Okay, so i wan to get some of my ideas into digital format. I have a very cheaply made fostex recorder but i saw a demonstration of garage band. But for those who dont wish to drop a grand on a computer. Is there any software that comes close in the windows platform? And if so what kind of interface devices are.needed?

Check out Mixcraft (new version 6 dropping soon!) by Acoustica.
http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/

You could use any USB interface - Tascam US100 is a decent one for under a buck.

Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

There are some very good open-source developed programmes-namely Ardour and Rosegarden, also with audacity for simpler/quicker recording. Open source is usually free(these programmes are), the whole idea behind it is software that anyone can add to/use for free. NASA uses a variant of it in some of their satellites I think. Googles' Android phone os is based on open source software, and so is Mac OS-the operating system on the apple MacBooks.

There is also the drum machine called Hydrogen, which is really good and has lots of support. For writing music notation, there's MuseScore, Lilypond, and the slightly older Tuxguitar, but Tuxguitar can write in tab and music notation, if you prefer.

I use these-they are really good, and free so there's nothing to lose!

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http://www.youtube.com/user/Almungo/videos?flow=grid&view=0

There are several good windows digital audio workstations. As mentioned Adobe Audition (formerly CoolEdit Pro) is simple and quick.

For more control, options, interfaces and channels try REAPER. Both are fairly affordable. Some of the DAW's are really pricey.

If you want cheap, try the free Audacity. It isn't very versatile but it works.

Doesn't Fender offer amps that offer i/o audio interface with some included software? (Ableton lite maybe).

For a DAW Reaper offers most bang for the buck. It's like 50.00 bucks or something. There are all kinds of i/o connections for your PC. I use Line6 UX2. I have even used the cord that came with Rocksmith (video game) and some free drivers (ASIO4All) if I remember correctly.

The thing you may want to consider is if you want to have your effects processed on your computer or if you want to get your sound, then run it into the PC. Some people mic their equipment then run the mic to their i/o interface. Some use software to add effects. I would really like to have a Line6 HD Pod 500 for effects and interface but I am currently financially challenged. So I use free vst effects, there are tons of nice free amp sims. The real thing sounds better though, there is just no (100%) simulating a good setup without major cost. You can always use a combination of the two methods for the good tone from a real amp and the added flexibility of vst effects.

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I guess i should back up a bit. My fostek is really great light wieght 4 stereo xlr inputs and 4 other unbalanced inputs. I mainly take it to jam with buddies and connect a condensor mic in the room and it makes decent recordings decent enough for us to listen to and critique ourselfs. Its has some decent effects, but no eq. I would love for at the very least an eq for . the xlr channels. It does have eq "settings" but are almost useless. I would like to get software with an interface device if need be that can record vocals and guitar at the same time. I have a hard time singing without me playing the guitar. The bass and drums i can handle when the guitar and vocals are already layed down. Once the tracks are set i would like some basic tools to cut out the empty space noise and buzz from various instruments. Much like a noise gate. And some compression. But not over the entire master, i want to be able to adjust each track individualy before mastering.

I thought you wanted something like Garageband for Windows.

Mixcraft is that!

http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/2 ... ws_xp.html

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I went to the GC seminars on Garage Band, and was planning on getting a new Mac. I decided I didn't want to spend the money so I started looking for recording software to use with my windows laptop. I ended up with Mike's suggestion, Mixcraft. It was designed to be like Garage Band. It's not Pro Tools, but for an amatuer, it's all you need. It's pretty intuitive, so I can usually figure out what I need to do without a lot of hassle. I like it enough that I'll probably buy the upgrade.

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i using "acoustica mp3 audio mixer" software, it is very good, you don't even need mics,
and i recorded a full studio album consisting of guitar and drums with only my laptop in my bedroom.

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http://www.youtube.com/user/eddytanhh

Their version 6 is supposed to be released soon. You can find YouTube vids that
show how easy it is to use this program...here's one (of several) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_UjEOL2 ... re=related

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried mixcraft 5 demo and i couldnt find a way to record. I tried hooking a guitar to the line 6 guitar port, and using the mic and line in on my sound card and nothing.

You have to "arm" the track to record.
http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/v4/help/hs790.htm

Try playing with some of the many loops in this order :

Track 1 - Drums
Track 2 - Bass
Track 3 - Piano
Track 4 - Organ
Track 5 - add your own

If you get stuck, the help section does!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I've got,
Audacity DAW http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Cost: free, (new version recently released)
Hydrogen drums http://www.hydrogen-music.org/hcms/ Cost: free

Reaper DAW http://www.reaper.fm/ Cost: free to try, inexpensive to buy.

Cost is right, and they all seem to work well!

Many devices like the Digitech RP pedals or the Feder mustang amps will function as a USB interface.
Or you can find guitar to USB cables for very little cash outlay like
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004I6Q5XS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/192-8301806-0866902?pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_r=1Q8KG2HXKZ7YRJM6R1K4&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=485327511&pf_rd_i=B004DOR64W

I suspect even the cable that comes with the RockSmith game might work, not sure never tried plugging it into a PC.

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