Looking for a music production software

You can consider what you choose, let’s take a look

Let me give you a brief introduction to some of the most common software in the form of a review.

1. Cool edit pro

Cool edit pro is a powerful and excellent multi-track recording and audio processing software developed by Syntrillium Software Corporation in the United States. It can process up to 64 tracks of audio signals simultaneously on an ordinary sound card, has extremely rich audio processing effects, and can perform real-time preview and multi-track audio mixing and synthesis. It is the preferred audio processing software for personal music studios. Many people describe Cool Edit as an audio "painting" program. You can "paint" sounds: pitches, parts of songs, voices, strings, vibrato, noise or adjust mute. And it also provides a variety of special effects to add color to your works: amplification, noise reduction, compression, expansion, echo, distortion, delay, etc. You can process multiple files at the same time and easily cut, paste, merge, and overlap sound operations in several files. The sounds that can be generated using it include: noise, bass, silence, phone signal, etc. The software also includes a CD player. Other features include: support for optional plug-ins; crash recovery; multiple file support; automatic silence detection and removal; automatic beat search; recording, and more. In addition, it can also convert between AIF, AU, MP3, Raw PCM, SAM, VOC, VOX, WAV and other file formats, and can be saved in RealAudio format. [2]

CE also has extremely rich audio processing effects and perfectly supports Dx plug-ins. [3]

The new version 2.0 also has the following features: ①128 tracks; ②Enhanced audio editing capabilities; ③More than 40 audio effects, mastering and audio analysis tools, as well as audio noise reduction and repair tools ; ④ Music CD burning; ⑤ Real-time effects and EQ; ⑥ 32-bit processing precision; ⑦ Support 24bit/192kHz and higher precision; ⑧ Loop editing and mixing; ⑨ Support SMPTE/MTC Master, support MIDI playback, support video File playback and mixing. [2]

2. Audition

Audition is equivalent to Cool Edit Pro 2.1, which Adobe obtained from Syntrillium Software in May 2003. With integrated multi-track and editing views, real-time effects, surround support, analysis tools, recovery features, and video support, Adobe Audition provides music, video, audio, and sound design professionals with a fully integrated audio editing and mixing solution plan. Users can benefit greatly from real-time audio effects that allow them to hear instant changes and track EQ. It includes flexible looping tools and thousands of high-quality, royalty-free music loops to facilitate music tracking and music creation. As a new member of Adobe's digital video products, Adobe Audition can be purchased separately or in the new Adobe Video Collection.

Adobe Audition provides an intuitive, customizable interface that allows users to delete and resize windows to create an efficient audio workspace. A window manager can take advantage of jump tracking of open files, effects, and hobbies, and batch processing tools can efficiently handle such daily tasks as matching all the sounds of multiple files and converting them into a standard file format.

Adobe Audition provides high-quality audio for video projects, allowing users to edit, mix, and add special effects to AVI sound tracks that can be watched for video playback. Extensive support for industry-standard audio file formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, MP3PRO and WMA, and the ability to process files with up to 32-bit bit depth and sampling speeds in excess of 192 kHz, enabling the highest quality sound output for tapes, CDs , DVD or DVD-Audio.

3. Samplitude2496

Samplitude2496, which is a non-linear editing software like Cool edit pro, is the proud product of German SEK'D company (now acquired by Magix company). It will be divided into two versions: Samplitude Classic and Samplitude Professional. [5] Before version 7.0, it had always been a digital audio workstation software focusing on audio multi-track editing and mixing. However, starting from version 7.0, Samplitude began to support ASIO driver VST plug-ins, VST instruments and split-track MIDI functions, etc. At this point, Samplitude 7.0 has grown into an all-rounder that masters both audio and MIDI, and has truly joined the Audio+MIDI digital music workstation software family. [4]

Samplitude Producer 2496 supports audio files in various formats, can cut and edit audio arbitrarily, and comes with frequency equalization, dynamic effects, reverberation effects, noise reduction, pitch modification, etc. Audio effects. [5]

