Suggestion for a low budget DAW

[AngusHasMoxie]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for an easy to use DAW to flesh out ideas. Here are my stipulations:

- Can utilize a USB interface (something like a POD for guitar/bass)
- Simple arrangement
- A decent amount of drum loops or MIDI drums built in.
- Mix exportable as MP3

And that's it. The cheaper the better. I do not have a Mac and I'm not going to buy one. Thinking about picking up Music Creator 7, so feedback on that is encouraged.

I should also mention that I'm not a complete newbie, I worked in radio production for 3 years and currently work as a computer programmer so I know my way around the basics.

This is just to present ideas to my band.

edit: Sorry mods, clicked the wrong forum. No wonder search wasn't giving me anything.

 

[bassbrad]

Zoom B3 includes a version of Cubase LE, great on bass and decent for guitar.

 

[NoiseNinja]

I am not sure weather it got all the features you are asking for, but I can only recommend Reaper which can be downloaded for free.

Really a great DAW with some great sounding effects too.

For the price of nothing it doesn't get any better.

REAPER | Audio Production Without Limits

 

[mapadofu]

Reaper is not free -- it has a very liberal trial period, officially: full featured for 60 days; but the 60 day limit is not enforced. If you intend to actually use it you should shell out the $60 (which is very inexpensive by DAW standards)

 

[JRA]

i use both pro tools and reaper: and while they are very different in their respective approaches, they have a lot in common. but for cheap: i'd have to recommend reaper at $60. reaper does "everything" you can ask of a DAW given your stated objective, and much more than you apparently need. you also get notifications of regular free upgrades.

because of the very generous trial period, previously mentioned: i'd suggest you at least try it! just remember: there is a learning curve with any DAW! good luck!

 

[Xandrell]

Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 7
$164 and you won't need to upgrade to something better later. Has everything and works well.

 

[Obese Chess]

Reaper.