Recording Software/Hardware

Hi everyone. I recently got back into playing after a lengthy hiatus. I am really wanting to hone my lead playing skills so I am looking for sw/hw to record backing tracks for practice. I would like to be able to use the software (and or hardware) to record finished products as well. There are so many products available I have no idea where to start. I am looking to spend around $500.

I have a pod x3 live and a few individual pedals that I play over an Egnater Renegade amp with a strat and LP. I use both windows 7 and mac computers. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Kyle

Try Reaper. It's VERY full package at only $60.00

You can try it for 30 days for free. It's the full blown version. I recently paid my $60.00 for it. WEEEEEELL worth it. Also, I'm running Windows 7 and have had no issues with it at all.

http://www.reaper.fm/

Thanks for the reply. I just downloaded it last night, now I need to figure out how to use it. What interface do you use to record your guitar?

I also noticed that GC has Cakewalk for 49.95 right now. How does it compare to Reaper?

I have gotten years and years of recording out of very simple and inexpensive interfaces.

There is endless talk about what gear is the best, but it is mostly marketing hype and shiny logos. So much of what we buy is cheap, consumer level, mass-produced junk that could probably actually fly the Space Shuttle if it had to. Sometimes we forget how advanced even the most basic gear is. We couldn't even get access to gear this incredible 20 years ago, but now everyone can buy it for $100, so we think we need the $1,000 "Pro" version which does the exact same thing. The difference these days is marginal if anything at all, so don't be fooled by brand identity. It might make you feel cool and look impressive to have all those extra knobs, but if you play that game you'll be throwing your toy in the closet in another year and buying the new model.

So, now that my rant is over... I recorded most of my new record using only an M-AUDIO Firewire Solo, which has one XLR and one guitar line input.

My software has been Cubase for nearly 20 years.

You can check out the results here:

http://www.drzoltan.com/files/downloads.php

-Carl.

Originally Posted by: kddean66Thanks for the reply. I just downloaded it last night, now I need to figure out how to use it. What interface do you use to record your guitar?

I also noticed that GC has Cakewalk for 49.95 right now. How does it compare to Reaper?

I have a Line6 PODX3.
http://line6.com/podx3/

We have a Pod X3 Live here and it's great! Anders and Douglas get most of their latest electric guitar tones for the videos out of it.

-Carl.

Originally Posted by: kddean66Thanks for the reply. I just downloaded it last night, now I need to figure out how to use it. What interface do you use to record your guitar?

I also noticed that GC has Cakewalk for 49.95 right now. How does it compare to Reaper?

Looks cool.

I read a bit about it and did not see that it supported external plug ins. While, at the outset this probably isn't a big deal, you may want to expand your stuff later and if the app doesn't support it, your stuck. Granted, for only $50 bucks so not a huge deal.

Since I have a Mac, I have Garageband and it's great but ya gotta have a Mac to get it. Anyway, not the point, more that the software does support plug ins since the pre-loaded amps in the GB are ok but not great. I was able to get an external USB device (IK's Stealth Pedal) and much better quality of amp sims etc. I think the point is that if you find the amp sims in the Cakewalk stuff to your liking, you're good to go. Want to consider that before purchasing.

Also, you might want to consider getting the USB interface from Cakewalk too. It's made to work with the product and likely worth the $60 it costs. If you don't have a USB deal yet, worth thinking about.

For software I use Cool Edit Pro 2.0 now known as Adobe Audition. For interface I'm using the Presonus Firebox. It's a great sounding interface and can be had for less than 200 bucks. If you want more Inputs/outputs you can always get one of their higher end models. But the meat of the interface comes on them all.

Thank you everyone for your advice. One thing that is clear...there is a variety of hardware and software that works well.

I purchased Logic for my mac and an apogee duet interface. When I talked with people about the two platforms (Mac and Windows) it seemed that the way that OS X speaks to the hardware is more efficient and stable. Logic seems to be highly thought of within the community. So, I ultimately went with my gut - I hope it all works out.

Sounds like you made a well informed choice. I have friends who use Logic and absolutely love it.

I have been using Logic since Version 7, which is now at Version 9. I can testify that Logic is amazing and very, very user friendly. I can not say enough about the new platform of Logic 9; which is has many, many new features for guitarists specifically. I use it nearly every day and am happy to help you with any questions you have regarding the software. There isn't enough time and space for me to get into what all you can do with Logic. I have barely scratched the surface and have produced and engineered several records with it.

I have never used the Apogee interfaces, but I know they are fantastic. Great job and keep us posted on how it works for you. :D

Thanks Douglas. Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed with all the features. Do you know of any good tutorials?

Hi kddean..
Take a look here for tutorials. I have no idea it they will help..
http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_2552_use-logic-music-recording-software.html

when i started puttin my home studio togetehr i went with a presonus fire studio project, and cubase using guitar rig for my guitar sim,, so far everythings workin good, tho i did have a bit of hassle getting it to work with my laptop. i'm hoping to have a new job soon and be able to aford me a new mac to do my recording with.

Originally Posted by: kddean66Thanks Douglas. Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed with all the features. Do you know of any good tutorials?

Whenever a new version of Logic is released, corresponding books usually follow. I used to work out of the LOGIC 7 book; which helped a great deal. The books have DVD's which give you projects to work on and really, really help. There are many great free online tutorials, but I found the hands on approach with the books to be much more helpful. Here are links where you can get those.

Logic 9 - Intro Book

Logic 9 - Advanced Book

I know you went with Logic, but I wanted to reply to clarify an earlier post.

Reaper DOES work with 3rd party plugins. I am a Reaper user and I also use plugins by Waves, IK Multimedia, Sonnox, Toontrack, Steven Slate, etc....