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Hey sound forum ppl

09-04-2003, 01:29 AM#1
Draco
I know you guys are prolly main voice ppl, but do you know any really really good music making programs for the PC. Kinda like Music Generator for the ps2.

Any ideas? :D
09-04-2003, 05:34 AM#2
Arctic
There are loads out there.

Personally, i use FL Studio (www.flstudio.com), which is quite good for beginners, but is also very powerful, and can really compete with the big boys so to speak.

Just to throw a few other names into the mix: Cubase, Sonar, Logic, Reason, Renoise, Pro Tools, Buzz (www.buzzmachines.com: Freeware) etc etc.

There are loads of alternatives. Basically, i would reccomend that you download the fl demo, and have a play with it.

You'll no doubt need to learn about vst's, which are software synths. If you decide to go down the fl routem you'll also need some samples, because the samples that come with it are frankly quite shite.

Anyhow, other people will no doubt reccomend other programs etc, but if you have any other questions, just chuck in a reply and i'll try and answer :p
09-04-2003, 05:51 AM#3
Maglok
I would recommend Sonar yes. :)
http://www.cakewalk.com Midi based composition, and also with the possibility to use DXi synths and DirectX plugins and all.
09-04-2003, 06:04 AM#4
Arctic
Quote:
Originally posted by Maglok
I would recommend Sonar yes. :)
http://www.cakewalk.com Midi based composition, and also with the possibility to use DXi synths and DirectX plugins and all.


And my prediction was correct.

Everyone has they're own favorite's/personal prefferences...

IMO the key is to find the program that suits you the best, and that you feel comfortable with. I do play with buzz and cubase now and then, but i always come back to fl...

Download the demos (or if you're a naughty chap the full things :gsmile: ), and see what floats your boat ;)
09-04-2003, 06:21 AM#5
Draco
Thnx guys, I need something that converts to .mp3 well and has instruments like violin, piccolo, etc.

:D
09-04-2003, 06:33 AM#6
Arctic
Ok, i'll get a bit more specific then ;)

Cakewalk etc can be a bit complex when you first start out, so i'm going to assume that you'll get fl :ggani:

Basically, you can import what are called samples, which are things like a snare hit, kick drum, a clap etc etc. They can be in wav format, soundfont etc etc. Basically you can sequence these, put effects on them that change and alter the sound, and arrange them as you please to make a song.

However, you don't just want to limit yourself to samples, do you?

You'll want to synthesize your own sounds/make your own instruments. You can shell out on a hardware synth, but basically i don't think that's needed, i know signed artists who just use fl with some soft synths.

In fl, you can load what are called VST;s/DXI's and buzz machines. These are software synths, which in short make sounds/instruments :p. Strings, pianos, etc etc. There are pad synths, string synths, piano synths, the list is endless. Basically, you can load these in any sequencer (cakewalk, fl, cubase etc) that supports the vst/dxi format.

There are loads of freeware vsts/dxis about, so you dont nesecarily have to shell out any cash.

All sequencers like fl are able to export to wav, and usually mp3 (If not, it's easy to convert afterwards).

I've left loads of stuff out, but i didn't particulally wanrt to bombard youwith too much info too soon :/
09-04-2003, 06:51 AM#7
Draco
Lol, if you would;ve said Fruity Loops....I've used it before some, but forgot the name after I cleared my comp. Thanks a bunch! :ggani:

I'll come back if I don't remember a thing also. :D

Also, saving not allowed in the version you linked to.
09-04-2003, 01:01 PM#8
Arctic
Quote:
Originally posted by Draco
Lol, if you would;ve said Fruity Loops....I've used it before some, but forgot the name after I cleared my comp. Thanks a bunch! :ggani:

I'll come back if I don't remember a thing also. :D

Also, saving not allowed in the version you linked to.


The fruity loops products are dead now, the name and site have changed ;). It's got a lot of new features, more fx tracks etc etc.

And yeah, the demo doesn't allow saving, so you'll either have to shell out or, ahem, aquire it by other means.
09-04-2003, 01:19 PM#9
Draco
I've got Sonar now too. Won't have time to look at till tonight. Oh, forget about what I said about saving.
09-04-2003, 01:23 PM#10
Arctic
Forget i shall ;)

Which version did you get btw (of fl). 4.12 is the latest...

If it's anything under 4.1, then you're missing out :mtk:
09-04-2003, 01:38 PM#11
Draco
Sonar 2.0 and FL 4.0.1

:D
09-04-2003, 02:09 PM#12
Maglok
Don't freak out if Sonar looks DAMN complicated at first, it is really a good program. ;)
09-04-2003, 11:10 PM#13
SS3Goku
Are there any free music things because I would like one but don't want to pay. I am not asking for warez I am asking if there are any that are being given for free by there company.
09-05-2003, 02:02 AM#14
Arctic
Draco: Pm me, that's an unstable beta of fl, i can point you in the right direction of a newer one ;)

SS3Goku: The best freeware one (imo) is buzz. It's been used by signed artists like sasha and james holden, and is extremely powerful. It can compete with the best out there...

Having said that, it's quite complex, and has a steep learning curve...

www.buzzmachines.com is the site...