What apps are musicians using these days?

[Foxglove9]

Since I finally upgraded to a G5, I'd like to dabble in music creation again. I would consider myself a hobbyist when it comes to music, not planning on making money or anything like that. I play keyboards/synths.

I haven't used software since Logic Platinum 4.7 and Pro Tools LE on OS9, along with Recycle. Those were good, though Logic took a bit to learn. Are there other good choices for software these days on OS X?

I do a fair amount of MIDI creation, plus audio editing/manipulation, and definitely need a software sampler (I used to use the EXS24 in Logic). I also own the FM7 plug-in so I'd still like to use that as well. I already have a USB Midi adapter for my synths as well as an external Mackie mixer and the Emagic EMI 2|6 for audio input.

Logic Pro 7 seems a little pricey these days for someone like me to just mess around with. Any opinions/options?

 

[calebjohnston]

Why not garageband? It's free and fully capable. You can buy a jam pack or two if you want more instruments.

 

[CanadaRAM]

http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/
Logic Express may be the ticket, you can upgrade to Logic Pro later.
With your experience in Logioc, you may find GarageBand too limiting

 

[Foxglove9]

How is Garageband free? On Apples site it says you have to buy the iLife software to get it, unless I'm missing something.

I have a demo of Logic Express I will probably install. Though it is missing the sampler and plug-in capability it's a place to start.

 

[jsm4182]

How is Garageband free? On Apples site it says you have to buy the iLife software to get it, unless I'm missing something.

I think he means Garageband, along with the rest of ilife, comes free with new computers.

 

[quigleybc]

Ableton Live is what I'm obssesed with....check out the demo.

And Digital Performer 5 just came out...go to the MOTU website.

and Logic is nice (what's up with version 8?? when's it comin??)

And if you like drums, BFD by FXpansion is amazing

 

[XNine]

There's a few. Some people like REASON (like BT), other's like Logic (like NIN). IT's hard to say, the advanced apps I've found are extremely complicated to get into. Worse than learning photoshop.

 

[5683565]

ProTools HD setup is what the pros use mostly. I know many of them. But, the downside with that is, the Hardware and Software combined costs heeeeaps.

 

[Dillenger]

I wish ImageLine made FL Studio for the Mac OS. As a new Apple user I had Reason and FL Studio on my PC, but now with Mac OS-X I'm using just Reason.

 

[wmmk]

Cubase is OK. Just doesn't come with a good plugin/virtual instrument suite. Still, with 3rd party plugins, it's THE BEST for synths and keyboards!

 

[Vaphoron]

ProTools HD setup is what the pros use mostly. I know many of them. But, the downside with that is, the Hardware and Software combined costs heeeeaps.

Yes it does and its worth every penny because I absolutely couldn't work the way I do without it. For someone just trying to make some music I would recommend a Pro Tools LE or Pro Tools M-Powered setup and something like Reason 3.