Guitar Gear Forum

Looking to get a DAW to start trying to put some of my ideas into complete songs instead of just random riffs.

I don't need a lot of features. In fact, simpler is better. (Or at least easy to use without having to mess with a bunch of options.)

I am lazy. REALLY lazy. I realize there will be a learning curve, but the closer it is to a straight line, that's awesome.

One of my amps has a DI out and I have an interface which while probably not tonally ideal means I shouldn't have to use any amp models or cab sims unless I want to. (If you want a laugh, find my awful take on a drum jam where I don't have a cab sim running. on so many levels.)

I have used Reaper. It was fine, way more than I need, but the price is right and if I was more patient I could probably learn the basics just fine.

Just looking for other options that I should maybe give a go.

Thanks!

Edit: I'm using Windows. I should've said that to begin with.

Reaper really is the way to go but you could try Fruity Loops.

^Yeah, FL Studio takes about 15 minutes to learn, and then its smooth sailing from there. I've used it for years.

I didnt like reaper to be honest, I prefer cubase. for basic recording Cubas is quick to learn but for midi it can be a lot harder.
But reaper is cheap and you get a lot of program for your money.

For real Daws, I'd agree Cubase is nice and easy for audio recording. It's got a simple interface and is very intuitive. I've recently started using Sonar and while it has lots of features it's also got lots of foibles.

I've heard lots of very good things about Logic from professionals but never tried it myself.

For cheaper stuff, Garageband is pretty hard to beat.

If you have a Mac, Garageband is probably the simplest sketch-pad style DAW you could get. Plus, if you want to get more in-depth, it's a direct path to Logic. And Logic is something you could use for years and never run out of features or new things to learn.

Thanks for some other options guys. I'm using Windows and edited OP to reflect that.

It looks like I'll most likely be going with Reaper, but we'll see.

I just bought a presonus 44vsl and it came with Studio One 2. I've never used a DAW before and only fired up the software just today for a few to make sure all worked.

As a novice and lazy myself, this is super easy to use IMO. I'll record something later and offer my opine.
versus reaper (which I downloaded today just as a look see), pfft. Over the top. Too hard to get just two tracks going. Delete/uninstalled.

I'm in the k.i.s.s club when it comes to this...we'll see how it goes with studio one

Tracktion

Cole

Check out Mixcraft. I have it and like it...and it's very easy to us. There's a free full trial also.

studio one is pretty easy and free.
though i got some cubase that came with the h4 that i havent tried

Reaper is good but I am really enjoying Sonar X3 a lot more. Drum and Synth plugs are amazing. I really like the Pro Channel too.

Another vote for mixcraft for easy.