need a good midi/mixing program

[Yuri-G]

So I have this piano, it's pretty nice, 88-weighted keys, midi-capable, all the good stuff. Thing is, I have no idea how to get music from the piano onto my computer. I have a crappy old microphone but when I use that, the sound quality is horrible. I use audacity to record, and a low-pass filter helps, but it still isn't really passable. I would also like to somehow record my voice, so I'm thinking I need a program with multi-track support (although I doubt any modern programs are lacking in something so basic, right?)

So, BG songwriters, what do you use? I am absolutely not opposed to piracy (yar), especially since the options I've checked out all seem to be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Obviously I've heard of ProTools, but I'm not really familiar with much beyond that. And I'm assuming I'll need to update my equipment on top of downloading the right program, so I can get the sound onto my computer, but I have no idea where to even start. If anyone has any idea how to help, or even if you just know a good forum that's focused on this type of stuff, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[kuronosan]

I use Reason and Pro Tools almost exclusively for MIDI and mixing.

Although Adobe Audition is really good for mixing as well, Pro Tools is the industry standard. You can also use Cubase by Steinberg. Start with your crappy microphone but eventually you'll want to use something like an AKG Perception condenser mic as well as a pop filter for vocals.

[Yuri-G]

Gah, that microphone is expensive. Which must mean it's good, I suppose. So Pro Tools really is the way to go, eh? Good to know. I'm sure I can find a cracked version pretty easily, athough I wouldn't mind paying if I find it to be worth it. The real problem I have is figuring out which equipment to use, so thanks for the tip there.

Someone gave me a cracked version of Reason a while ago, but he wrote down the key and didn't differentiate between 0's and O's, and then he couldn't find it again. That was pretty lame.

[kuronosan]

Which version of Reason are you using? You can pick up an AKG 200, which is really affordable. There are a variety of different types of equipment you can use. A power conditioner helps, and you don't have to get a condenser mic if you don't want to. A mic pre-amp will usually accomplish the same thing (although if you have an mbox as your interface, this cuts out the need for most equipment).

You can probably buy an MBox that will include a free copy of pro tools LE for about $150-$200 (pro tools LE alone is about that much).

edit: aww god damn it, I was going to show you a recording of Viva La Vida I did on Pro Tools but my comp crashed when I was opening and it corrupted it (now I have to start over). Maybe next time. > <

[MF Perm tha Fineass]

I thought Ableton had a free version of their software called Ableton Lite, but I think it's just a drop kit some MIDI keyboards or loop packs come with.

If you ever plan on getting a Mac, they come with the free GarageBand software which is great for that kind of thing too.

Try audiopirate.blogspot.com for rips and cracks of audio software, plug-ins, VST's etc.

[Yuri-G]

Which version of Reason are you using? You can pick up an AKG 200, which is really affordable. There are a variety of different types of equipment you can use. A power conditioner helps, and you don't have to get a condenser mic if you don't want to. A mic pre-amp will usually accomplish the same thing (although if you have an mbox as your interface, this cuts out the need for most equipment).

You can probably buy an MBox that will include a free copy of pro tools LE for about $150-$200 (pro tools LE alone is about that much).

edit: aww god damn it, I was going to show you a recording of Viva La Vida I did on Pro Tools but my comp crashed when I was opening and it corrupted it (now I have to start over). Maybe next time. > <

I don't use it, I gave up on it when I couldn't get it activated because of the stupid code. I just use Audacity now, which is just fine for preserving ideas, but absolutely horrible for actually mixing stuff and making it sound good.

I'll look into the MBox, from a quick google search it's a bit outside my price range right now, but if it's worth it I could save up. I know eventually I will have to drop some big bucks on this shit, whether I want to or not lol

[Yuri-G]

I thought Ableton had a free version of their software called Ableton Lite, but I think it's just a drop kit some MIDI keyboards or loop packs come with.

If you ever plan on getting a Mac, they come with the free GarageBand software which is great for that kind of thing too.

Try audiopirate.blogspot.com for rips and cracks of audio software, plug-ins, VST's etc.

oooh nice, that's gonna help a ton, thanks. exactly the sort of site I was looking for.