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Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Sep 24 2007, 12:18 AM

Hi There,

This is a growing list of good recording based software. Everything from sequencers to effects, to drum machines.

This list is for commercial packages that are fully featured and have a > $50 cost associated with them.

As usual, I'll maintain this list at the top - anyone with new ideas, post to the thread and I'll edit this post and add to the list.

Simple Recording Software

Multitrack Recording Software

1. http://steinberg.de
2. http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/logicpro/
3. http://www.digidesign.com
4. http://www.adobe.com/products/audition/
5. http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/default.asp
6. http://www.propellerheads.se/index.cfm
7. http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/
8. http://www.sonomawireworks.com/
9. http://www.ableton.com/
10. http://www.fractalaudio.com

Virtual Effects (VST)

1. http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/ozone/ - Very popular VST Plugin, generally used in the Mastering Process.
2. http://www.amplitube.com/ Amp/Cab Simulator
3. Axe Fx Ultra http://www.fractalaudio.com/

Virtual Instruments (VSTi)

1. http://www.toontrack.com/ is great for laying down drum tracks if you have a sequencer such as Reaper, Drumkit from Hell (DFH) is harder to usebut more versatile
2. http://www.xlnaudio.com/ is a great alternative to EZDrummer
3. http://www.kvraudio.com/get/252.html
4. http://www.softplug.com/adventusdf.html
5. http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=akoustikpiano_us&id=akoustikpiano&L=0&rdrctd&flash=0
6. http://www.eastwestsamples.com/details.php?cd_index=797
7. http://www.sampletank.com/Main.html?prod_ST_XL
8. http://www.sytrus.com/
9. http://www.bornemark.se/bb/index.htm
10. http://www.artvista.net/Virtual_Grand_Piano.html


Drum Machine :

Tab Programs :

1. http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php - The default tab program. The RSE and practice modes really make this worth the purchase, imo.


Sound Editing :

1.http://www.steinberg.net/128+M52087573ab0.html - Good program with lots of options, can also be used for final mastering of songs.

Utilities :

Posted by: Erik Johnson Nov 8 2007, 02:45 AM

Don't forget about http://www.adobe.com/products/audition/.

This software is for multitrack recording and audio editing/producing.

It's around $350 USD for a brand new, unopened package, but I'm sure you could find it cheaper. It's pretty nice, but I don't know how it compares to the others. I know it works great for me; it can record tons of tracks at once, and you can even go in and edit individual sound waves if you really wanted.

This software is great for a Pod X3 Live! Although I have an older version, it has worked wonders for me. My personal setup is putting my mic into the input on my Pod X3 Live (I'll call it X3L from now on...) and also hooking up my guitar. I use two amps as monitors, and I record away. It's great because you can just play around on the guitar with a backing track playing on the computer, and then just record away.

Maybe I'm just ignorant to the other software, but this one sure works great for me.

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Nov 8 2007, 07:55 AM

More VSTS :
Broomstick Bass
EWQL Symphonic Orchestra
Edirol Orchestra
Adventus
Sytrus
Sampler Tank
Akoustik Piano

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 8 2007, 07:56 AM

QUOTE (Juan M. Valero @ Nov 8 2007, 01:55 AM)

More VSTS :
Broomstick Bass
EWQL Symphonic Orchestra
Edirol Orchestra
Adventus
Sytrus
Sampler Tank
Akoustik Piano

Posted by: tonymiro Nov 8 2007, 08:23 AM

Here's a few that I know Andrew:

http://www.eastwestsamples.com/details.php?cd_index=797

http://www.sampletank.com/Main.html?prod_ST_XL

http://www.sytrus.com/


Not sure but I think Akoustik Piano is a NI vsti

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Nov 8 2007, 04:28 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Nov 8 2007, 07:56 AM)

Aww Juan, help me out and get the links for them all ... please ? Thanks

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 8 2007, 09:29 PM

QUOTE (Juan M. Valero @ Nov 8 2007, 10:28 AM)

hehehe, don't worry.... that's the best I can find

http://www.kvraudio.com/get/252.html
http://www.softplug.com/adventusdf.html
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=akoustikpiano_us&id=akoustikpiano&L=0&rdrctd&flash=0

Posted by: man0mule Nov 9 2007, 05:17 AM

i noticed that you dont have http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/default.asp listed. Really good product. Can do just about anything from mulit track recording to midi sequencing and making drum tracks.

I would also add http://www.propellerheads.se/index.cfm. Really cool program that with digital synths, sequencers and drum machines. best interface ever.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 9 2007, 05:28 AM

All added, thanks!

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Nov 9 2007, 06:10 AM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Nov 8 2007, 09:29 PM)

Thanks guys - adding them to the top

Posted by: man0mule Nov 9 2007, 06:19 AM

Forgot to mention http://www.amplitube.com/. Awesome amp modeling program. Has a simple stand alone version and can also be run as a VST. Bit pricy at $400 but man does it allow you to do allot.

• 14 Preamp and 14 EQ models
• 7 Power-Amp models
• 16 Cabinet models
• 6 Microphone models
• 21 Stomp Effect models
• 11 Rack Effect models
• High-precision Tuner
• 2 Guitar rig chains
• Plug-In and Standalone version

really cool simple interface that simulates real audio equipment.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 9 2007, 06:55 AM

Cool - added!

