Blog Assignment #3
Find 3 software programs that fit into the categories we have studied thus far (sequencing software, "all-in-one" MIDI sequencers, looping software, etc). Try to pick software that you feel you will use in the future. List the following information about this software:
Name of Software
Publishing company (include website address)
Cost (single and multi-license prices, educational prices, lab packs available, etc.)
System Requirements (Mac OS 9 and up, Windows Vista, etc.)
Description of what this software does (include special "features" of this software)
A "real life" applications of this software
Why would you recommend this to fellow music educators?
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17 comments:
1. Audio/MIDI sequencer
Cakewalk Sonar 6 by Et Cetera (http://www.etcetera.co.uk/products/TWVS5.shtml)
cost - ranges from $35 to $140; system requirements - Windows XP, or Windows XP/x6; product summary - "Version 6 adds an arsenal of responsive instruments, more effects, and powerful editing tools including Roland® V-Vocal™ VariPhrase technology. These features are complemented by a double precision floating point engine that delivers dramatic increases in dynamic range. SONAR’s pristine 64-bit audio engine, seamless and accessible even on 32-bit computers, sets new standards for digital mixing. In addition, SONAR 5 introduces ground-breaking advances in RAM and native processing power on systems running Windows XP x64 Edition."
I could use this to acquire more editing effects when altering or making a track better, or to take out unwanted sounds, or enhance the sound that is already there.
I would recommend this system to fellow music educators because it is great quality and is a pioneer in the latest MIDI tools.
2.Acid Music Studio 7 by Sony Creative Software (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/musicstudio)
Cost - $56; System Requirements - MSW XP or W Vista; Product summary - "If you're serious about making your own music, ACID Music Studio software is the perfect tool for original song creation, multitrack audio and MIDI recording, and studio-quality mixing, and effects processing. Share your songs any way you want — burn your own CDs, upload to the web, prepare audio for podcasts, or export to your MP3 player. With built-in tutorials to guide you, you'll be composing, mixing, and mastering like a pro in no time."
In a classroom, I could use this software for composition with kids. It seems very user and kid friendly, and accessible.
I would recommend this software to fellow music educators because it is so tangible, it's all right there at your fingertips, and you can do so much with it--live recording, mixing, editing, sharing, etc.
3. Cubase 5 Recording Software from zZounds by Steinberg (http://www.zzounds.com/item--STECUBASESX)
Cost - $500; System requirements - Windows XP or Windows Vista; Product summary - "Featuring even more creative possibilities and technologies, Cubase 5 provides the finest tools to producers, composers and musicians in any musical genre. VariAudio and PitchCorrect provide integrated intonation editing for monophonic vocal recordings. Groove Agent ONE and Beat Designer change the game for beat creation, while the revolutionary LoopMash seamlessly blends loops, creating unimaginable variations. VST Expression tools for composers combine with the first VST3 convolution reverb and improved automation for more dynamic mixes. And an array of additional enhancements and 64-bit technologies boost performance -- all designed to inspire further musical creativity and productivity."
I could use this software to compose with children, but this one seems like a great tool for making beats.
Honestly, I probably would not recommend this to a fellow music educator because it's so expensive, but it's good quality, and also pioneers programs like PitchCorrect and Beat Designer.
1. SONAR Home Studio 7
Publisher: Cakewalk by Roland (www.cakewalk.com)
Cost: $ 139.00 (for individual use)
System Requirements: This software is Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X compatible.
With this software you can record any live audio source, edit audio and notation, MIDI, and add real instruments. It is equipped with professional grade audio effects and mixing tools. It also allows for sharing music online and burning CD’s. Any musician wishing to make high-level recordings as well as educators who are creating accompaniments or sheet music for students could use this software.
I do not know if the software is easy to use or produces a high quality recording, but by reading the information given I think this would be useful software for teachers to use. The only draw back seems to be that it is for individual use, not for the students to use in class.
2. AmbiLoop
Publisher: Real Time Ambient Loop Creation Software (www.ambiloop.com)
Cost: Free
System Requirements: Windows only
This software allows multiple tracks(up to eight) to be recorded and then looped on top of one another. In terms of features, the software is pretty basic allowing for tracks to be looped, tempi to be manipulated, recording, metronome, reverse, adjustable latency, etc. This software is not as “fancy” as the one above, but it is free. AmbiLoop would be easier to use in a classroom setting because of how easily available it is, compatibility with PC’s, and more simple functions for students to use. I would recommend that teachers try and use this software and consider giving it a try in the classroom with audio projects or recording/play back of student performances.
