Music recording software comes in distinct "flavors". You've probably heard of, or used some of these:

• Free or low cost:
  • Audacity
  • Kristal Audio Engine
  • Apple GarageBand 2
• Professional
  • Digidesign Pro-Tools ($450 for MBox 2 LE up to $lots+)
  • Apple Logic Pro ($75 for Express version - $1000)
  • Cakewalk Sonar ($100 - $620)
  • Steinberg Cubase ($100 - $550)

Opinion:

Steinberg's CuBase system - popular and widely used in pro and semi-pro recording applications over the years. But CuBase seems to have fallen behind the others more recently.

And there are many more in both categories, in between, and a huge range of specialist programs, tools, or plug-ins you can add on to the basic packages.

However, to cut through this porridge, if you can afford it, there is no question - buy… Pro-Tools. (If you can't afford it, save up, then buy Pro-Tools! Maybe I'm being unfair to the other serious contenders for your cash…)

Why am I so strong on Pro-Tools?

• Pro Tools is the system of choice for the professional
• "Industrial" quality standards for reliable, fast digital recording
• Very high functionality
• Windows-XP, or Mac OS X
• Easy to use interface - makes mixing and mastering your music a dawdle.
• Standard plugins created by industry leaders - can simulate almost anything you are looking for

The only down-side is that you'll also have to buy specific hardware to work with your Pro-Tools setup.

There are several options here:

• sound card that supports Pro-Tools
• Digi 001 or Digi 002 (just more digital inputs makes either one a smart choice

Plus it is much easier to make a portable rig out of these systems.

But there are other professional solutions you might consider.

The major ones are Apple Logic, or Cakewalk Sonar.

Apple Logic

A few years back, Apple took over Logic software suite from e-Magic.

• popular and highly versatile
• sophisticated interface
• works with several hardware interfaces
• MAC OS only
• Wide range of plugins included
• Third-party plugins plentiful

Cakewalk Sonar

• much lower cost solution
• probably faster to learn for most newcomers
• clean, effective user interface
• Windows-XP
• Cakewalk branded plugins are included
• Third-party high-end sound editing plugins for Cakewalk are also available, but can be costly

So as you can see, you can get started with entry-level, professional [tag]music recording software[/tag] for under $100, depending on what hardware you have.

Advances in affordable computing power have made [tag]digital music recording[/tag] software a lot more affordable than ever. I hope I've begun to help you clarify what you should be considering as far as studio recording software is concerned.

But my overall advice is to invest the extra time and funds, to get yourself a Pro Tools set up. You'll have a solid foundation on which to build as your skills develop.

Tags: Music Recording Software