You know I'm a GB fellow, and I'm getting more comfortable with working Logic Pro X.  Really enjoy the ease of GB once you get past the how to get started learning curve.  Not a huge hill to climb.

I think I would like GB but... I'm running Windows here so... I went with Reaper due in part to it's low cost as well as the amount of resources available for learning to use it... There is a full instructional video course on the Reaper site and it's free. For the price it is very robust and full featured.

A very good and free alternative for Windows is Audacity. I believe they might even support OS X too.

Sorry, I don't do windows.

I run GB on various Mac devices, mainly an iMac, iPad, and two MacBook Pros (laptops).

I highly recommend software called The Amazing Slow Downer which can slow down or speed up video and audio files without changing pitch, or you can change the pitch in semi-tones. This is one of my best secret practice weapons.

Of course, you can do this (with less precision) on all Robert's lessons here on the MGA site, but for all others, this one is my "go to" tool. If I have a backing track in Eb, I can change it to E. If the teacher has his guitar tuned to Eb, I can change that video pitch up to E and save the downtuning of all my guitar strings. Tons of uses.

Chris, also a Windows user and a Reaper user.  For an interface I am using Focusright Scarlett 2i2.  I also just purchased a POD HD500X which has a USB interface.  For recording, should I ever get back to that, I may migrate to the POD for its amp simulation.  (Since I don't mic my amp).

I've been trying to use Reaper for a while - I don't use it often enough to be accomplished at using it. I also use Audacity which is much simpler to use but not so fully featured. I use Windows(I've always fancied getting a Mac but been put off Apple by their insistence on using their own file formats(though not a whole lot different to Microsoft or many other software companies with that).

I've got a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 that I use as an interface, though a lot of the time I just use a Zoom Q8  as it's mobile, then just download the output from that into Reaper or Audacity.

Dan -

I can't comment on GB though I have only heard good things about it.

I too have software to change the speed and or pitch of music. I use Transcribe and RiffStation, both of which are very fine products. I must say though that I generally only use them when I feel brave enough to try transcribing something... I've heard good things about Amazing Slow Downer as well.

I wonder if perhaps GB might also be able to change pitch and tempo...

Al

Check out the Reaper website www.reaper.fm they have a complete and free Reaper video course on the site, that is excellent. Did I mention the course is free...? 😉 I'm not an expert but was surprised to see how little you really NEED to know to get started recording with Reaper.

Posted by: matonanjin

 

Chris, also a Windows user and a Reaper user.  For an interface I am using Focusright Scarlett 2i2.  I also just purchased a POD HD500X which has a USB interface.  For recording, should I ever get back to that, I may migrate to the POD for its amp simulation.  (Since I don't mic my amp).

   

Ron

That is a beauty of a guitar in your avatar there. Bet it sounds and plays great as well! 😉

I record directly into my  PC via my Line 6 UX1. This came with Pod Farm which has all the simulations I need.  I often think I should use my amp instead as I don't have a good grasp of squeezing the right kinds of tone out of my amps... I also don't want to turn my neighbors against me!!! 😉

Hope all is well.

Thanks Chris,

I'm afraid that after messing about with computers for 36 years I tend to just jump into software without looking at instructions 🙁

So I can get by with Reaper but you're right I should watch the Free videos.

I also have Riffstation. It gets the job done but Amazing Slow Downer is more efficient, elegant and easier to use. Riffstation can do some things Slow Downer cannot. Both apps have their own useful features, though.

I fully agree each piece of software have their own unique features and quirks. I might add that no software is perfect.

Having said that, 1 thing I value about RiffStation, that I *THINK* might be unique is how well and easy it is to select parts of a file for loops or backing tracks. By this I mean that the software knows where the beat is, therefore it seems pretty much impossible to make a selection on a partial beat. This has helped me to make seamless loops that are nice and smooth.

Amazing Slow Downer will slow down, speed up, and/or isolate VIDEO performances as well. I don't think Riffstation can do that. (Not positive.)

I use a fairly simple and intuitive app on my iPad- Tempo Slow. It's not complex but the graphic interface and ease of use makes it a practice go to and get into the music.

Posted by: Dan Garrett

Amazing Slow Downer will slow down, speed up, and/or isolate VIDEO performances as well. I don't think Riffstation can do that. (Not positive.)

Dan

You are right in saying Riffstation does not handle video performances.

I hope I don't come across as being difficult, as I am not trying to, but I have never worked with slowed down video. Is this something you do very often? What videos are you slowing down? Do you maintain a clear image when you slow the video down?   

You have given me something to think about. 

Thanks