3. Pro Tools 8
Publisher: Digidesign (www.digidesign.com)
Cost:
System Requirements: Is available for Windows and Mac. (more details on website)
This software looks very similar to the SONAR Home Studio 7 discussed above. It has a wide variety of instrumental sounds, multiple tracks, music scoring, MIDI sequencing, pitch modification, and audio editing. A musician or educator who wants to record and/or edit concerts and color performances could use this software. It can also be used to help arrange music to be used in the classroom. Just as with the other software I am not sure if it could be used on multiple computers by students or if it would be purely for the teachers use. Pro Tool 8 seems like it is a very popular and useful software, but I would refrain from purchasing before having a trial period.
Anvil Studio
Willow Software: www.anvilstudio.com
Either free version or $19 for more features
For Windows 7(32-bit)/Vista(32-bit)/XP/2000/98
This software can record, compose, sequence music with MIDI and Audio equipment, and play with music using a computer and sound card.
With the free version, you can create an unlimited number of MIDI tracks, and a one-minute audio track.
With the $19 optional Multi-Audio accessory, you can record and real-time mix up to 8 sixty-minute audio tracks (from website). Website has list of all available features in categories ‘General’, ‘Audio’, and ‘MIDI.’ There are also other pricing options which include various other Accessories with the highest price at $99.
This software would be great for people who have Windows or a PC and can’t afford to buy software – would work in a school district with a tight budget or for home projects.
I might recommend this to music educators if they don’t have money to buy software.
Digital Performer 7
MOTU: www.motu.com
For Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (made specifically for Macs)
Expensive – only prices I found were listed as ‘Upgrades’ – ranging from $195 - $395
This software lets you record, edit, arrange, mix, process and master audio and MIDI tracks side by side for songwriting, studio production, live performance, film and television sound tracks, audio post production, surround mixing and other professional audio production tasks. The new upgrade features life-like guitar effects and enhanced audio capabilities – many that I don’t understand.
This software is the crème of the crop (it seems) of recording technology. It looks like it’s for a professional environment or an advanced studio. If I were an SRT student going into a professional electronic music career, I would want this.
As a music educator, I might want this software if I was setting up a recording studio in my school.
Intuem
Companion Engineering and Design Corp.: www.intuem.com
G3 Macintosh (preferably 500MHz or faster) or any Intel Macintosh with 512Mb RAM running Mac OS X version 10.2.8 (Jaguar) to Mac OS X version 10.4.7 (Tiger).
$79 but offers Educational Discounts of 1-7 copies - $79, 8-19 copies $64, 20+ copies, $49
This is a sequencer that transfers MIDI data to software that can edit the music. It can record in layers, make mono and multi-track recordings, edit countless elements, arrange, mix, and share music.
This software would be great in any environment, but probably isn’t advanced enough for a professional.
Looks pretty cool, and would be great for schools – especially high school. I would definitely recommend this for music educators.
1. Cubase 5 Recording Software
Music production software
Steinberg (www.steinbergusers.com)
Cubase 5 Educational Edition- 299.99 (Full version- 499.99)
For PC Windows, 2+ GHz processor (Dual Core or more recommended),1024 MB RAM, 4 GB free hard drive space, Windows XP (SP2) Home or Pro, Windows Vista
Windows DirectX compatible audio hardware; ASIO compatible audio hardware recommended for low latency performance
Cubase is a very advanced program with a variety of features that can make recordings sound excellent. It will record live, and those tracks can be edited to sound professional. This would be a terrific program in any professional recording setting.A teacher can surely use Cubase if they want a more precise and exact music production software. For most general applications of a music software, I believe that Garage band can perform most of the same functions for a relatively cheaper price.
Ambiloop
Cost: Free
Published by Real Time Ambient Loop Creation (www.ambiloop.com)
This is a Windows software application that uses your sound card to create smoothly overlapping loops of sound in real-time. Ambiloop basically functions like a multi-track endless audio tape loop or digital delay box with feedback. Simply set the desired loop time for a track (or use manual mode to set loop times on-the-fly) and press the record button. Incoming audio is recorded in real time for the length of the loop.
The best advantage of ambiloop is that this is free, simple, and easy to use. Looking at the pictures on the website, however, the interface is not the most pleasing to the eyes as other programs such as Garage band.
Teachers could use this program to demonstrate how loops work and function and how they can be manipulated.
Intuem (www.intuem.com)
Companion Engieneering and Design Corps
$79.00, available on the website
This program is designed specifically for Mac computers. It features a beautiful interface that makes using it easy. The website boasts that it will run faster and smoother than other sequencers. It also argues that it is able to capture a live human-sounding performance through MIDI of a better quality than other sequencers. Teachers can certainly use this as a better-than average sequencer to use in the classroom, and I think students of all ages will be able to use this program with ease. Teachers can demonstrate how MIDI can imitate real life performances accurately through Intuem.
