Best PC alternative to Logic Pro?

sifi76

sifi76

Mar 14, 2007
447
174
4,571
New Zealand
#1
Hi guys.

My bandmate is using Logic pro to record and edit tracks, and I'm trying to suss out a similar PC based DAW that exports files that are compatible with Logic. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm using a Alesis Mixer as a D.I, so it needs to have compatibility with that too. I've tried a few options, such as Cakewalk, Reaper, FL Studio and Audacity but wondered what the best alternative was.. well other than Pro tools... not a fan tbh.

Thoughts?
 
#2
I use Reaper. I like it, especially once I learned how to tweak everything like themes and macros.

If you're just doing recording and editing, you only have to output WAVs and shouldn't have any problem moving from DAW to DAW. If you're doing full mixes though, you may have an issue, if you intend to include session files and specific plugins when moving the tracks from computer to computer. There is no guaranteed way to ensure that your sessions will open perfectly across platforms or DAWs. Your best bet is to decide which one the both of you can use comfortably and go with that.
 
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#3
superheavyfunk said:
I use Reaper. I like it, especially once I learned how to tweak everything like themes and macros.

If you're just doing recording and editing, you only have to output WAVs and shouldn't have any problem moving from DAW to DAW. If you're doing full mixes though, you may have an issue, if you intend to include session files and specific plugins when moving the tracks from computer to computer. There is no guaranteed way to ensure that your sessions will open perfectly across platforms or DAWs. Your best bet is to decide which one the both of you can use comfortably and go with that.
Click to expand...

Good advice, I'm essentially only looking at doing recording and the mix will be done on logic at my bandmates' end. Cheers man, I'll give reaper a bigger go and see if that works out
 
#4
If you're focused on tracking and not mixing, consider a solid state recording device instead of a full blown DAW. I use a Zoom F8 and it provides 8 tracks of input. Very high quality preamps. Nice self contained unit that's perfect for location recording at gigs, rehearsals, etc. Everything's recorded in high quality WAV files on SD cards. Instant compatibility. Infinite flexibility. There are other models of Zooms and from other manufacturers with fewer inputs / lower cost.

  • 8-channel/10-track field audio recorder/mixer
  • 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors
  • Compact and lightweight aluminum chassis, weighing just 2 pounds (without batteries)
  • High quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain, less than -127 dBu EIN, and +4 dB line inputs
  • Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording as well as 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, and 44.1 kHz, plus 47.952 kHz/48.048 kHz for HD video compatibility; 16-/24-bit resolution
  • Accurate Time Code (0.2 ppm) I/O on standard BNC connectors; dropframe/non-drop formats with Jam Sync
  • Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack with Hirose connector, or 12V AC adapter (AA’s and DC battery pack not included)
  • Automatic switching of power source from DC to batteries at user-defined voltage levels
  • Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
  • Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every preamp
  • Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
  • High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
  • Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to 10 frames per output
  • Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules; optional extender cable enables remote positioning
  • Dual mini-XLR (TA3) balanced Main Outs plus ⅛" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
  • Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with front panel volume control
  • 2.4" full-color backlit LCD with monochrome mode
  • Dedicated PFL display with viewable trim settings
  • Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512 GB each
  • Records in BWF-compliant WAV or MP3 file formats
  • Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date, project, scene number, etc.
  • Built-in slate mic/slate tone with front panel switch
  • Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
  • Use as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface (@ 96 kHz)
  • Free Zoom F8 Control App for iOS allows wireless remote control, file renaming, and metadata entry






Let's me create videos like this:



 
Last edited:
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#5
Ukiah Bass said:
If you're focused on tracking and not mixing, consider a solid state recording device instead of a full blown DAW. I use a Zoom F8 and it provides 8 tracks of input. Very high quality preamps. Nice self contained unit that's perfect for location recording at gigs, rehearsals, etc. Everything's recorded in high quality WAV files on SD cards. Instant compatibility. Infinite flexibility. There are other models of Zooms and from other manufacturers with fewer inputs / lower cost.

