Music software demos - try before you buy!

Maybe ProTools? It's very expensive (and not really any better than CuBase or its equivalents) and it doesn't have VST support (ugh) but it's still worth a look - especially if you're on a Mac.

Protools 7.4 does have a demo download (should you have compatible hardware). Version 8 was released very recently and a demo should be on its way soon enough. If you have M-audio hardware - check the website for compatibility, and download the Protools 7.4 demo or wait for the v.8 demo.

It is kind of weird making a demo of Protools available that would only work on Digidesign or M-audio hardware anyway. People owning these hardware units typically own Protools already...

I own the M-Audio ProjectMix and downloaded the Protools 7.4 demo. Its a solid program but I personally preferred Apple Logic Pro.

This exact fact of lack of demo availability is the reason it took me so long to decide on my DAW software. It took me a long time to be able to find a place where I could demo Logic Pro on a system like my own. Protools M-powered (the M-audio version) was just a bit limited compared to Logic Pro (for my own requirements), and they are about the same price anyway. I'm glad I waited to demo Logic before just splashing out on Protools.

As for Protool's VST support - most popular VST instruments comes in the RTAS format as well, which is the Protools plugin format.

My advice - take your time before spending money on any software (hardware too), and demo it properly before making a choice - especially with top range DAW software. Protools, Logic, Cubase, Cakewalk etc. all have their own pros and cons, and strengths and weaknesses. Judge more on the type of recording/production you do and also how you like to do some things. Most audio software packages can do pretty much everything, but some are quicker/easier/more powerful at doing a particular task than others.

Another thing to consider - you may make the right choice in which 'brand' of software you use, but do not overlook the fact that most of these also come in a 'lite' version at a greatly reduced price. i.e. You may do a lot of raw analog recording and not need all the extra plugins and instruments that comes bundled with the 'pro' version. Cubase is a good example here - it comes in 3 different version - basically small, medium or large if you may...

I need to correct myself - Protools demo is only available in the M-powered version for M-Audio hardware.
Check the compatible hardware list here: http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=54&itemid=36610

BTW - just found this:
Convert VST to RTAS! http://www.fxpansion.com/index.php?page=15

what kind of software will be good with my FCA202 Firewire Interface?

lots of respect,

Element-A

Hi Element-A,

Your interface is not biased to any software due to the fact that it is only a "connection" interface rather than a "control" interface. Once you start with midi and/or Mackie DAW control interfaces etc., may you become biased to hardware/software.
In that case, you would rather buy a controller/interface best suited for your DAW software (and your production style) rather than the other way around.

You can theoretically use any software you want, if the Behringer FCA202 is your only interface.

I think that Ableton Live Lite ships with most Behringer products, so that is a good start for now. Ableton Live is a pretty good DAW - mostly a strong looped-based sequencer and quite powerful once you get to know your way way around it. It features multi-track recording, amongst other fundamental DAW basics. I am unfortunately not too familiar with the essential differences between the full and lite versions, but Live Lite will be an excellent introduction into music production.

I suggest you download as many different demo versions as you can to get a feel for what you like personally. Spend a lot of time with each package and try and produce the exact same thing in all of them (recording a track, using effects, programming loops, cleaning up midi tracks etc). This will give you a good idea of your own style and what features you use most, and which package is best suited for you. See some of my previous posts about more on this topic.

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