Low Cost Home Recording Studio Software
Music has evolved very much in the last ten years, and with it has come the Digital Audio Workstation or “DAW”. This is basically a computer program that you buy or download onto your computer. There are many different programs out there that differ in price range, and some are better than others. What’s essential is that you can have the same Digital Audio Workstation that big time recording studios have.
Before investing in a recording studio at home, I would strongly consider some of the following:
How many inputs at any given time will I need?
* Given that there can be so many different projects in a recording scenario, 2 Inputs may be all you need. With today’s technologies, musicians can easily create ‘Commercial’ sounding recordings with drums, strings, keys, bass, guitars and vocals with only two audio inputs and a MIDI I/O. Or, do you wish to record a Live Band in which you’ll need at least 16 tracks? That’s not to say you can’t record a band with only 8 tracks, or 2 for that matter… you will just have less control of each individual instrument. Do you need the inputs to support Line Level, Accept a Bass or Electric Guitar (DI) and power my microphone with 48V Phantom power? Do you want to utilise the Digital output of your Guitar Amp Simulator or synthesizer? If so, you’ll be needing either a S/PDIF or optical input.
What programme is best for my needs?
* Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Sonar, Adobe Audition and Cubase are just a few of the many programs users can choose from. But which one is best for you? Should you go with industry standard Pro Tools or, Logic Pro with better MIDI capabilities? Would Cubase fit your needs as you can use it with a broader range of audio devices? As you can guess, different programs excel where others may not be as capable. Find out what recording software suits the style of music you’re most likely going to be recording.
* Will the programme work with your computer and operating system? Does it support MAC and PC? Check online forums for compatibility issues with your computer. Does the particular unit you’re thinking of buying require fire wire or USB? Does your PC have both of these inputs?
Does my studio have to be portable?
* Some recording studios are used solely as editing suites where inputs are never needed. Thus, manufactures have invented USB styled portable hardware. Many of the units on today’s market are, in fact, portable. It’s only when you combine many other parts of hardware where setups become difficult to transport. Do you want to have it placed in a rack so if down the track, you can add other pieces of gear?
Here are the 3 elements of a beginner home recording studio I recommend:
#1. Microphone – Samson G Track USB Microphone and Audio Interface
#2. MIDI Controller – M-Audio Axiom 25-Key MIDI Controller
#3. Any studio recording software according to your needs
The best programs out there on PC computers would be Pro Tools, Cakewalk Sonar, and Cubase to name the most popular. Pro Tools is the most popular program out there, and it can work on Mac or PC.Pro Tools has three different types of systems; LE, HD, and M-powered. The high end HD edition supports bit depths of 16 and 24 bit, and also supports sample rates of up to 192 kHz. The newest edition of Pro Tools is called Pro Tools essential, and this program allows you to record up to sixteen tracks, and with the essential plug-in more than sixteen sounds come supplied. Pro Tools used to sell for 6,000 dollars in 1991 but is now sold for less than 300 dollars. Many top artists have made their whole CD off of this program, and you can easily use this recording software with ease.
Another program only used on PC is called Cakewalk Sonar which lets you record, edit,mix, master, and ouput audio like most of the the other hardware out there. The newest versions of the software would include Sonar Home Studio 7, Sonar Home Studio 7 XL, Sonar 8.5 Producer Edition, and Sonar LE. Sonar lets you Record and manipulate MIDI data, automate the process of mixing audio, and the Producer addition comes with an industry standard 64 bit mastering suite. This program can go up to about $600 dollars.
Cubase, made by the German company Steinberg, started making audio software in as early as 1989. The newest version, Cubase 5, was recently released in February 2009 which includes pitch correction, drum machines, and vocal editing like many of the other programs. You would have to use this system under Windows Vista, and Cubase 5 ranges from $400-500 dollars.
To decide what program to get you should shop around, and also decide what program would be best fitted in your price range. There are some programs where you can download a free version of the software to check it out.You should also ask other music pros what they think, and if you get the chance you should play around with the programs. These tips will help you decide what program fits best for your needs.
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