1. WavePad Sound Editor
This is a professional audio and music editior for Windows and Mac OS X. It allows you to record and edit music, voice and other audio files. It lets you add various sound effets like,echo,amplification and noise reduction. IT supports a number of file formats like vox, gsm, wma, real audio, au, aif, flac and ogg.
But it also works as a wav or mp3 editor. It also supports up to 32,000 files.
The name of the publishing company is NCH software.
You can try the product for free but if you want to upgrade it will be 38.00. If you want platinum support service with it it will be 58.00.
I would recommend this because it is very compatilbe with a lot of file formats and it gives you 32,000 files for space. It also has some of the same features as audacity does.
2. Goldwave Audio Editor is another source for editing various sound files.
Product summary- you can play, edit, mix and analyze audio. One unique feature is you can re cord from audio cassettes, vinyle records and the radio throuhg your computer's line in. You can also record through a microphone. It also has special effects like audacity sucha as fade, equalizer, doppler mechanize and echo. You can restore old recordings with noise reduction.
Some of the file formats that can be converted are itunes, wav, wma, mp3, ogg, aiff, au vox. It also offers a digital video program.
Price- You can try this program for free but also purchase it for 49.00
The only downfall to this is it does not list the compatibility requirements.
This program is more unique than the some of the others. Because it gives you the chance to download video cassetes and vinyl recordings. You can clean them up and edit them through this system. I think that it might not be as easy to use, but if you have an old recording and you want to clean it up this system would be perfect for that.
3. Wavosaur is a free audio editor. It can only be used with Windows 98, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. At has basic features like copy, paste, and editing sound software. It does not write in the registry. This is a completly free service that works as an mp3 editor to master sound design.
Although this does not have all the fancy effects that the other programs do. This is the basic tools you might need to edit a recording of yourself or you can use it in the class room to cut a section of a song you want your classroom to hear. One thing is that this is a completely free service and there are not extra strings attached.
1. Muse (Mp3 and audio management software) Publisher: Lacoj software
(http://www.lacoj.com/index.html) Cost: Free to try (5-song limit per CD, 30MB-limit); $24.95 to buy
System Requirements: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98
Publisher description: "Muse - Music All-In-One is a tool that integrates a converter, player, recorder, ripper, and CD burner into one. It supports over 20 formats, including MP3, WAV, AU, CDA, WMA, AIF, OGG, VOB, and more, as both input and output formata. With Muse, you can easily convert between formats, extract a favorite part of a song, merge two or more music files into one, rip songs from audio CD to any format, and organize and play music files on your computer. You can drag and drop music files in any supported format to the burning list, then burn your own music CD in just one click. Addtional features include support for CDDB and cdplayer.ini database, CD-TEXT, ID3, M3U and PLS playlist, ISO CD image, multiple languages, multiple skins, an Explorer-style browser, and a ZIP/TGZ compresser."
This seems like it could be a very useful tool in the classroom, especially because it can convert to and from over 20 different file types! This provides a mean to rip or copy very obscure file types if necessary, perhaps giving access to some obscure recordings. I think I would recommend this to other educators simply because it is very inexpensive, and would be a great way to easily distribute practice CD's, convert music, etc.
2. AV Mp3 Player Morpher (all-in-one software)
Publisher: audio4fun.com
Cost: $34.95
System Requirements: Windows
Publisher Description: "AV MP3 Player Morpher Basic is all-in-one audio morphing studio for digital music and movie editing. It features most popular audio formats and CD player, ripper, converter, burner, recorder, and cover creator. Morpher and Advanced Morpher are the most important tools to change voice of hot songs, add beats, bongo and drum loops, adjust the tempo or morph music with various special effects by 5 main and hot morphing equipments: Voice Morpher, Beat Tracking, Cher Modulation, Frequency Morpher and Tempo Morpher." It also goes on to discuss its recording, ripping and burning capabilities.
While this seems like a pretty cool piece of software, I don't see how it is any different than 'Audacity,' which is free. From the images shown, it seems to be much simpler than Audacity, making this a more appealing product for elementary teachers rather than older levels. I probably wouldn't recommend this to other educators, only because it isn't free...and because it has a 'Cher Modulation' tool, and I can only imagine what in the world this does...
3. Busker v.4 (MIDI sequencing software)
Publisher: Jm software (http://www.1manband.nl/index.htm)
Cost: $29.95 for a personal license, $100.00 for school license (up to 50 computers)
System Requirements: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP/Vista, 32Mb, 300Mhz, 800*600
Publisher Description: "Copy a song from a songbook by dragging notes, chords and other symbols to staff lines until you have the same picture as in the songbook. Choose a style and a melody instrument and play. Computer aided music arranging was never so simple! Plays 30 included styles or any other Yamaha compatible style. But can also be connected to any arranger keyboard and play the internal styles and melody voices of that keyboard. Prints sheet music. Live display with Karaoke, score with highlighting notes and instrument fingering for keyboard, recorder or guitar. Plays ABC music files (hundreds of songs included, ready to play). Creates MIDI and Karaoke files.
