If you've read any of my other threads I'm in the middle of researching what I need for my composition/keyboard/recording "set up". I just got a home computer this year, have gotten some information on the Piano World forums on hooking up my old keyboard, have read information from others who record their acoustic piano with a mic., have gotten information on the composer's forum on notation software, so now I think I'm on my way to getting settled in these areas and just about ready to buy and dive in, hopefully.

The only other question I'm confused a little on is if I get notation software, then do I also need additional recording software or does most notation software have enough recording capablility to be sufficient in and of itself? -Especially for an amateur or novice.

To those of you who already use notation software for composing, what notation software do you use and do you also use additional recording software? If so, what recording software do you use?

Thanks in advance for the help!

If you are looking for basic recordings then take a look at Kristal:
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Allows multi-tracking (if you want to record multiple instruments) has build in reverb effects, supports VST effects and best of all, it's free. I really see no need why you'd need more if you're just going to record yourself playing piano, really. I'm using Cubase SX3 myself right now and I just cannot think of a single proper reason why you should spend $700
on it.

Some extra effects and options, plus the ability to export to MP3 (Kristal exports to wav) can be found in the equally free Audacit:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Download 'em both and you're set. I myself use Sibelius4 as notation software and you definitely need seperate recording software, same goes for Finale.

I did a search on PW of recording software and found a ton of information in prior threads and posts.

Arjen, can any of those free software render midi to mp3?

No idea, never tried it. But if you want that you could just playback your midi file and export the soundcard's output directly.

Do you need special hardware or software to do that? I have a 24 bit soundblaster live.

Please excuse my ignorance here. :-p

Nope, got a similar card myself.

start->program files->Creative->Creative SB Live!->Creative Recorder.

In this tiny program you can select what windows should be recording when you use whatever recording program you have. It probably reads 'line-in' or 'mic-in' right now. Change this to 'what you hear' and start your recording program.

Now as soon as you press record ALL sounds being played will be recorded. Make sure you close all unrequired programs like MSN to prevent sounds from these programs being recorded as well.

Hope this helps.