How long to learn a new piece of software?

[AKA-I-Addict]

If you are learning new piece of software (eg a DAW). On average how long do you think it takes you to really really really know it ? I mean to the point you can just flow through it and rarely have refer to the manual or look for an answer online. I.e you could read throug a forum and answer most of the questions (I'm basing it on having a spare 2-3 hours per day to play with the software)

[bigyo]

It takes a Few weeks to get the basics down i any DAW.... But i know Pro Engineers that learn new things in Protools everyday..lol... I've been using Logic for 3years and i learn new things everyday... I also depends on a person's comprehension..some people learn at different speeds than others

[Tnevz]

At least a couple of months to get effecient.

[musicmachineshop]

At 2-3 hours a day several weeks/months is my guess. Pick a company with a readable manual & lot's of online videos. Once you get one DAW under your belt switching/upgrading to another becomes easier.

[raymondwave]

That depends on software. I was actually looking at Studio One v2 some time ago and spent only some hours of which 30 minutes reading at the manual.

After one long evening I felt as if there wasn't really anything for me learn about it anymore on basic level (not going to the plugins). I'm not saying I mastered the whole software, but I got the grab of it, understood it's basics and was at the point where I would next go into details, start getting used to short cuts and so on. At this point I would probably go to manual or online for a few weeks atleast to check out things.

On comparison it took me probably years to really get a hang of Logic.

On instruments, I just purchased Synapse Dune. I'd say I was pretty much on top of it in a few hours. On the other hand I'm still not comfortable with FM8 after weeks or months, but it's my first FM synth. Subtractives I've played with for years.

[JLiRD808]

Exactly 9 hours 54 mins and 31 seconds

Lol...it depends ALSO on what u know about music production and recording. Do u even know what "panning" is? Do you know what a "fader" does? If you know A LOT about tracking/mixing/EQing/compressing/adding effects as well as music BASICS like tempo/time signature/note lengths/MIDI/quantization as well as a lot about computers including setting up your soundcard/optimizing a buffer size/maybe upgrading CPU & RAM/using interfaces, hotkeys, and drop-down menus then it shouldn't take u very long lol. If u know NONE of that stuff...u've got a lot of reading/experimenting to do.

What's ur background in this? Are you a saxophone player who wants to record some licks? Guitarist in a band thats willing to be the recording engineer? Have you used a four-track? A digital handheld recorder? Ever mixed a live band or at least sat at or setup a PA?

There's lots to learn here..and yes...decades later u will find urself still learning! On the flip side, I know a very talented musician that "gave up" bcz learning Ableton or Cubase was not as "fun" as "squeezing his girlfriends boobies" (his exact words...true story!). While I can't blame him sometimes (u should be able to do both!), how well u can focus on ur objective and stay focused will determine how quickly u will learn this stuff

[JLiRD808]

One more thing....

A good tip as ur getting started is to get a good entry level DAW program...I'd say Steinberg Cubase's entry level programs (called Sequel or Elements, I forget). If ure a student u can even get the educational versions for half price! If others know of good beginner DAWS they should chime in too.

Whats great about entry-level software is the lack of CLUTTER. U wont need the advanced functions/parameters etc. I/We don't even use half the buttons that are available to us and they can be VERY confusing and distracting to a noob. Even Garage Band has a pretty simple interface I believe, though I dont have much time on it. Plus....it will save u tons of $$$$.

As u gain more knowledge/experience u can start upgrading up the tree...until u get the full lavish suites with all the cool functions that u would then know how to utilize.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Gono]

Originally Posted by JLiRD808

One more thing....
If others know of good beginner DAWS they should chime in too.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Ya, for sure garageband it's a no brainer for a simple mac. Fantastic little daw and included with the os!

On the windows side. I really enjoy reaper. I don't have alot of experience with it but, I did a mix project in it for lols it was great and had very little learning curve coming from a frequent pro tools/logic user.