These seems like a really cool and useful product to an educator. This software would allow students to see the score scrolling on the screen while also providing fingerings for early practice sessions. This program is also great for transposition and student activities in score understanding. I would certainly think I could find enough use in this product to recommend it to other music educators.
1)
Apple Logic Studio
http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/
Cost:$499
Minimum System Requirements to Install All Applications:
Mac computer with an Intel processor
1GB of RAM (2GB or more highly recommended)
Display with 1280-by-800 resolution or higher
Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later
QuickTime 7.6 or later
DVD drive for installation
Includes: This is an all in one type of software. The package includes Studio Effects, Instruments, and Loops, as well as MainStage 2, I different program where the musicians can perform with real instruments sounds.
This seems like an excellent way to set up a great accompaniment for a group. Because this system provides great instrument sounds, the students will be motivated to produce sounds equivalent to what they are hearing. Also, since this is an all in one software, you can record your band or choir with this rather than going to a studio to get it done.
I would recomend this to a music educator only if they were interested in all the special features that it can do. Being quite expensive, the teacher should take full advantage of all it can do, or get something cheaper that does only what they need.
2)
Cakewalk Express
cakewalk.com
cost: $19 off the cakewalk website
System requirements:
Windows 95/98/NT
Pentium 100 MHz or higher
16 MB RAM
Windows-compatible sound card and/or MIDI interface
This software is easy to setup and easy to learn.
One can record audio and MIDI tracks using any instrument and quickly edit and arrange your music on-screen. It can also remix tracks in real-time.
This can be used to record in the classroom and is MIDI compatible.
This is a much cheaper possibility. I would recommend it to a Music educator if they were looking for something simple and quick to pick up.
3)
SONAR Home Studio 7
Cakewalk by Roland
www.cakewalk.com
Cost: $ 139.00-individual
System Requirements: This software can be for Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X.
With this software you can edit audio and notation, record any live audio source, uses MIDI, and you can add real instruments. It also includes professional grade audio effects as well as mixing tools.
Teachers can use this for making sheet music and to record. It also let's you make CD's to possibly give to the students (accompaniment)
I would recommend this to an educator, however express to them that since it is for individual use, the students will not exposed to this technology.
1. Logic Pro
Apple (mac.com)
Cost: $499 normal, $449 as an educator
Requirements: Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later
Logic Studio is a complete set of professional applications that lets you write, record, edit, mix, and perform. It’s also the largest collection of modeled instruments, sampler instruments, effect plug-ins, and audio loops ever put in a single box.
I could use this to record my students and let them play around with the sound. I could also be a tool in performances at the elementary level to add effects and sounds.
I am a mac person and really think that this software is easy to use. However I think that at most schools the price is just too high, but iven the chance I would definitely purchaseLogic Pro.
2. Sonar Homestudio 7
Cakewalk (www.cakewalk.com)
Requirements: This software can be for Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X.
Cost: $139 (individual use)
With this software you can record any live audio source, edit audio and notation, MIDI, and add real instruments. It is equipped with professional grade audio effects and mixing tools. It also allows for sharing music online and burning CD’s.
I think that this could also be a very useful tool for an educator. I have not personally used this software but the price is much more attractive than the Apple version.
3. Anvil Studios
Willow Software (anvilstudio.com)
Requirements: Windows 7(32-bit)/Vista(32-bit)/XP/2000/98
Cost: Free for Windows users, with $19 dollar upgrade
This software can record, compose, sequence music with MIDI and Audio equipment, and play with music using a computer and sound card.
With the free version, you can create an unlimited number of MIDI tracks, and a one-minute audio track.
I would reccommend this program for a school that has a tighter budget and runs on Windows. There are several good features that would work well in an educational setting.
1.
Energy-XT (www.energy-xt.com)
Price ranges $75-$100.00
System Requirements: 1.4 GHz PC with 512 MB RAM.
ASIO driver recommended.
G4 or Intel with 512 MB RAM,
OSX 10.4 or higher.
1.4GHz PC with 512 MB RAM.
ALSA/OSS driver
Software Features: Multi-track export
Quick and flexible track export function delivers audio tracks to any professional environment such as Logic or ProTools.High quality time-stretching
energyXT features high quality time-stretching from z-plane development.VST version
Load energyXT as a VST plug-in within any VST host software of your choice (Windows only).
I would recommend this for educators to use because 1. it has very competitive pricing as far as educational purposes are considered. The system is easy to use and is adaptable to various systems (mac, windows, os)
2.
