newbie contemplating Tracktion 2, but have questions

[marvjonesi]

Brand new here...for years I used an old (but very satisfactory) version of Cakewalk (Pro for 3.1) for MIDI sequencing. Got a new computer...installed my old hard drive as a secondary drive, but can't open most old programs in Windows XP (including Cakewalk). I have a DAW (Korg 3200) so all I need is good sequencing software (don't need the audio part) that will synch up (master and/or slave) with the DAW, an R-8 MkII Roland drum machine, and a Roland GR-1 guitar synth. I downloaded the demo version of Tracktion 2. Very different from Cakewalk, but I like it. But there doesn't seem to be a staff view (that's what I'm used to). Is this true...and do you old pros think I'll be happy with Tracktion 2 as a MIDI sequencer?

[rockstar_not]

If you need a staff view - you will not be happy with Tracktion, plain and simple - and I'm a huge fan of Tracktion.

No staff / notation editing is in my top 5 complaints about Tracktion. I'm one of those weirdos (at least on KVR) that likes to see notation much more than Piano Roll. I can pick out fat-fingered notes so much faster with notation.

If notation/staff is not a must for you, then download the demo and give it a spin.

I love Tracktion for it's modular nature, for it's one-page approach to the world, and for it's signal flow paradigm which make complete sense to me as a nerd.

It just works the way that I think (except for the lack of notation).

For a very inexpensive alternative to Tracktion, that has notation, I point you to PowerTracks ProAudio from PG music. $49, with decent notation, as long as it's not an odd time signature. I moved from it to Tracktion and still keep it around for the notation.

-Scott

[Lunch Money]

I've only "met" (ie. online) 2 die-hard MIDI types who adjusted to and loved T for MIDI. Most other people find that it has room to improve in the MIDI workflow.

My only suggestion is to please please demo it some more and push it the way you think you'll be pushing it. It won't take long to decide if it's up to your needs or not.

Greg

[blitze]

I'm really just starting out in producing my own stuff but I soley use T2 for my music and it is primarily Midi/VST based. Traction might be a little lacking in the midi editing area but nothing that can't be dealt with and the rest of the program is so much fun and easy to deal with.

Also note, it's an evolving product with great work flow.

[kevqno]

I also am contemplating Tracktion. Currently, I am using Logic Pro. I play guitar and would be using the setup as my guitar rig (for home recording - no amplifier). I also am interested in triggering software instruments and layering them with my guitar audio tracks. Primarily, it would be a songwriting studio, using only virtual instruments - no outboard synths.

I should mention that I am not a professional musician and, as such, do not have much time to learn a DAW (or "relearn" which is what happens each time I sit down with Logic). Even though I feel like moving to Tracktion will be a positive move from a creative point of view (in terms of time), I can't help but feel as though I am walking away from great functionality, instruments, and effects. This keeps me from making the move.

I would love to hear from anyone who has made a similar move or is using Tracktion in a similar manner.

I should also mention that moving from Logic would also mean that I migrate to Windows. I mention that not to discuss the merits of a particular platform, but only because it seems as though there are more freeware effects on Windows - i.e. I recall seeing a convolution reverb - to replace those lost in Logic. Also, the applications that come with Tracktion, i.e. IK stuff, once activated for Tracktion would be VST and not compatible with Logic using AU (not to mention Windows/Mac platform incompatibility).

Thanks!

[marvjonesi]

I just downloaded the PowerTracks Pro Audio demo. I think that software meets my needs best. It's got the notation/staff screen (and I can print out sheet music with chord symbols and lyrics); it even has a special screen to clean up synth guitar tracks (which I use and they definitely have to be de-glitched). It syncs up with MTC or SMPTE. And the multiple screens are what I'm used to. And for $49...such a deal!

[jplanet]

I also am contemplating Tracktion. Currently, I am using Logic Pro. I play guitar and would be using the setup as my guitar rig (for home recording - no amplifier). I also am interested in triggering software instruments and layering them with my guitar audio tracks. Primarily, it would be a songwriting studio, using only virtual instruments - no outboard synths.