Its main functions include ① supporting 24Bit/96KHz, multi-track recording, with a maximum number of audio tracks of 999; ② having digital image and analog video recording and editing functions, supporting frame-by-frame synchronization of video files, and Illustrated 5.1 surround sound; ③ MIDI sequence function; ④ CD track capture and CD burning function; ⑤ Powerful editing functions: fade in and out, cut, copy, loop copy, automatic interleaved recording, volume and sound and image envelope Lines, 100 layers of undo and redo...; ⑥ Outstanding effects: multi-band compressor, stereo enhancement, FFT filter/spectrum analyzer, de-esser, noise sampling/cancellation, pitch shift, waveform stretching, amplitude Maximize, reverb, delay...; 7. Convenient plug-in effects, supporting DirectX plug-in program. This unique plug-in function of Sam2496 is beyond the reach of any software (including Protools); 8. Powerful Mixer: 4-band full-parameter equalization, dynamics, delay, auxiliary output, fully automatic mixing function, supports real-time control of the mouse wheel; ⑨The auxiliary line of the Sam2496 mixer can use external hardware effects in real time, using external Set up effects processors to apply effects to each track. [6]

New features in version 7.2: advanced velocity mapping function; MIDI editor expanded with multiple functions; support for hardware controllers optimized; improved support for VST plug-ins

Four

Sonar

In the computer music circle, when it comes to Cakewalk, almost everyone knows it and everyone knows it. It can be said that it is famous. As early as the 1990s, Cakewalk's Cakewalk software began to emerge. In the early days, it was a sequencer software specialized in MIDI production and processing. [5] Since the advent of version 3.0, its MIDI function has reached a very complete level. Later, other versions of CakeWalk were continuously launched. Although many new functions were added, they were mainly reflected in its audio part. Although some modifications have been made to its MIDI part, it is more accurate to say that the soup has been changed without changing the medicine, because its MIDI function is already very good. If you study hard and master it proficiently, you can use it to create very good creations. Very professional MIDI works. Although the audio part has been added and improved in CkeWalk version 4.0~5.0, the real realization of full-service MIDI production and audio recording began with the advent of version 6.0 and CakeWalk version 6.0. The audio chapter of CakeWalk has truly realized a sequence software that can handle all tasks from MIDI production to audio recording. The continuous updates from CakeWalk version 6.0 to 9.0 show the determination of software manufacturers to continuously improve audio functions. [15] After entering the new century, Cakewalk 9 transformed into SONAR, and now SONAR has been upgraded to the latest version 3.0. The most commonly used version in China is 9.0X.

Although Cakewalk is slightly unsatisfactory in terms of audio processing, this does not prevent it from becoming the software of choice for personal music studios. Moreover, in terms of MIDI production and processing, it has super functions, easy operation, and unparalleled features. absolute advantage. [5]

Cakewalk is not only well-known in China, but also the most used music workstation software in the world. Cakewalk is a comprehensive music workstation software with MIDI production, audio recording and mixing functions. Cakewalk has several models, the highest model is Cakewalk Pro Audio. There are also models with simplified functions. Cakewalk Pro Audio's MIDI functions are very complete, and it supports various professional hardware very well, making it very comfortable to operate. Its audio capabilities are also good, and it can also perform video dubbing and soundtrack work. Cakewalk comes with a complete series of audio effects, such as equalization, reverb, chorus, dynamics, etc. Of course, it also supports third-party DirectX plug-in effects. [5]

The future development direction of music workstations is the integrated production of MIDI, audio, and sound sources (synthesizers). The first to implement this method was the famous Cubase software. Cakewalk Company caught up and launched a new generation of music workstation Sonar. Based on Cakewalk, Sonar adds comprehensive support for software synthesizers and enhances audio functions, making it a new generation of all-round super music workstation. There are two models of Sonar, the fully functional one is called Sonar XL, and the simplified one is called Sonar. The DXi platform launched by Sonar itself allows software synthesizers produced by third parties to be used as plug-ins in Sonar. In the future, we can produce music independently in Sonar without the need for traditional synthesizers. Sonar also has a powerful loop function and can be used for professional dance music production. [5]

5.

