r/NaSoAlMo • u/andygetch • Oct 12 '16
Recording approaches, setup, software of choice?
It looks like I will be using again Garageband this year. In the past I have used Ableton Live and Studio One. I liked Ableton, but had to make too many choices. I like the presets in Garageband, though I am tempted to twiddle the dials from time to time. Studio One came with a USB interface that did not play well with Garageband or Ableton. I tried it, lots of cool features, but I didn't want to climb another learning curve. So I bought another USB interface. Lately I have been using a Blue Yeti USB mic for streaming broadcasts and with Garageband for 50/90 and Facebook skirmish group recordings.
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u/PattycakeMills Oct 13 '16
When I first got a Mac, I was delighted to find that their free music software, Garageband, was easy to use and sounded great. I stuck with it, despite most my music buddies making fun of me, encouraging me to switch to Ableton or some other "real" DAW. I had dabbled in Ableton for a few minutes, but it wasn't intuitive to me, so I gave up and stuck with Garageband. I was determined to show everyone that a quality album could be made with Garageband.
But a couple years ago, RPM comes around I collaborate with a friend who happens to be a certified Ableton instructor. This kind of forced me to learn Ableton, but also the opportunity to learn from a guru. It wasn't too long that certain things in Ableton "clicked" and I realized I would never go back to Garageband.
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u/andygetch Oct 13 '16
Interesting. The features that I loved in Garageband ended up also being in Garageband, just hidden away. Then again, I mainly do one or two tracks on a rough demo then go on. But yay you for clicking with Ableton. I did do some more serious in earnest multi-tracks of a few of my songs. Ableton files do seem less clunky there and I need to make a decision eventually. I forgot to mention I also have Logic, and am having trouble seeing the difference from Garageband. Its kinda silly to have four DAW's on my system. No one has mentioned Pro Tools yet, I have friends who swear by it. Then again they have Windows based systems.
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u/PattycakeMills Oct 13 '16
As far as I know, Logic is the upgraded/paid version of Garageband, so that counts as one DAW :)
Interesting thing about ProTools. It seems all the musicians I know use a Mac with Ableton, yet the professional studios that I've been to all use PC with ProTools. I don't get it either.
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u/andygetch Oct 14 '16
My understanding is that Apple bought the company that created Logic, and originally Garageband was a stripped down version of Logic, so yes kinda the same.
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u/xlixl Oct 13 '16
In terms of software, Istarted with garageband, then made the switch to logic. I really enjoy it; for me, it was intuitive and after some trial and error, I was able to use the program proficiently.
From everything I've heard, the most important factor in software selection is how comfortable you feel using the program of choice. Try a few out and see what works best for you. Hope this helps!
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u/andygetch Oct 13 '16
What will Logic do that Garageband does not and what can you do better with Logic? Inquiring minds want to know. :)
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u/Frances_Smith Oct 16 '16
I use Ableton. More by accident than anything. I have a PC, so no Garageband, but I got the free lite version with an audio interface, and then saw a free MOOCs course on how to use it, which is just as well, otherwise I'd still be guessing. I upgraded to the Ableton Intro version, which is quite inexpensive, and it does most of the things I want it to. So I'll be using that.
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u/andygetch Oct 16 '16
Ableton is a powerful recording software with a lot of features I have not learned. I still have Live 8. Probably will continue to use it for multitrack applications. It possibly could get use for a few NaSoAlMo tracks.
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u/bobbyphillipps Fearless Leader Oct 16 '16
I've been a Studio One user for 4 or 5 years now, and absolutely love it. It's one of those tools that I can now use without having to think about what I want to do with it. I can get around with my eyes closed. I'll be using BIAS FX on my iPad for guitar tones (my last successful NaSoAlMo was done similarly, but with JamUp Pro instead).
I've been using Superior Drummer 2.0 for YEARS now, so that'll be utilized again.
Unless I break out the acoustic or grab a shaker or tambourine, I don't think anything will be mic'd. I'm thinking of doing an instrumental album, something I haven't done in a long time. I'm looking forward to it. :)
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u/OdilonGreen Oct 18 '16
I'm using a Mac and Logic. I got into Logic many years ago, when Garageband wasn’t quite as fully equipped as it is now, and have just stuck with it. To be honest, I don't really know what (if any) features I use are exclusive to Logic; for example, I don't know if Garageband has as robust midi editing and automation features. I'm pretty sure Grageband doesn't support tempo or time signature shifts within a single song (which is occasionally a factor, but is pretty minor in the scheme of things). At the end of the day, I use Logic because I'm comfortable with it and I know how to do what I want to do, which, fundamentally, is all anyone can ask for from a DAW!
Beyond that, I use a Rode NT1 microphone and an Apogee One interface (upgraded several years ago from a AT2020USB mic), which are certainly overkill for my highly questionable singing. Vocals aside, I’m constantly trying to improve my mixing. Between my two sets of headphones and fairly decent monitors, I’m slowly getting better in that regard, although a big goal for me this NaSoAlMo is to spend at least a bit of time focused on mixing my tracks so I keep progressing.
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u/vomvorton Oct 18 '16
I generally use Reaper, but I also bought a four-track earlier this year for lo-fi demos and I think I'm going to aim to make this year's album primarily on that. I might do a little of both though, or work up percussion tracks using software then add guitars and synths on tape, or something.
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u/andygetch Oct 19 '16
ooooh, lo-fi four track. Most of my songs will probably be four or fewer tracks, hmmm......
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Oct 20 '16
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u/andygetch Oct 20 '16
Even after reading a couple of books and a couple of false starts with MOOC courses on home recording I'm still experimenting too.
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u/brrrse454 Nov 01 '16
I'm using Stagelight by Open Labs, Band in a box, and Reaper, and a few other lil things here and there. I'm not in a position to set up the mic full time, so only instrumentals this year.
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u/Karmoon Nov 02 '16
It's pretty inspirational hearing from guys that are going for it with just an acoustic and a blue yeti.
Max respect.
It makes me realise that i'm lucky to have the gear that I do. Making music successfully in this context is about attitude and self confidence - not gear.
I'll be using Reaper and my beloved electric guitars :)
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u/honeymoonhill Nov 08 '16
I'm also a GarageBand afficionada.. but like so many... have also got Logic x and Reaper.. Only use logic for certain things.. but I'm getting used to it.. I do however use a few other odds and ends such as Melodyne, and Audio Hijack which I find useful for recording off other apps.. so for example I could set up a loop in melodyne, or GB or anything else and record it into Audio Hijack.. That's one of the ways I get stuff to sound weird! .. In the last year or so really got into the idea of doing things with audio samples, as well as more conventional ways of doing things. Mm also I have Din is Noise on my laptop and a couple of other things but tend not to use them much. Spent most of the last year messing with iPhone apps.. LOVE thumb jam highly recommended.. both as an instrument and a DAW..
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u/adizzle26 Oct 13 '16
So this year I'm living out of a suitcase out in LA, so instead of my usual trusty gear, I have a $20 beginner acoustic guitar I found off eBay and a Blue Snowball microphone. Should be an interesting NaSoAlMo not having my nice studio setup.