pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
Home Studio or Music Creator
I'm an old time user just getting back into home recording again after several years. I was using a win98 Dell with a creative labs soundblaster live card with a m-audio keyboard. along with Music Creator 2003.
My wife suprised me with a mixer so I got an m-audio sound card so I could use guitars and my synth module. I also have a faster PC with XP, an additional hard drive and plenty of RAM.
I'm basically a hobbyist so I'm wondering should I upgrade to the latest Music Creator or go up to Home Studio.
Thoughts . . . Opinions?
Thanks for any help or advice.
|
57Gregy
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 14404
- Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/29 21:21:14
(permalink)
Well, if you're considering HS, you probably have the money to afford it. If so, get it.
But MC 3 will do a lot of things for you, and it's only $29 downloaded. If you only need 2 simultaneous inputs for recording (and most of us solo acts only need 2), then try it out.
I have MC Pro 24, and am going to upgrade to HS6XL as soon as I win the lottery.
Greg
|
pantherhawk27263
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 258
- Joined: 2006/05/20 17:47:47
- Location: NC, via Iowa and Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/29 21:57:18
(permalink)
What a coincidence! That's my plan as well, to upgrade to HS or Sonar 6 Producer once I win the lottery! If only that damn lottery would cooperate....
"Information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, wisdom is not truth, truth is not beauty, beauty is not love, love is not music. Music is the BEST!" Frank Zappa - "Packard Goose" from "Joe's Garage"
|
pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/31 07:40:31
(permalink)
Thanks for the reply. I noticed on the Cakewalk site that Music Creator is not a selection in the store anymore although it's still on the list. Is it being dropped?
Does Music Creator support automation or do you have to go up to Home Studio? I guess it would be possible to "automate" using envelopes.
|
pantherhawk27263
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 258
- Joined: 2006/05/20 17:47:47
- Location: NC, via Iowa and Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/31 21:19:22
(permalink)
Music Creator has been listed under "consumer software" for a while and if you look under that category you will see that they now offer MC4!
post edited by pantherhawk27263 - 2007/07/31 21:26:27
"Information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, wisdom is not truth, truth is not beauty, beauty is not love, love is not music. Music is the BEST!" Frank Zappa - "Packard Goose" from "Joe's Garage"
|
57Gregy
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 14404
- Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/31 21:21:25
(permalink)
Is that Music Creator 3 you're referring to? They may be ready to roll out MC 4.
I don't think the MC programs support automation.
Greg
|
pantherhawk27263
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 258
- Joined: 2006/05/20 17:47:47
- Location: NC, via Iowa and Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/31 21:27:55
(permalink)
I don't think MC3 supports automation either, but I don't know for sure. If you go into the Cakewalk store and look under Consumer Products there is an MC4 but it has no real info with it yet.
"Information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, wisdom is not truth, truth is not beauty, beauty is not love, love is not music. Music is the BEST!" Frank Zappa - "Packard Goose" from "Joe's Garage"
|
RobertB
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11256
- Joined: 2005/11/19 23:40:50
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/07/31 21:44:51
(permalink)
Sure enough. The timing is right, and this may be derived from Sonar 6. It will be interesting to see what they reveal about it. Stan, The learning curve will be about the same, and if the budget will allow, I would be inclined to go with Home Studio. You may not need all it can do, but you would have something to grow into for quite some time. I'm basically a hobbyist myself, and I love it.
post edited by RobertB - 2007/07/31 21:55:55
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
|
pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/01 21:37:06
(permalink)
Hey everyone, thanks for the replies and information. I picked up MC3 at Staples today as an interim. My plan is to go to HS or HSxl at Christmas. My wife is always asking for gift ideas then, so I can do some learning on MC3 without breaking the bank and then cross my fingers to go up at the end of the year.
Hey 57Gregy, where are you from in NC? I'm a Tar Heel (actually Wolfpacker), too.
|
RobertB
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11256
- Joined: 2005/11/19 23:40:50
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/01 22:54:36
(permalink)
Stan,
If you don't mind my asking, which mixer and M-Audio card did you get? Offhand, it looks like you are in really good shape. For now, XP is the most stable OS to use. Looks like you are good there.