⑴ Cubase SX

Cubase SX is the latest product of music creation and production software tools. Steinberg has accumulated nearly 15 years of development experience, integrating all the needs of musicians and the latest technology. Condensed into the most advanced Cubase SX. With Cubase SX, users no longer need any other expensive audio hardware equipment, nor do they need to frequently update audio hardware equipment to get a very powerful audio workstation. Cubase SX is not only a system, it is far more comprehensive and flexible than a single system. For example, the VST System Link technology supported by Cubase SX allows users to form a huge system project by connecting multiple computers to each other. Can complete Project tasks with huge amounts of data. In addition, Cubase SX provides many powerful features, such as support for VST2.0 Plug-ins (VST instruments make your studio equipment richer [46]), virtual Instrument and intelligent automation of ASIO2.0 compatible audio hardware. MIX processing (ASIO2.0 audio driver makes you almost feel no delay in digital audio [46]); very flexible and diverse unlimited Undo/Redo operations, able to cancel or modify any audio edits made in any step recorded by Undo Processing operation; supports Surround Sound and can provide more sound processing solutions for Surround Sound processing in other systems, [8] as well as real-time graphics editing, "macro" mode operation, digital editing browsing view, project preview panel, interface saving function, Custom shortcut keys, Cubase Song (.All file) import function (shared with CubaseVST, Nuendo resources), perfect compatibility with Houston controller, preset function templates for different projects, mastering processing function, powerful Notation function, etc. [4]

The biggest slogan of Cubase SX 2.0 is: Cubase SX 2.0 is a software written for users, rather than a complex software written for the operating system that requires continuous learning.

[9]

In addition, Steinberg seems to have admitted that Cuabse SX is a simplified version of Nuendo without video editing functions. Steinberg admitted that the codes of Cubase SX and Nuendo are completely the same, and Nuendo 2.1 will have All new features in Cubase SX 2.0. [9]

The new version claims to have more than 100 new features, including: ① New mixing mode, one track can be divided into 6 separate channels (that is, 5.1 channels) , use insert effects or send effects for processing respectively; ② Effect return channel. Any auxiliary effect channel can return to other channels to continue adding effects; ③VSTi freezing function. When running the VSTi plug-in, it will occupy a lot of system resources, especially on the PC. As long as the VSTi freeze function is enabled, the CPU usage can be minimized; ④ Different audio waveforms can be entered into the same editing window for detailed editing; ⑤ The new transport controller is basically the same as Nuendo's transport controller. [3]

⑵ Nuendo

Nuendo Studio System Plus (Nuendo enhanced professional recording studio and film and television post-synthesis system) is a professional multi-functional software and hardware combination launched by the German STEINBERG company. Track recording/mixing system, this system is also the most popular and popular product in the European and American digital recording industry. The VST digital audio processing technology and ASIO audio data stream architecture it defines are currently being recognized by more and more manufacturers. and support. [10]

The system provides 200 audio tracks, 26 pairs of input and output channels, countless audio editing functions, hardware-based DSP processing capabilities, and sound quality that is not inferior to the Protools system, so it It can fully meet the working needs of professional recording studios. In addition, it can also provide up to 8-channel surround sound production functions, as well as super audio and video synchronization capabilities (can synchronously control the running status of video editing), so this system is also fully suitable for the post-production and production of film and television programs. synthesis. [10]

On September 24, 1999, Steinberg released their NUENDO media production system at the AES Show in New York. In the past three years, it has entered the film audio, video and interactive media production market with its convenient operation and super functions. This is a software system based on Windows NT as the platform and includes some hardware systems. It can simultaneously record 128 digital audio tracks, surround sound mixing, a video track, countless MIDI tracks, and comprehensive digital audio functions. [11]

