Which sequencer should I go with?

[logansrogue]

Okay, I don't know what to do.

I used to use Sonar for my recording of songs, but unfortunately Sonar doesn't run too well on my laptop. So I thought maybe I should try other music programmes.

What I want to do is to be able to record audio, but also sequence midi and synth tracks. Which do I go with? I'm confused! I have great idea for blended electronica-audio stuff, but I don't have the software to do it. So I'm open for suggestions.

Comments

[akire-yta.livejournal.com]

i'm not sure it can do all you want there, but may I suggest Reaper? It's free for the basic, its a tiny program, so it will run well on a laptop, and it does a lot of COOL SHIT.

the only downside is the help wiki is woefully underpopulated.

[strangedave.livejournal.com]

Cubase?
I have a crappy lite licence somewhere, which seemed to work ok. It seems to be the leading Windows option for mixed MIDI/audio recording.

Live is awesome for electronica/loop based stuff, but not so great a fit for conventional recording (it does it, but its not its focus). You could grab a demo and see if you like it.

[scotsnow.livejournal.com]

I use and love Sony Acid Pro. However, I'd point you at Reaper which is 100% free to download and to use fully functional for as long as you like (a licence for a hobbyist is $60 and for a pro $225, but you can get a licence whenever you want) and it does EVERYthing all the other sequencers do. You'll probably need to spend a few days with it to get up to speed, but you can just download it right now and get cracking:

http://www.reaper.fm/

If you need any VST/midi instruments/FX let me know; I have a list of hundreds, all excellent, all free. :D

[scotsnow.livejournal.com]

Mind you, there's a full 400+ page manual in PDF, free to download from the site, that's answered every question I've ever had. :)

[akire-yta.livejournal.com]

ah, but i had reaper on the computer that for some reason choked on pdf. i shouldprobably try again on the new box, right?

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

I do, and I'll probably need a buttload of them.

[scotsnow.livejournal.com]

It's probably a good idea, yes. :P

[scotsnow.livejournal.com]

No probs. I'll put together a general list for you and you can have a squizz and see what you need. :)

[akire-yta.livejournal.com]

of course, this presumes i'd have a use for reaper these days :)

[scotsnow.livejournal.com]

Shame there's not a Reaper Video Editor, really. :)

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

I have a huge number of hugs for you.

[logansrogue.livejournal.com]

Thank you buddy! :D