ArborRhythms Music Processor
Price: $20
Requirements: Windows 95/98/NT
1.5MB disk space
MIDI-capable sound card (for MIDI output)
Wave-capable sound card (for wave output)
Microsoft DirectX 5.0 or higher (for mixing and recording wave files)
Printer (for printing sheet music)
Features: Generate music using mathmatical and linguistic formulas (60+ provided functions).
Play/edit wave files (6-track potential with DirectX).
Generate wave files using mathmatical formulas.
Process input from a MIDI keyboard in real-time.
Play/Save/Record Midi type 0 and type 1 files (GM compatible).
Support for multiple midi output devices.
40 tracks, with parameters such as: Name, Volume, Pitch, Instrument, Speed, Midi Channel, Loop and Loop points.
Multiple graphic user-interfaces with the data: Binary-branching function tree, Graphical notation, Event list, Wave view, Musical staff notation.
Musical sets, which act as fuzzy-set classes.
Tempo, Key signature, Treble or Bass cleffs.
I would recommend this software if the projects that the teacher wants to do are a bit more simple. the system itself doesn't really seem extremely user friendly, but the price is very cheap.
3.AKoff Music Composer 2.0
Price: $29.00
Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000
Pentium 150 or faster system for real-time recognition
Sound Card (Microphone - optional)
Features:Tracking note dynamics and pitch bends.
Using different harmonic models to improve recognition of appropriate instruments.
Higher harmonics filtering.
Restriction of recognized pitch range.
Manual or automatic noise sensitivity control.
This software is also very accessible price wise. it it very user friendly for students especially. This software also works with many computer softwares systems.
1. Anvil Studio
http://www.anvilstudio.com/
Published by Willow Software.
The cost is free for the single track version. This version allows you to record and edit a single, stereo or mono, one minute audio track (which is not much). There is an optional $19 Multi-Audio 1/8 accessory allows you to record and mix up to 8 stereo/mono audio tracks, where recording time is limited by available free disk space.
Runs on Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista (32-bit versions).
This software Mix audio files with different formats, mixes all tracks down to a single .WAV file. You can set the record and play start and end times to control which range get recorded for Punch-in to re-record over mistakes. Record an Audio device's Left or Right channel to a track by itself. You can also simultaneously record up to 8 stereo audio tracks if you have a Sound Card with 8 mono audio inputs or 4 stereo inputs.
This application can be used for recording and editing in many different ways, and can be helpful in creating new material for the classroom.
I would recommend this to fellow music educators because it can do the following functions:
# Quantize.
# Transpose diatonic or chromatic.
# Auto-harmonize.
# Automatic layout of bars and staves.
# MIDI Master and Slave Synchronization modes for synchronizing with MIDI drum machines and sequencers.
# Perform page lets you wire together on-screen modules for real-time manipulation of MIDI sounds.
# Repair Song menu fixes problems in badly-formatted MIDI files.
2. AKoff Music Composer
http://www.akoff.com/index.html
Published by AKoff Sound Labs.
Cost: $29.00 (there is a free trial version)
Runs on Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista (32-bit versions) and Mac.
You can sing, whistle or play guitar, piano, flute and so on into your microphone. Composer will automatically recognize and score your music and create standard Midi sequences. Neither a Midi keyboard nor any musical experience are required to compose music. This would be an easy way for students to record sequences.
3. MIDI Maestro MM4
http://www.midimaestro.com/
MIDI Maestro is fully Vista and Windows 7 compatible
Published by Perspective Software
Cost $99.95
This MIDI software designed for use by amateur and professional music directors, conductors, and musicians in live musical theater and similar musical accompaniment situations (such as worship bands, techno bands, karaoke, and solo-guitar backup) with sequencing and editing capabilities.
It is practical for making quality rehearsal tapes for students to take home. It also has cue to cue performance with support for vamps, caesuras, fermatas, skips and cola voce sections (where the conductor follows a soloist).
Name: Toast 10 titanium
Publishing Company: Roxio (www.roxio.com)
Cost: $99.99 single unit cost
System Requirements: Mac OS 10.5.x only
Description: Toast is was the original music and video burning softward for mac's before it was a standard part of their operating system. It can capture music from external devices, burns files in many different formats other than mps, burns videos and dvds.
Real life Application: I have been using toast for many years on my mac's to burn cd's and copy cd's. especially the copying process takes a lot faster since you do not have to import a cd into Itunes to then burn a copy. Toast allows you to use it's software to directly copy cd's without importing the music and it supports the use of multiple burners as well.
I would recomend it to other educators because of it's many different possible uses and burning features not only for music but for videos and capturing materials from old recordings as well.
