So many people asked for which is the right Multitrack Recording Software by startup a home recording. There are so many different software brands for professional solutions. Bigger half of these is similar build up and usability. Today is the industry leader Digidesign with ProoTools software. Probably, they have a first place in the market, while worked out soft what became industrial standard. Naturally it gives a possibility to ask bigger price for products. Digidesign Pro Tools M-Powered is a product for a beginners, price asked abot 250 $. I am sure Pro Tools make high quality products, but I wasn`t happy to use these. But, if you want something affordable…

Mixcraft 4

My first multitrack recording software was Audacity, this program allows to record audio sound and available for totally free. However, it offers limited opportunities, while is easy to learn. If you want to use & record a MIDI tracks, you need something else.
My second software recorder was Mixcraft 3 from Acoustica. This is really easy recording software. There are clear look, simple usability, it can learn to use during a day. Since in the 2009 Mixcraft was upgraded to version 4 (it was free for version 3 users).
Essential complement were embedded MIDI tracks. Additionally now this software includes major MIDI instruments. A few of these sounds pretty well.

In my opinion, Mixcraft 4 is a good choice by Startup Recording Sounds. For dabblers this is good enough for recording and mixing sounds, audio or midi. Mixcraft also allows to edit music without playing sounds yourself. Acoustica Mixcraft looks different by comparison with most multitrack recording softwares, also usability is dissimilar but simpler.
You can start right now, just download a trial version of Mixcraft4 or full version for only 65 $.

Sonar Home studio XL

Today I have in use Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio XL – fully functional multitrack recording softwere. Cakewalk Home Studio is similar to major DAW softwares in the marketplace. Here are a longer learning curve, but more possibilities to record, edit audio- & miditracks, add on effects, etc. XL means, the software includes additional midi and audio instruments and effects. I have feel, this software recorder has better sound engine in contrast to Mixcraft.
Cakewalk had as well great community. If it purchased some Sonar lighter version, Cakewalk allows it upgrade to a new or better software version, without paying full price. In short I`d like Cakewalk software, besides I can upgrade to a fully professional Sonar software when I will need it.
Now you may get Sonar Home Studio for 139$; XL Version for 209$.

I wish you good luck to choosing just fitting recording software :)

To mix music

While we can`t mix, our recordings will not sound well!

Mixing is the process of blending all the different aspects your recording into a great sounding piece of audio. First of all, it’s important to appreciate that mixing is an art form that involves various processes. As such, don’t expect to get it perfect first time. It is a learning curve. When you’re using computer based recording-mixing sound software, you can do just that. As long as you have space on your hard drive, you can make as many mixes as you like.

A good rule of thumb is to think of the song in terms of layers with the drums and bass making up the backbone. You then work your away up to the layers, finishing with the vocals. Try working in this order:

  • drums
  • bass
  • keyboards & rhythm guitar
  • lead guitars
  • percussion
  • vocals
  • back vocals

Another possible mode is to fix a major track.

Before start mixing you may assign a major track, as an example main vocal. Set the volume slider of major track to center (roughly -6…-12dB). After that retool, all the other track channels without changing this main. At this point, is good rule to set drum 3dB & bass 6dB quieter than major channel. Now you have enough volume space for mixing tracks.

What’s new in version Mixcraft 4 vs Mixcraft 3?

Now you can record with Mixcraft multiple MIDI and audio tracks simultaneously. In addition, it includes software synthesizers.

mixcraft4
Version 4 Changes:

Support for MIDI – record and playback.
Integrated support for VSTi software synthesizers.
Integrated VST MiniMogueEx, VB3 organ, General MIDI synth
Presets allow you to make mega instruments, combining effects and virtual synthesizers.
Support for Vista’s WaveRT low latency audio system.
Piano Roll interface for editing, quantizing and snapping notes.
Looping MIDI clips

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

So, Mixcraft works well and its easy to use. There are embedded MIDI tracks and softsynths as a bonus. Learning curve is very short, you can get the feel this software during a day. I think, it`s good recording software to getting started with home recording.

More About Mixcraft 4
You can download a free trial of Mixcraft 4 from Acoustica website and promptly turn to record your own music.