JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques General Technical Forum Computers, Interfaces, DAWs....

Let's see if anyone makes it down here... Lol

Sorry if I'm being redundant, but I thought this deserved its own thread... The more research I do, the more I absolutely hate technology!

I'd like to talk about computers and interfaces, and which programs work best with which Operating Systems.

1- Why interface? What's the point if your computer has a sound card?
The best DAW I've found is LogicX, but Apple's new computers don't have a "line in" any more... Isn't an interface just an external sound card with gain controls and input options? My mixer does that and my old sound card works just fine. So, aren't interfaces just a "gimmick" to sell more hardware? Separate stereo line-in and mic inputs used to be standard on any computer.

2- LogicX comes with absolutely everything you need, including a very easy to use drum program for only $200; If you can afford the computer lol. So, are there any comparable Windows based programs that won't keep "nickel-n-dime'ing" me for annual account and upgrade fees? I don't want to be purchasing "add-ons" on line every time I want to record something.

On a side note... Suggestions for a good "budget" keyboard, "pre-loaded" with well sampled "full range" instruments like Sax, Cellos, VOX Oooohs-n-Aaaahs, Real Pipe Organs, etc. would be helpful.

Links for everyone to follow would also be very helpful

For keyboard...

Toontracks EZ keys is real good for keyboards
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The best free VST that I have come across is Spitfire's BBC orchestra. Strings of all kinds that sound pretty good and it is incredibly easy to use. One of those rare cases where "worth what you paid for it"...did not apply.

Marty

I use Ableton as my DAW, Native Instruments Komplete and Arturia's suite of programs for sounds. The interface is to get voice and live instruments into the CPU. I use an SSL 2+ for that.

Between all of the above, I rarely find I am missing anything I need.

I've actually been looking at "Native Instruments Komplete". Does "Arturia" function as a plug-in? In other words, if I create a MIDI pattern/string within Logic (or any DAW), will Arturia play it?

Yes, Arturia is a collection of vintage synths (mostly) and they are among the best that exist. They must license them from the original companies as they mimic the user interfaces so they couldn't do that without permission or some level of cooperation.

They have effects as well.

Logic is an Apple DAW right? I often tell people to download Audacity for FREE because I use it for all sorts of quick edits and dealing with odd formats etc. It is a fully functioning DAW with some plugins but is also compatibile with everything I have I think. Native Instruments often requires you used their Komplete Kontrol go-between or Kontact (whichever version is current). I use Komplete Kontrol without Ableton to launch most stuff though Arturia loads directly into Ableton, which many developers uses. I think they offer a free version that works with a lot of stuff, but some requires the paid version.

There are TONS of free plug-ins you can find all over the place. There are YouTube channels that tell you all about them all over the place. You really never need to pay for anything. Kids have it made. I bought Ableton, Native Instruments, Arturia and some stuff from Impact Soundworks who are JPF members and do GREAT guitar plugins!

By the way, I didn't realize you replied or would have answered long ago.

First off Apple is great but new hardware leaves old users behind. That is why in Europe Apple must start adding universal data exchange capabaility...I expect via USB as that is the Win standard

With Win, I think all software vendors are trying to move to subscription models and levels and frankly I have no idea when it comes to DAWS

Do know there is open source software out there for both platforms
https://ardour.org/
https://www.audacityteam.org/

https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2015/11/11/free-daw-software/