DAWS and Audio Recording

"after experiencing an Apple Mac,
there is no way back"

yeah i wish i could afford one.

Aparently its a miricle i have out 2408 motu working in windows.

For Audio there really is none other, and After effects SCREAMS on a MAC.

May have to start saving, my guitarist is getting naggy now,

Is a $700 MacMini expensive? I always thought that's quite cheap for such an awesome computer. Plus you can add a 20-24" screen to it easily. Keep in mind that on almost any Windows PC (esp. with Home or Home Basic package) you'd need to add $200 to have all the software that comes as standard with a Mac.

"Is a $700 MacMini expensive? "

I know Art it isn't, but money is tight for someone who earns as little as me for what I do,

Bane of working for education in england i guess.
If i were to get a Mac id have to sell the Car which is NEVER going to happen.

Is a $700 MacMini expensive?

Considering the PC equivalent, yes.

Sorry don't want to turn this into a mac v PC thing, but I just built myself a PC that runs rings around any mac for less euros and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Sure the mac looks good but there is better DAW computer value out there if you take the time to do your homework.

redirect:

the op has a PC, not a MAC. He is looking for free (or close to it) software... so i would hazard a guess that there are financial constraints for him right now.

So, while I personally have nothing against MACs and am even considering one as a replacement for my laptop (not for use with DAW), can we keep the computer religion out of this discussion and focus on helping the op get up and running with his new fantom and a DAW?..

he doesnt have a MAC.. repeat after me.. he doesn't have a MAC.....lol

I tried to keep quiet but have to speak up: don't buy a Mac or anything else from Apple unless you're a succer for gadgets and don't mind being sucked into their closed system designed to squeeze you for your last penny.
Real men value functionality over design, i.e.: Cubase, on Windows.

yes this is getting a bit fanboisish.

One quick statement,

Buy a tool for a job,

if im buying an accoustic - Yamaha
if im buying an electric - Ibanez
if im buying a Mixer - SSL - or soundcraft
if im buying a compressor Universal audio or DBX
if im buying a Laptop Asus (although i have a Dell atm)
if im buying a car toyota
if im buying a phone HTC

So therfore
if im buying a Gaming or genreal computer- a home made PC (always)
if im buying an Audio or Motion graphics computer buy a Mac

its all about using the right tool for a job.

BACK ON TOPIC


this list is a definatly IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT

Really I appreciate everyone's comments. Mystic38, you really nailed it. except for the fact that my fantomg8 is not new, its been almost 2 years . The sad part of my story is that I just upgraded from an old receiver and regular speakers, to a some mackie Mr8 monitors (which btw I am very satisfied with!). Also, I'm not too constrained by spending money. On the other hand, I don't wanna wind up like "the extreme", with a "music shop" worth of equipment because i didnt buy the right stuff in the first place. This is obvious i Know...sorry. Ive always been under the impression that mac's are what professionals in studios generally use. though on the other hand, a computer is just the parts put into it, and yes Artemiy, Macintosh has a extremely good reputations for the their computers and customer service (though I'm not sure the same can be said for the I phone-not that i know personally). Bottom line is, right now i have a hp slimline pc, and I'm leaning towards picking up a lite version of cubase. All I'm working on in the near future is recording mostly myself, but some friends as well. (I'm a drummer with a sweet roland v drums kit! But I also play guitar and obviously keyboard! One more question (for now). Artemiy, I'm interested in these mac mini laptops or maybe even a full scale laptop. Not just for this audio recording but they seem pretty cool in general. Anyways, what is it that makes them preferable for recording over a pc? sound cards? processing power? Can someone please explain. btw Art, I didn't feel as though you were trying to "sell" me. why is it people are accusing this, do you work for mac or something? Once again thanks for the help everyone.

IMO, it sounds like you're on the right track. #1 instrument(s), #2 workstation, #3 Monitors, #4 DAW...

As for the software, a lot of it boils down to your experience(what you learned on) and given the kit you've already got, you might not want to rule out building a Pro Tools rig(I think that's the first and last time you'll hear me say that.) Here's why tho; I'm assuming you're a rocker since you play the drums and guitar. Pro Tools is argueably the best for audio editing and while it lacks a bit on the MIDI sequencing end, it doesn't sound like a big concern.

That said, Cubase, Sonar, Reaper, Logic are all fully functioning DAWs and can get you nearly any place you want to go. None of them are particularly more useful or compatible with the Fantom-G than another. Ableton Live fits in here too, but has a particular bend for 'live' performance and looped material. Fruity Loops is noteably another good place to start, but more often used for dance music.

Inevitably, you're next step is going to be choosing an interface; another reason I threw Pro Tools in there. One of the first things you should consider, beyond firewire/usb is how many inputs/channels you're going to want to record. If it hasn't already, switching plugs and adjusting levels in and out of the Fantom is likely to become a chore.

Keeping that in mind, you can start adding up the dollar signs. You might want to save a few for cables too and if you're serious about recording other people and producing, that's another huge can of worms(read:dolladollabills) to spend on your room.

From my (limited) DAW experience:
**On Pc:**
-Reaper
-Sony Acid Pro 7.0d
-Sonar 8.5

**On Mac:**
-Reaper 64
-Garageband
-Logic Express 9

Reaper is turning into a shockingly good DAW

just wished it had the mastering capabilities of cubase (wasnt keen on the multiband compressor at the time)

dbijoux:

PC equivalent of a Mac? Like, a Hyuindai equivalent of a Lamborghini?

@Art for a minute the I thought you were going to say lynux and I would have had to have hit you.

Besides what your saying is that a Mac is basically there for asthetics and power, is rediculously unreliable, costs you an arm and a leg to run, and you lose all your freinds through jelousy.

No issue with my friends - they all own Macs now

As of running costs and reliability - you must be joking out of jealousy! My Mac has been doing well for almost 5 years. Haven't ever - ever - seen a Windows machine that would not have issues for more than a year. You can't argue that a UNIX system is way better than Windows - you just CAN'T, period.

But hey - I stop stealing this thread, let's go back to the DAW question.