Program: Propellerhead Reason 4
Publishing Company: Propellerhead (www.propellerheads.se)
Cost: #499 single unit cost
System Requirements : Mac OS 10.4 and up, Windows XP sp2 or Vista
Description: This is an all-in-one program that has synthesizing, looping, sampling etc. It is a very visually appealing program with many different devices that all have unique individual looks and seem to be very user friendly in creating music. The samples that have been created using the software on their website sound great and are very encouraging as to what could be done with the software.
Real Life Applications: Similar to any all-in-one software the music creation ideas could be endless when working with this software if given the correct instruction and time to create music with the software.
I would recomend this softward to other educators because appears to be a program that would be very visually appealing to students as well as user friendly.
Program: Pro tools 8
Publishing Company digidesign (www.digidesign.com)
Cost: Depending on the version of protools you select to purchase the price starts around $300 and goes up from there.
System Requirements: Mac OS X.5.5 or higher, Windows Vista or XP sp2
Description: This software is an all-in-one music generator. It has the ability to take sample tracks and create music from them or can be used to create live recording mixes. It is very visually appealing and one of the new features allows you to score music by notation by notation or transcribe a MIDI part.
Real Life Application: This software could have endless uses in the school setting from creating loops and sampled recordings to mixing a live recording on the spot.
I Would recomend this software although I have never used it personally I know it is an industry standard and many people use it in not just the educational field but the proffesional recording arena. If students were to be interested to go into recording as a career they would already have knowledge of the most commonly used software.
1. Music creator 4
Producer: Cakewalk productions
Website: http://www.cakewalk.com
Cost: $35
System requirements: Windows XP (32-bit) / Vista (32-bit)
Features: Up to 160 total tracks (32 audio and 128 MIDI), Professional 24-bit audio quality, Create backing tracks fast using the Loop Explorer, Play and record using hundreds of high-quality instrument sounds from the included Cakewalk Sound Center and the Roland® TTS-1, Add drum beats to songs with Studio Instruments Drums, Get a studio-quality sound with 10 effects including IK Multimedia™ Amplitube® X-GEAR amp simulator, EQ, Delay, Compressor, Reverb, and more, Add more instruments and effects with support for DirectX, VST, and ReWire ,Print lead sheets and notation; publish music to the internet; and burn CDs for fans, family, and friends
Application: Students can record themselves with this software, and performances can be recorded and mixed with this for school promotion. The students can also experiment with composition. This software is high quality, but is accessible, so it is student and teacher friendly.
2. Mixcraft 4
Publishing company: Acoustia
Web site: Acoustica.com
Cost: $65
System Requirements: Windows 9x, 2000, NT, XP, Vista, 2003 Server. DirectX 8.0 or later, 1.0 Ghz CPU
Features: Mixcraft is a multitrack recording studio with effects, featuring Reverb, Delay/Echo, EQ, Compression, Flanger and Chorus, as well as resonant filters and a powerful loop editor. The high performance 32 bit sound engine supports broadcast quality WAV files and will even import compressed MP3s & WMA files.
Application: One could use this software to arrange music for a school production such as a dance recital or record and mix student performances.
3. M-Powered Recording Software
Publishing Company: Pro Tools
Cost: $250
System Requirements: PC Supported M-Audio Hardware Peripheral* Digidesign-qualified Windows Vista (32-bit Business or Ultimate), Windows XP** Minimum 1GB of RAM DVD-ROM or equivalent optical drive for software installation
Features: Prpfessional Recording, Editing, Mixing, Looping, Transposition, Tempo/Speed Adjustment, Score music, MIDI Production…
Application: This could be used for a more advanced student group such as a chamber ensemble, jazz combo, or solo performances when high school students are preparing audition tapes. This high-end software would be more luxurious in a school setting that both had the talented students to record and a school budget to include this program.
Name of Software Anvil Studio 2008.09.04
Publishing company Willow Software
Cost: Free (19$ for multitrack accessory)
System Requirements:16 MB RAM, soundcard, Windows
Description of what this software does (include special "features" of this software) Record one or more audio tracks and unlimited MIDI tracks.
A "real life" applications of this software: This software is basic, but effective. It could be used in a situation where the user does not need this software on a daily basis and does not see the need to pay for it.
Why would you recommend this to fellow music educators: The price and easy-to-understand interface make this program worthwhile.
Name of Software Alien Disko Systems 3000
Publishing company (include website address) TekknoBox http://www.sonicspot.com/aliendiskosystems/aliendiskosystems.html
Cost:
System Requirements: Windows 95/98, Soundcard
Description of what this software does (include special "features" of this software) This software provides a wide variety of beats and rhythm instruments in order to suite the needs of musicians and educators. It has a variety of unique effects, like the "groove" effect, which adds a swing feel to the audio.
