Suggestion on a Cross-Platform Simple DAW

[Bob Bickerton]

I'm a long time Mac/Logic user, but I'm about to tutor someone to enable them to record acoustic instruments at home - and they're a Windows user.

So I'm looking to get into a DAW which is cross-platform, fairly simple to use, hopefully has a workflow not dissimilar to Logic and which is file interchangeable between platforms.

They're also in the market for a stereo audio interface, some of which ship with basic DAWs, which might be a possibility, but then again, would probably only allow one of us to have access.

Suggestions all welcome.

Bob

[Eddy Deegan]

I'd be inclined to go for Reaper. Cross platform, free/cheap/very reasonable depending on the uses to which it's put (all of which are done on an honour system), a lot of plugins that don't look pretty but work well, and I've seen Martin W. do amazing things with it!

It does a few things slightly differently to Logic, at least the version of Logic I last used which was probably 5 years ago, but for the most part it's not going to be hugely different. For me the key thing was to figure out how to set up master busses for FX as Reaper does busses in its own way but that's hardly a major problem once you get it.

If Presonus Studio One was as cheap as Reaper I'd have recommended that, but Reaper really is very good indeed and great value for the asking price.

As for small audio interfaces I've recommended and installed devices from the Focusrite Scarlett range for a few folks who've asked me over the years. Small, good looking, reasonably priced, pretty easy to set up, sound great

[jxnWHITE]

You could have a look at LUNA if you're keeping things simple. It's pretty old school basic audio tracking, some editing, a bit short on more advanced capability, (mostly extended MIDI, ARA, etc) but might be just the ticket. Price is pretty compelling (free).

If you think you might want more capability, Reaper would be the way to go, but with a steeper on-boarding curve. jmho.

[alexis]

Cubase is cross-platform of course, but one of the nice things about it (which I've read distinguishes it from Reaper) is the large # of high quality native plug-ins. "Frequency" EQ compares favorably (and then some) to ProQ3, compressors are fine (as in this month's SOS), the pitch correction app (VariAudio) is quite good (also as reviewed in SOS, many times), etc.

It isn't as cheap as Reaper (what is cheaper than free?), and it does have some frustrating bugs, but there is nothing that can't easily be done in Cubase. Unless one is out to make beats and loops, etc. - I think there are better ones around for that.

[sonics]

If Presonus Studio One was as cheap as Reaper I'd have recommended that, but Reaper really is very good indeed and great value for the asking price.

The Studio range of interfaces from PreSonus include the wonderful Studio One Artist version. "Worth" $99. Fantastic, cross-platform software. Reaper is $60/$225...not free!
My opinion (which I've stated before and seems to be wildly unpopular around here) is that Studio One is a much easier DAW for beginners to get to grips with than Reaper. Oops, I've gone and said it again!

Cubase is also excellent, and a version of that ships with some interfaces (from Line 6 and Yamaha, as well as Steinberg, I think - all the same parent company).

[ef37a]

Another vote for Reaper from me if only because it is so well known and there is so much support for it. Had Cubase, not that easy IMHO and Steinberg can be a bit snotty. I find Samplitude THE most intuitive DAW but then over ten years with it probably helps!

For an interface I have to suggest the MOTU M2 (if 2 in 2 out is enough*) but I have just seen the NI KA6 Mkll at Thomann for £129. That has to be a steal and many people like the "controller" format.

*There is the M4 and the M6 and even the M2 has effectively two other inputs, '3/4' from any internal computer audio, AKA "loop thru".

Dave.

[adrian_k]

If Presonus Studio One was as cheap as Reaper I'd have recommended that, but Reaper really is very good indeed and great value for the asking price.

The Studio range of interfaces from PreSonus include the wonderful Studio One Artist version. "Worth" $99. Fantastic, cross-platform software. Reaper is $60/$225...not free!
My opinion (which I've stated before and seems to be wildly unpopular around here) is that Studio One is a much easier DAW for beginners to get to grips with than Reaper. Oops, I've gone and said it again!

Cubase is also excellent, and a version of that ships with some interfaces (from Line 6 and Yamaha, as well as Steinberg, I think - all the same parent company).

I tend to agree that Studio One (with a Presonus interface) is easier for beginners than Reaper, at least the signal routing seems slightly more intuitive.

[ef37a]

My son uses the free version of Cakewalk (is that mac friendly?) and says the guitar effects are very good but then he does have a very low latency interface, M4.

Dave.

[ajay_m]

You are not going to top the combination of Reaper and the KA6Mk2 in my opinion.

[ef37a]

You are not going to top the combination of Reaper and the KA6Mk2 in my opinion.

I have a 'retired' KA6 Mk1 ajay but I am seriously considering that Mkll just for the craic!

https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-an ... lYQAvD_BwE

Even better value if that is enough connectivity. I assume the smaller interface shares the same drivers and low latency?
Dave.

[Drew Stephenson]

I'm a Focusrite / Reaper user. If I wasn't, I'd probably look at a Presonus interface with the bundled DAW.

[The Elf]

Having once been a Logic user (ugh! I still wake up sweating!) I'd choose Cubase. I can get people up and running with Cubase in minutes.

