Sequencing Software and plugins

[sparky2305]

Hi guys,

I was just wondering if anybody could help me.

Im looking to get a sequencing program such as Ableton live 7 or pro tools or even cubase and was wanting advice on which was the best.

I would also like some advice on which is the easiest and best to add some virtual instruments into and use them in mixes!

Cheers

[krykos]

Telling you which one is the "best" isn't exactly an easy task because it depends what you're looking for. For example, sure Pro Tools is the one most used in industry, but it's expensive, mostly limited to Macs, and is a bit of a chore to learn to use.

If you give us an idea of what you're looking for in a sequencer, then it'll be easier to pick one out that's best for you.

[sparky2305]

Originally Posted by krykos

Telling you which one is the "best" isn't exactly an easy task because it depends what you're looking for. For example, sure Pro Tools is the one most used in industry, but it's expensive, mostly limited to Macs, and is a bit of a chore to learn to use.

If you give us an idea of what you're looking for in a sequencer, then it'll be easier to pick one out that's best for you.

Im wanting it really for recording audio and midi tracks with the option of mastering, Im quite computer literate and have had some experience with sequencers, so not particularly bothered about ease of use more or less getting virtual instruments into the sequencer and using them via midi as part of the recording.

thanks krykos

[joshpatel]

Hey,
As krykos said we cant really tel you what sequecer/package is the best as each program suite different peoples ways of working... for examples i have heard tracks produced with fruity loops which sound better than other tracks produced on say pro tools...

If you do own a mac you should definatly take a look at Logic its offers everything you need and more. The latest version has an "all in one screen" layout which makes things a lot eisier to get used to.

If youre a PC person you should probably looking along the lines of Cubase or Cakewalk Sonar. They Both also include VST integration and audio recording.

And if or when you get the money you think about a Pro tools system, even the lower models are great. maybe a few synths or keyboards..

Josh

[Ian B]

As the others have said, there is no best, only the one which suits you most.

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a sequencer caplable of all you want, Tracktion Tracktion 3 Music Production Software and Reaper REAPER | About spring to mind, especially the latter regarding the cost.

Too be fair, both are heavily audio centric, the midi side while there, is a tad basic, it doesn't have the depth of the 'big boys' like Sonar or Cubase, but is ample to get you started.

Don't ignore FL Studio FL Studio Homepage it has the best midi/piano roll I've ever used (and I've used most sequencers at some point) and also covers recording audio, tho' I personally find this a bit clunky to use. It does have the advantage of being able to use it as a vsti in another sequencer and the huge bonus of free lifetime updates.

Another option that won't break the bank is Magix Music Maker 14 MAGIX - Music Maker I haven't used this myself, but I believe it's based on Logic and it does get good reports.

Ian

[krykos]

Another good option for a cheap yet feature-packed sequencer is Cakewalk Project5. It contains all the usual stuff like VST integration, MIDI playback and multitrack recording, but it has a few extra features that makes it.

It is fully compatible with any ASIO interface, can act as Rewire client or host, quantize your MIDI inputs automatically so that any sloppy playing can be fixed, and has an inbuilt arpeggiator that is compatible with all soft synths. It also comes with a Groovematrix, in which you assign cells a MIDI or audio pattern. Only one column of cells can be played at a time, so it's a good way of building up the track and trying to come up with an idea on the spot. It also allows live performance through P5 as the PC will take care of looping whilst you apply effects or jam on another instrument.

Project5.com

Cakewalk Project 5 version 2.5 at DV247.COM

If you want, DV is also selling a bundle where you receive Sonar 7 Producer Edition, P5, two amazing soft synths (Dimension Pro and Rapture), and several expansion packs for £300. That's the price that I've seen Sonar 7 alone being sold for on other sites.

Cakewalk Pro Suite Virtual Instrument Megadeal at DV247.COM

[JAYDMF]

Best thing to do is to mess about on all of them and find out which environment you feel works for you, with me its cubase because of the way that MIDI and interconnections are laid out as its much easier to reasign audio ins and outs IMO but just find which one you feel most comfortable with.

[gzweb]

Tracktion 3 is the best... for me.

You'll have to have a go at each one of your choices to see which one suits you best. Its all subjective.

Ive used Cubase, Pro Tools, Cakewalk, Sony Vegas (surprisingly good for multitrack audio recording but cant do MIDI), Fruity Loops, Hardware Multitrack recorders and Ive found that Tracktion suits me best.

Have found Pro Tools the hardest one to master cos its been designed for people who have used Big Studio Consoles before, and Ive never used one. Been NEAR one, once or twice but thats apparently not enough. So my vote is on Tracktion, combined with the awesome plugin power of a UAD1 card

[waxxy]

what i usually do is get magazines like computer music/music tech/future music these magazines usually give away tons of demos and free software each month.that way you can try out all the latest software then if you like it buy it if you dont you havent wasted any money.my favourite software has always been cubase,its user friendly and theres loads off books and forums too give support and help if your ever stuck.

also cubase is the main software given away free with lots of hardware such as alesis/yamaha/akai hardware.

another really good product too learn with is steinberg sequel its very cheap ,allows you too edit samples and in the coming months steinberg are gonna be releasing lots off add ons for it..you can download a trial version off it from my other links posted on this forum entitled :sequel 2"

if you want too add vsts too your sequencer then maybe start with cubase studio 4 or cubase essentials both come with vsts installed and are very stable and theres lots of free vsts available :check my other posts:

but when you finally decide to start buying vsts then native instrument stuff is easily the best or check out the refx stuff there brilliant too.luckly dv247 have lots off good vsts for sale on there site.

[Ian B]

Hi All,

As I suggested Reaper to the OP, I'll point out that v2.4 is out now and it's quite a big update, still no real progress on the midi side, but it packs a major punch for a 3.3mb app. This much functionality in so small a size is coding at it's very best imo.

Ian

[mtec21@hotmail.com]

Buy a Mac & Logic studio - sorted everything u need in one box.

[BoogieBear]

A very BIG +1 for REAPER

Stunning little DAW for the money and getting better all the time

Try it out for free for a month

REAPER | About

Cheers
Anton

[pla]

best thing to do is download demos of each and see which one suits your style of working.

[Pete Carter]

I love ableton but i wish the piano roll wasnt so bad!

ive never really got on with cubase. One of the reasons i use ableton is the fact that its so easy to drop ideas together and get things going quickly.

[Tonymiro]

I'd also give a +1 for Reaper. Generally it's an excellent sequencer and one that you can try out fully before making a decision as it's not crippled or limited in any way. If you do decide to use it then a personal license is v cheap and the professional license is also cheaper then the majority. Justin also keeps on posting bug fixes and upgrades on a very frequent basis so you can be pretty certain that it's going to be a round for a long time and be well supported.

Having said all that the actual choice of sequencer comes down to what you need to do and how you do it. If you are happy with working with an all in one solution then look at Reason. If you want to use a lot of samples/clips then Ableton Live!. If you intend to focus on recording actual instruments/vocals and mixing then Reaper/Cubase/Sequoia/Logic/Pro Tools etc. (Albeit that you can also rewire Reason/Live etc in to another sequencer so you're not that limited here.)

Once you've narrowed down what you want to do then consider workflow and how you do it. The only real way to check this out is hands-on - and preferably an extended and unlimited one - of several contenders to see which you are most comfortable with.

One minor caveat to also consider - if you intend to swop files between home/pro studio/friends then you may also need to think about compatability of the raw data.

Best,
Tony