Software Sequencers

[Junius]

I am happy with my Akai DPS24 for the digital audio side of tracking and production. However, I need a good software based sequencer. Please help!

It seems that there are a number of software packages currently available to run computer based digital audio workstations. And the components vary considerably in complexity and power. But, I have found it difficult to judge just the MIDI capabilities and the sequencer components of these computer music programs.

Please share your thoughts and opinions on your favorite software based sequencer. This could include ease of use, editing capabilities, MIDI specifications, hardware compatibility, etc.

For instance, Sonar and Cubase have a lot of bells and whistles. But, are these features needed to get a solid MIDI recording and playback, while having enough power to do some useful editing? Reaper is free and seems to be a pretty decent package. But, does it have a decent sequencer component and it its editor powerful enough to be useful?


Have you bumped into the wall of your software sequencer’s capabilities? Is it becoming obsolete for some reason?

[calamari]

you dont tell us much about what you need in a sequenser. why dont you try reaper out for yourself and see if it fits your needs? otherwise, cubase/logic will almost certainly have everything you need (at a much higher price).

[Junius]

... predominately for the recording and playback of MIDI. But, I may need editing capabilities too. I just don't know what I will need.

I have Reaper and as soon as the USB MIDI interface arives, I will jump in and try it out.

I guess I only want to climb the learning curve once, with one program. I don't mind spending the energy getting there. But, it seems there is so much to get my arms around and I don't know what is useful and what is irrelevant.
Also, I am confused about some of the horror stories that I have read about and I am trying to avoid the problems.

[manning1]

Junius.

a superb solution is to use band in a box in conjunction with reaper.
(see this thread on the new biab 2008, and pgmusic.com for further info on biab 2008.
theres just too many features to list. )

i use powertracks from pgmusic with reaper.
once again too much to list.
choc full of midi features.
check at the pg site for further info/user references.

the advantage of biab is it can save a lot of time in track laying.
over traditional sequencer approaches.


like reaper all these products offer high value for money with no dongles. and have been around for years with users all overthe world.

[Junius]

Thanks for the tip. I will check it out.