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Post subject: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:55 pm
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I started out recording on a TASCAM digital recorder, but I find recording on a PC provides me with many more tools -- VSTs and VSTi's, lots more tracks. What's your preference and why?


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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 9:04 am
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Computer hands down.

Why? Speed, flexibility, pro features (frame-accurate synch to video is a requirement for my work), access to the entire world of high-level processing (I can't work without my Waves plugs and NI Komplete), easier access (keyboard and mouse beats little buttons), inexpensive upgrade paths, and the ability to interface with your choice of the entire world of mixers and outboard gear.

I think all-in-one DAWs are really great tools for a lot of applications... my wife Lisa runs a small radio station, and they use DP-01s in several off-line suites because they're cheap and do everything they need for their style of production.

But for professional (or even semi-pro or serious hobbyist) music production, computer based systems are the right choice.


Last edited by Gravity Jim on Thu Oct 25, 2007 9:28 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 9:07 am
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Same here -I started with a Fostex (MR8HD)- and added a pc to the mix. Now I use both- depends on what I'm doing. The Fostex is easy if I'm just laying down say, a keyboard instrumental and maybe a simple drum track. I do alot of background tracks fro video promos at my church as part of my Director's job.


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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:26 pm
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Anybody else have an opinion?


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Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:02 am
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Gravity Jim wrote:
Computer hands down.

Why? Speed, flexibility, pro features (frame-accurate synch to video is a requirement for my work), access to the entire world of high-level processing (I can't work without my Waves plugs and NI Komplete), easier access (keyboard and mouse beats little buttons), inexpensive upgrade paths, and the ability to interface with your choice of the entire world of mixers and outboard gear.

I think all-in-one DAWs are really great tools for a lot of applications... my wife Lisa runs a small radio station, and they use DP-01s in several off-line suites because they're cheap and do everything they need for their style of production.

But for professional (or even semi-pro or serious hobbyist) music production, computer based systems are the right choice.


I concur. 8)

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW, iOS Device or PC?
Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 2:16 pm
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Revisiting this thread. With many more recording apps for iOS and new plugs coming
out literally every week.

What do you record with? Favorite plug-ins?

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:00 pm
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I was recording with Sony ACID Pro and Sound Forge. Sony let ACID die and the new owners, MAGIX, don't seem to see it as a priority (and they have their own DAWs). Just this past Sunday, I downloaded Ableton Live 9 Intro. Still not sure this is my new DAW, but I got the $100 package for $10 on Reverb.com.

I really liked ACID. :(


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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 5:20 pm
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I also vote for computer. I run Audacity on my laptop and transfer everything to an old, spare, external HD that I connect with a USB cable. I also run Finale (MIDI files) also on my laptop connected to my full size, 88 key, Yamaha digital keyboard. So, I kind of mix 'n match the best of both worlds...


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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 8:43 pm
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What are you guys using for audio interfaces these days?

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 10:08 pm
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I don't do a whole lot of recording.
When I do I just use Garage Band.
It has enough features for what I need it to do.
My interface crapped out on me last October ('16).
It was a Sapphire Pro 24.
I replaced it with a Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo.
The only plug-ins I use are the two that came with it.
It works better than the Focusrite did.
It was a nightmare trying to get the Sapphire to record in true stereo.
I mean one instrument, recording two discreet channels; which I pan one mostly left, one mostly right.
The hoops I had to jump through were staggering.
The Apollo does it with ease.
That's about the extent of my recording knowledge.
I get good sounds, though.

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2017 9:56 am
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I have yet to pin down any one DAW or computer. For the moment it's a Windows Home Entertainment PC with a variety of connections that do double duty with audio and video. BlueRay/HD CD/DVD (typical recorder), 2 permanent hard drives (room for two more) and two removable internal hard drives along with multiple USB and Memory card solutions. Replacement was expected to be cheaper over the years. So much for that trendy expectation as prices rise and politics keep the Canadian dollar low. So for now I use an older OS until I no longer can do it. The disadvantages are migrating to newer and, perhaps, incompatible and/or irreplaceable software (and maybe hardware). The advantage is migrating to newer software and newer hardware that will come with the latest release, but with the risk that features could be less or more, and cost is unknown. :roll:
Meanwhile, I use several DAWs and/or programs depending on my needs, and I may cut back or change in the future migration. The variety is beneficial for my knowledge and it boosts my imagination. Some things are useful while others are overkill in many DAWs and software. IMHO. There's a chance of over produced recordings or poor execution. The reverse is also true.