MC3 is a very capable program, and I have heard some very nice stuff produced using it. Plus, this is one of the friendliest forums. If and when you jump into SHS, you will be much more prepared than I was.
The most important thing is to keep it fun.
ps. Just realized we have a lot of Southern boys here. I'm originally from Florida. Don't worry Al, I've got family in PA(Harrisburg) and West BG Virginia (Wolf Summit, find that on a map!).
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
|
pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/02 21:21:46
(permalink)
I'm using a Yamaha MG8/2FX mixer along with a m-audio Delta 410 that I never figured out until the last few months. It's been a learning experience. Before then I was doing everyything with the SBLive card. The mixer and the Delta 410 allows me to add my Boss Drum machine (DR-5) and my Roland Sound Canvas (SC155) - oops! my age is showing. I also have a Behringer V-Amp2 to use for electric guitar parts. Only thing missing is a mike.
|
57Gregy
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 14404
- Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/02 22:22:39
(permalink)
I live near Clayton, and there's at least 1 other guy on the forum who lives in NC, pantherhawk.
Are you related to Les Dudek?
Greg
|
RobertB
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11256
- Joined: 2005/11/19 23:40:50
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/02 23:18:00
(permalink)
Nice.
Once you get a mic, you will really appreciate the quiet preamps in the Yamaha mixer. I really like my MG10/2.
Don't sweat the age thing. there are a surprising number of us in the around 50ish bracket.
Have fun with MC3, and we will help in any way we can.
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
|
pantherhawk27263
Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
- Total Posts : 258
- Joined: 2006/05/20 17:47:47
- Location: NC, via Iowa and Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/03 22:46:57
(permalink)
Well pianomanstan, I'm becoming a Wolfpack fan against my will. My son starts classes in about 2 weeks at State. Believe me, State was not my first choice for him to go to but I've been impressed with what I've learned about the school. Doesn't have much of a music program though...
"Information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, wisdom is not truth, truth is not beauty, beauty is not love, love is not music. Music is the BEST!" Frank Zappa - "Packard Goose" from "Joe's Garage"
|
pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/04 11:26:09
(permalink)
ORIGINAL: 57Gregy
I live near Clayton, and there's at least 1 other guy on the forum who lives in NC, pantherhawk.
Are you related to Les Dudek?
Greg
Hate to say I'm not, but you can't believe how many people ask that. I live up in Wilkes County at the foot of the mountains. BTW, if I was going to get a book to help me out, what is the Sonar equivalant of MC3?
|
57Gregy
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 14404
- Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/04 13:44:03
(permalink)
There is no book for the MC line, but a lot of the info in Scott Garrigus's Sonar Power books are applicable to MC, it's just that there a lot more features in Sonar.
Greg
|
pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/04 21:32:46
(permalink)
ORIGINAL: 57Gregy
There is no book for the MC line, but a lot of the info in Scott Garrigus's Sonar Power books are applicable to MC, it's just that there a lot more features in Sonar.
I know there are no books on MC, but I believe MC is based on some version of Sonar only with fewer features. If I knew what version of Sonar was analogous to MC3, then I could use a book on that version as a reference. Or it could be my imagination. 
|
RobertB
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11256
- Joined: 2005/11/19 23:40:50
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/04 21:45:46
(permalink)
Stan,
MC3 is derived from Sonar 4.
Garrigus' Sonar 4 Power, or Smithers' Sonar 4 Ignite would be good. The vast majority of the information would apply.
These books are a huge help, and definitely worthwhile.
