13 posts
Just wondering now that some of you have spent more time with it... what is the consensus on the sound quality? I know some initially said things just didn't sound as good when using it, and even Rocket said that he went back to Pro Tools (right before he disappeared). Just wondering if this is still the case.
Thanks to Rockets info I found it easy to get started and do many things in the program. Just wonder if it's up to snuff with the good stuff yet. Certainly seems easy to use.
Also, when we start doing some things here (like the mix projects etc.) are we going to try to all keep using it, or "use what ya got?"
I would go with a "use what you got" philosophy. I never found Reaper easy to use no matter how many people told me it was, and I won't use it now, because it's an impediment to my workflow, and I don't have time for those. Honestly, I can get mixes running faster in FLStudio than in Reaper.
Charger,
I have the demo of FL Studio and considered buying it. But I HATE that dark screen! I can't hardly get it bright enough to see things well on it. Are there any other skins that brighten it up some? Also, I really can't spend $300 or more on a drum program now. We haven't discussed this in a good while, so how are the drums in FL Studio? As good? Close? Good enough?
DreamTheaterRules — Aug 16, 2008Charger,
I have the demo of FL Studio and considered buying it. But I HATE that dark screen! I can't hardly get it bright enough to see things well on it. Are there any other skins that brighten it up some? Also, I really can't spend $300 or more on a drum program now. We haven't discussed this in a good while, so how are the drums in FL Studio? As good? Close? Good enough?
FLStudio is not a "realistic" drum system. You'd be better off, if you want "real" drums, with EZdrummer. FLStudio is a great system, though, for synths, mixing, etc. It has a lot of stuff in it. But it's a tweaker's paradise, and really offers more to you the more you are willing to put into it... like a Pod.
I use both Sonar and Reaper, although lately I am using mostly Reaper. Thing I like about it most is that it is very light on system resources and I can have lots of vsts all running at the same time without hardly any effect on system resource. I also find it very quick and easy to knock together a track. However, it does take a bit of getting used to as things are not always as straight forward as common sense would lead you to believe, but once you get the hang of it it is very easy and quick to use.
Sound quality, I can't put my finger on it but there is something not quite right here. I can't describe it really but I know that recordings with Sonar do sound superior, but then again for the stuff that I'm doing Reaper is more than adequate.
Howie, I downloaded Reaper and used it a couple times. But I only used it for a quick way to use the POD X3 as the soundcard when using that VST program that Zonta and LWB were using to play live to together. I forget the name of that program, but it was put out by the makers of Reaper. Reaper works, but I'm with Charger, Pro tools is just easy in it's layout, so I never did anymore with Reaper.
I recently Reinstalled Sonar on my Laptop to use the X3 with, and having not used Sonar for over a year I found it tough to navigate through. It came back relatively quickly once you sort out the ins and outs.
I'm sure Reaper is similar.
So, grab one and start using it. The more you use it, the easier it'll get. Kinda like a cuss word. :D
Deano, I've never used Pro-tools. Would you say it is better than Sonar?
By the way, does ProTools only work with an M-Audio sound card? Is it possible to use it with ASIO drivers using the PODX3 as the soundcard?
Jon, I won't say it's better than Sonar. It's very Good. It's easy. I came to like it better than Sonar. One reason is Upgade prices for Sonar. I jumped off the Sonar Wagon at SP5. Now they are at SP7. $200 to $300 worth of upgrade fees. I've spent $49 on Pro Tools since the initial install. Basically the same timeframe.
You cannot use the PODs as the soundcard with Pro Tools.
Pro Tools has their own hardware or they have a version that can be used with M-Audio Hardware.
I already had M-Audio hardware, so that was no biggie for me, and made it easy to try it out first.
They have some awesome package deals available from Digi and M-Audio.
If you are looking at upgrading a soundcard, Preamp or the like, one of these package deals might fit the bill for you. If you go M-Audio, you can always go back, though I doubt you would.
You can always keep Sonar or Reaper to use the POD, if needed.
I think the S/PDIF from the POD X3 into Pro tools works really well though, using the M-Audio cards.
SO, NO on the POD USB. I still ain't a fan of the POD USB, though the 2.0 USB with the X3 is much better than the V1.x with the XT.
This is where that Plug-in that you sent back would come in handy!!!! :D
I actually do also have an M-Audio card. For some strange reason, Sonar works better for me with the Podx3 as the soundcard than using the M-audio card, although to be honest, for quick recording Reaper is doing the job for me just fine these days.
If you have a M-Audio card, You can Download the Pro Tools for M-Audio Trial and give it a whirl.
Here is a link. http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/ProToolsMPowered74Upgrade-main.html
Another thing you may want to check on your M-Audio Card is the Drivers. M-Audio is really good with keeping their drivers updated. If their is an update for your drivers, it may improve the cards performance. Same link to check the drivers. Links on the right side of the page.
Howie I had a Cakewalk thing I got from Dean. I used that forever and once they did the Reaper thing I've used that exclusively.
I find it as easy to use as Pro-tools. Though if I had the cash handy I'd probably get Pro-Tools. Reaper is not a bad program and I find it simple to use. I've had no issues with it at all and it updates quite often....though honestly I've never benefited from the updates I don't think. I'm not a deep user of this stuff. I just arm a track and hit record and that's about it.
I had all but forgotten about Reaper. I just checked to make sure and found that I DO still have all the tutorial video's that Rocket did for us saved on my PC. Anyone who wants them, I'll happily mail them to you but beware, they are BIG files (20-40Meg).
I may have to take a look at these later and use Reaper to do the individual pedal clips later today (I have the house to myself for most of it .
I prefer Sonar to Reaper but in a pinch it works pretty well. I am still at sp5, due to the price of upgrades. I most likely won't upgrade until I have to go to the next OS is required to do anything.
I would say use what you have Howie, and i Reaper is working for you then stay there, no need to muck up the works nor the pocket book.