I've been using Cubase VST 5.0 since it was called "Pro-24 Version III". Very musician friendly, simple and effective layout, lots of editing and quantizing functions. And you can use VST instruments and effects as well.
I have used Cakewalk, Logic Pro X and Pro Tools, and out of those I would say that Logic is the easiest to use, unfortunately it requires a Mac. Cakewalk is free, however I can't really say it's the best, and I feel like there are better choices for free DAWs. Personally it was rather annoying to use. And while Pro Tools is considered the 'industry standard', I've heard from many people that it is also difficult to use, though it is a powerful DAW in a large studio, I wouldn't recommend using it for personal work (also it has a hefty price tag).
I have heard that Reaper is easy to use, and quite cheap if you are using it personally. However I have never tried it, I do have a friend who uses it and he told me the workflow is good.
Logic Pro X on Mac OS is the DAW that de-skills producers.... (fact)
On Window PC, Studio ONE from Pre-Sonus can be used simply (free) (song writing templates) to full (studio quality) production mastering as your skills develop.
My DAW is the far end of being a gear whore as Devin Townsend would say, but I did start off with "Audacity" and you can get worthy results... but the lower end of the free DAW software may have latency between what you monitor and what you play, depending upon PC specification.
Use You Tube to look at the tutorials for various DAW's ...
My Journey:
It started with "Audacity" which was a pre DAW audio editor but what is important for your journey is to have the most flexibility mechanisms for recording your Audio and Mastering. Having good visibility on the macro and micro levels for Pre & Post recording. My DAW has a mixer which allows me to hardware condition any sound input for recording and it doubles as a DAW control surface for post production when adding automation for tracks. I use an extra wide monitor to show the tracks for Pre/Post work and Sate Raven 20 point touch screen for controlling DAW elements such as Editing Tracks / Controlling Plugins. Not a Keyboard or mouse in sight (no short-cuts, just buttons), every visible aspect is zoomed to a level I can work with Overview/Detail.
I do make full use Tech, my Gittler Guitar has Roland 13pin Hexaphonics as well as summed Analogue outputs, this allows me to record 4 tracks from one hit: Roland GR-55 Midi Guitar (Midi) + DI dry analog + Roland GR-55 synths/COSM modelled Guitars + AXE FX III wet guitar (amp/effects) Sounds.
I use the "out of the box" amps/cabs/effects as everything is tweakable at the software level, no need to annoy the neighbours with loudness. ( the last thing you need is a doorbell appearing in a recorded track)
And yes for those who are sceptical about a titanium guitar with no "wood" its does receive Channel 4. LOL
I've been using Cubase VST 5.0 since it was called "Pro-24 Version III". Very musician friendly, simple and effective layout, lots of editing and quantizing functions. And you can use VST instruments and effects as well.
Tom
On the basis that it's very hard to de-skill someone with no skills, I use Logic Pro X.
One year on, re-arranged the physical layout and have all the Midi inputs and control surfaces I need.
I have added an XYammy to my Gittler.
Still loving Studio One v5 Professional, just a beast.
This is what the XYammy does, my Tibetan Throat Chant effect.
I have used Cakewalk, Logic Pro X and Pro Tools, and out of those I would say that Logic is the easiest to use, unfortunately it requires a Mac. Cakewalk is free, however I can't really say it's the best, and I feel like there are better choices for free DAWs. Personally it was rather annoying to use. And while Pro Tools is considered the 'industry standard', I've heard from many people that it is also difficult to use, though it is a powerful DAW in a large studio, I wouldn't recommend using it for personal work (also it has a hefty price tag).
I have heard that Reaper is easy to use, and quite cheap if you are using it personally. However I have never tried it, I do have a friend who uses it and he told me the workflow is good.
Thanks for the advice. I picked up Harrison Mixbus and a bunch of plug ins on a flash sale for $40. It looks to be pretty decent.....we'll see!
Magix music maker is pretty straight forward to use Ableton is fine as well as it has detailed tutorials .Hope this helps Martin
Best regards
Sean
Logic Pro X on Mac OS is the DAW that de-skills producers.... (fact)
On Window PC, Studio ONE from Pre-Sonus can be used simply (free) (song writing templates) to full (studio quality) production mastering as your skills develop.
My DAW is the far end of being a gear whore as Devin Townsend would say, but I did start off with "Audacity" and you can get worthy results... but the lower end of the free DAW software may have latency between what you monitor and what you play, depending upon PC specification.
Use You Tube to look at the tutorials for various DAW's ...
My Journey:
It started with "Audacity" which was a pre DAW audio editor but what is important for your journey is to have the most flexibility mechanisms for recording your Audio and Mastering. Having good visibility on the macro and micro levels for Pre & Post recording. My DAW has a mixer which allows me to hardware condition any sound input for recording and it doubles as a DAW control surface for post production when adding automation for tracks. I use an extra wide monitor to show the tracks for Pre/Post work and Sate Raven 20 point touch screen for controlling DAW elements such as Editing Tracks / Controlling Plugins. Not a Keyboard or mouse in sight (no short-cuts, just buttons), every visible aspect is zoomed to a level I can work with Overview/Detail.
I do make full use Tech, my Gittler Guitar has Roland 13pin Hexaphonics as well as summed Analogue outputs, this allows me to record 4 tracks from one hit: Roland GR-55 Midi Guitar (Midi) + DI dry analog + Roland GR-55 synths/COSM modelled Guitars + AXE FX III wet guitar (amp/effects) Sounds.
I use the "out of the box" amps/cabs/effects as everything is tweakable at the software level, no need to annoy the neighbours with loudness. ( the last thing you need is a doorbell appearing in a recorded track)
And yes for those who are sceptical about a titanium guitar with no "wood" its does receive Channel 4. LOL