Keep 'em coming

Posted by: guitarrista_sean Nov 16 2007, 04:31 AM

I'll add one that I've been using:

-- Mixcraft, by Acoustica

They also have a drum loop/track creation product called Beatcraft, which I also bought.

Mixcraft is considered by some to be the Garaband for Windows. There is a free trial, so check it out.

Posted by: tonymiro Nov 16 2007, 07:14 AM

Nice addition guitarrista-sean - not one I'd heard of .

Just to make Andrew's life easier can people try to add a link as well as details?

http://www.acoustica.com/

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 16 2007, 07:16 AM

QUOTE (tonymiro @ Nov 16 2007, 01:14 AM)

Nice addition guitarrista-sean - not one I'd heard of .

Just to make Andrew's life easier can people try to add a link as well as details?

http://www.acoustica.com/

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: Crazyfret Nov 26 2007, 02:17 PM

I'm using the Sonoma Riffworks programe which is a really easy piece of software to use if you are not technically minded like myself.

Check out thier web site http://www.sonomawireworks.com/

You can download a free demo version tho you'll need the full version to copy any recordings to disc or podcast.

Its perhaps more use as a sketch book to get your ideas down but you can create a sophisicated track quite easily.

Check out some tracks on the riffcaster page http://www.sonomawireworks.com/riffcaster/

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 26 2007, 02:27 PM

Thanks - added!

Posted by: buckjones Dec 7 2007, 08:33 PM

Hey hey Andrew -

This is what I use:

Ableton Live

http://www.ableton.com/

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Dec 7 2007, 10:05 PM

QUOTE (buckjones @ Dec 7 2007, 02:33 PM)

Posted by: tonymiro Dec 7 2007, 10:46 PM

As an aside - Live! is about to/just got an update to v7.

Posted by: buckjones Dec 7 2007, 10:51 PM

Let me know what you think Tony... I'm still using Live 5 so I'm wondering if i should upgrade.

Posted by: tonymiro Dec 7 2007, 11:26 PM

Will do m8 - I'm on 6 at the mo and hopefully will get 7 very soon (Xmas is coming .)

Posted by: Jorbazz Dec 21 2007, 06:52 PM

I prefer Sonar LE very easy to use

Posted by: Paul Coutts Dec 30 2007, 10:20 AM

I'd definetly put EZ Drummer or Drumkit From Hell up in the Drum Machines

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Dec 30 2007, 02:37 PM

QUOTE (Paul Coutts @ Dec 30 2007, 04:20 AM)

I'd definetly put EZ Drummer or Drumkit From Hell up in the Drum Machines

Posted by: Sugar Ray Jan 4 2008, 09:47 PM

Hi,
I use multitrack studio with an Edirol UA-25 Interface (and an Audigy 2 ZS soundcard).

I can't recommend MTStudio enough. It is very easy to use and amazingly cheap.

For vocals I use 2 Takstar PCM-6100 condenser microphones that I bought of ebay (new) for £10 each.

When I have shown the set up to 2 of my friends they have gone straight out and bought the whole lot to the same spec.

It is amazing what you can get for your money if you do a bit of research.

Regards,

Ray

Posted by: Siggum Jan 13 2008, 12:32 PM

May i add a really awsome VST instrument for super realistic piano.


http://www.artvista.net/Virtual_Grand_Piano.html

Listen to this awsome sample as well, rich sound.

http://www.artvista.net/VGP%20Demos/VGP_Improvisation_Demo.mp3

Posted by: Twibeard Jan 17 2008, 03:57 PM

Broomstick Bass just arrived.

Question:
Is it possible to change the speed of the bass, when using the "auto-mode" ?? (other than x1/2 or x2)


Never mind! Got it, thanks Andrew ...

Posted by: Nemanja Jan 23 2008, 01:53 PM

Hi every body.Im very interested in this line of work(music prodction)..
Considering sofware i try'd every one but the best paltform for me is Steinberg...Nuendo 3....
Im waithing on my E-MU 0404 sound card for start..later Im planig to by RME....
VST-i exedently found great bass guitar in EDIROL Hyper Cavanas...works great in all octavs(with out EQ aswell)..
offcourse Trilogy is great...but only if you play it trough some midi keabord....
BFD is my favorite drums..I dont have it yet(my friend dose)..and that is the best VST drum i evere hurd...

