Hi all,

I've got a Roland XV-88 and currently am running Massiva on my PC (for the sole reason that it is a free download).

What recommendations do you have for a good program for a midi Novice? Massiva seems ok, but it is not very intuitive. I've been forced to actually read the documentation to even figure out simple things like how to start recording what I'm playing on my keyboard.

My old piano teacher recommended CUBasis, and said he had used that to record several CD's. It's only $70 or $80, but I still hesitate to get it.

Once I've spent any "real" money, I'll feel obligated to use the software. I'd like to keep this purchase down to $100 or so by the way.

Thanks for any advice.

Regards,
Dan

There are several good packages, but I would recommend CakeWalk (there are several levels of this program) because it is the most user friendly and the company has a track record for upgrades.

Buy the level that fits your budget--I'd start with one of the basic packages CakeWalk Home Studio etc.

Have fun!!!

Mat D.

I agree, if you're starting out CakeWalk is a good place to begin. I found it more user friendly. Presently, I do most things with Steingberg's Cubase.

I've had a go on both, but don't own either. If I was to buy one though I'd go for Cakewalk. Cubase seemed very advanced but rather impenetrable. Cakewalk was much easier to get the hang of. They are both damn expensive though!!

I just heard that CakeWalk has a new program out called SONAR. I've not seen it yet, but I hear it's better. Has anybody had a chance to check it out yet??

After using Cakewalk Pro Audio 8 and 9, I'm now using SONAR for an album project. Put simply, SONAR combines the MIDI editing from Cakewalk with audio capabilities similar to those found in programs like Acid and Vegas Audio. The audio and MIDI editing can be non-destructive. The DXi software synths are very usable! They have a low latency, much lower than Cubase VST and SONAR is not as resource intensive as VST. My engineer has been able to get two software synths playing along with 64 tracks of simultaneous audio and plug-in effects on the audio tracks. Of course, performance varies with the computer; his is an Athlon 1.2 GB with 128MB of RAM and two DMA133 hard drives.

The layout is quite a bit different than Cakewalk Audio; I think it's more conducive to creativity. Once you understand the signal routing of MIDI and audio, you'll see how powerful the program is. I'd encourage you to download the demo from Cakewalk's website and give it a try.