Hey All,
>Another technical question.
>
>what do you think are the best computer programs for composing music.
>What I think are most important is number of tracks it can accept, midi
>compatibility, and of
>course how well it can duplicate and screw with the sounds...ANny
>suggestions?
>
>im working with a six track now how high do they go?
I would say any of the high-end packages that are around would suit
you. Digital Performer, Cubase, Protools 5, etc.
They all have the capability to simultaneously do midi sequencing and
multitrack digital audio. The maximum number of tracks for any of
these packages is usually limited by your computer + your audio card.
Hard Drive speed is crucial for a lot of tracks, and I have heard of
people running 96 tracks on really suped up machines, but 12 - 24 is
more realistic on a good machine.
My personal favorite of the software pick is Cubase VST. Rock-solid
MIDI performance. Flexible realtime effects. Good, responsive audio.
Good looking interface. Good hardware compatibility.
I have not used DP very much (made by Mark of the Unicorn), but have
heard very good things. I think that the plug-in support is not as
great as Cubase, but the app runs very well. I have heard the
notation is the best of the lot.
Protools can be VERY expensive if you get into buying their hardware,
but it is also of the highest quality. However, protools has been
more of a mastering/recording setup in the past and has only recently
added the compositional tools to the package - so if you are more
interested in just writing, I would avoid it.
They have released a new low cost package aimed at project studios
called the Digi001, that runs about $1000us for the software and a
sound card / audio interface with mic preamps. It's not a bad deal
compared with the rest of their stuff...
Emagic has also had an offering called Logic Audio, but I think they
are discontinuing it because of lack of sales (unconfirmed).
It should be noted that I am a mac-based person and don't have
experience with alot of pc-only software like sound forge, acid, and
cakewalk... so someone else will have to step up to bat for that one.
Best of luck!
.aaron shinn
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