»

Popular Software by Marc Schonbrun

There are countless programs available for making music on a computer. However, a few have emerged as top players, and those are the ones we'll focus on here. All of these programs basically do the same thing: they allow you to record MIDI and audio and to arrange and mix music, all on a computer system. The only differences are how they go about the task.

Don't worry about spending a lot of money for Pro Tools and not knowing how to use it. Digidesign offers a vast support system, including classes, online resources, and its DigiZine magazine. You can choose from individualized study programs, in-person training classes, and online courses through Berklee College of Music.

Digidesign: Pro Tools

No other name is as synonymous with studio recording as Pro Tools. Until a few years ago, the only system you could get was its expensive TDM system, which went for well over $10,000. In 1998, Digidesign introduced Pro Tools digi001 and entered the home studio market. Currently, Digidesign markets a number of home studio products—the Mbox 2 family of USB audio interfaces; the 003 family FireWire interfaces, including the 003 Factory eighteen-input interface plus motorized control surface, and the 003 Rack, an eighteen-input FireWire interface; and the ProTools M-Powered capable series of interfaces from M-Audio. The Mbox 2 and 003 series ship with the same version of Pro Tools LE software, which is capable of playing back forty-eight audio tracks and unlimited MIDI tracks. ProTools M-Powered is available for compatible M-Audio interfaces, and features much of the same functionality of ProTools LE.

One of the biggest things Pro Tools has going for it is compatibility: Anything created on a Pro Tools home system can be taken to a larger professional version. This is great when you want to share your ideas or get expert mixing and mastering. As discussed earlier, Pro Tools is proprietary so you can run its software only with Digidesign hardware, or supported M-Audio interfaces. As a music tool, it's a mature product that works on both Mac and PC equally well. It's also completely portable because the current versions work on USB and FireWire formats—great for laptop use.

Figure 6-1: Digidesign Pro Tools 8

It's set up simply with two main windows—the mix and edit windows. The edit window shows you all your audio and MIDI data track by track, while the mix window shows the virtual mixing board and access to all your plugin effects. Pro Tools 8 introduces new MIDI editing windows and a fabulous new score editor, powered by Sibelius. A nice selection of audio effects and virtual instruments are included with the package. You can always extend the system by adding RTAS plug-ins and other add-ons available from Digidesign and third party manufacturers.

Figure 6-1 gives you a look at what Pro Tools looks like in action.

Steinberg: Cubase

In the 1990s, Steinberg introduced Cubase VST, an integrated virtual studio for music making. It has grown over the years and remains a very popular choice on both the PC and Mac platforms. It can run with any computer audio interface you choose. Like all programs of this type, MIDI and audio are grouped together. Cubase is a fully featured studio capable of anything you throw at it. There are a large number of plug-ins available for Cubase in the VST format. Steinberg also includes a nice set of VST audio effect plug-ins to get you started.

Figure 6-2: Steinberg Cubase 5

Cubase is also a very capable MIDI editor. This is because Cubase started its life as a MIDI sequencer and added audio capabilities later. Because of its clean format and ease of use, Cubase remains a very popular application. It is also completely cross-platform, running identically on both Mac and PC, a feat matched only by Pro Tools. Cubase comes in three flavors: Cubase Essential, Cubase Studio, and Cubase. Cubase is their top-of-the line application. Figure 6-2 shows what the current version of Cubase, Cubase 5, looks like in action.

Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU): Digital Performer

On the Mac platform (sorry PC users), MOTU Digital Performer is a favorite among musicians. Originally a MIDI sequencer that added audio capabilities, Digital Performer (or DP, as users call it) is another robust and powerful audio and MIDI tool. It has a clean interface with great audio effects and powerful MIDI editing. You can find Digital Performer in many composing and film-scoring studios around the world. Digital Performer extends its power by adopting the Audio Units plug-in standard, greatly increasing the number of available plug-in effects. Of course, you get a nice starter set of audio effects from MOTU. Take a look at Digital Performer 6 in action in Figure 6-3.

Figure 6-3: MOTU Digital Performer

Apple: Logic Studio

Logic, like many other programs, started its life as a MIDI sequencer and added audio later. Logic is currently produced only for the Mac platform, but at one time it was cross-platform. Logic is a very different program from the others covered so far. It is by far the most configurable and programmable software available for music making. It's almost a programming language wrapped in a music application. Don't let that put you off, though, because Logic is intuitive for basic MIDI and audio recording, and users who get into the underlying layers will find great power and flexibility. Logic sports many different windows and views for editing information. It boasts some of the best MIDI editing around. It also includes score editing to view your MIDI as music notation. In addition to Logic, you also get Mainstage, a live performance program that allows you to take all the amazing Logic sounds out on the road!

Figure 6-4: Apple Logic Studio

Logic is a very popular program that is starting to show up in more professional studios due to its powerful mix of audio and MIDI adaptability to any situation. It's also one of the most fully featured virtual instruments and sampler hosts available, incorporating an impressive array of its own virtual instruments and the ability to host Audio Units plug-ins. For more on virtual instruments and samplers, refer to Chapter 13 for a full description. Logic comes in two versions: Logic Express and Logic Studio. Logic Express is the basic version and Logic Studio is the flagship application. What you gain with the Studio version are a suite of complementary applications, more plug-in effects, more virtual instruments and loop content, and generally more features. Figure 6-4 is a shot of Logic in action.

Cakewalk: Sonar

Sonar is an immensely popular workstation made only for PCs. Cakewalk has been making music programs for years and ease of use is a thread that runs through each of its products. A clean, uncluttered interface makes the connection between user and musician seamless and fun. Excelling at both MIDI and audio, Sonar is one of the best PC applications available, and it has a wide, loyal user base. You also get automation, a generous selection of plug-in effects, and a wide variety of MIDI editing techniques. Figure 6-5 is a shot of Sonar in action.

Figure 6-5: Cakewalk Sonar

Ableton: Live

Ableton Live is a unique piece of software. Originally, Live was conceived as a live performance tool geared toward improvisation and composition with prerecorded audio material. Essentially, it was a loop-based application on steroids. Over the years it has developed into a full-featured audio and MIDI production application and plug-in host, while staying true to its roots as a powerful performance tool. It is available for both Mac and PC, making it a good choice for those collaborating on projects on different platforms. On the PC, Live supports VST, and on the Mac it supports both Audio Units and VST. Figure 6-6 is a shot of Live 8 in action.

Figure 6-6: Ableton Live

Which One Is for You?

The popular software products discussed in this section do the same basic job—they all allow you to manipulate MIDI alongside audio in a nonlinear manner. They differ only in presentation and organization. You owe it to yourself to look into each product. You'll find many demos are available online as well as at your local music store. Get some hands-on experience with the software before you purchase it. Ask around; ask friends. Online, there are dedicated support forums for each product. Read the entries and look into all the details. Buying a program is a major commitment, so do your homework.

If you plan to collaborate with other musicians or other people in your band, it makes sense for all of you to have the same system. (And if you buy a system that is also owned by someone you know, you might just be able to get a little tutorial from that person as well!) If you have aspirations of becoming a professional studio owner or attending engineering school, see what the current standard is—for most, it's still Pro Tools. Whatever you decide to get, you'll learn and do well with it!