guitarest

I have looked into this also and this is what I have decided to do. While I am still a starving artist and have to actually work to support my guitar habits I have 2 ways to record my material. The tried and true method is with a program that is designed by Acoustic Labs, and their product is the Acoustic Labs Mixer v2.5. Its a basic multi-track program that is OK for what I do. It allows for up to 8 tracks being recorded at the same time, but what I have noticed is that after 4 tracks the software gets serious lag issues. But if I remember I only paid like $40.00 for the program, not bad for a basic recording program. The one thing I really like is that this program will allow you to import *.wav, *.mp3 and *.wma files and will also allow you to save in those formats also. I use a older sound blaster live set up to record with this software, the card came with a adapter that goes in the front of the PC that allows for direct connection of standard input cables like a Guitar cable, Midi and standard RCA jacks.

More recently I have gotten into my POD XT Live and this device allows you to record if you donate more money to their software (did I say donate I meant purchase, lol) any ways their program is designed by Sonoma Wire Works and it is called RiffWorks Line 6 Edition; the way this thing works is really sweet. Throw out the way you used to record on your PC and all the hiss from live mics and any outside noises. You use the POD XTLive through your USB interface; then it goes to the computer. The only drawback is to listen to anything you have recorded with their program you have to have a amp plugged into the Pod or headphones; without you will be unable to listen to any tracks. I am just learning to use this software and its kinda freaky getting used to but the user interface is very friendly as long as your not asking it to do to many things that are difficult. Another drawback is the drum tracks are limited also, it comes with 5 basic patterns and if you want more they are 9.99 each; I have purchased a few patterns already and I have used a few of them so far on recorded/released tracks. Over all I have maybe $200.00 invested in this program with all the drum tracks and the initial purchase cost which I believe was $90.00; and this was a direct down load no cd's given. But if you do like I do and back up everything then nothing to worry about. The song I just recently posted here ( Simulation of Love) was recorded with this program using the Pod XTLive and for most of the tracks a Line 6 Variax was used, except for the lead which was a older Ibanez RG guitar.

OK I'm done.................