Which DAW should I use for.......

VCV Rack
1

Hello gang -

I’m planning out a project and want to pick the right software. I’m going to attempt a sort of “Switched-On” project in which I type in some compositions straight from sheet music to piano roll and arrange for Rack instruments.

So I’m hoping to find a DAW that I can use to run multiple rack instances and sequence MIDI and (a lot of) parameter automation. This music is not ostinato / repetition / “clip” based, nor is it algorithmic - I need to get into the nitty-grit of sequencing. There will be lots of flexible tempos, time signature changes, and enigmatic rhythmic devices (I’m up against some 5- and 7-tuplets, rubatos, cadenzas, etc). And when it’s all done, of course I’ll want to bounce it all out to stems and send it to my buddy to mix.

I’ve been using Ableton Intro 11 for similar projects recently. Obviously this software is limited to 16 tracks, which is not really going to cut it, but before I invest in the latest version I wonder if there’s something out there with a sequencing paradigm that’s closer to my needs.

THANKS, ALL

2

Not really a daw but did you try out musescore 4? It has a mixer section where you can put any plugin on each channel, also vcv. You can create your own virtual instrument that plays from actual sheet music. It is free open source software also, so doesn’t hurt the bank

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I definitely don’t need anything that will read or produce sheet music, nor do I want to enter information in that format - Piano roll is much better! I have the sheet music, I’m going to type it in myself

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I would suggest Reaper, cheap and sounds perfect for what you need.

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5

I confirm: it seems to me that REAPER meets the specifications. To add to TroubledMind’s answer, it should be noted that Reaper is paid, but you can use the trial version, which is free and has all the features of the paid section… for an indefinite period! Just a small pop-up at startup reminding you that the version you’re using isn’t tied to a license. This gives you time to verify that the application meets your expectations. (For my part, being really satisfied, I purchased the license after three months of “free” use…)

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OK! I downloaded Reaper (because why not?) and I’ll see if I can get good at sequencing in it. Floor is open for any further suggestions. Thanks @TroubledMind @gabtiorbi

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I use Studio One and its really easy to automate anything in a patch, Ive never really picked up any issues, but I’ve got the Artist version, and I think they’ve discontinued it now. The full version is quite pricy.

If you’re a windows user, I think Cakewalk by Bandlab is still free. But I haven’t touched Cakewalk in years so cant promise that it plays nicely with Rack.

Anyway, I’ve only ever heard positive reviews about Reaper, so sounds good.

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Super useful hotkey in Reaper is ‘e’ once you have a MIDI item on a track. Allows you to edit in the piano roll while on the timeline.

I own both Reaper and Studio One. I prefer Reaper with VCV.

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Thank you, learning my first hotkey is exactly where I’m at right now :blush:

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+1 for reaper,
there is a learning curve for sure,
but it is very rewarding and hyper flexibel once you understand how it works.
and I have Ableton, FLStudio, Tracktion too,
But I think the best is Reaper!

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true, but the price is extremely low compared to most of the competition.

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I purchased it after understanding its routing (few hours or so…)

as I said before:
fast
powerful
reliable

“best DAW in town” IMAO

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Also a reaper user here. It is not everybodys favorite and the common criticisms against it are very valid. The most common of those criticisms is that many common workflows/gestures are much less intuitive than they are in some other DAWs. The initial learning curve is steeper.

The upside is that it is extremely flexible and powerful. It can do almost anything you want, but this will often require configuration, which takes time. People who transition to reaper from other DAWs commonly spend more time on their personal reaper configuration than they do on making actual music for the first month or so. And even years in, it’s very easy to get sidetracked optimizing some workflow detail or other. That’s a real downside which is good to be aware of.

If you’re not already 10+ years into using another DAW, my best advice is to initially just learn to use the default behaviors as they are, some of them used to be really terrible in earlier versions (MIDI settings especially), but as of Reaper 7 that situation is much improved. You will eventually know which behaviors actually bother you most.

That being said, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend against watching/reading any of the “which reaper defaults to change right away” blogs out there. Those can help you to know which things are possible to change at all and importantly, where (of at least 3 places) to look to change it. :slight_smile: These are good general purpose ones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5GU3mwJf2E (For the previous version, but most of it still applies). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80HoAF_uSSA (same)

And this very recent one one is for reaper 7 and probably very relevant for you: HOW TO: Set Up REAPER's MIDI Editor for Better Workflow

Sounds like a fun project, good luck!

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Another Reaper lover here.

Years ago I was a really happy Cubase user, and a Pro-Tools unwilling participant.

I like trying DAWs, see where things are at and if the buzz for some is justified; back when there weren’t a staggering amount of options, I tried Reaper at the behest of a fellow producer… and fell in love.

As years have gone by, Pro-Tools keeps on Pro-Tooling (a good thing if you like it… not so much if you don’t) and the last I saw of Cubase left me with a really bad taste.

For me it’s all about workflows: Reaper adapts to mine and does what I tell it to, when I tell it to, usually… when it doesn’t, it can be customized, far more than other DAWs I know or have used; it is flexible: it can load VST2, VST3, Clap, DirectX and javascript effects (at least the Windows version… am I missing formats?); it can be skinned (not sorry: I really don’t like modern UIs); and has a lot of routing and automation options, enough to easily satisfy my needs and cravings (not the only one: any DAW worth its salt has flexible routing and automation… the issue is: how easy and efficient is it to accomplish? I know a couple where it’s a pain in the rear or miss, by default, crucial options such as pre-fader sends).

I’m weird in that I write my MIDI stuff using a staff (Reaper has one, BTW); but can also use piano rolls (Reaper has one as well!) when needed, in a pinch, or when the staff is not enough. I find both modes satisfactory.

That said: it can, indeed, be daunting (at least at first) for some people, particularly if they find hardware mixers and concepts difficult (though, conversely, I find some “modern” DAW workflows inneficient and annoying).

There is, of course, the pricing issue… Reaper is accessible, while some (most) other DAWs want to charge an arm and a leg (or worse: a subscription… you will own nothing and be happy? My eye!); a number of “freemium” options do exist and some are not all bad: Bandlab’s Cakewalk is free and can load VST3 plugins; Tracktor’s Waveform and UA’s Luna are not bad either (though Luna requires too many accounts for my taste).

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15

Thanks everybody, I am now waist-deep in Reaper demo vids

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haha - I know the vids you are talking about! All from that guy :wink:

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The guy whose talking pitch is like a stepped random LFO? (I am a fan of his videos too)

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The clearest Queens accent I’ve ever heard. Beautiful

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ah! I did not know that. But he does sound exactly like a former boss of mine who is from Astoria Queens.