A "real life" applications of this software: This software would be extremely useful in the creation of beats and accompaniments for hip hop style music.
Why would you recommend this to fellow music educators: This is a powerful musical tool for beats and accompaniments.
Name of Software Ableton Live
Publishing company (include website address) Ableton(.com)
Cost: $699
System Requirements: Macintosh -
* Any G3 or faster
* 512 MB RAM recommended
* Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later
Windows
* 600 MHz CPU or faster
* 512 MB RAM recommended
* Windows 2000/XP
* Windows-compatible sound card
Description of what this software does (include special "features" of this software) This software is an all-in-one MIDI device used for a variety of sequencing functions. It has two views, Arrangement View and Session View in order to maximize the perspective of the user. This program really goes over the top with functions and accessibility.
A "real life" applications of this software - This program would be wonderful for any kind of MIDI and sequencing needs.
Why would you recommend this to fellow music educators - This program is extremely well-versed and well-made.
1. Anvil Studio by Willow Software (http://www.anvilstudio.com/)
Free for Windows Windows 7(32-bit)/Vista(32-bit)/XP/2000/98-With the free version, you can create an unlimited number of MIDI tracks, and a one-minute audio track.
With the $19 optional Multi-Audio accessory, you can record and real-time mix up to 8 sixty-minute audio tracks. record music with MIDI and Audio equipment,compose music for MIDI and Audio equipment, sequence music with MIDI equipment, or play with music using a computer and sound card. This could be used to Take short songs and write them out so one is able to play them back. You could also enhance a classes concert recording. I would not recommend it though because it is very complicated and is visually overwhelming.
2. Music Studio Producer v1.25 by Frieve (http://www.frieve.com/english/musicstd/musicstd.html) Windows 2000/98/ME/NT/XP compatible only. ou can create music with various ways such as real-time recording, step recording and editing with just using a mouse! You can edit music just as you want by using four kinds of windows ; Track, Piano Roll, Score Roll, Event List and Mixer. For example, you can mix an acoustic guitar and a vocal for MIDI data. Furthermore, you can use an effect for these sounds. Music Studio Independence has most functions for CD production ; multiplex recording, effect, mixture and mastering. Seems to be less complicated than Anvil but is still not as teacher friendly.
3. I Am The Mighty Jungulator v4.3.1 by MathewOlden(http://www.iamthemightyjungulator.com/software) Free for Windows 2000/98/ME/XP
I Am The Mighty Jungulator is a groundbreaking audio engine which fuses DJ, synthesizer and sampler into one real-time instrument. The user can manipulate multiple audio samples simultaneously, moulding them like putty, whilst the Jungulator keeps them in perfect time. It also has sophisticated generative algorithms that allow the software to take creative decisions itself. I really cant tell how easy it is to use but the page maps look simpler than these other two. Apparently it does a lot for you. So it must help a teacher by taking care of certain tasks ahead of time. The main set back is if you can control how much it controls stuff for you.
Logic Studio
Apple Inc. www.apple.com
$499 $449 with Education discount
Minimum System Requirements to Install All Applications
Mac computer with an Intel processor
1GB of RAM (2GB or more highly recommended)
Display with 1280-by-800 resolution or higher
Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later
QuickTime 7.6 or later
DVD drive for installation
Logic Studio lets you write, record, and edit all types of recordings and inputs. The mixer has hundereds of input channels and allows for lots of control over the sound. It also has a live stage rig that lets you control the live sound and add loops and backgrounds to a live performance. I could use this to have the students record themselves for auditions or just to hear themselves play. They could make their own production and learn how a real studio works and put out a class album of all their works. I would recomend this because it is an apple product and so it would be easy to use and simple to learn, yet still have lots of powerful tools and always more to learn to use. There is also an Express version that doesn’t have all the features but costs less.
SONAR Home Studio 7
Cakewalk by Roland
www.cakewalk.com
$139
It only works on Windows XP or Vista. You can use it on a mac through bootcamp or emulation. It needs at least a 1.3GHz processor and 512MB ram, 1024x768 display, and DVD drive.
HomeStudio lets you record and edit your music. It also can edit midi and music notation software. It has loops you can add to your production also. It lets you mix and re-mix your music, and even lets you add a soundtrack to a video by including a viewer. I could use this to have students make their own soundtracks to movies as a project, or have them record themselves to listen to their sound and do a self critique. I would recommend this because because it is much cheaper than Logic Studio and you might not need all the features and power included in Logic.
ProTools 8
Digidesign www.digidesign.com
$250
It is compatable with Mac OS 10.5, Windows XP, and Vista. Specific system information is available on the website.
