FYI, there is another forum at http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/ that is frequented by MANY artists that record on their PC's, many of then use different software packages...maybe you can get some good, well-rounded info there as well.

Just a thought...

[Pick it up!]

this guy my dad knows does a lot of computer recording and he reccomended Magix7. and it's on sale at guitar center for 25$. i compared it with Cakewalk and they have almost identical features, so i think i may purchase it.

If you get into Magix "Samplitude" ya, then you are going tomatch, or even exceed Sonar, but then that is a VERY expensive program, as for Magix, yes it does support a lot of cool features, but you won't get nearly the performance from it. Undoubtly a great deal for the price, but if one is even semi-serious it will be outgrown very quickly. The latency will be a bit higher (quite a bit in some cases) than Sonar, Sonar also supports ASIO, WDM and MME, plus MIDI functionality that I have yet to see any app support. It also support DirectX virtual instuments (DXi) full mix, pan and effect automation, with the newest upgrade to 2.2 it has, in my personal opinion pased Cubase and Vegas when it comes to sound quality Plus it work with video syncing. Supports all DirectX plugins plus VST in an upgrade that is being announced in the next week or two.

It also works with the new Project5 which is a full integration suite for all DXI and softsynth you can shake a stick at.

I know a couple people that used Magix to get started in the recording biz, and it worked well for that, but within a couple of months of serious recording they tossed it out for something bigger and more powerful, and you may do the same. However, at $25 it is a great way to get your feet wet.

[Pick it up!]

well, i need something that 'puts out' professional performance.
shoot, i donno. i'm going to have to research this a lot more than i thought.

If you want to get professional output, you are going to nned to spend a lot more than $25.

[Pick it up!]

i know, this product is normally 60-70$, but it was on sale because Magix came out with a new version.

still very inexpensive. If you truly want professional sound $150 is still about the least you will spend. In that neighborhood Sonic Foundry Acid is pretty decent, Ihave heard a lot of great recording come from it, Also Cakewalk is out there too with different version for differetn prices.