Reaper does make economic sense, though I've often seen that it causes much more head-scratching for beginners. Years in I'm still not comfortable with it.

BTW, I sold my KA6 Mk2 and returned to my Mk1 - smaller, more solidly built and just tidier.

[ef37a]

"BTW, I sold my KA6 Mk2 and returned to my Mk1 - smaller, more solidly built and just tidier."

How do you find the phantom power current delivery Mr E? I might have a very early one but it is feeble, would not work a FetHead.

Dave.

[Forum Admin]

My opinion (which I've stated before and seems to be wildly unpopular around here) is that Studio One is a much easier DAW for beginners to get to grips with than Reaper. Oops, I've gone and said it again!

In total agreement with you here - I am a Studio One Professional user and fanboy, but I also keep Logic Pro up to date and dip every now and then into other DAWs.

Reaper has its fans, but as a longtime DAW user on Mac, I have never found it easy to grasp as quickly as Studio One - which in its Artist version is still powerful.

[The Elf]

"BTW, I sold my KA6 Mk2 and returned to my Mk1 - smaller, more solidly built and just tidier."
How do you find the phantom power current delivery Mr E? I might have a very early one but it is feeble, would not work a FetHead.

It's just worked when I've needed it. I can't say any more than that. I've used phantom with a pair of NT-55 most often - no problems I've become aware of.

[ken long]

any bundled DAW should allow you to export the files at least? Then you can plug them into Logic on your side. But if you need to be on the same DAW, I too will recommend Reaper. It's very simple and can be configured easily.

[ajay_m]

You are not going to top the combination of Reaper and the KA6Mk2 in my opinion.

I have a 'retired' KA6 Mk1 ajay but I am seriously considering that Mkll just for the craic!

Cripes £88 you're not gonna regret that.
I've owned a bunch of small audio interfaces including several from Roland and a Focusrite 6i6. Also a KMI KMix which I still have. The KMix and the KA6 were by far the best with no usb noise, good ergonomics and in the case of the KA6 pretty respectable latency.
Although the main studio audio interface is now via the DM3 I'll hang onto the KA6 I think as it'll be useful if I want to do any location recording etc.

[Dynamic Mike]

I really struggled to get started in Reaper and eventually gave up. I know many people don't, so it probably says more about me than Reaper. I find Cubase easy but I guess that's a combination of familiarity and the help I've had on this forum.

[Bob Bickerton]

Thanks for the replies everyone and I realise this is something of an ecumenical issue

So it’s looks like Reaper has a good deal of support, but with reservations. Studio One Artist, maybe, Cubase Lite too. I’ve looked at Luna previously and still have it so will check that out.

To expand on my OP, my thoughts were that I would set up a template for the student, straight 8 track record, basic inserts on channels (EQ/Compression), a reverb bus and a limiter on the main output. This would enable me to get him started using the template all set up and then use that as an educational starting point.

Crucially it would be good if the DAW projects/files were transferable between platforms - anyone know if that is possible with any of the suggestions? I’d like to import his DAW file, tweak, and send it back, if you get my meaning.

Also, I like the look of the Motu interface and it ships with Performer Lite. I’ve always thought performer looked interesting - any users out there?

Much appreciated - oh and Elf, I’m available for trauma counselling re Logic anytime - provided you return the favour regarding my experiences with Cubase (in 1996)

Bob

[The Red Bladder]

Some time in 2011 I wrote the following here and elsewhere (and it must be pointed out that since then, all kinds of features like notation). The great thing about Reaper is that (like Studio One) it is really easy to get started, but once you get to know it really will, it does all kinds of things that many other DAWs just cannot do.

I was like you once. I watched as customers came to us and used all kinds of DAWs. I looked on in envy as the cut-n-pasted their way to technical brilliance. So I bought a large ProTools rig and gave the damn thing a go.

Nope. Didn't like it. Files vanished I know not where. The menu options baffled me. The whole thing seemed like a bag of loose bolts. That was a lesson that cost me a few thousand pounds.

I bought an even larger Soundscape rig and that was significantly worse. You have to create a media pool and jump through all kinds of silly and completely pointless hoops, just to get the thing to play a file. A few more thousand pounds down the karzi!

So I stuck to using our 48-track Radar, which works like a tape recorder.

Then one day we had customers in the studio and at the same time, I needed to get some very basic editing done and send the finished product to the customer. "If only there was a really simple DAW that works straight away, without having to define routing, create a mixer, install a media pool, etc!" I cried out.

I explained my dilemma to a friend and he said "Just do it in Reaper - it's pish-easy!"

So I downloaded the thing and read the two-page 'Reaper for the mentally challenged!' document and lo and behold - it just worked!

I was so impressed, that I started doing everything in Reaper and within a few weeks, I was a Ninja level, Def-Com Five user!

A couple of weeks after installing Reaper, we had a power cut and I found myself with time on my hands, so I wrote a poem about Reaper -

ProTools was kewl, but not for fools
And the colours were cheerful and bright.
But we're upgrading again and feeling the pain,
As the price is just no longer right.

