Any Musician/Computer gurues here? I NEED YOUR ADVISE

[turf]

OK, I'll start with the apploigies, because I know one of you out there will take it upon themselves to inform me this thread should have been posted in the "software" forum. Sorry, I'm just trying to cover the most people at one time.

So, that said. I'm looking for a GOOD site to download a QUALITY digital guitar effects processor program. Preferably one that will:
a.allow me to intrgrate usage with cakewalk express 8.0.
b.won't conflict with my SBLive.

Any advice on this matter would be a god send!

p.s. Does not have to be freeware. I'm looking for quality here.

Thanks for the replies..

Oh Yeah, BTW...any info on a virtual drum machine program would be killer too!!

 

[ComputerGuy]

Heres a link for all the music software you'll ever need, http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/

 

[MikeHelvey]

You know what they call a guy who hangs out with musicians don't you?



A Drummer. Sorry drummbers, couldn't resist.

 

[KaBudokan]

Turf, I am not sure what all you are looking for. I haven't heard a good amp simulator in software at all. The closest I have heard is some impulse files for Sonic Foundry's Acoustic Mirror which work ok. If you're looking to record your guitar direct to the PC, I would honestly recommend getting a POD direct recording unit (or a J-Station). (The ProTools software has Amp Farm plug in available which does basically the same thing. But, you don't have a Pro Tools setup, now do you? lol)

If you're lookg for effects like modulation (flanger, phaser, chorus, etc) there are a couple of options. Does Cakewalk Express allow for Direct X plug ins? If so, do a search for Blueline effects. They're freeware effects that work reasonably well. I just recently got the Waves Pro FX bundle which has some great toys in it - MetaFlanger, MondoMod, etc. Might be a bit pricy.

What effects are you looking for? Like I said, you may very well be better off getting a hardware direct in if that's what you are looking to do. Let me know and I may be able to make better suggestions.

 

[KaBudokan]

For drum machines, try Fruity Loops. Or buy Acid from Sonic Foundry. It will change the way you make music. Trust me on that.

 

[brassmonkey7]

i like fruity loops really well

 

[turf]

Thanks for all the responses, especially thanks for that link computerguy, now that's in incredable site.
KaBudokan, I'm sure that cakewalk supports direct-x, what I'm not sure of is if the program is written to be propriatary or not. Cakewalk has a set of plugins I can purchase from them, but it doesn't have everything I want. That in mind, I'm looking for something that has it all. Dist (BTW has been the hardest one to come across...go figure), flange, reverb, compressor, chorus, delay, and anything else I can find. Obviously a wah would have to be external, but I'm trying to get away from having to have a gaggle of pedals around my computer. I really don't have that many outlets by my PC. All be it that's an easy fix, i.e. batteries or an extra power strip, but none the less, it would be nice to avoid all that clutter!! And I feel that software effects can be more versital for editing purposes than their hardware (pedals) counterparts. Who knows?? I just figured hell, here I have this great computer with all of the functionality of a 256 track (well you know, one track at a time, but good enough for lil old me. Can't exactly play more than one instrument at a time ya know!!)recorder, and I want to experiment with it. KuBudokan, thanks for the info too. I'm going to follow up on those ideas with the plugins and the drum machine. Hope it all works!

 

[ComputerGuy]

I just remebered, Buzz Tracker has all of that (I think). Here's the link Buzz and heres a link for some Machines ofr Buzz Buzz Machines

 

[KaBudokan]

Hey Turf... Just looking at Cakewalk's page, it looks like Cakewalk express is really limited in terms of what it does. Says it has 2 tracks of audio plus midi.

Honetly, it is doubtful that it supports Direct X plug ins, but I could be wrong.

For modulation (chorus, flanger, etc) you will get some good pc effects. Honestly, I doubt very much whether you will get an acceptable distortion sound out of the pc. (For guitar anyway.) I have Quadrafuzz and find it virtually unusable for my taste. You can pick up a used POD for ~$200. With this you'll get amp simulators and really good (very usable) distortion sound, etc. It will sound a hundred times better than just about anything else you will get in software for amp modeling. The only exceptions, like I said, are the Amp Farm or Bomb Factory Sansamp plug ins, neither of which will work without Pro Tools. (I am pretty sure they are proprietary.) The POD also has chorus, tremolo, flange, delay, compressor, etc. That's my recommendation. I understand you want to use the computer to its full benefit, but keep in mind that there are some things that just don't cut it quite yet. I would think that sometime soon you will start to see amp modeling direct x plug ins that are convincing. I'll still be micing my tube amp most of the time.

I hate to sound skeptical, and I would dig it if someone proves me wrong. If you have an amp you will get better results micing the amp and recording that way. Once you have the sound in there, you can apply other effects.

I'll try to help more if I can.

 

[KaBudokan]

Double posting again.

I couldn't find more info on Cakewalk Express on their site.

One thing you may want to consider as an alternative multi tracker, if you find Cakewalk Express too limiting, is N-Track. Go to null and check it out. I have never used it, but it is supposed to be a very good program, and it is only $39 to register. (Dirt cheap for a very functional multi track.) Also think about Acid Music if you find Cakewalk doesn't cut it.

Just trying to be helpful.

 

[turf]

Yeah, I think your probabally right here, looks like I'll wind up just having to do things the old fashioned way. Not that that's bad. My NO. 1 interest is a functional multi track recording program. Cakewalk seems to do OK, but there is always something better. That program from null...the same company that created "Winamp"???
I have a great Hybrid amp (Crate BT-350), (s.s.power w/tube preamp)with an optional preamp output, making it completely tube driven if you take your signal from that output. From there I guess I could plug in to my PC, plus I've been looking for an excuse to get a good fx board, you know, one of those "all-in-one" characters. Seems like this is going to be the best method to record for now. My whole thing for this software stuff is loosely based on the idea that I could record a track (no effects) and then add or remove whatever effects I wanted to until I hit the right combinations for the sound I'm looking for. I do appreciate the posts though. I'm new to this whole recording on a PC kinda thing. ..

 

[KaBudokan]

<< That program from null...the same company that created &quot;Winamp&quot;??? >>



Nope... Not sure where the &quot;null&quot; came from up there, but that was a mistake. Weird. Anyway... Nothing wrong with Cakewalk, but I doubt that the Express version lets you use Direct X plugs, which is where you'll get the most variety. If you can get a good sound out of your guitar amp, I would recommend doing that. Other effects are good through software, but like I said, the basic guitar sound won't happen going straight into the soundcard.

Check out homerecording for info on recording. They know a lot over there.

You have the right idea though. Apart from guitar sounds, I use software effects for everything else - reverb, vocal effects, etc. Can't go wrong there.

I just finished a tune which has a pretty good overall production level (I think, anyway). You can hear it here: Waiting for the Sun I don't think you have to register at the site to listen, but you might. Otherwise, it should be easy to register. Anyway, this is all recorded on the computer. The drums/strings/horns are all loops and samples. Guitar, bass and vocals are all recorded through a preamp and mixer. All the effects are done with various software. Just to give you an idea that you're on the right track. (Unless you think it sucks. )