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
|
jfstudio1
Max Output Level: -81 dBFS
- Total Posts : 456
- Joined: 2006/04/26 14:00:43
- Location: Portugal
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/05 05:56:32
(permalink)
hi guys MC3 supports automation 
http://www.myspace.com/jfeitor http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=747192 Project5V2.5,MusicCreator4,WinVista,XiFI,MixYamaha, Korg , Fender Strats, Takamine,Amps:Marshall,Fender Deluxe Rev1965,
|
garrigus
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 8599
- Joined: 2003/11/05 17:23:21
- Location: www.garrigus.com
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/05 09:00:38
(permalink)
Thanks, Greg and Robert! Stan -- you can find more info about my Sonar Power books in the Power Books section of my site: http://www.garrigus.com/ And be sure to check out my free music technology newsletter: http://www.digifreq.com/digifreq/ Scott -- Scott R. Garrigus - Author of Cakewalk, Sound Forge 6, 7/8 and SONAR 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Power books. ** Get Sonar 6 Power & Sound Forge 8 Power - Today! ** http://www.garrigus.com/ Publisher of DigiFreq. Win a free Absynth 3 or Kontakt 2 DVD Tutorial and learn cool music technology tips and techniques by getting a FREE subscription to DigiFreq... over 20,000 readers can't be wrong! Go to: http://www.digifreq.com/digifreq/
|
Willy_Cash
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 12
- Joined: 2005/03/20 13:58:15
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/07 11:15:46
(permalink)
Hi Everyone !!
Well... I started this home recording using Sonar, with my partner,
But for my home / solo projects, used Creator 2003, then upgraded to Creator Pro (MC2), then to MC3, and now I just received MC4.
For $35.00, it looks like a good leap in the right direction. Plug-in support is much more seemless, there's more effect stuff, says it does automation (but I rarely use it except volume or pan stuff), and the GUI looks great.
Now both MC3 and MC4 doesn't come with Session Drummer anymore, but I still have it from the earlier versions, and use it to preview midi drum patterns, but basically import midi for trhe percussion tracks. Oh !!! The new supplied soft-synth sounds much better than Edirol.
William
|
pianomanstan
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
- Total Posts : 41
- Joined: 2004/01/08 20:24:23
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/16 11:11:24
(permalink)
Thanks everyone for the help and advice. I decided to stick with MC3 for a while and shoot for Home Studio 6.0 as a 2007 Christmas hint. Then low and behold, I got an email from Cakewalk on special upgrade pricing on Sonar 6.0. Music Creator owners could get the upgrade to Sonar 6.0 for what is basically the street price for Home Studio 6.0 XL. After mulling it over several days, I decided it was a no brainer so I pulled the trigger and ordered it. Came yesterday so I know what I’ll be doing this weekend.
|
Robomusic
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 8943
- Joined: 2004/05/30 00:54:24
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/16 20:07:36
(permalink)
Nice pick up pianodude! Sonar is a great program. Dig right in and have fun.
|
CakeMaker
Max Output Level: -81 dBFS
- Total Posts : 469
- Joined: 2006/01/21 14:44:34
- Location: NorthEast Kingdom
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/19 17:09:50
(permalink)
Yay for you Pianodude!
Just too bad that means you'll probably also make the jump over the SONAR forums and leave us-- aaah wellz Here's wishin ya the best dude!! Hopin we'll still see ya round.....
By the by- Scott Garrigus's books are da bomb, they are ALL great- so you really can't go wrong with any of them.......
Bestest,
C/M
|
garrigus
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 8599
- Joined: 2003/11/05 17:23:21
- Location: www.garrigus.com
- Status: offline
RE: Home Studio or Music Creator
2007/08/19 17:28:50
(permalink)
ORIGINAL: CakeMaker
By the by- Scott Garrigus's books are da bomb, they are ALL great- so you really can't go wrong with any of them.......
Thanks, CakeMaker! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying them. Cool nickname, by the way... Scott -- Scott R. Garrigus - Author of Cakewalk, Sound Forge 6, 7/8 and SONAR 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Power books. ** Get Sonar 6 Power & Sound Forge 8 Power - Today! ** http://www.garrigus.com/ Publisher of DigiFreq. Win a free Absynth 3 or Kontakt 2 DVD Tutorial and learn cool music technology tips and techniques by getting a FREE subscription to DigiFreq... over 20,000 readers can't be wrong! Go to: http://www.digifreq.com/digifreq/
|