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#1938201 - 10/25/24 01:48 PM PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording?
Marty Gilman Offline
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One of my friends, a Doctor who is a music hobbyist, wants to get into recording. He is a PC user and plays piano, bass, and guitar.

he isn’t terribly tech savvy and asked me for recommendations. Being a Mac guy, I thought I would turn to you for advice.

Pro tools is not necessary. Lol.. Something too simple with no room to grow is also not a great idea

Your suggestions??

-m
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#1938203 - 10/25/24 02:30 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
Arthur Offline
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Well, after 30 years of professional ProTools usage, I went from Mac to PC and went with Studio One Pro. Great decision, I feel. Studio One will be even more interesting because your friend does not have old ballast to carry. In my case I'm still struggling a bit with muscle memory when using keyboard shortcuts.
He can start simple and grow into it at his own pace. There are lots of great videos on line.
There's also a community of great and very helpful planeteers here who will gladly help him out.

So... my vote goes to Studio One Pro.
Cheers
Arthur

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#1938205 - 10/25/24 03:12 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Arthur]
gonzo Offline
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REAPER.

free.

easy basics.

if they like it,
then move up to studio one.
they can even do it on a monthly basis/

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#1938208 - 10/25/24 03:34 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: gonzo]
TAPKAE Offline
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Let’s ask C Jo…

[ducks the barrage of available items to be thrown]
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#1938210 - 10/25/24 03:40 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: gonzo]
Popmann Offline
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Cubase is free for like 60 days now.

There’s no reason to dick around with down level stuff and “reaper for not techie”? Pass.

Studio One is solid “what Cubase was a decade ago”….so….solid choice to save a few bucks I guess. Like always in this question, pick the horse you’re gonna ride I the end. What I can TELL you about old dogs? He doesn’t have time to learn one and then switch and learn that.

I used to joke that unless the question was “can it do X? Where X was run without a dongle” the answer for Cubase was yes. Now it runs without a dongle. Is studio one likely “enough capability ”? Probably. But Cubase represents a kind apex native DAW changing “probably” to “certainly”.

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#1938214 - 10/25/24 04:00 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Popmann]
motown59 Offline
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I wouldn’t think “capability” is a question to ask for a novice recordist. Studio One Artist is way beyond what someone needs. Unfortunately it used to come with any Presonus USB interface for free. I doubt Free is a consideration for a doctor as it might for many others. Now there is only one Studio One

I like the tutorials available for Studio One. I’d also inquire who might be in the doctor’s circle of friends, that are recordists: what DAW are they using using? Self-learning is fine but a friend helping combined with tutorials is way better.


Edited by motown59 (10/25/24 04:01 PM)
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#1938218 - 10/25/24 04:08 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: motown59]
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#1938226 - 10/25/24 04:30 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Ismellelephant]
MadGuitrst Offline
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As someone who uses Studio One, has Tracktion Waveform and Reaper, has used Sonar, dabbled with a few others, such a BitWig recently, for someone new looking for something sensible yet fully functional, with tons of add ons/plugs/loops, etc, there is absolutely NO DOUBT what I would recommend for PC:

Mixcraft.

People tend to blow off Mixcraft as it used to be looked at as the Garageband for PC, but it has really matured and is an excellent, pro level DAW. It's got a great workflow, and offers a ton for someone who just wants to stay within the DAW for everything and not go buying VSTs/VSTIs, etc. It's VERY user friendly and has everything (including Melodyne, stem separation, audio to midi conversion, Mixcraft Remote app for iPhone or Android, and many instruments/loops) someone like your friend could want or need. He can even do a monthly subscription for $8 a month and own it at the end of the term (Recording Studio version is $149). Here's a list of what it comes with. It seems perfect for him, and for that matter, for just about anyone.

For a free DAW, it would be Waveform Free.. Not the best plugins, but they'll do, and a great workflow. Also, editing "waves" is among the most intuitive I've used, and the shortcuts it comes with to get around the DAW are among the most logical I've experienced (it helps, especially for new users).

Of course, Reaper is excellent and one of the best bargains ever in audio, and you can't go wrong with it.

Best of luck with the decision.
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#1938229 - 10/25/24 04:37 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: gonzo]
bear Offline
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 Originally Posted By: gonzo
REAPER.

free.....



Just to be clear - reaper is NOT free (unless you are a lowlife pirate) but the $60 price tag is pretty trivial. It will work 60 days - and even beyond but will start nagging you if you do not get license.

You can ignore the nags.... but the licensing terms are so generous that you have to be pretty lowlife to not pay $60

Reaper is GREAT but can be intimidating for beginners with all the options available. If you just ignore all the options and just use it for simple recording and editing it is great.

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#1938236 - 10/25/24 05:40 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: bear]
Memphis Monroe Offline
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Studio One….
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#1938248 - 10/25/24 06:04 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: bear]
Marty Gilman Offline
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My friend loves the Beatles, Elton John, and jazz standards.
He has other friends who play well.

