KVR Audio

No name · Post by **No name** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:46 am

I've been on the combination of fl/Acid for some years now, but Acid just isn't for me i'm starting to realize. I need something that will let me edit my audio easily like Acid does, but it has to have gooood midi capabilities (meaning it doesn't give you a hard time and midi runs smoothly in it). I've been compiling a list of the things i'm going to be buying when I move soon, because when I do I will be getting a big room that is dedicated to just my music equipment. I also want to ask about the set up I plan to have, but i'll throw that under hardware. So, anybody? I really don't have any experience with any other hosts whatsoever except for FL and Acid because it is all i've ever used. I'm pretty much looking for something that will work well when it comes to midi.

I suppose I could state a budget, but i'm not going to be strict. Lets just keep it under 500 please.

Hybernation · Post by **Hybernation** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:04 am

1) Sonar 5 PE. Everything you could EVER want in a host, and some good instruments and effect to boot.
2) Tracktion 2. Not my cup of tea, but lots of people like the single-screen approach and immediacy of it's interface. Good value for the money, but NOT in the same league as Sonar, Cubase, etc.
3) energyXT. I have not tried it yet (about to) but it's gaining momentum and definitely worth a look, especially if you need a more "modular" (configurable) working environment.

just by .02 worth...

Hink · Post by **Hink** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:12 am

I go with number 1...was FL/AA for a while, but I'm really starting to like Sonar...but I have eXT and it's cool too...none of them I will give up, but Sonar 5 is growing on me quick..I've had it about a month now and am very comfortable with it...I'll still start in FL, but it appears AA will be more for mastering..just my 20 cents...

Colonel Flashback · Post by **Colonel Flashback** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:14 am

give the ableton live demo a spin - audio stuff is quite like acid, midi is easy to use but pretty basic compared to eg cubase sx (which would be my 2nd choice)

No name · Post by **No name** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:25 am

One thing about Sonar though, it won't allow you to use VST's correct? I think it is an adapter you must use, and even then some say it is buggy I think. I tried the demo to tracktion some time ago, and it slightly reminds me of Acid in the way you edit and all. So how is pro tools, anybody using it?

superddman · Post by **superddman** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:31 am

you have to try each one yourself. for example, I agree that sonar 5 has all the features you would ever need but its workflow just doesn't suit me.
Try Sonar, Ableton, Cubase, Logic, Tracktion, eXT, Reason, Samplitude.......
The more you try the more you will know which one is for you.

No name · Post by **No name** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:33 am

A good piece of advice that most never take up. I never knew there was a demo of sonar. On my way to check it out now.

Hink · Post by **Hink** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:35 am

No name wrote:One thing about Sonar though, it won't allow you to use VST's correct? I think it is an adapter you must use, and even then some say it is buggy I think. I tried the demo to tracktion some time ago, and it slightly reminds me of Acid in the way you edit and all. So how is pro tools, anybody using it?

I dunno...all my vsts work okay....but in fairness I have few freebies...AA has issues with many vsts and I have to use a wrapper for some...but I have had no troubles with vsts in Sonar...

superddman · Post by **superddman** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 4:36 am

not sure which ones have demos but most should. if some don't then you could probably test it out at a local music store.

I think I have tried every host out there, no bs.

btw, what style you're into. in my opinion this has alot to do what host you choose.

ResonantOrder · Post by **ResonantOrder** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 5:00 am

I'm partial to Sonar, and will admit that the adapter is not perfect. If you get Sonar, you should also invest in this: http://www.tonewise.com/DirectiXer/ and you'll have all the vst bases covered. It's cheap and works really great.

butter · Post by **butter** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 5:33 am

I jumped straight into Cubase from the same setup. A lot of people don't like it but it works for me.

No name · Post by **No name** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 5:37 am

I do mostly hip hop. But now I pretty much just try and do whatever comes up. Hip hop is my main thing though. That is why I will keep Fl, it excels in this genre. I just tried to d/l the demo of project 5, but it doesn't run on 98. I suppose i'll have to wait until december to try that demo out.

butter · Post by **butter** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 5:43 am

I do a lot of hip-hop too. I can see how you're ready to change up hosts. When I started using a computer for music I was all DnB and then I decided to start doing downtempo and hip-hop and there was no way I could have turned out what I was looking to do in FL and Acid. Just takes too much time to switch between the two apps.

After you get over the learning curve of whatever sequencer you choose you'll be glad you made the switch.

superddman · Post by **superddman** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 7:44 am

ya, for hip hop i would also think that something like fl studio with its pattern based approach would be nice. Reason's Redrum is also fast in this area. Or, you could use any host with something like Guru. Make sure to check it out.

Z3R0T0N1N · Post by **Z3R0T0N1N** » Thu Oct 20, 2005 7:50 am

Energy XT is all you need.

I need me a new host