Posted by: expat

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.

Al

Like you, I generally just plunge into new software. With regard to the Reaper video course, I have only watched a few and thought they were very well made and gave me a few tips I likely would not have found.  They will be there if you ever do need them. 

Posted by: JestMe

 

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

   

Chris, I am in love!!!   lol

VLC media player

VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

Its free too!

Great for slowing down and looping.

Hi Chris

After two weeks of testing I definitely switched from Audacity to Reaper. I know that there are many other and also more comprehensive DAWs. What counts for me is that :

• it’s easy to get an effective start in Reaper
• I have more features than in Audacity
• the user interface is very appealing for me and intuitive, and using it is actually fun.
• the video course on the website is excellent

I use this software now as an effective support tool for my guitar playing.

And thank you again for your preceding information on Reaper. Birgit

Birgit,

I glad you found Reaper useful. I'll be looking forward to hearing your future recordings.

Posted by: @bluesiline

Hi Chris

After two weeks of testing I definitely switched from Audacity to Reaper. I know that there are many other and also more comprehensive DAWs. What counts for me is that :

... Birgit

There are many other more feature packed, powerful DAW's out there.  I assume there are.  I hear others on forums raving about this one or that one.

But I am convinced that for 93.7% of us Reaper is going to accomplish 100% of what we ever need to do.  And, it's inexpensive and, as has been mentioned multiple times, the learning curve is significantly shortened by the videos available.

And I don't know if it has been mentioned, there is a hugely helpful, friendly user community.  And it has one forum very appropriately named for us newbies.  On more than one occasion I had a problem, posted there, and within hours had help.

@matonanjin

I agree with you. There are many powerful DAWs. If I had a Mac I would use Garageband. I know that Sandie and Clayton use this software. A very powerful tool. I could have a look at it on a Mac.

I had the chance to look at FL Studio, because one of my sons is using this tool. It took him months to familiarize with the software. No chance for me.

And I looked at Ableton Lite which came with my Focusrite Scarlett Solo, but this seemed too heavy for me too.

So I came to Audacity.

Actually there has been no need for me to change from Audacity because I’m using only basics, normalisation and e little bit of noise reduction. But, as I said, the Reaper user interface is very attractive for me and I have now, in contrast to Audacity, a mixer which is really a great tool. The price is well worth it and it’s a lot of fun for me working with this tool.

Everyone has to learn by his or her own experience. But exchanging experiences, as we do it here, is a great tool.

Coincidentally!:

2020 Best Recording Software for Beginners.