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FREE is the operative word.

TIA

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If you are using a PC then Cakewalk by BandLab is a reasonable choice. It will accept VST, VST3 AND VSTi no worries. Has excellent MIDI editing and sending the MIDI to the VSTi or indeed several VSTi’s at the same time extremely simple. Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) is rated by many as the best free DAW for PC. The real limitation is that it is only available on PC not MAC or other IOS devices.

Tony


Last edited by Teunis; 04/21/19 12:29 PM.

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TY, Tony

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Don,

To get Cakewalk by BandLab for free:

  • Go +++ HERE +++ to download and install the BandLab Assistant desktop app.
  • Launch BandLab Assistant and sign up or log in to your BandLab account.
  • Go to the Apps tab to install Cakewalk.


+++ HERE +++ is the first in a video series detailing how to install and use.


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Don, another endorsement for Cakewalk by BandLab. I was a Cakewalk Pro Audio user, which became SONAR. I was crushed when they went under, and skeptical when BandLab took over. But the new version is familiar, powerful and stable. Of your list of requirements, VST3 is the newest standard. CbyBL handles it well.


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There are good YouTube videos appearing for Cakewalk by BandLab. A place to start might be https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8PVxIqeDZ7U

This guy is really too quick (should be able to sing the Auctioneer or I’ve been everywhere really easily) but you’ll get the idea. That video points to others.

There is any amount of detail about Sonar which generally also applies.

Tony


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Hi Don
I totally agree cakewalk by bandlab is the way to go ,I have been using cakewalk in one form or another since the days of by 12 tones
Just I point worth a mention
it is only available from Bandlab in 64 bit.
Mike


Last edited by Mike Head; 04/22/19 02:29 AM.

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Good point by Mike. And, as mentioned earlier, Windows only: Windows 7 or higher.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
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Thanks everyone. I downloaded and installed it, trying get a tired old Irish brain wrapped around it now.

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If that hurts your brain, you might find Tracktion 7 easier to use. Also free

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Well you probably already have Realband .. doesn't get much more free than that. smile
Especially when considering time with downloads/installs etc.

Reaper would likely work fine as well, depending on how you want/need to license it. I've read of users using the unlicensed (free) version for years with nothing more than a NAG screen.
An email to their staff may even help with licensing cost for special considerations. They're real people in my experience.

Reaper and Sonar both have a learning curve.
Depends on which works best for you, considering your work flow needs.


Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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Donny, here is a video demonstrating a home recording made with a $79 USB mic and the free DAW, Cakewalk and only the stock plug ins that are included with Cakewalk. This is a very good demonstration.


Recording with a USB Mic and free Cakewalk DAW


The recording section of the video starts around the 4:00 minute mark but the unboxing and review of the mic is interesting too.


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