Recommend sequencers about S$200?

[GallenWolf]

Hey all,
I'm a super noob hobbyist - plese forgive me if I get the terms totally wrong. I own a keystation 61 and just play for fun (no recording or anything) with the FL demo. I'm now looking for software that can record audio and midi that costs about S$200. I will be recording a flute as my main instrument, with the keyboard playing some accompanying tunes. I do not intend to do any voice recording.

FL Producer edition seems to be my best bet, especially since it comes with alot of samples, but I'd like to know if there are any other better choices at my price point. I have also used abit of Cubase LE that came with my keyboard, but it only had like a few instruments? Compared to tons more on FL. Would appreciate your advice!


BTW, this should be the hardware setup I should be getting:
Shure 57 mic, Line 6 Toneport.

My computer is equipped with an ultra crappy integrated Realtek HD audio. I did some test audio recording with a karaoke mic, quite a bit of lag with the default asio drivers. Asio4all seems to solve it, but what would be a better sound card for laptops?


Thank!

 

[Indigo_blues]

the cubase le is pretty capable imho.. just load it up with some free vst syths.

 

[Cheez]

I agree. Stick with Cubase LE. It should be sufficient for your needs. Better to spend the money on soundcard instead.

For a notebook, you have the option of USB, firewire or PCMCIA options. Echo Indigo IO is a good PCMCIA card with low noise and latency.

Do you have an external sound module or other keyboards? If not, I'm surprised you bought a keystation 61 which is a controller that has no sounds. You mention you are using FL demo. Once the demo version expires, you'll end up with no sounds except the crappy ones in your soundcard.

 

[GallenWolf]

Hey all!
Thanks for the recommendations. I wasn't aware there are free vsts for download. I did a quick google and came up with lots of hits, will look into them, thank you!

Cheez, the FL demo doesn't expire, it just can't save projects

One other question with the Cubase LE, basically if I get other VST plugins like oh the proteus or emulator x, I will be able to use them within Cubase LE right? I was down at creative HQ two days back, the emu sound packs are about 85 sgd, but the software itself is like 500odd bucks?! Gah. Free synths it is then....

Thanks again!

 

[Cheez]

There are lots of 3rd party VSTis out there. It all depends on what type of music you are playing. Those that need to be paid are usually better than the free ones. You can check out Native Instruments, East West, Zero-G, Yellow Tools, Arturia etc.

The better free ones: Crystal VSTi. There are many out there - but for me, it takes up too much CPU and the sound is not worth to run it.

 

[Cheez]

Oh by the way, do a quick search on this forum on VSTi. You find some interesting discussions on this topic.

 

[GallenWolf]

Thanks again!