Studio and performance software
Apple Logic Pro:
This is my MIDI and Audio recording software of choice. I've been a user since e-Magic first released Notator in 1988. In those days, it was a MIDI sequencer using the Atari 1040 ST computer, which ran various outboard samplers and synths. I used to record to a Fostex E-16 analog recorder, via a Studiologic 8:16:8 desk. This allowed me to experience the delights of studio techniques that i had, previously, left in the hands of the professionals. It was always easier to descibe what you wanted the sound to be, rather than trying to achieve it with racks of compressors, gates, FX and so on that , still, are put to good use in dinosaur recording studios. Many musos still insist on using ancient technology as if the souls of musicians past still inhabit the tubes and capacitors of ancient analog gear. In the hands of a good engineer, this is quite likely to be true, but it's so much easier nowadays using up-to-date digital equipment, especially as the end result is likely to be heard as a mp3 file by some scruffy scroat who hasn't paid for the download. In the seventies, especially, most audiophiles prided themselve on a good quality hi-fi system for their sounds. Now, some kids are going to achieve early deafness because of their addiction to mp3 players piping directly onto unprotected eardrums. Old heavy metallers used to be deaf as posts - now it's twelve and thirteen year olds!
I then progressed to
Logic Audio Gold 3.5, running this on a
Windows 98 Intel PII machine. The audio was handled by an
Echo Audio Layla 20 interface, with the
Unitor 8 for MIDI. This computer was upgraded to
P4,
Asus mobo,
2G RAM status, although the Layla was still productive. By this time I had upgraded to
Logic Platinum 5.5, with
Waves Gold FX plug-ins, together with
Sounddiver and
EXS 24. I also was partial to
Sound Forge v4 and 5, for advanced sound file editing. This was the basis of the system that recorded the
G2 CD; I have continued to upgrade the software with all update relases.
My previous system used Logic Pro 7.2 on a dual 2GHz PowerMac, with 4Gb RAM and a LaCie 80Gb external drive for my extensive sample library. Since then, however, I've managed to upgrade to a new MacPro with 12Gb RAM, four internal hard drives and an external backup hard drive connected by USB. This runs Logic Studio 9 and Final Cut Studio 2 with ease, allowing me to indulge in more demanding software instruments.
Waves:
Many people are wary of using Waves plug-ins because of their Update policy (in order to use the plug-ins on the latest platforms, Win XP and OSX, you have to install the appropriate Waveshell, only available to up-to-date customers). I've just upgraded to the
Native Diamond package, added to which are the
GTR with outboard controller,
Tune,
SSL and
CLA plug-ins.
Metric Halo:
I upgraded my
ULN-2 hardware interface with a
d2 card, and equipped it with the DSP licence. There are a number of good analog models for FX and front ends included.
Kontakt 4: This is a better soft instrument/sample player than Logic's EXS. There are better sample programs configured for the NI format.
Sonalksis:
The analogue-sounding nature of their EQs and Compressors, together with their small footprint, have made this company's reputation. For warmth, their use on vocals and featured instruments compare favourably with the Cambridge and Pultec brands. Recently upgraded, the compressors and gates are superb, with a small footprint.
URS: URS (or Unique Recording Software) are a company which specialises in digial modelling of analog compressors, limiters and eqs. They are very, very good and I use them quite frequently.
Sony Oxford: I use a few of these plug-ins. They are good for engineers who know their way around a desk; in other words, there are not too many presets.
Addictive Drums:
This is the most simple new drum programming product for years. A complete package, from
xlnaudio.com, with individually treatable samples and superb midi loops means less time taken with fussy drum programming and more time for melodic inspiration.
Scarbee Pro Bass: This is my preferred bass guitar program - I use this almost all the time now.
Chris Hein Horns: Although a fiddly program to use, the quality of the samples makes for great horn sounds.
B4v2: - any organ and any style that you could wish for. A virtual instrument plug-in with a number of incredibly useful presets.
Elemental Audio:
There are three plug-ins that I used to use quite frequently, Eqium, Firium and Neodynium. These have a small footprint as well, and are very useful on keyboard instruments. Neodynium is handy and colorful limiter I use (to avoid clipping on the master out bus) while I am still recording more parts.
Wave Arts:
The Logic User Group negotiated a good deal on these plug-ins. Don't take up too much CPU horsepower so they are pretty handy for a grungy sort of tune.
dfh Superior:
This requires a certain amount of care in treating the samples to get them to sit properly in the mix. The samples of the Vintage kits are good, but I use this programme very rarely.
Battery 3:
Very simple, very intuitive and very fast. Samples are quite good.
Hardcore bass XP:
This program has problems with the NI Kontakt 3 sample player. It was a shock to realise that HC Bass and HC Bass XP required seperate permissions to run on the Intel machine. pain in the ass - I don't think I'll be using this unless a very Ricky type of sound is called for.
Final Cut Studio:
Having progressed from Adobe Premiere on the Windows platform with the Miro DC30 board, through Final Cut Express on the Mac, I'm currently using the Final Cut Studio package. It's still incredibly difficult to use dodgy VHS source material, but, for digital material it's become more straightforward. I still wish there was a good CSI-type program to enhance dodgy input.
