software compared with computer speed
I tried N-track previously but only for a short time and was easily frustrated. This was when I very first began using recording software (before I knew how to use “live” at all) I am thinking of trying again; however, I would like some opinions from some seasoned users first.
I have been trying out some differnt software and have still not found anything I like so far and have been using my zoom hard disk recorder MRS -1044 which does pretty well but then I have to transfer the takes to computer via usb to edit, etc…
I tried to use abelton lite version 6 but you only get 4 audio tracks which does not work for me at all. I use mainly audio anyway, as I play most of my own drum, guitar keys, and vocal, etc. tracks. (now that I have my electronic drums)
I have been trying out Audacity but find it takes a long time to work. Quite cumbersome if you ask me.
I am thinking of trying out Cakewalks sonar, or project 5., or even Sony’s Acid or sound Forge. (these are supposed to be easiest to use??
Wonder if anyone else has experience with these in comparison to N-track?
Also, I know that lots of these softwares are so complicated…
I am so used to the hard disk recorders and old school 4 tracks…
If ANYONE has suggestions on the easiest to use of the software I have listed (sony, cakewalk, N-track, or other I don’t know about) PLEASE, PLEASE let me know…I am in need of finding something and have been looking for a while. I have tried a few trials but have still not decided…
Oh and I tried mixpad, which I did hate…
Oh and my computer is a dell laptop, Pent. 4 3.4 gh, 1.0 gb ram, windows XP sp2, I also have fast track Pro by M audio to connect mic, etc. I have both dynamic and condensor mics. I also have a compressor and vocal processor, eq that I use pre-recording…if that matters…
I usually mic my bass/guitar amp…pre recording.
Feeback appreciated.
I just can’t seem to decide what is the best choice for me at this point.
Thanks for any input in advance
Im a newbie but like n Track because of the built in Drum kit.
I was interested in the M Audio interface you are using as Im using an older laptop and recording with the Mic in socket. Is it USB connected as that is what I will need. I also need the option of a XLR input, jack and probably midi to connect to keyboard as well. Most new stuff is fire wire connected now.
I’ve used about all there is for software - I always come back to N-Track.
I’s not for everyone, but it has a feel I like and sometimes as demanding as it can be it makes me work harder.
It’s whatever you feel best using. That’s the one to go with.
Just my opinion.
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If ANYONE has suggestions on the easiest to use of the software I have listed (sony, cakewalk, N-track, or other I don't know about)
Reaper: Currently the best "bang for buck" DAW softie there is...
IMO
D - runs and hides... (while waiting for n V6 but not holding breath)
The software you mentioned runs the gammet - there is no one software that does everything to everyones taste, and the ones you mentioned actually have different strong points. I use Ntrack because it meets most of my needs. For recording multiple tracks I have not found one easier to use, but I know how to use it now and there are things to learn about any program. Pick out one program and learn how to use it, then you will find features that doen’t work as you want and features that you love. Only then will you be able to shop for what you ultamently want to use. It may be the one you started with. Ntrack is an excellent choice as it does many things well and is a powerful program for the money. I use BAnd-in a Box and PowerTracks for Midi tracks, and Sound Forge for two track editing. I own Cakewalk, Samlitude, Reaper and have tried many others, but always come back to Ntrack for Multi-track recording. Some people don’t like Ntrack and even use this forum to advertize their preferrence of other programs. If there was something I liked better I guess I would use it instead, but I have to try it first and feel that the features were superoir enough to warrent the learning curve. Has not happened yet.
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Some people don't like Ntrack and even use this forum to advertize their preferrence of other programs.
Hey... victorious asked... Don't misunderstand... I DO like n-Track. It's just in it's current state, I can't work with large arrangements with lots of plugins. Until V6 comes out and floors me, I'll keep using R.
D
Quote: (Diogenes @ Mar. 15 2008, 10:01 PM)
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If ANYONE has suggestions on the easiest to use of the software I have listed (sony, cakewalk, N-track, or other I don't know about)
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IMO
D - runs and hides... (while waiting for n V6 but not holding breath)
D, we love you, but it really isn't very respectful to do that here...really, not trying to dog you, but...
Vic, I don't think you'll find Acid useful - it was designed for a different thing than you want.
Isn't Sound Forge a mastering tool with limited tracks?
Sonar would suit you I am sure, but it's no fooling around for 500 USA dollars.
Even the least expensive version is more than n-Track, and n-Track has more features at that price point.
I was under the impression that Project 5 is just a soft synth host.
I look at the many alternatives occasionally and I keep coming to the same conclusion - n-Track is the best value out there, it is so feature rich, and it's just a matter of personal preference and what you learn on, really.
People sometimes raise issues with stability.
I've not had major stability problems with n-Track, but I have with others.
I gather that a certain percentage of users of each program has stability problems - not unexpected, it seems to me, given all the variables involved.
For the record, I do regularly use another program in conjunction with n-Track, but other than the dubious attractions that come along with getting the latest "cool" prorgram I don't see much benefit in paying out the money...and then there's upgrade costs down the road...don't need more of those!
