What music software for beginner?

[ecc83]

Don't get magix software, its a waste of time. FL studio is good, easy to use and great for getting ideas down quickly. Reason is better for mastering though.

MAGIX Samplitudes are great but I agree their consumer stuff is a bit ToysRus.

Dave.

[jim_branning]

Hi, I play acoustic guitar ( 30 years ) and would like to add some backing music to my own tunes. via my PC win7 system. Such as drums/bass/piano and strings, I've looked briefly at Magix mx software but the free trial is limited and doesn't show me how easy or not it is to use - can I record my own guitar parts into this software? Or can anyone recommend some software that is EASY to understand? not requiring Rocket Science like Ableton, Cubase etc. Thanks

get a cheap mac mini which comes with garageband.

http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/
(check the videos)

everything is included and it's easy as pie, but allows some quite deep features like autotune and audio-region retiming to tighten playing etc

and it includes an amp sim

yeah ok it'll cost 500 ish for the mac mini but the Garageband s.w is free. You cant get easier s/w for free with as much power imo

but if u need windows7 for other things then obviously imy suggestion is not much of a solution if you cant afford the additional mac mini.

you'll be glad you went mac tho trust me on that.



over to you dave... lol

[ecc83]

Well THANKS Jim!

But hold on, Nomaj, you have not got an Audio Interface as yet have you? You really gotta do that mate.

If you did want to keep the mac option open (but then that is TWO learning curves?) go for the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. If you can't stretch to that look for a second hand M-Audio Fast track pro.

Got a mic? Well you will need a capacitor (aka condenser) especially if you go for the Pro. A Small Diaphragm Capacitor is the best all rounder for acoustic guitar and pretty much everything else. There are plenty of good ones under £100 the AKG Perception 170 is one I know and like....So, chuck in a mic stand and some leads and you are looking at the thick end of £300-£350, sorry but that IS the entry fee!

Similarly, you would not expect to learn German or Swahili overnight? Same with computer recording.

Dave.