I suggested he call Sweetwater and get a bundle of the gear he needs, including an interface, mics, cables, and monitors.

He is teaching music to his grandkids and thought this would be a good tool for that too.

Money is no object, but he doesn't want to overspend either.

I used to use Sonar on my PC.

Speak in my terms. What is similar to Logic? I really like logic \:\)

-m
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#1938258 - 10/25/24 06:34 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
TAPKAE Offline
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Garage Band.
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#1938259 - 10/25/24 06:35 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: bear]
gonzo Offline
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ok, used to be free I haven't used it on 10 years. I'll stick with studio one.
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#1938262 - 10/25/24 06:39 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: MadGuitrst]
FalconEddy Offline
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 Originally Posted By: MadGuitrst
...It's VERY user friendly and has everything (including Melodyne, stem separation, audio to midi conversion, Mixcraft Remote app for iPhone or Android, and many instruments/loops)


He'll need the Pro Studio version to have Melodyne, stem separation, and audio to MIDI conversion included (to my knowledge).

But, YES...It would be a GREAT DAW for him.

. . Falcon
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#1938265 - 10/25/24 07:12 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: FalconEddy]
Marty Gilman Offline
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What needs the least plugins? These can be confusing.

-m
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#1938266 - 10/25/24 07:29 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: FalconEddy]
MadGuitrst Offline
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That's correct, but Pro Studio version is only $149.00, a bargain, IMHO.

He could get the other version for $79 and upgrade later, or just pay $8 per month and then own it once the term is over.
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#1938267 - 10/25/24 07:32 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
MadGuitrst Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Marty Gilman
What needs the least plugins? These can be confusing.

-m

I disagree, at least as far as those that come with a DAW. You don't have to use them if you don't want. It's not like they're intrusive and force themselves on someone. But as someone grows, they're there if they want or need them. And it might even inspire creativity, particularly with VSTIs.

It's a shame that when this question is asked (quite a bit on the forums), many people will not even consider Mixcraft, even though it very well could be the perfect DAW for them. Maybe it's just being unfamiliar with it, I dunno.
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#1938268 - 10/25/24 07:33 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: MadGuitrst]
Alan Offline
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He will also need a wee audio interface to get sounds in : That needs to be considered.

I would recommend Cubase LE (can always upgrade as his requirements grow) and a Small focusrite USB Scarlett 2 in - 2 out interface.

All of the above comes with good content to get you going along with a lot of online tutorials and support if required.
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#1938287 - 10/25/24 08:30 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Alan]
motown59 Offline
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On the interface,
The buyer would have to estimate how many sources would ever be recorded at one time.
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#1938288 - 10/25/24 08:39 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
Popmann Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Marty Gilman
What needs the least plugins? These can be confusing.

-m


For what? All of them have relatively capable audio DSP.

None of them have instruments worth using.

Mixbus32c, whatever SSL has renamed 32c this week, will be the best SOUNDING set. In fact, I've gotten to where reverb/delay are the only "for sure third party" things on my mixes...and, to say I'm picky I think we can agree is an understatement...but, even Reaper will come with the tools a beginner can use. Cubase's 64 channel could really be considered all one needs without a "plug in" in sight.

I do want to clarify the reason I brought up total capabilities earlier--it's not because beginner needs or wants them NOW...it's that what your older friend is NOT going to do is switch apps-I forget what the stat is, but it's LOW that people switch without a HUGE driver to do so...so, to MY mind, what I was saying is that it's better to get an app that WILL ultimately do anything he needs it to.

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#1938293 - 10/25/24 08:46 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Popmann]
Marty Gilman Offline
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He will need sounds. Those are necessary plug ins. He has an older midi keyboard.

I recommended he get a four input interface. I have the Clarett 4.


-m
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#1938295 - 10/25/24 08:48 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Popmann]
Chris Flynn Offline
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Reaper has a very steep learning curve, but far more options. I use Reaper. I have friends that swear by Cubase and it's simplicity of use. I would say Cubase, for those new to recording.
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#1938299 - 10/25/24 08:55 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Chris Flynn]
Ismellelephant Offline
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I love Reaper.
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#1938301 - 10/25/24 08:59 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Chris Flynn]
moontan Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Chris Flynn
Reaper has a very steep learning curve, but far more options. I use Reaper. I have friends that swear by Cubase and it's simplicity of use. I would say Cubase, for those new to recording.


i have a license, but it's not installed.
i have licenses for Studio 1, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper and Bitwig. and probably a few more i'm forgetting.
Bitwig is the only one installed.
i like it mostly because of the UI and esthetics.

but for beginners, perhaps Mixcraft or Waveform, like some people here suggested.
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#1938345 - 10/25/24 11:51 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: moontan]
flatcat Administrator Offline
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These days, REAPER is maybe a little more user friendly than it was. As bear says, you can open it and start recording, just like any other application.

