Best Easy-to-Use Software?

drumorama0


Hi! I'm a super n00b when it comes to music software (and by that I mean I really have no idea what is all entailed under the term 'MIDI' and am clueless as to what plug-ins, VST/DXi instruments, AUX inputs, and so forth are haha yeah you can laugh) but I was curious as to what products you would recommend under this kind of criteria: I'm not at all interested in recording live instruments (I'm not going to be using one of those small MIDI keyboards) and want all of the sounds already as part of the software, though I would like the ability to record as I may want vocals in the songs somewhere down the line; I at least want a piano roll function to place every single note and need automation as well; if it comes with loops thats fine but I will definitely start everything from scratch; unlimited amount of space and instrument tracks (I am currently using Kinetic 2 and really like it though I am worried I will eventually be stuck not having enough instrument tracks); and if I do get a new program would I be able to transfer all of my Kinetic 2 songs over to it instead of redoing every single note over again? But I appreciate any suggestions and thanks for reading a n00b's naive paragraph haha thanks!

Budget constraints would be really helpful in answering your question.  Sounds like you might get by with an entry level Sonar for starters and upgrade to the full Producer version when your needs exceed what you've started with.  How extensive an instrumental palette do you need?  If you've got 400 bucks and want a lot of sounds, NI's Komplete might be just the ticket.  On the other hand, if you're looking for a modest capability, the what comes with Sonar may be enough.  There's no easy answer without knowing more about what you're looking for and how much you have to spend on it.
 
As for Kinetic, sorry but I've never heard of it.  If you have MIDI projects, however, and Kinetic can output standard MIDI files, you can import those into Sonar (probably all versions, but Producer for sure).

Kinetic will still work.

But there is a thread in SONAR X1 about SONAR X1 essentials soon to be $69, which is a pretty good deal.  It is a linear recorder, which is something you will need.

Also remember that you are a part of the Cakewalk family, and able to get discounts when upgrading.  And you should be on the mail list for specials.

@

If it's easy to use you're after, look no further than the new Waves "One Knob" series.  If that's too complicated for you...you might rethink this whole thing;-)

www.waves.com

If you want an inexpensive way to start, look no further than Cakewalk's MC5.... Music Creator 5.

It retails for $40... buy the box version form Cake OR from your local big box store or music store. MC5 comes with Cake's Sound Center which includes over 150 instrument sounds, ( 150 in the box...DL is less so go for the box)   bass, keys, horns, strings, etc.... and when you update it to the current version from the web site you get a few more thrown in for good measure. 

Spend the remaining $160 on a good USB based sound card interface running ASIO drivers. Be sure it is Audio and Midi in one box.

All you do is add your midi controller/keyboard and you are good to go, and a set of studio monitors, or headphones.

For the money, not much else comes close to a super, all in one, startup package as MC5.

Do not let the "beginner's DAW" label fool you into thinking you are getting a toy, or that you need to spend several hundreds to get a good DAW.  I use MC4/5 for ALL my recording. (Click my website link and follow it to MY MUSIC and have a listen to see/hear what MC can do. )

 MC5 doesn't have the bells and whistles (distractions in my book) that the "big DAW's" have, but in many cases, I have found them to be un-necessary. MC5 is limited to 48 audio tracks and 256 midi tracks. (IIRC)

It also comes with SI-Drums (pretty easy to use drum synth) and TTS ( excellent general midi synth with tons of sounds) as well as Triangle. ( never used it )

Pop into the MC forum and read/ask questions.