Best host for mixing

[thecontrolcentre]

Live controlled by a BCF2000 works for me. Dunno what BWF is tho'
i used to mix using an Atari/A3000 sampler and a Seck 12-8-2 mixer.

[headquest]

Live doesn't have BWF support (yet), but I agree it's another great mixing environment!

Audition and Tracktion both have BWF support - not sure which others.

[kenn]

Try Reaper, it's pretty nice to mix in. It's great for editing.

http://www.reaper.fm/

Does it import BWF?

Yes.

http://www.reaper.fm/feat-techspecs.php

... this doesn't necessarily have anything to do with mixing, though.

[kritikon]

I still second Kenn's original reply.

But you don't have to consider changing whatever host you already use. Simply do a real good demo of all the controllers out there. For what you'd pay to buy an alternative full host from new, I suspect you can get one of the better controllers. Kenton, Mackie, Novation...there are quite a few out there.

You really can't beat sliders and knobs for mixing, and you can probably get it for the same or less than a new host.

Or even a 2nd hand older Yamaha digital mixer etc. Link it up to a DAW and then you get real mixing, again for hopefully, not a huge price.


Can I have a bun too?

[siriusbliss]

Samplitude.
Automation, BWF, burn-to-CD/DVD directly out of the application, etc. etc.

Greg

[ermi]

REAPER is a very nice host to mix, IMO.
I don't know how it is with hardware control, tho. Never used that.

I've used Cubase, too. But REAPER seems more intuitive/faster to work with routings/folder tracks. Not to mention you can reorder FX inserts. Well, you can reorder them also in -the new- Cubase 4 (it only took them like a 1000 years!), but for mixing, SX2 should be good enough, if you want to save some money.

[KTHE]

Different twist on a beaten subject.

I'm looking for a host that provides the best tools and workflow for mixing audio. MIDI is about 10% important to me. I need #1 Stability. #2 Great support. #3 BWF import and #4 hardware contol. Those are my main concerns. Following after those closely are mixing tools provided by the host and automation. Again, MIDI and Sequencing is a minor issue if any.

So, in your opinion, what is the best audio Mixing app?

Thanks!!

For ease of use for beginners, my vote is Magix Music Maker 10 and 11. MM 10 comes with 2 useable samples. MM11 doesn't, but you can buy a DVD of useable samples for cheap.

The main workspace is easy n user friendly. You can use VSTs and it supports DXi.

Quick to learn. Fun.

[Squish]

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all the great replies. Lot's of options. Why BWF? Because I can have the files sent to me, open them up and mix away. Almost like getting a reel of tape sent.Anyway, I'll keep checking, like I said, things like folder tracks and bells and whistles aren't that important. A stable program with good EQ and automation and works like a mixer is what I'm looking for. SAW would be perfect, but alas, no BWF. Controller support would be really nice as well.
Am I right that if I'm not going to do post production, Cubase sx is the same as Nuendo? I've heard that if you aren't doing audio for video then go with Cubase because it's the same except for the post tools. Can't find a demo of Nuendo. Hmmm, maybe I should buy a mackie d8b and hdr, they go for cheap on ebay now.

[kenn]

Hey Squish
Look at BWF Helper, for handling import of BWF files into SAWSTUDIO or Protools.

It's written by a guy who's developed SAW accessories for several years.

[bullshark]

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all the great replies. Lot's of options. Why BWF? Because I can have the files sent to me, open them up and mix away. Almost like getting a reel of tape sent.Anyway, I'll keep checking, like I said, things like folder tracks and bells and whistles aren't that important. A stable program with good EQ and automation and works like a mixer is what I'm looking for. SAW would be perfect, but alas, no BWF. Controller support would be really nice as well.
Am I right that if I'm not going to do post production, Cubase sx is the same as Nuendo? I've heard that if you aren't doing audio for video then go with Cubase because it's the same except for the post tools. Can't find a demo of Nuendo. Hmmm, maybe I should buy a mackie d8b and hdr, they go for cheap on ebay now.

You seem to have stopped your choice on Steinberg product. May I ask why? When you can have programs like Reaper and Tracktion that meet all your requirements and more, are infinitely more flexible in the routing departement, have a short to non-existant learning curve, a more efficient workflow (why do 168987978006573 mouse clicks to do a simple thing when 2 is all you need?), have better support and cost but a fraction of the aforementionned bloatware?
I'm not dissing your choice (well, ok, maybe a little ), but I am curious.

[headquest]

I found mixing in Cubase awkward. But then I found most things in Cubase awkward to be honest. Different strokes for different folks I guess. But routing, etc, seems quite a pain in the Stainberg products.

[bullshark]

Yeah...If the op had said he was doing 90% MIDI composing and arranging using outboard MIDI gear, yeah, ok, Cubase make sense...

But taking into account the requirement he posted, buying Cubase for that is like... buying a cement truck to go kart racing.

[bduffy]

Jesus, the Cubase-hate runs deep here.

[bugs]

I love Cubase.

[bduffy]

Sinner!