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Recording and Midi

So you’ve decided on your setup, now you need the software to record -

So far I’ve seen two packages available, both are free to use.

Reaper – A multi track audio package – rewired, vst support – midi support.

Reaper (www.cockos.com) – is an outstanding peice of kit – a 64 bit audio engine, with built in effects, multiband eq, compressor, reverb and real time pitch correction.

It has unlimited track capabilities, small download and easy installation.

I’ve used reaper – the only fault I’ve found is a minor gripe – the use of a staff view.

It’s a minor gripe really as there is a piano roll – although pretty basic.

The software is not entirely free – it is shareware – an uncrippled evaluation is there for you to try.

Try it out, if it’s all that you need then pay for it – there are two licenses.

“The normal price for REAPER is $225.00 USD, however for users who wish to use REAPER only for non-commercial use we offer reduced price licensing for $50.00 USD. Upgrades from non-commercial licenses to full (commercial) licenses are available.” – reaper.

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The second piece of software I’ve found came recommended in Computer Music Magazine.

The software is called MU.LAB (www.MUTOOLS.com) – it similar capabilities as reaper but the free version is limited to only 8 tracks.

That said 8 tracks for anyone just starting is more than enough.

If that is not enough MU.LAB unlimited is available at only 39 euros.

Now that is excellent value.

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Both of the packages above are updated frequently and offer support and a forum, sometimes invaluable if you are having problems.

Audacity – free audio editor

In case you didn’t already know,

Audacity is free software, developed by a group of volunteers and distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to:

Record live audio.
Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together.
Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
And more! See the complete list of features.

Download it here

Free Vst Instruments

LoopAZoid 48 channel, 64 voice stereo drum sampler

What they say:

With LoopAZoid, you get an easy to use and powerful tool for playing one-shot samples in your songs. One instance holds up to 48 different samples, which can be freely assigned to up to 96 different MIDI notes – two each, for forward & reverse playback.

Review:

Used it a few years ago now but at the time was quite a cool little vst. From what I remember could only handle samples at 41000hz and 16bit.

You’ll need kit samples and also you’ll have to figure out kit arrangement.

Requires some work and research, but it’s free so it’s worth the graft.

Download

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Mdrummer:

No Review as yet.

What they say:

MeldaProduction finally developed total drum solution – MDrummer is a highly sophisticated (not-only) percussive instrument engine which extends features of all existing products on the market together.

MDrummer is so splendid, that we could talk about it for hours, but maybe it would be easier to try it.

Download MDrummer for free.