Ableton (mostly), Cubase (as the learning curve flattens out), Sony Audio Studio LE (simple effective record and tape cleanup and transfers); Steinberg WaveLab, and a slew of software recorders with video programs or amp simulation (I don't do much within these, however). Garage Band is available (not used for the moment). Most software is introductory, but plug-ins are plentiful and sometimes overwhelming with duplication.

I have a Soundcraft MFXi 8 mixer (I use it to mix my drums, and PA with mikes, Lexicon, maybe the keyboard or guitar or amp) which connects to a Focusrite 2i2 interface (latest model would be better for headroom and latency . . . but, this works). Yamaha keyboard to PC USB, TC Helicon VoiceLive Play GTX to mixer/PA and/or PC USB. and Mustang IV amp to PC USB (headphone jack is possible line out). At times I just use the 2i2 interface directly with guitars.

My well used 4 track and 2 track open reel decks sit dormant now except for the odd playback. Some cassette decks may be used, but less likely even with the three head.

There is a separate near mint audiophile audio only CD double deck recorder/changer with playback on one half and record on the other (handy for dubs) which I use with the few erasable discs that I have, and some non-erasable discs that I managed to get before legislation banned the sale on this side of the border (if you could even find them). Audio Only (recordable) Discs outside of this country do not work in Canada for this recorder as I discovered the hard way. Shame! It's handy for backing tracks and recording without software. I'd love to have a multi-track extended length unit for hard copies.

The iPhone with it's internal mike is surprisingly handy at a moment's inspiration, and can be a lo-fI solution for posterity.

Aside from post production and mastering, there's something to be said for just pushing a button. That's how some of the most classic recordings were produced!

In the end.my preference is a laptop with recording software, post-production and mastering software on a PC or MAC desktop, and hard copies. YMMV

FSB
It is said that the artist is the key to the end result - not the instrument. Same goes for the recording - the brain trumps the tools. Together, they are a thing of beauty.

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 1:43 pm
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Miami Mike wrote:
What are you guys using for audio interfaces these days?


I'm still using my Lexicon Lambda, however, I'm taking a hard look at the Focusrite Scarlett line. I think the 6i6 would work for me.


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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 8:02 am
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stratmansteve wrote:
Miami Mike wrote:
What are you guys using for audio interfaces these days?


I'm still using my Lexicon Lambda, however, I'm taking a hard look at the Focusrite Scarlett line. I think the 6i6 would work for me.


I'm using a Tascam but also liking what I'm hearing about the Focusrite products. I also noticed that
many interfaces now ship with bundled recording software and loop libraries.

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 9:39 am
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Miami Mike wrote:
stratmansteve wrote:
Miami Mike wrote:
What are you guys using for audio interfaces these days?


I'm still using my Lexicon Lambda, however, I'm taking a hard look at the Focusrite Scarlett line. I think the 6i6 would work for me.


I'm using a Tascam but also liking what I'm hearing about the Focusrite products. I also noticed that
many interfaces now ship with bundled recording software and loop libraries.
Not to flog one brand over another as they all have their features and usual DAWs of one's choice; but, Focusrite has added some pretty awesome and useful plugins for free monthly from a variety of companies. You might want to check that out if they are of interest.

I'm still waiting for recording at the snap of fingers. Oh, I forgot, I had that. He was called an audio operator/engineer. :lol:
FSB

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Last edited by Fender Strat Brat on Wed Aug 23, 2017 8:11 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Home Recording: DAW or PC?
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:34 pm
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Fender Strat Brat wrote:
Miami Mike wrote:
stratmansteve wrote:
Miami Mike wrote:
What are you guys using for audio interfaces these days?


I'm still using my Lexicon Lambda, however, I'm taking a hard look at the Focusrite Scarlett line. I think the 6i6 would work for me.


I'm using a Tascam but also liking what I'm hearing about the Focusrite products. I also noticed that
many interfaces now ship with bundled recording software and loop libraries.
Not to flog one brand over another as they all have their features and usual DAWs of one's choice; but, Focusrite has added some pretty awesome and useful plugins for free monthly from a variety of companies. You might want to check that out if they are of interest.

I'm still wait for recording at the snap of fingers. Oh, I forgot, I had that. He was called an audio operator/engineer. :lol:
FSB



:D

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