I should mention that I am not a professional musician and, as such, do not have much time to learn a DAW (or "relearn" which is what happens each time I sit down with Logic). Even though I feel like moving to Tracktion will be a positive move from a creative point of view (in terms of time), I can't help but feel as though I am walking away from great functionality, instruments, and effects. This keeps me from making the move.

I would love to hear from anyone who has made a similar move or is using Tracktion in a similar manner.

I should also mention that moving from Logic would also mean that I migrate to Windows. I mention that not to discuss the merits of a particular platform, but only because it seems as though there are more freeware effects on Windows - i.e. I recall seeing a convolution reverb - to replace those lost in Logic. Also, the applications that come with Tracktion, i.e. IK stuff, once activated for Tracktion would be VST and not compatible with Logic using AU (not to mention Windows/Mac platform incompatibility).

Thanks!

I would recommend T2 for you without hesitation. I switched from Nuendo! Screw the 10,000 features if you're constantly clicking through unnecessary windows to get to your VSTi's GUI.

As for the original poster, I would hesitate to recommend T2...his workflow leans on the weaker points of T2, while yours would take advantage of the best it has to offer...

[Lunch Money]

Yeah, while I wouldn't recommend it to the original poster (necessarily... a demo is always best!), I have little qualms saying that it's probably a good fit for you, Kev.

It's still worth trying the demo for a few days, but from what you've said, it seems like a match.

Greg

[virtualcai]

@ kevqno:
I had the relearn problem with cubase. No more fun since SX version came out (coming a long way from atari, but only a hobby computer musician). Especially for someone with some instrument skills and a "conservative" approach to songwriting (no loops) tracktion is so easy - it is almost impossible to forget how a task in tracktion is done, once you did it. the demo version is only "crippled" by white noise every 15sec or so. give it a serious try?
There are great freeware vsts
Rhodes: MrRay it is better than EVP73 (no joke)
hammond organ: nubiLE is better than B4 (pure sound)
mdA effects: straight forward for easy tasks
tracktion comes with amplitube (not the demo) and a nice finalizer.
can't comment on logic though

cai

[Lunch Money]

It's not necessarily the convolution engine of Logic's plug-in that you'll miss, but the library of impulses. That's the only area I can see you missing your old sequencer.

Also, to repeat for a 3rd time now, DO try the demo-- many people gush over Logic's mixer, whereas Tracktion does not use a conventional mixer at all!-- each track IS its own mixer channel. Many people who make the switch can't believe that software mixers still exist, but there is still a large faction (I call them "the evil dark legion") who want to see a mixer in T.

Greg

[edited to change a "the" to a "them"]

[kevqno]

Thank you all for the feedback. I think the choice is clear - looking forward to using Tracktion and talking to you all on the site! Thanks again, Kev.

[jplanet]

It's not necessarily the convolution engine of Logic's plug-in that you'll miss, but the library of impulses. That's the only area I can see you missing your old sequencer.

Wouldn't it be possible to load those impulses into SIR? After all, he's already paid for the library...

[pdxindy]

I should mention that I am not a professional musician and, as such, do not have much time to learn a DAW (or "relearn" which is what happens each time I sit down with Logic).
Thanks!

This is exactly the reason to use Tracktion. I primarily produce video and the soundtracks for them. Because of this I will often be away from the audio side for a week or more. Before Tracktion it was frustrating using Digital Performer and Cubase because I always felt like I was struggling and not creative as I never used them enough to get over the learning curve. Tracktion changed that.

[IndiQa]

Tracktion if you want to make music.
Powertracks....er well if you don't and just want to play around and NOT be able to use VSTs (Jeeze they are the standrd anymore)
And yes SIR and Pristine Space will load the impulses.

I

[jplanet]

...
And yes SIR and Pristine Space will load the impulses.
...

Well, there you go! You get to keep a valuable part of your investment!

Ok, kevqno, we're waiting to hear the album you will finish in T2 by the spring!