Nuendo has the same idea as Cubase VST. Audio processing does not require other peripherals, which means that the processing of effects is still left to the CPU. NUENDO's VST2.0 plug-in standard has become the largest plug-in standard in the world. Some plug-in manufacturers, such as WAVES, TC, WORKS, PROSONIQ, and SPECTRAL DESIGN, have designed more than 600 plug-ins for the audio streaming technologies of NUENDO, ASIO, and Steinberg. , providing high-performance applications for various software. ASIO2.0 provides 64 independent channels of 24Bit/96KHzr real-time hardware monitoring and accurate sampling synchronization. [11]

The new NUENDO system supports Windows98, 2000, NT, XP and Beos systems. Nuendo's functionality is not limited by specific hardware requirements. It can run different levels of systems and can also be applied on ordinary desktop computers. And the semi-finished music can be processed and monitored on different machines or even laptops. This flexible method makes the way and environment of making music more flexible. [11]

Nuendo's advanced features have once again placed Steinberg at the forefront of digital audio software development. As the most advanced audio sequencing system at present, Nuendo allows audio clips to be edited at will. Whether processing audio clips or audio file sorting, everything is more in line with the user's habits. Complex work can be completed by dragging the mouse. For example, to cross-read in and out, just drag with the mouse (as shown in the figure).

The most intolerable thing in Cubase is that some operations cannot be Undo and Redo, but in Nuendo not only can Undo and Redo operations be performed on audio sequences, but Nuendo can also create operation records for each audio clip. [11]

Not only can it be edited non-destructively, all audio clips can also be destructively edited using built-in or other audio editing software. The parameters that can be adjusted for the audio clips on each track: 4 Band equalization, four insertion effects, and 8 auxiliary output effects. All parameter levels, equalization, panning, surround sound positioning, effect parameters, etc. support automatic operation, just like electric faders. The data of automatic operation is graphically displayed and can be edited in detail. [11]

Nuendo supports using an external console to control the faders of the mixer, and the internal mixer supports multi-channel group control. Nuendo not only has its own unique functions, but also has good compatibility with existing audio production systems. For example, it can save finished products in OMF format. [11]

The Nuendo Studio System Plus system mainly consists of Nuendo multi-track recording/mixing software, Surround Edition surround sound program production software, Nuendo 96/52 audio interface card, UAD-1 processing accelerator card, Nuendo It consists of 8 I/O 96k junction box, Timelock Pro synchronizer and SONY 9-pin adapter box. [9]

The Nuendo mentioned below mainly refers to the Nuendo multi-track recording/mixing software.

Nuendo is Steinberg's first audio workstation software with video editing after it was acquired by pinnacle. It is a top-notch digital audio workstation software, a music software that integrates MIDI, audio, mixing and other functions, and supports the production of 5.1 surround sound for videos. [12] Whether you are engaged in music recording or post-production, whether you work in radio or television, Nuendo is a solution that can meet your highest expectations and it has higher performance than other systems. Value for money. [9]

All recording, editing and mixing functions are derived from non-destructive random read technology, so Nuendo can provide the most advanced recording studio technology. The rich interface and input and output functions make it a perfect match for any recording studio. There are also the most advanced editing functions. Its user interface is highly configurable, allowing you to mix the mix according to your own habits; it can also display a video track as a storyboard for fully automatic volume control. One of its coolest features is that it provides unlimited editing history, which means that not only can you undo any operation you have done, but it will not affect other subsequent edits. [10]

Nuendo 2.0 can handle everything from creation, movies, broadcasting, music, surround sound, game music or multimedia. And combined with pinnacle's video technology, audio can be more perfectly combined with video. [13] Latest Features: Multi-Channel Structure: From input to final mix, Nuendo 2.0 comes with an advanced multi-channel structure through the entire signal path, plus surround sound. Each input, audio track, effects return, group and output provides a separate 12 channels for a full range of 5.1, 7.1, and even 10.2 productions. Routing within the project is also very transparent and Steinberg has developed certain tools (including new ways of organizing physical inputs, outputs and specialized surround sound equipment at all relevant points within the signal path). Seven input and output buses can be used simultaneously, making any type of setup possible - mono, stereo or any surround format - and any track can be brought in and out of any bus. [5]

New mixer environment: Nuendo 2.0 provides flexible mixing function with 32-bit floating point mixer, new design, complete plug-in delay compensation feature, each channel Realistic effects return as well as phase inversion and input gain changes. Another feature is the creation of any number of new input buses (with effects directly written to them if possible).

