If you already have some software synthesizers, or effects you want to use, make sure you know what sort of host they require. But it's enough where you can get a feel for how they work.
Most application have download demos you can look at and use, though in somewhat limited capacity.
A key component to being productive is getting an app that works how you work, what makes sense to you. The big name apps all do pretty much everything, the big differences are in usability. There are many versions of the app that goes from very reasonable prices to "might as well by Cakewalk" prices, but it is worth a look. Also has audio manipulation tools and much more. I look at the differences as welcomed, and if it works with how you think or work, it might be a great fit for you, if not, you may want to try something else.įL Studio is a very interesting hybred type of app, that started years ago as a beat/loop maker, and was quite good at it, and went by the name "Fruity Loops", it has evolved into a pretty darn capable tracking app that still has strong ties to it's beat and loop making roots. Multitrack Studio is a fun application, I enjoy using it, and it can do a lot, however, it does work much differently than some of the more conventional apps. Those bigger name apps can cost many hundred dollars, Reaper costs $60 for personal use.so, if you would like the redraw option, is it worth $500 for just that? However, it lacks the audio wave redrawing functions that some of the bigger name apps have. Reaper is a very functional app, audio and MIDI, and does it well. For example, while Kristal Audio Engine is a great app, it is audio only, no MIDI functionality at all, which is fine if you don't use MIDI, but if you do, even one MIDI device, it limits that app. How technically savvy are you? (be honest!)Īll these factors, and more, can affect the decision of which one will fit your needs.What type of audio interface do you have? (number of ins and outs, for example).What type of computer do you have? (meaning OS, chip sets, input/output port types and such).
How many band members do you have, and will they be recording all at once, or one instrument at a time?.When making the decision of which application to use, you need to first understand your needs, some things to consider when putting together your list of needs are things like this: Multitrack Studio - $69 to $119 - www.multitrackstudio.Adobe Audition - Lesser Know Shareware or Freeware Products.Cakewalk Sonar X2 - $99 to $499 versions.Here are a few options that one should look in to and consider when one is building their home studio: The decision to be made by any home recording musician is a balance of personal preferences, recording and mixing styles and budget. Some are more or less expensive, some are more or less easy to use, some or more or less feature packed, some have more options than you would ever use, some are very limited. There is no shortage of multitrack recording options out there for the computer based home recording musicians. There are lots of options for multitrack recording software out there, what is best or worst depends on your needs, techniques and habits, here are some options.