  • 8-channel/10-track field audio recorder/mixer
  • 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors
  • Compact and lightweight aluminum chassis, weighing just 2 pounds (without batteries)
  • High quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain, less than -127 dBu EIN, and +4 dB line inputs
  • Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording as well as 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, and 44.1 kHz, plus 47.952 kHz/48.048 kHz for HD video compatibility; 16-/24-bit resolution
  • Accurate Time Code (0.2 ppm) I/O on standard BNC connectors; dropframe/non-drop formats with Jam Sync
  • Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack with Hirose connector, or 12V AC adapter (AA’s and DC battery pack not included)
  • Automatic switching of power source from DC to batteries at user-defined voltage levels
  • Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
  • Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every preamp
  • Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
  • High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
  • Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to 10 frames per output
  • Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules; optional extender cable enables remote positioning
  • Dual mini-XLR (TA3) balanced Main Outs plus ⅛" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
  • Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with front panel volume control
  • 2.4" full-color backlit LCD with monochrome mode
  • Dedicated PFL display with viewable trim settings
  • Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512 GB each
  • Records in BWF-compliant WAV or MP3 file formats
  • Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date, project, scene number, etc.
  • Built-in slate mic/slate tone with front panel switch
  • Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
  • Use as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface (@ 96 kHz)
  • Free Zoom F8 Control App for iOS allows wireless remote control, file renaming, and metadata entry






Let's me create videos like this:



Click to expand...

Holy smokes, that thing looks amazing!
 
#7
I like Studio One 3 DAW, it has everything, and is very easy to use. Check out the YouTube for info on the Studio One 3.

As for transporting audio files into another DAW, it can do that too. As long as your digital WAV (or any other types of audio file except mp3) has a time stamp function that writes time code to the file, you can use that recorded file in just about any modern DAW. And the DAW can stretch out the file or "Quantiz" so your recorded track is in tempo. That is, if you recorded that track to a tempo.
 
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#9
Badwater said:
I like Studio One 3 DAW, it has everything, and is very easy to use. Check out the YouTube for info on the Studio One 3.

As for transporting audio files into another DAW, it can do that too. As long as your digital WAV (or any other types of audio file except mp3) has a time stamp function that writes time code to the file, you can use that recorded file in just about any modern DAW. And the DAW can stretch out the file or "Quantiz" so your recorded track is in tempo. That is, if you recorded that track to a tempo.
Click to expand...


For mixing, I've used Studio One for many years. Very easy to use and powerful. But the OP is looking for a simple way to track, not mix, and a dedicated device for tracking is far easier to use than a DAW + interface. In my experience, anyway.
 
#11
Ukiah Bass said:
If you're focused on tracking and not mixing, consider a solid state recording device instead of a full blown DAW. I use a Zoom F8 and it provides 8 tracks of input. Very high quality preamps. Nice self contained unit that's perfect for location recording at gigs, rehearsals, etc. Everything's recorded in high quality WAV files on SD cards. Instant compatibility. Infinite flexibility. There are other models of Zooms and from other manufacturers with fewer inputs / lower cost.

  • 8-channel/10-track field audio recorder/mixer
  • 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors
  • Compact and lightweight aluminum chassis, weighing just 2 pounds (without batteries)
  • High quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain, less than -127 dBu EIN, and +4 dB line inputs
  • Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording as well as 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, and 44.1 kHz, plus 47.952 kHz/48.048 kHz for HD video compatibility; 16-/24-bit resolution
  • Accurate Time Code (0.2 ppm) I/O on standard BNC connectors; dropframe/non-drop formats with Jam Sync
  • Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack with Hirose connector, or 12V AC adapter (AA’s and DC battery pack not included)
  • Automatic switching of power source from DC to batteries at user-defined voltage levels
  • Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
  • Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every preamp
  • Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
  • High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
  • Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to 10 frames per output
  • Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules; optional extender cable enables remote positioning
  • Dual mini-XLR (TA3) balanced Main Outs plus ⅛" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
  • Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with front panel volume control
  • 2.4" full-color backlit LCD with monochrome mode
  • Dedicated PFL display with viewable trim settings
  • Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512 GB each
  • Records in BWF-compliant WAV or MP3 file formats
  • Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date, project, scene number, etc.
  • Built-in slate mic/slate tone with front panel switch
  • Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
  • Use as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface (@ 96 kHz)
  • Free Zoom F8 Control App for iOS allows wireless remote control, file renaming, and metadata entry






Let's me create videos like this:



Click to expand...



Hmmm thanks for the advice, might look into this as a dedicated unit might be a better idea.. I have an irig that I take to practices so I can record the little riffs and grooves I come up with (cause I'll forget them pretty much the next day if I don't) but it doesn't do a great job in terms of sound integrity, and usually requires me to playback and then record onto a DAW at home later on.. this should effectively cut the process in half
 
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