What is the BEST music production software out there??

Question

Cubase?? Fruity loops? Pro tools?

Answer 1

It depends on what operating system you are using. For Mac, ProTools (high end), Digital Performer, DECK (this latter may be obsolete). For PC, Sound Forge, Cakewalk. You do not say if you are pursuing a more professional end product, but these are just a few of the many available. If you want to know what is currently being used, contact several studios in your area and ask them questions about their setup. Most studios that I have contacted are usually very forthcoming and candid. There isn't any better research than going to the source!

Answer 2

Pro Tools without a doubt. That's what all the professionals use, but the full version is very expensive. You can get Pro Tools LE, which is a limited version of it, when you buy an MBox for about $400. Pro Tools LE comes with a bunch of additional software, like Reason. I've never used Cubase, but I hear that it's pretty good. Fruity Loops is only for making beats. My friend has made a lot of cool beats with FL. However, you can't record instruments with it.

There are a lot of options out there, and it depends on your situation. You need to figure out your budget, and what all you need to record. You should do some research, and compare the different softwares to see what can give you what you want.

Answer 3

I've produced on almost every type of software platform, MAC and PC-based, that exists. My personal preference is, of course, ProTools for a few reasons.
First, it is highly standardized. Most pro studios either own ProTools or can accommodate my sessions. Secondly, it is not native hardware dependent. That just means that I do not have to worry about whether or not my computer can handle certain tasks. That also means you do not have to worry about latency (audible delays, clicks, pops) due to the computer trying to process too much information.
If you are not wanting to shell out $10k+, then I recommend two other software packages: Adobe Audition 2.0 ($350) and Acid Pro 6 ($380).
Adobe Audition is not what I would call a complete production package because it does not do to well with MIDI files (you cannot edit them in the Audition environment), but it is one great editing suite.
Acid Pro 6 is a really great setup for production. Albeit, I would not use it for a radio release, if you are wanting to get a lot of ideas down fast, this is the winning ticket. There is a higher learning curve because Acid Pro 6 offers a LOT of features for the dollar, but if you're willing to take the time to lean the software, it is wonderful for quick songwriting sessions and even polishing ideas for use in the studio.
Feel free to shoot me any questions ya got!

Answer 4

Cakewalk's Sonar is popular, but the absolute top of the line is Propellerhead's Reason. Unless you have experience in the world of audio and music production, Reason is hard to use. So, if you're new to the field and you're not willing to spend a lot of time learning a piece of software, you might want to get something simpler. For example, I gave up trying to figure out Reason, but my musician friend who studied audio production for two years picked it right up and makes some beautiful music with it. I mostly edit audio. I don't create anything. So, I used Adobe Audition because it pairs nicely with Adobe Premiere Pro, which is my video editing package. If you're simply looking to master the audio, and not create it, Audition is fine. I created a couple loops using Fruity Loops, now FL Studio. Not being a musician, I didn't fare too well, but it was easy.

Answer 5

Cubase if you actually want to record live instrumens an d vocals.
Fruity loops if you want to make your music a bit more electronic and add cool digital effects to it.
Cool edit is good to for semi pro recording
and cakewalk is amaiusing for live bands etc...

All in all you can allways use all of thouse softwares and do your production in all of them!

Answer 6

If you have a mac, I would suggest starting with Garageband, and working your way up to Logic Pro. Garageband provides the perfect learning experience and is fully integrated with Logic. Logic contains absolutely everything you need in a music production program, and is less expensive than Pro Tools.

Answer 7

Anything by Apple. iTunes, garge band, if Apple comes out with something you've gotta try it

Answer 8

fruity loops is actually pretty good although i never tried the other ones

Answer 9

Here are a couple of good ones i use.

http://www.cakewalk.com
http://site.magix.net/english-us/home/music/music-maker-11-deluxe/

Answer 10

Cubase, I guess.