ProTools looks like you can do just about anything with it. You can record, edit, master, re-mix, and produce your own music. It doesn’t seem very straight forward however, even their website was hard to find information and system requirements. Just like the other programs students can use it for just about anything from producing their own music for a project, to recording themselves for auditions or for self critiquing. I don’t think I would recommend this unless it was specifically for a class that is focused on music production and mastering. I think there are other easier to use options for cheaper.
1. Ableton Live
Publishing Company:
Ableton AG
www.ableton.com
Cost: $449 regular price $269 for educators
Can be purchased as a download or in the box
System Requirements:
Mac: 1.25 GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel Mac recommended), 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended), Mac OS X 10.4.11 (10.5 or later recommended), DVD-ROM drive
Windows: 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron compatible CPU or faster (multicore CPU recommended), 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended), Windows XP or Windows Vista, Windows compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended), DVD-ROM drive, QuickTime recommended
Description:
You can use this software to compose, record, produce, and remix music. It includes a groove engine, live looping, multi-track recording, MIDI sequencing software, hardware instruments, built in audio and MIDI effects. Special features include a single-screen user interface, drum rack, and fully compatible with controller hardware and other DAWs.
Applications:
You can use this software for studio and live performance recording and editing, with MIDI and DAW applications.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to music educators for it’s all encompassing capabilities, advanced features, and streamlined formatting.
2. Sonar 8.5
Publishing Company:
Cakewalk Inc.
www.cakewalk.com
Cost:
$99 for Producer Download
System Requirements:
Operating System Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2 (32 and 64-bit), or Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit). Processor Speed Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q8400 Yorkfield 2.66GHz or AMD Phenom Quad Core 9750 2.4GHz or higher. Ram recommended 4GB. Graphics 1280 x 960, 24-bit color or higher. Hard Disk Space 50GB. Windows Compatible.
Description:
This digital audio workstation for recording, composing, editing, mixing, and mastering your own music. Features include Session Drummer, Matrix View, Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator, Rapture, TruePianos, Dimension Pro, Media Browser, Guitar Rig, Trak Templates, Recording without Limits, Loop Recording, AudioSnap, Roland, SmartMidi, Comping, Synth Rack, Active Controller Technology, MIDI controllers, Control surfaces, Percussion and Vocal Strips, Channel Tools, Vintage Channel
Applications:
Create, record, edit, control, mix, master, collaborate, and deliver projects with a wide range of instruments and features. Use in the classroom for advanced recording and editing.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to music educators for it’s affordability and intuitive control surfaces.
3. Apple Logic Studio
Publishing Company:
Apple Inc. for Mac
www.apple.com/logicstudio/
Cost:
$499
System Requirements:
Mac computer with an Intel processor, 1GB of RAM (2GB or more highly recommended), Display with 1280-by-800 or higher resolution, Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later, QuickTime 7.6 or later, DVD drive for installation, PCI Express, ExpressCard/34, USB, or FireWire-based audio interface recommended
Description:
You can write, record, edit, mix and perform your own music with this software. Logic studio allows you to quantize your own recordings to a beat grid or beat mapping, use templates, customize your own projects, use built in browsers, use as a full featured MIDI sequencer, flextime, and ease of compatibility with other programs.
Applications:
For use at home, in the studio, for live performance, and in the classroom. This software is extremely versatile and easy to use.
Recommendations:
I would recommend using this software in a MIDI lab with Mac computers. It’s streamlined format allows for easy instruction and follow through – particularly if you are interfacing with Garage Band. I would also recommend working with Apple because of their reputation for providing quality educational resources at a discount to educators.
Power Tracks Pro Audio
www.activemusician.com/item-TW.PGMPTA101
$39.99
Windows 9x, PC soundcard or MIDI module
Seamlessly integrated digital audio MIDI recording, notation, instant audio vocal harmonies, intelligent chord symbol interpretation, DX instrument plugins
Would be ideal in composing.
Why recommend: At a good price, you can get the abovementioned sophisticated features. Plus it's Windows compatible.
SONAR Home Studio - Sonar 8.5
www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR
$99.00
Windows xp/vista
new beat creating and arrangement tools, a new drum instrument loaded with stellar kits, enhanced audio quantize, new multi-stage effet plugins. Features arpeggiator, RaptureLE, True PianosAmber, Dimension Pro
Real life approach: Would be great for arranging, composing music, including for jazz as it has exceptinal drum kits.
Why recommend: solid, comprehensive, state-of-the art sequencer without being overly expensive.
Ambiloop
http//www.ambiloop.com
free
Windows
Uses sound card to make loops of sound in real time. You set the desired loop time and press record button. Loop can be slowed, played backward. Plays up to 8 loops at the ssame time. Seamless recording.
Real life approach: can be used to teach basics of using loops in a user-friendly manner.
Why recommend: it's free and accessible.
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