Posted by: Marshmall0wz Feb 20 2008, 02:40 AM

Sequel is a cheap version, spin on Cubase from Steinberg

Posted by: mhskeide Aug 23 2008, 12:38 PM

I couldn`t find Guitar Rig 3 at your list. It`s a amp simulator to computer, and I`m gonna buy it for my next paycheck:)

http://www.native-instruments.com

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Aug 23 2008, 12:47 PM

Ah, remember that Adobe Audition is the name that Adobe gives to Cool Edit when they absorbed it

Another VST: Hardcore Bass http://www.soundsonline.com/Quantum-Leap-Hardcore-Bass-XP-pr-EW-156.html
Trylogy: http://www.spectrasonics.net/instruments/trilogy.html

Posted by: Nemanja Filipovic Aug 23 2008, 03:58 PM

QUOTE (Juan M. Valero @ Aug 23 2008, 01:47 PM)

Ah, remember that Adobe Audition is the name that Adobe gives to Cool Edit when they absorbed it

Another VST: Hardcore Bass http://www.soundsonline.com/Quantum-Leap-Hardcore-Bass-XP-pr-EW-156.html
Trylogy: http://www.spectrasonics.net/instruments/trilogy.html

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 24 2008, 03:23 PM

How about Guitar Rig 3? It is the best todays guitar software modeler

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 24 2008, 10:24 PM

Virtual Guitarist and Virtual Bassists VST's are nice and handy for laying down some fast backings...

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Aug 25 2008, 07:33 AM

Another great one, Peavey Revalver MK III --> http://www.peavey.com/products/revalver/
I have listened some demos from one friend and looks really good !!! and in this site you can download a demo !! hehe, cool, for sure

Posted by: KubaSzafran Aug 28 2008, 08:26 AM

Hello! Maybe you should add Samplitude. I came across a great bargain, because I paid like 7$ for Samplitude 9 SE. Although it is limited a bit, but still it's a great recording software! I don't feel those limits, because there are so many tools there and I don't use most of them.

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Aug 28 2008, 08:48 AM

More VSTs, specially for voices:

Autotune:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNSBK8QVVcA&feature=related
(video in spanish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5oi7UFPRY8)
Melodine: http://www.celemony.com/cms/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE-wrYK8JSY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtoTjioZD2M

Posted by: Emir Hot Aug 28 2008, 09:12 AM

Nobody mentioned the industry standard notation software. SIBELIUS. Works great for tab as well. In this program you can make professionally looking score for all philharmonic orchestra. Every instrument on the planet is included and you can also work with video while composing for a movie. All major guitar magazines use it for notation/tab in their print.

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Aug 28 2008, 10:28 AM

WOW, thanks Emir, sounds pretty cool, I'm gonna search a trial version and I'm gonna try it !!!

Posted by: Emir Hot Aug 28 2008, 11:09 AM

Sure, give it a try. The only problem is the price. £595

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 28 2008, 11:21 AM

Sibelius is very cool indeed, great software. Cubase also has a good score option. Lot of composers use it today for composing (the cost of making a classical composition for the orchestra is too much, so why not doing it in MIDI)

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Aug 28 2008, 11:34 AM

QUOTE (Emir Hot @ Aug 28 2008, 12:09 PM)

Posted by: playaxeman Jan 1 2009, 02:00 PM

Hi Andrew

I missed:

1) Axe Fx Ultra http://www.fractalaudio.com Which is very expencive

a cheaper option is music macer which has a big library of bass, guitar, vocals, drum loops you can buy cheap

2) http://www.magix.com/uk/music-maker/premium/

Posted by: botoxfox Jan 1 2009, 02:13 PM

The Axe-Fx is mainly a guitar amp simulator, not recording software or VST.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jan 1 2009, 02:41 PM

Thank, I'll add these to the list.

Posted by: Juan M. Valero Jan 1 2009, 06:03 PM

QUOTE (botoxfox @ Jan 1 2009, 03:13 PM)

The Axe-Fx is mainly a guitar amp simulator, not recording software or VST.

Posted by: Fran Jan 4 2009, 02:53 AM

As for VSTi bass there are also:

Trilogy total bass: http://www.spectrasonics.net/instruments/trilogy.html
Steinberg Virtual Bassist: http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/legacyproducts/legacyproducts_virtualbassist.html

Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Jan 4 2009, 08:19 PM

http://www.simulanalog.org/guitarsuite.htm -freeware
http://www.ueberschall.com/en/products/liquid-series.html

Posted by: big harry Jan 20 2009, 04:12 PM

hi guys

does anybody know "Sequel 2" from Steinberg ?
seems to be a cheaper version of "Cubase"
didnt see it in the list

here is a link
http://www.steinberg.net/de/products/musicproduction/sequel_2.html

also a demo available

cya
Harry

Posted by: David Wallimann Jan 20 2009, 04:30 PM

This thread is full of awesome links!
Thanks for sharing guys!

Posted by: Keilnoth Sep 20 2009, 12:31 PM

Why do we let this thread dying rather than to make it a sticky ?

http://tuxguitar.herac.com.ar/ is a free multitrack tablature editor and player.

Posted by: tonymiro Sep 20 2009, 12:43 PM

QUOTE (Keilnoth @ Sep 20 2009, 11:31 AM)

Why do we let this thread dying rather than to make it a sticky ?

http://tuxguitar.herac.com.ar/ is a free multitrack tablature editor and player.

Posted by: MickeM Sep 20 2009, 04:06 PM

DAW - Presonus Studio One

Posted by: Marcus Siepen Sep 28 2009, 06:21 PM

cool list

Posted by: Tolek Sep 28 2009, 06:27 PM

http://www.thomann.de/gb/native_instruments_bandstand_e.htm is a cool one, too.