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Your favorite DAW?

Started by Joom, June 07, 2014, 12:01:05 PM

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Joom

I thought it would be interesting to hear what your favorite DAW is, and why.  Other than the fact that it's just always interesting to know what people are using, sometimes it's helpful to those who are still looking for their 'perfect' DAW to hear what someone else is using and why it works best for them.

I used to own and use Pro Tools way, way back when, but for my purposes it just wasn't worth the cost.  I'm not saying the software isn't worth the asking price, it just wasn't for me.

I picked up a copy of Sony's Acid when it first came out, and for a few years that was my favorite (and primary) DAW.  And even though it hasn't been updated in ages, I still like and use Acid Pro 7 for a number of things.  But, I'm one of those people who like variety, and firmly believe that the guy who dies with the most DAWs wins.  ;D

These days I have a number of DAWs (or DAW wannabes) on my audio system.  In part because each one might have its own particular feature or feature set that I like, and in part to be compatible with other people for projects.  My primary go-to DAW at this point is Reaper, simply because it does almost anything I want it to, does it well, and has a very small footprint (very light on system resources).

Right up there with Reaper, though, is Reason from Propellerhead.  Reason not only does a great job of recording and mixing, but it's also - in my opinion - the best synth instrument system out there.  Not being able to play much anymore because of physical limitations (I'm old and broken now), I really like being able to use synth and sampled instruments on my Evolution keyboard.  One hand, a good keyboard, and Reason, and you can do some pretty cool stuff.

I also still use Acid Pro for some things, but I think it's more out of a sense of nostalgia.  Though it still does certain things quite well.

Some of the others I bring up once every blue moon just to check for updates, unless I need to use them to access someone's project file.  Sonar, Ableton, MixCraft, and a few others.  Not at all well versed in them, though.

Anyway, I could never give up Reason, but if I had to pick just one DAW at this point for recording and mixing, it would have to be Reaper.

I know some people use a particular product because it was the first one they purchased, and once they learned it they just stuck with it.  And some people might have gotten their software with a hardware purchase and stuck with that for the same reason.  So what do you use, and why?  And how did you first start using it?
A computer once beat me at chess.  As it turns out, though, it was no match for me at kick boxing...

DialtonePickups

Logic- Since its what I know!

John

Scarebear

My favourite is currently Reaper as it's affordable and I've managed to work a bit of it out. I have a Cubase LE that I'm keen to learn though.
scarebear.rocks - terrible guitar playing verbalised as terrible writing.

Joom

Quote from: DialtonePickups on June 08, 2014, 02:48:59 AM
Logic- Since its what I know!

John

I know quite a few people that use Logic and really like it.  Good system, though I don't personally use it.


Quote from: Scarebear on June 08, 2014, 12:19:28 PM
My favourite is currently Reaper as it's affordable and I've managed to work a bit of it out. I have a Cubase LE that I'm keen to learn though.

I've used Cubase a little in the past, and still own a copy for compatibility purposes, but just never got to be a fan for some reason.

Reaper, though is one of those anomalies wrapped in an enigma.  Very small footprint, very small price, huge number of usable options, very fast, free (and frequent) updates, and it just 'thinks' like I do.

I've been in the computer business over 35 years, and often explain the need for different software to people that way.  I know software doesn't 'think' (yet), but the software author does.  They have an idea and a concept of how something should work, and they build it that way.  And as it turns out, most people who think the same way as that software author just happen to like that version of software.

So, whoever thinks logically about things the same way the authors of Cubase do - will like Cubase.  And the same with Reaper, and all the rest.  Same applies to spreadsheets, word processors, browsers, video games, etc.

I just shorten that all up, and say that Reaper, Reason, Acid Pro, etc., think like I do.  And using software that thinks the way you do makes it more intuitive and productive for you.

Good luck with Cubase, Scarebear, let us know how it works out for you...
A computer once beat me at chess.  As it turns out, though, it was no match for me at kick boxing...

Joom

Just thought I'd mention that, for anyone who is just getting into a DAW (or wants to get into a new one), one of the best sites I've found for tutorials is Groove3.

http://www.groove3.com/str/

The tutorials cost, but I've purchased a few from them over time and they've always been well worth the price.  Can't say they have one for every program, but it seems they do.  Definitely recommended...
A computer once beat me at chess.  As it turns out, though, it was no match for me at kick boxing...

macman


My favorite is currently Studio One Pro v2. I am finding it very good on resources and the workflow is nice and logical.

Mick

Quote from: macman on July 02, 2014, 05:07:40 PM

My favorite is currently Studio One Pro v2. I am finding it very good on resources and the workflow is nice and logical.

Thanks macman, I haven't tried Studio One Pro myself, although I have just noticed they do a free version.. http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one/compare-versions

Might give it a try.  :tup:
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macman

Hi Mick
It is definitely worth trying, the free version will not let you use 3rd party VST's (for example, EZ Drummer) but will allow you to see if you like the workflow. There are lots of good videos online as tutorials. I was using Logic but just find this streamlines my recording and workflow. I have no system issues and yet on Logic with my Mac which is pretty powerful I would get the audio engine resources issue, that was really slowing my workflow down.

If you have used Reaper then you should be able to transition to Studio One 2 pretty easily. I started with Artist and then purchased the upgrades to get me to the Pro version. The Producer version is very nice, this is the level before the Pro version. it is 32 bit only but you can use all 3rd party VST's within it.

Go try the free version, let me know what you think.

Mark

Joom

Quite a few of the people I work with started out on the original (and free) Kristal Audio Engine, sort of the precursor to Studio One.  Some of them still use the original KAE, a few upgraded to Studio One, and some moved on to other DAWs.

I've never used Studio One myself, but hear a lot of good things about it...
A computer once beat me at chess.  As it turns out, though, it was no match for me at kick boxing...

Scarebear

Quote from: macman on July 02, 2014, 06:00:37 PM
It is definitely worth trying, the free version will not let you use 3rd party VST's (for example, EZ Drummer) but will allow you to see if you like the workflow.

I've tried the free version. It was nice. I would have liked to have been able to see how the VSTs worked in it. I've only experienced Reaper's integration with VSTs so I've have nothing else to compare it to. I have another DAW to try now but finding the time to re-educate myself is the problem.
scarebear.rocks - terrible guitar playing verbalised as terrible writing.

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