What exactly frustrated you, and why would knowing how to use the live button help?
If you are looking for low latency monitoring, you'll get that best from the recording interface.
If you were frustrated by the complexity, well, n-Track is a good one to learn on, and some other programs are a lot less intuitive.
Personally, I felt that way about a program that Dio likes that starts with R.
No disrespect intended fella’s. Sorry… I did say IMO.
This is such a subjective thing. n-Track IS about the easiest to operate out of the bunch listed by vm. Guess where I send guys on other forums who try “X” and don’t “Get it”? Here.
Let’s be real for a minute here though; how many times has n somehow through no detectable fault of your own, hosed your settings and you have to uninstall and re-install then set everything up again to get back to work? It’s happens here more than I care to think about. What about the time you wanted to track that great VSTi in real-time but couldn’t because you had to set the buffers so high to get good playback, your timing was impossible because of the latency? Flavio knows when all this started and I believe he is on the case. Otherwise, he would be bug fixing V5 instead of a major overhaul that he says will be V6.
Again, PLEASE! No disrespect intended. Just injecting a bit of reality. It’s a good thing.
D
I did not mean to start an argument here at all and if I got anyone upset I am truly sorry. 
I am truly just looking for the easiest to use program. I really haven’t used the midi stuff much anyway, haven’t had much success with it really. I recently downloaded the cakewalk trial version just to try it out.
I can’t get the midi stuff to work on it either.
Maybe it’s my setup…I couldn’t get it to work on N-track back when either…I use the Maudio fast track pro and my digital piano and don’t seem to have any luck…
Mainly I have just been using audio tracks so far.
The trial version doesn’t let you use your plug ins but just their trial version plug ins…but other than that it seems ptetty easy to work with, but then so was n-track.
I haven’t tried the website (myspace) player thing yet or the sheet music capability…
If I did decide on Ntrack would it be better to wait for the version 6 to come out?
Also, in response to the person on the fast track pro,
yes it does have mic input, XLR and also has phantom power. USB power, also has input for ACDC plug for extra power if needed. Runs fine on USB power though. Two inputs
thanks for all your input guys.
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Let's be real for a minute here though; how many times has n somehow through no detectable fault of your own, hosed your settings and you have to uninstall and re-install then set everything up again to get back to work?
It's never happend to me. N-Track has been incredible stable, even version 4. I'm sorry D that you've had so much trouble but your problems are far from universal.
Victorious, I would suggest that you focus your choice on n-Track and Reaper to start with. For what you're doing I can't think of a reason to go with a program like Ableton or Audacity. I've tried Reaper and couldn't see a reason to switch from n-Track but as I mentioned above I've had excellent results with n-Track. I'm using version 5 build 2313 and it hasn't crashed yet. If you decide to go with n-Track I can't see a reason to wait until version 6. It's only about $25 to upgrade and you'll get the use of the program in the meantime.
For recording tracks with a microphone n-Track is about the easiest program out there. When you get into music composition and MIDI then some of the other programs have advantages, particularly Ableton. But to get started recording your own tracks you can't go wrong with either n-Track or Reaper. In my experience n-Track is easier to get started with and is easier to use. Reaper has some interesting features which come into play during mixing but I haven't found the n-Track way of doing things to be a hinderance.
My main advice is to quit obsessing about choosing the right program and get started recording. Either n-Track or Reaper will serve you just fine.
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I'm sorry D that you've had so much trouble but your problems are far from universal.
Well, I haven't had "so much trouble" with n. I just found a different, subjectively better tool for the toolbox. n-Track will catch up or fall by the wayside. Hopefully, it will PASS and shoot for the stars.
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What about the time you wanted to track that great VSTi in real-time but couldn't because you had to set the buffers so high to get good playback, your timing was impossible because of the latency? Flavio knows when all this started and I believe he is on the case. Otherwise, he would be bug fixing V5 instead of a major overhaul that he says will be V6.
That about sums it up here.
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My main advice is to quit obsessing about choosing the right program and get started recording. Either n-Track or Reaper will serve you just fine.
Can't argue with that. There are instances where I might choose one over the other but starting out, either will get you going.
D
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I'm sorry D that you've had so much trouble but your problems are far from universal.
Well I've had lots of problems with nTrack and I've used it almost exclusively since 2.x.
When 4.x came out I tried it briefly but I quickly went back to nTrack 3.3 which the majority of my projects are in today, because it was more stable & it was alittle more relible.
I do mostly work with 96/24 audio and nTrack starts to die after about 5 to 6 tracks with plugin's.
As soon as N reaches about 50% of the CPU, it becomes unstable.
It also crashes for me everytime with certain plugin's.
I even reported this to Flavio and he just sort of shruggled it off, blaming it on the plug-ins.
So I recently switched to Reaper and I've had none of these problems.
Reaper will handle the load & doesn't crash with my plug-ins.
Also, I really like Reaper's management of takes on a track.
Does the latest nTrack do that easily?
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Does the latest nTrack do that easily?
Nope. I put it in the feature request thread though.
We'll have to see what V6 brings. Hopefully, GREAT stuff.
D