Advice Concerning Software (or hardware) For Making Beats

[Scinx]

Currently I use Cubase SX for recording rock. I use(d) CoolEditPro for making hiphop beats. My question involves making beats utilizing live instruments in addition to VST/MIDI.
The problem with the Cubase is its inability to loop (or my inability to figure it out). The problem with CEP 2 is its inability to utilize VSTs/MIDI.
I record instruments and then loop them forming a beat (vs. taking a sample off a record). This is why CoolEdit came in handy because I could record my parts, then throw them into the sessions window and loop them. The looping features with CEP were great as far as I was concerned.

Now I am at a crossroads. I need to kill CEP because I need to use VSTs. However, Ive played around with FruityLoops among other things and it seems its for people clicking with their mouse to make beats - vs. recording tracks with real instruments.

What program do you guys recommend for my situation. Can Cubase be used for looping? Would going a hardware route be preferable - perhaps an Akai drum machine? (I like being able to touch things to add in samples but I dont know how an Akai MPC would do with VSTs, etc.)

I just need something that seemlessly records and loops. Id rather not record in one program and constantly be dragging clips around. Im aware of Reason, ACID, Sonar 3...but through my searching of the internet and boards Im not really sold that any one program is what Im looking for

Any thoughts? What do you guys use.

Thanks a lot in advance

[ixnys]

Well I use Pro Tools and that's a great editing and looping tool for REAL audio. It's got midi capabilities as well, and I've never had a problem with them, but people say LOGIC is the best for going the MIDI/Sequencing route...harder to learn however. People also rave about reason, but I've never used it so I don't know.

I'd go with Pro Tools and get a triton or buy sample cd's and import into PT and make dope loops. An example of Pro Tools editing and beat making would be the Linkin Park stuff...such as Figure.08

[RobMacki]

Reason Rocks

[jho]

Ableton Live

[natpub]

Sonar 2 or any version above has amazing auto looping and clip making capabilities superior any of the others mentioned. I know you didn't want that, but I thought I would mention it. I've used all these things, and nothing can do what you describe like Sonar, simply because that is one of it's fortes.



KT

[GearGuy]

CubaseSX can do looping, as can all the programs you mention. The manual clearly explains how this can be done.

[Inner Light]

in sx set your left and right locators and select loop in your transport or the / key shortcut voila loop.

[Scinx]

Thanks a lot everyone! The diversity of answers was great. Protools downfall is that I dont want to buy their hardware. Cubase it seems you use the Fill Loop after doing the locators - too much of a hassle for building beats. I cant find anything more than whats on page 5-121. I think Ill take a look at Reason and Sonar...I bet if Adobe didnt take over Syntrillium - that they'd have a VST compatible product either out or on its way. Regardless - thanks for the opinions

[Reslo00711]

how about Kontakt? anyboby using that?