And HD don't work on a laptop,
Soundscape is not worth the bread.
A friend told me "I've - got Ableton Live,
But I think it's just Ableton Dead."

Pyramix is confusing, the thread I am losing
And the price is just way out of line.
The things that I need are hidden indeed
And still no elastical time.

Propellerhead Reason is so out of season,
Nuendo is way past its' prime.
CuBase and Sadie, Majix Sequoia
All very nice, but the whole list will bore ya!

Illogical Logic, it just doesn't make sense!
And keep feeding Avid Pounds, Shillings and Pence,
HD was fine, but I'm far from happy.
I need all those tools installed on my lappy.

So I phoned a friend and told of my woe
And how I was searching both high and low.
"And Apple will leave the PCM wicket,
So that HDX card, just where should I stick it?"

"There's a software" he told me. "that's just the ticket,
So you won't need a card and you don't have to stick it!
I speak of package that's more than a DAW,
That does all HD does and very much more!"

"This is an 'Über-DAW' free to download,
That will light up your life and lighten your load.
It's bundled with everything, so very soon
It's goodbye to Waves and Autotune!"

"Solution, ablution and convolution,
Compressor, de-esser and noise resolution,
Retune, harmonize, cut, paste and nudge,
Find beats and quantise, you be the judge!"

I listened in awe as he listed the features
And how to mix WAVs with all other creatures.
"Just chuck 'em together!" Oh, I was agog!
MP3, AVI, AIFF and some OGG.

"It comes complete with hundreds of plugs,
So buying the others is now just for mugs!
Scope, analyse, chorus and gleaming,
Transient designer and eight-channel streaming."

"Hammer your sounds and tune-up pink noise,
Then remodulate with all your new toys.
When nobody's looking, slip in a repeater
And impress the girls with your Goniometer!"

I put down the phone and got to installing.
Imported some WAVs and it was enthralling,
As the room filled with music, oh, I was ecstatic,
As mixing and routing was all automatic!

The edits were easy, in fact, like a dream
And squeezing and stretching - all perfectly clean!
For those who get lost, there's more help for them.
Just right-click and pick! No more RTFM!

But should you get lost and confusion has smitten,
There are 400 pages, all perfectly written!
Soon all the World will be hooked on Reaper
Because it's much better and not just much cheaper!

Now, sloppy drums are all MIDI-fitting.
I click them away with some Dynamic Splitting!
No more struggles with building a mixer and routing
When out in the room, some fat bird is tooting!

But I have spent thousands and thousands of Pounds
On flashy gear, to get better sounds.
Struggling manfully as I got older
With miles of cable and kilos of solder.

Under desk crawling, the feeling was galling,
As box after box, I was installing.
Now all replaceable, better and cheaper,
A couple of screens and a download called Reaper!

So, what do I do with all this gear
That sits in the studio year after year?
Flog 'em all off, the Eventide
And Lexi Nine-Sixty (Motorola inside)?

Transient Designer, KulTube, I've got 'em,
Aural Exciter with Optical Bottom,
Stick 'em on ebay, reserve at five grand.
(No Nigerian bidders, postage inland!)

Should I throw it all out, with Pro Control,
Leaving behind a dirty big hole?
Or leave them all standing for all to see
How windswept and groovy I used to be?

But one thing is certain, that 60-frame Neve
Will always be with us, it never shall leave!
Not for the pre's and the eq's so rosy,
But for the heat, as it keeps the place cosy!

[Bob Bickerton]

And another, though less important, thought. It would be handy if I could use the same keyboard short cuts that I currently use.

I still try to stop the CD player with the space bar………… anyone else do that?

Operating QLab is a nightmare for me

Bob

[The Red Bladder]

It would be handy if I could use the same keyboard short cuts that I currently use.

Your wish has been answered. You can put any function onto any keystroke or combination. And setting that up is pish-easy!

[ef37a]

It would be handy if I could use the same keyboard short cuts that I currently use.

Your wish has been answered. You can put any function onto any keystroke or combination. And setting that up is pish-easy!

Just to be clear...are you saying that can be setup, 'beer into water' in Reaper?

Dave.

[Sam Inglis]

Logic is still very much its own thing, and I'm not sure I know of another DAW that is all that similar. (Personally I still struggle to get my head around it, though I know many love it.)

LUNA is a good shout actually. It's free and cross-platform and it's aimed at exactly these scenarios. It's quite reminiscent of Pro Tools in terms of operation, editing and so on.

Harrison Mixbus might also be worth investigating.

[jimjazzdad]

I think the vote for Reaper depends on what your background is; Reaper definitely appeals to those of us coming from more of a 'techie/engineering background' while other DAWs are apparently more friendly to the 'musician/creative types'. I embraced Reaper on the cusp of 60, being an audio software virgin (except for Audacity) and found it pretty easy to learn the basics. The supporting YouTube series by Kenny Gioa, the Cockos forum, and the downloadable PDF manual will get the beginner through the hurdles. And, although I tend to use the stock Reaper templates, you can customise the interface to resemble most of the other major DAWs...e.g. ProTools...so "beer into water" should be achievable.