The new structure allows for both split surround sound format file (Split) recording and interleaved surround sound file format recording (Interleaved), and surround management is easier than before. [5]

The new features of version 2.1 are basically the same as the new features of Cubase SX 2.0. [13]

6. Pro Tools

The Pro Tools system is an industry-standard professional audio and film and television post-audio recording, editing and mixing tool. [14] According to different market positioning and price divisions, several systems with different hardware configuration levels and slightly different software functions have been derived, such as Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools|24 MIX, Digi001, Digi002, and Mbox. [4] Its product series is a non-linear recording system with a computer as the control center and a hard disk as the data carrier. [16] As a computer-based digital audio workstation, it not only redefines the means and methods of music production, but also completely replaces traditional audio tape multi-track recording and mixing consoles. Innovative software and high-performance hardware are integrated, and the overall performance is quite good. [14] The functions include all functions required for professional sound processing, including professional recording work such as MIDI, recording, splicing and editing, effects processing, mixing, sound format conversion, lossless editing, video equipment synchronization and post-production... ProTools is included. In addition, it also has nearly a hundred sets of plug-in special effects processing software developed by multiple third-party manufacturers, which not only meets the sound needs of various professional work, but also provides unlimited creative flexibility for music workers. [17] Its different models of equipment combinations can meet different business needs such as professional recording studios and film and television centers. As part of Avid Technology, the ProTools product series in the DigiDesign family has long become the main product for professional music, film and television audio post-production, and the standard for digital audio production in music, radio, film, and television, [16] and is used in many formats. It plays an important role in the digital audio production of Les Mille-winning music and Oscar-winning films. [14]

Basic features include: convenient recording control, intuitive editing, powerful mixing capabilities; 64 audio tracks at the same time; 128 virtual audio tracks; 128 MIDI tracks; 5 tracks per track Inserts and returns; 64 mix buses; multi-channel tracks; integrated, multi-format surround sound; automatic beat detection and integration; 960 PPQ MIDI resolution; sample-accurate integrated audio and MIDI; cross-platform session file format; Full track import; automatic project storage; multi-layer redo and redo; Sony 9-core remote control; world-class effects plug-ins, flexible real-time processing; signal processing and creative work; file-based plug-ins; all-in-one software synthesizers; Avid Compatible with the Internet; Mastering. [18]

After the new revision, Windows XP users also have exactly the same functions as the Mac OSX version, such as new Mix, Edit and Transport windows, as well as the newly added DigiBase file management utility Enhanced MIDI function and Beat Detective function; in addition, both Windows XP and Mac OS X can use Host Based CPU computing power. [19]

With AVoption| 6.1 Supports AVoption| .

[19]

Pro Tools TDM 6.1 also supports Avid Unity MediaNetwork shared storage system (Pro Tools HD Only), which can be accessed in the AVID Unity Fiber Channel hard disk array at the same time. If you purchase DigiTranslator 2.0, Pro Tools 6.1 can support importing Advanced Authoring Format (AAF), the new industry standard media conversion format. [19]

Pro Tools 6.1 begins to support Propellerhead’s ReWire technology, which allows some software sound sources such as Reason to directly transfer sounds to Pro Tools tracks. [19]

Pro Tools 6.1 also supports Windows XP ASIO drivers and Mac OS X Core Audio drivers. This will allow other software that supports ASIO and Core Audio to use Digidesign hardware for multi-tracking. recording. [19]

