If you're new to home recording and are trying to decide which software to buy, it can be difficult to make the right decision. Asking what the best recording software is may seem like a great place to start but there are some things you need to ask yourself first. As there are so many different software packages out there, some optimized for a narrow or specific purpose, each having its own pros and cons, any one of them could be considered "the best" at a different element of the recording process. You see now why it is so hard a question to answer?
Break It Down For Me
There are three main functions which are necessary when recording and producing your audio. The first process is tracking which is basically getting your sounds recorded. The second process is mixing where your different types of audio (vocals, instruments etc.) are merged together from multiple tracks. The third process is editing, which often overlaps and combines with the mixing process. Basically, as you mix your file you may need to edit it simultaneously and so the two processes can become one. However, when you have completed your final mix you will need to begin the edit on your final product to make it "ready-for-prime-time." Confusingly, this editing process is sometimes given the entirely different name of mastering.
Some producers suggest you need a separate program for each of these processes although this is entirely up to you. As with so many things, it depends on your specific needs. There are many well-known programs including Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Audacity and Cubase, that offer the whole package, though many users would combine one, two or more of these packages to create their final, polished track. It is often recommended that you use one program to track and mix your audio, to gain a multifaceted, fully mixed track, and then switch to another software program for your editing (and mastering) process. If you only want to record single-track vocals or voice tracks, you may be able to skip the complicated multi-track recording software altogether and just opt for a good audio editing program.
In 2011, pretty much anyone with a computer has the opportunity to compete with the big recording studios and produce studio standard audio. These are some of the most popular and highly recommended full recording packages. All of these packages will complete all of the processes involved in recording but each has its own best features:
Pro Tools - the industry standard program for recording and mixing audio
Cubase - innovative technology, started out as mainly a MIDI program, excellent for multi-track recording
Adobe Audition - Though it started out as a pretty advanced and good-quality editing software, which is still the definite specialty, it now does a creditable job as all tasks
Cakewalk Sonar - a stable reliable all-rounder
Sound Forge - a stalwart in the audio editing world
Audacity - good quality free recording software, though as the price suggests, it is pretty limited in its quality and flexibility - amazing for a free program though, and perfect for someone not needing complexity or multiple tracks of music.
Reaper - fantastic multi track audio and MIDI recording, a great choice for tracking and mixing. Definitely needs to be complimented with an editing program.
Here are a few recommendations based on need:
- For simply producing good audio for voice-overs, perhaps just for video narrations, podcasts, etc. you can actually get by with just Audacity. As your need for better functionality or flexibility and speed of workflow increases, start checking out the paid programs that "do it all."
- For simple multi-track functionality like adding program music or sound effects in the background, it is conceivable that the free Audacity could meet your needs, so give it a try. My personal preference for this would be to use Reaper (priced at only $49 until you start making serious money with it - see the article "Why Reaper Rocks as a DAW" at the Home Brew Audio website.
- For anything to do with producing multi-track music, say for songwriter demos, recording songs or full music CDs, start with Reaper + Adobe Audition (or some other good quality editor like Sound Forge). If you plan to collaborate with other musicians who record elsewhere, consider Pro Tools for its ubiquity.
Some of these packages can be tested out via free trials and demo copies. I highly when you are deciding which to choose to make sure you get a good combination to meet your recording needs.
There is a large a range of software programs available for audio recording and production depending on your needs. So before you shell out big bucks for an expensive package, think about what you genuinely need from your recording software. You'll be bound to find a package which fits your needs and ultimately it's up to you to make that decision.
