Boxed version of MC5 vs. the download version - PROBLEMS WITH INSTALLED MC5 NOW. :o)

http://www.cakewalk.com/products/musiccreator/feature.aspx/Music-Creator-5-system-requirements

scroll down to the bottom table.  it lists the differences there.  
it includes audio loops that the download does not, 100 extra sounds for the cakewalk soundcenter softsynth, and 30 extra studio instruments drums programs and and 15 extra patterns.

Thank you very much! Not sure why I can't find that screen. Looks like I will go with the boxed version. "30 extra studio instruments" is the selling point. Can never have too many instruments, can you?

Just placed my order! Thanks for the help.

Thanks for that John! Like I said, I am thinking that many of the complaints have to do with aspects that the company possibly could not help, and due to people always looking for the world, moon, and universe in a package. I also am understanding that I am spending $40 on a program, where the stuff that the pros use is a LOT more expensive. Also, I have an old 4 track tape system here, and I know how difficult that can be to use sometimes, so I am expecting this to have one heck of a learning curve also.

With software is concerned, I am starting to think that I will probably always get a physical disc if at all possible.

As for the wait time, I also opted for the free 5-8 day shipping. I've been out of work for over a year now, so it is all about penny pinching where I can. I'm getting this program in hopes of my becoming a one hit wonder so I don't need to find a job. That's not too much to ask...is it?

Telling ya...I'm pretty darn tooting excited to get this thing now. Anybody have massive problems installing it?

Oh crap...I need to find all that info??? I'm running an HP Pavillion dv7 Entertainment PC. 4G RAM/500 GB (200+ free) Win 7. That's about all I know off hand. I'm not sure how to find out what soundcard is on here, and what drivers it uses. This computer was a gift from my dad. When I got laid off I went back to college. My dad decided I should have my own computer since the family hogs the other one here. He basically went crazy and bought me a beautiful computer.

Thanks! So far I am loving this forum!

When I go to set it up, the install will ask me what type of drivers I have, right? If I am correct, where do I find out what I have? I was looking for it today, as when I checked out the Inside Home Recording podcast in which they reviewed the MC5, he mentioned that this part of the install was the only part that threw him for a loop, so he guessed. Since then I have been looking for that on my computer, and haven't found diddly.

I'm going to check your site, Beagle, just to get an idea of how much I am looking at for a new soundcard. Is it something I actually put in the computer...or just a driver? I'm such an ignoramus.

no, it won't ask you what type of drivers you have.  it defaults to WDM and when you run MC5 for the first time it will ask if you want to run a profiler for your soundcard - this is done for WDM driver mode (default).

with your onboard soundcard you will either be using WDM default or you may have to switch to MME.don't worry about trying to "find it" on your computer - that's not necessary.

as far as a soundcard, it depends on the computer you have.  you can get a USB soundcard that will work for desktops OR laptops, or you can get a PCI for a desktop or firewire if you have a firewire port (but there are other considerations for a firewire card as well - I don't really recommend them for novice users).

the UA-1G is one of the soundcards you could get.  it's USB so it will work on desktops or laptops.  it's a good enough device for either and for new users.

WAIT!

O.K., this is the last time I am bugging you for the time being, until the stuff gets here. But what is the difference in these two items:

http://www.amazon.com/Cakewalk-UA-1G-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B0021HUHEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1299018421&sr=8-1

and

http://www.amazon.com/Cakewalk-UA-1G-Audio-Device-Standard/dp/B0035H8GP6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1299018421&sr=8-2

Anybody know?

Coolness. Just in the one it shows the adapter cord, and the other does not. I think I will go with the nice $60 used one. I understand there are better interfaces out there, but as this will be my first REAL attempt at home recording, I am thinking I should learn the ropes and prove myself, before I try and convince anybody that I need real hardware. Looking over my computer, I do believe I need an external interface, as there is no open docks on this. So, I will be going easy on this to begin with.
 
I have been using a free program called multi-track studio, but the dang thing is so limiting, I decided to go this route.

Thanks again all.

Yes, I think it was about that price. The biggest problem I had with it was the limiting tracks. On the free version you can record as many tracks as you like, but it will only save down 2 of them. Plus, it only uses a couple of file formats. It looks like $40 will get me a nice program here.

Beagle wrote
 

and 30 extra studio instruments drums programs and and 15 extra patterns.

 
So that's not 30 extra instruments, like different soft synths, but more drums for Studio Instruments Drums.
 
And Guitarhacker records all his music in MC 4, and it sounds darn good, so MC 5 should enable  you to make great recordings.

I don't think he meant that.
Do you have a MIDI keyboard? Does it have standard MIDI ports, or a USB port (or both)?
For instance, my keyboard has MIDI ports only, so it's easier for me to have an interface with MIDI ports if I choose, which I did. There are also MIDI-to-USB converters if you have enough USB ports and want to go that route. Some keyboards are USB only. Of course, if you don't have a keyboard that topic is moot. But it's a lot easier to get MIDI into a track by playing it than writing it note by note in the staff or Piano Roll.
The UA-1G is a fine device. Just make sure it's compatible with your system.

No I'm not saying avoid it at all.... it will do audio for you and not cost a ton of money.

What I am saying is to fully use the synths and software instruments in the Sound Center (CSC) and the other synths in it and on the market form third party vendors, you would very likely need to use a midi keyboard to do so. You can mouse click notes in (slow and painful) or you can play them in or have some one else play them in via a midi keyboard.

HOWEVER.... you can get the midi in through 2 ways. The old 5 pin midi connection OR some of the newer keyboards are using USB.

So, if you're not a keyboard player and have no immediate plans to use MIDI, the UA will do nicely. It will allow you to record all the things you need with a mic, or plug in a small mixer and use several mics  as you might do on a drum kit.

The main thing is, jump in and get the UA and get started recording. There are other ways to get midi into your projects even if you don't play a keyboard, should you find a need to do so. You can do alot with a guitar and a vocal.



edit to add: you can go to my web site and on the Recording pages look at how to use TTS. It is a synth that comes with MC5 and is very useful. I have a segment there on how to create a basic drum track using it, in just a matter of a few minutes.  It is possible to do the same with a bass track.... mouse clicking notes in and using copy/paste ...with a bit of practice it is possible to create a drum and bass part in MIDI in a relatively short time. You can use TTS or CSC to provide the sound. I think you also have (I don't use it) a drummer in MC5, that is very likely a drag and drip midi patterns kind of drummer. With some time, this one sounds really good.

MC5 has numerous instruments with it - yes, if by "numerous instruments" you mean "softsynth patches."  yes, they are decent parts of the program, but you have to "program" them if you don't have a keyboard to trigger the sounds - like greg and herb said about using PRV or Staff view for MIDI entry.  they do not provide "automatic accompaniment" if that's what you're thinking.  for that you need a different program like Band in a Box.

the drum softsynth is similar, but it does have pre-made MIDI loops that you can choose from to drag into your project.