Seven. Logic Audio

Logic Audio is produced by Emagic Company and is one of the most successful sequencing software among professional music production software today. It can provide multiple advanced MIDI and audio recording and editing, and even provides professional-quality sample sound sources (EXS24) and analog synthesizers (ESI). Its application will turn the multimedia computer into a professional-level audio workstation. However, its operation is very complicated and cumbersome, and it is not suitable for entry-level personal music studios. [12] The Logic audio series of music audio workstation software has provided musicians and recording studios with powerful music audio production functions for ten years. Whether you are creating music, mixing songs, or mastering, various versions of Logic have always been relevant in the field. Leaders in every corner of the world, musicians and recording engineers have been using Logic audio to power the world of sound with beautiful songs and recordings. Emagic has been developing audio music software for more than ten years, from MIDI sequencer software, to chart printing software, to the current professional audio recording and production software. [3] On the eve of June 30, 2002, Apple announced its official acquisition of the German music technology giant Emagic, which became the first business case for a computer manufacturer to merge with a music software company. [4]

The Logic 6 series was reorganized by Apple, and the original product series was overturned and replaced by two versions, Logic Pro and Logic Express. Logic Express is a simplified version of Logic Pro. Logic Pro includes the Logic Platinum main program, as well as all instrument plug-ins and effect plug-ins, supports 5.1 and 7.1 channels, up to 128 tracks, and supports 192k sampling rate. Logic Express is designed for students and educators, with only 28 plug-ins and only 48-track recording. The development of the PC version of this famous multi-track audio/MIDI workstation has basically stopped, and will be completely transitioned to Mac in the future, supporting the AU plug-in for Mac OS X. [13] Now Logic on Mac has lost many functions compared with Sonar and Cubase. Among them was the decision to refuse to run VSTi. But on the positive side, Logic 6 runs extremely stable on a Mac. [20] The problem of relatively slow operating systems is also improving in music programs and plug-ins. The "new" Logic has also begun to move towards Apple's "Core audio" and "Audio unit", and future operating plug-ins and soft synthesizers will be based on AU. [21]

New features in Logic Platinum 6: Freeze tracks, instantly generate audio or device track content into audio files, greatly reducing CPU load.

Project Manager to easily back up all elements of your project to one central location, including all media files and insert settings. Installation Assistant Get up and running quickly with Logic's interactive installation assistant. Enhanced video support, transfer DV QuickTime movies to FireWire for display on standard television sets. (Using a FireWire-to-video converter). [21] Selection tool, you can use the mouse to highlight any part of a sequence, and then use cut, paste and copy commands as well as Nudge, drag, delete, mute and solo commands. The new EQ adds a new eight-segment parametric equalizer to each track, with both high and low bandpass filters. The gain, frequency and Q value of each segment can be freely modulated, and the gain of each segment can reach +_24DB. If you A wider range of modulation is also required, which can also be adjusted on the main gain. [3]

8. Reason

Reason is a powerful music production software platform produced by the Swedish Propellerhead company. It is a software workstation that can run on PC and Mac platforms. [22] Reason is a comprehensive software work platform that not only supports the Reason Factory Sound Bank CD, but also comes with an orchestral sound disk Orkester Sound Bank CD specifically for the NN-XT advanced sampler. [3]Reason is a complete music system. Its functions can sample sound sources, analog mix, remix, change music beats, effects, and instantly generate the music you need. All of Reason's 16 devices look like real music-making tools, and you can use each device to let the processor process the music you want. Reason replaces the MIDI keyboard and lets you control all MIDI-capable devices and related parameters. Enabling you to become a music DJ, this application generates the necessary tools to create music on your system as desired. [23] Since its release in November 2000, it has gained a high reputation in the industry with its "virtual rack" development idea, which is completely comparable to the sound performance of hardware. [22]

Reason's software equipment includes synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, ReCycle loop players, reverbs, effects, pattern sequencers, etc., which can meet all your computer music production needs. processing requirements. And for each software device, you can open more than one at the same time without affecting the normal operation of the computer. Therefore, Reason is a software music workstation that can be infinitely expanded. [24]

As a Reason user, you no longer need to worry about equipment matching, line connection and other problems encountered when using hardware equipment. Because Reason has all the processing power of hardware, but without the hassle of hardware. The connections of Reason's various devices are automatic, and you can connect them according to your own needs. These connections are clearly visible through Reason's rack panel. When deleting a device that is not needed