Noobie but want start to making synth retro wave!

[Lebowski-1984]

Hello

I desperately need some advice here...

I want to download some music making software for my PC but i have no experience with any music products in the past. I keep listening to these synth retro wave 80s style tracks on youtube and would love to start making my own if i can.

My question is,

1) What software is good for making this kind of music?
2) What is the easiest DAW to use without compromising on quality?
3) I have no instruments, can i create everything with the click of a mouse button?

I've heard of FL studio and Pro Logic and watched a tutorial by the guy from Midnight band. From this i understand that the timeline is displayed simply but all the addons etc started to look complicated!

Anyways, if someone would be kind enough to give me some advice on what software to start with for the situation i'm in, i would be very grateful.

Thank you

[muzines]

Logic Pro is Mac software so you can't use that on your PC.

Most DAWs have built in instruments so just start learning with those, but there are free and commercial synth plugins you can download and use too.

There are free DAWs with instruments, like Cakewalk available, or you could use Reaper and download some free plugins - the learning curve with the big DAWs might be pretty steep though, if you're starting from scratch.

[Lebowski-1984]

Logic Pro is Mac software so you can't use that on your PC.

Most DAWs have built in instruments so just start learning with those, but there are free and commercial synth plugins you can download and use too.

There are free DAWs with instruments, like Cakewalk available, or you could use Reaper and download some free plugins - the learning curve with the big DAWs might be pretty steep though, if you're starting from scratch.

Excellent, thanks for the reply. I was also thinking about my brain when it comes to the biggest DAWs to be honest. I'll take a good look at Cakewalk and Reaper for now just to see if i have any talent in this

Thanks again

[CS70]

I think the hardest thing when starting from scratch is not the specific DAW (yet), but that you have no idea of the process that gets you from someone playing - you - to a full assembled track containing what you've been playing.

Once that's clear, the DAW is about filling the dots.

[resistorman]

Do you play any instruments?

[ef37a]

Do you play any instruments?

Pithy Mr R, pithy!

If OP has had any experience of tape recording, even cassette, he will probably grasp a 'linear' DAW like Reaper slightly better than the 'cut and shunt' style of FL and Ableton.

But an AI is really the place to start and if playing soft synths is the aim, very low latency is required. I therefore make no apologies for once again suggesting the Native Instruments KA6. Yes, things move on so if anyone knows of an interface with better latency and drivers at the same price (or lower) I would be pleased to learn of it.

Dave.

[BJG145]

I'll take a good look at Cakewalk and Reaper for now just to see if i have any talent in this

I think Cakewalk would be a good place to start since it's free, relatively straightforward, and has a decent selection of instruments to get you started.

[Lebowski-1984]

I'll take a good look at Cakewalk and Reaper for now just to see if i have any talent in this

I think Cakewalk would be a good place to start since it's free, relatively straightforward, and has a decent selection of instruments to get you started.

I went on the Cakewalk site and it listed loads of products, which one should i choose and are they all free? Sonar professional?

[Drew Stephenson]

Try this link: https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk

[Lebowski-1984]

Try this link: https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk

Ahh thanks mate, all downloaded now. I just need to watch some tutorials for the basics like laying down beats and hopefully i'll be making some retro wave 80s style sounds haha!

[BJG145]

Sounds good...let us know if you get stuck...

(You're probably gonna want a MIDI keyboard, or some alternative MIDI controller. If you don't play an instrument you could consider something completely different like a TheoryBoard. You could do it all with a keyboard and mouse, but you might find it's hard work and less inspiring.)

[N i g e l]

I've lost track of what plugins come included with Cakewalk and which ones are still current but the TTS-1 is a good all round general midi synth [ for use @ 44.1 or 48 but not higher ].

There are a host of free synth plugins/VSTs on the web. These ones might be usefull for the "80s".....

MinimogueVA
AlphaJuno
Casiopea_v0111
DeXed
Selena
dvs_saxophone

I use the TX16w sampler, others are available depending what you require.