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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,865
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2007
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My hard drive got fried not too long ago..., I was using Magix but downloaded audacity since its free and I really should upgrade the program I'm using. Anyway....I like Magix, finally got Audacity to work for me...but I have BIB too. Since I song at well, or sing well, I don't really want to go into any more money than I have too. So, which of the 3 I have would be best to use? I'm asking because I don't really know how to use audacity yet, and BIB is going to take ms a long time to figure out.
Your expert opinions please!!
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,845
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These are all fine tools for the task of recording a simple demo, so I would go with what I feel the most comfortable using. I'd say Magix has the most potential for you to grow with, though. If you can operate that, stick with it! Biab is probably what would complicate things the most for you. Audacity can be both simple and complex, but not very exciting, Imo. On a sidenote, music apps is booming right now, and might be what you need. as far as remember you have a phone with Android, right? Check out these links: http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/...one-and-a-new-sketchpad-joins-groovebox/http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/the-best-android-music-making-apps-in-the-world-today-276167/1This is the new stuff: http://tapemachine.samalyse.com/And for the Apple folks: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/iphone-gems-the-best-music-creation-apps/This could be it: http://www.xewton.com/musicstudio/overview/You can record into these apps, and ship it off to a demostudio within 5mins! Or you can use the app recording tools, hook your smartphone up to your computer and produce tracks with drums, guitars, synths and pianos!!!
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,865
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Joined: Oct 2007
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I do like Magix the best out of the 3. I just didn't want to have to repurchase it, last time I upgraded the program I downloaded and didn't get the disc, which was my mistake, I won't do that again.
BIAB has been nothing less than difficult for me as I only have a few minutes here and there to figure it out. I like the demo's others have made using it but I am technologically challenged and that poses a problem along with my lack of musical background.
Audacity, might work out fine, if I can have some time with it. We'll see. I've got one I want to record just to record something so I will post it this week if I get it done.
I had a Blackberry phone, then I washed the blackberry phone in the washing machine, just long enough to kill it. Now I have an iphone, which is fine, but the technology is mostly lost on me. My daughter loves it though....lol!
Thanks Mags, I will check out the apps you listed and see what I might be able to use when I'm not at home.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Thanks Mags,
I'll check it out.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 161
Serious Contributor
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Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 161 |
Caroline,
If you have an iPhone, do you have a Mac too? If so, you could use GarageBand which comes bundled with it. I record guide vocals straight into the built-in mic, which is good enough for a guide.
Andy
If at first you don't succeed, try the 'ON' switch!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
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Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463 |
Caroline there are no shortcuts to learning how to make decent recordings...whatever method you use there is ususally a learning curve to master before you can get anything decent laid down. The better the recording you need usually the steeper the curve of learning. You have to decide what YOU want and put in the time to learn how to achieve it. I do not know about Magix as I have never used it....Audacity is pretty simple in comparison to other software but it has its limitations.....like no MIDI. BIAB is pretty good for newbies to compile tracks using the preset samples etc BUT it again has a curve and limitations. For simple acoustic recordings like guitar/voc I would suggest Audacity as it is simply press the red button and record.......so from a no tech POV would be the place to start......once you have a clean dry recording laid down then you can edit and add fx etc........that is where the fun starts...that part can get complicated...BUT it is usually complicated no matter what system you use. It is all about learning and trial and error. Sadly in this business if you want to achieve anything you have to invest time and money and learn the skills needed to write play and record music......that is probably why there are so many busy demo studios charging fees for their services.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911 Likes: 1
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911 Likes: 1 |
For what you are attempting, Audacity is by far the simplest. It is capable of the same sound quality as any other DAW and is updated regularly for free.
If you ever get into using lots of effects and adding multiple tracks of other instruments, etc. etc., move up to Reaper, but for now, Audacity.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 614
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Top 500 Poster
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 614 |
There does not seem to be one accepted standard.
.wav and audacity has done the job to present recordings. But I wish I had not taken for granted that drummer friend I knew as a kid that preached about the right mic setup.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Top 20 Poster
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Top 20 Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463 |
There is one accepted standard...it is how you get there that causes problems. I hear many home recordings that are just not acceptable by any standards. I wonder if people actually listen to their own recordings or do anything much to improve their techniques. Whilst most of us cannot afford the top end equipment pro studios use we can at least invest time and learning to get the best out of what little equipment we have. The bar is set high for home recordings...just take a look at what is out there. Not only do you need great songs but you need a good performance and great recording technique to show it off.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1 |
I was looking for this tools . It's simply great.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 85
Serious Contributor
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Serious Contributor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 85 |
HI, I use audacity. They have tutorials for just about any application you may have!!! And it is free
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5 |
These are all fine tools for recording in general but a simple demo, I think the most comfortable using.Quality is good very best and relatively cheaper price.
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 572
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Top 500 Poster
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 572 |
I agree with Colin, and Big Jim. I have some decent software and plugins. Before I purchase anything, I research the product, watch people using it on YouTube, and then see if it's something I realistically need, and can do a good job of. I continually go back over my songs as I learn more, correct mistakes, and extract the best sound and performance I can. It's a constant learning curve that will only get more complicated with time. I don't use a pro studio for anything. I will occasionally pay for pro vocals for songs I believe in. Learn your software inside out. There's no way around it-Bobby
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