It may also depend on what he aspires to do. MixBus feels like a console and all ... but the MIDI capability is not sufficient for my needs. REAPER handles that pretty well, and that's only gotten better.

So in my opinion, part of the equation is whether and how deep he's going to use MIDI. Not like you used to , Marty, but if he's going to use MIDI tracks and VSTis. REAPER works for me with virtual orchestration because there is an articulation management program. But even for like drums, B3, and piano, if he's using VSTis, he'll need some kind of MIDI capability. Those are better or worse depending on the program.
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#1938423 - 10/26/24 03:58 AM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
Popmann Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Marty Gilman
He will need sounds. Those are necessary plug ins. He has an older midi keyboard.


People making recoomendations need to make sure they read this.

I have no recommendation for this. I don't even download the Cubase instruments anymore. Maybe they're great. I did download the Orchestral Tools created Iconica strings. Certainly wonderfully sampled and integrated with full VST3 feature sets-like note specific CC and pitch intonation-very specific big orchestral sound--which is the problem with the PARADIGM of including instruments. You include strings...sections of what size? With what articulation set? recorded how in what size hall? There's no such thing as "great strings" universally. Great drums? For WHAT style of music?

Luckily, there's a standard for instrument plug ins...that make you able to pick the ones YOU want to play and work with inside your DAW of choice.

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#1938425 - 10/26/24 04:01 AM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Popmann]
Memphis Monroe Offline
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Still Studio One because it comes bundled with great VSTs.
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#1938494 - 10/26/24 02:43 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Memphis Monroe]
Marty Gilman Offline
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I am curious what Sweetwater will recommend.
I might call them first, before my friend does.


-m
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#1938543 - 10/26/24 06:09 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
Popmann Offline
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You should leave out the qualifier of Windows. The instruments is the more limiting qualifier because that’s not a traditional toolkit of a DAW.

There’s literally one app difference in what runs on Apple vs Windows—unless you count the really high dollar professional stuff that only runs on Windows or cheap garbage apps.

They’ve ported MOTU Performer to Windows even. Never thought that would happen.

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#1938641 - 10/27/24 06:52 AM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Popmann]
Arthur Offline
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If it's instruments he needs, it might be useful to take a good look at Arturia. I have the collection and it's great in my humble worthless opinion.

The DAW choice is such a personal thing... I mean, I'm sure I could make a nice sounding recording on about any DAW, it's what suits you the best.
Cubase... First time I used it, it was pre VST, serial dongle and Midi only on an Atari ST in the nineties \:D
The last version I tested was the one currently available for demo. The underlying tech is indeed very impressive and the mix bus sounds great. But its layout and working methods suit me less. But hey, doesn't take away it's a great soft.

If he feels like it, let him test several DAWs and he can choose the one that feels best to him.

As for the interdace, what Kel said... I use an Audient and it works great for my current needs, cause I don't record artists anymore.

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#1938658 - 10/27/24 12:07 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Arthur]
Marty Gilman Offline
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My only experience with PC DAW was 15 years ago when I used Sonar in our band to record and play back midi sequences.

Putting myself in my friend’s position as a newbie to recording, I would want him to have a program that is the most intuitive and has a great graphic interface.

having no experience with any of the programs mentioned above, which do you think this best describes?
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#1938735 - 10/27/24 05:13 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Marty Gilman]
RGR Offline
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Reapers learning curve is infinate ..trust me on that lol!
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#1938762 - 10/27/24 08:03 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: RGR]
jimmyrock Offline
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i admit garageband is a mystery to me so who knows whats gonna click for your guy....seems like Studio one is the DAW, needs a mic and stand and monitors and headphones, bang done.
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#1938934 - 10/28/24 08:16 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: jimmyrock]
Popmann Offline
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This is back to the concept I’ve posted about before that the traditional DAW isn’t what musicians want. Apple, along with Ableton and FLStudio have led the way in the paradigm of “music creation software”. It’s not semantics.

A DAW is a blank slate. It records edits and processes AUDIO. Logic is more akin to the midi sequencer it once was….with audio handling added.

The better DAWs have seen very little advancements in 20 years. It’s like a word processor. Mature tech. So, most have started aiming at one man band music creators. Largely NOT about recording bands. Or even one man “playing actual instruments and recording them” is passé—Logic was never one of the better DAWs. When Apple bought it they did so to bet on the future market. That’s paying off for them.

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#1938953 - 10/28/24 09:53 PM Re: PC Users- What DAW software do you recommend for someone new to recording? [Re: Popmann]
Marty Gilman Offline
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That’s why I like Logic \:\) Midi sequencing was my bread and butter in the mid 80’s and beyond.

Four track tape recording proceeded that. I equate that to film versus digital photography. I would never go back for all of the advantages.

My friend has neither background so we’ll see where he is going. He also lives in Michigan, quite far for me to physically help.

-m
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