tookatooka
3262 posts
Apr 21, 2013
3:08 PM
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Hi Guys, due to losing my line-in on my PC I had to find an alternative means short of replacing the motherboard. I bought a Lexicon Alpha USB Audio Interface which I think is going to do the trick. I use it to record harp over backing tracks purely for my own entertainment and I like blues and the challenge. I think I'm almost there. Click the soundbar to hear what I've got so far. I've a lot to play around with before I'm happy but this is fairly reasonable apart from sounding like a clarinet at times.
However, although I'm quite impressed with the editing facilities in Cubase, they really do give you the runaround. Firstly the battle to get an activation code to register and activate the software is hell. Then there's the mp3 converter software which expires after 30 days because it's only a demo copy (WTF Now you tell me) unless you pay further dosh for a licence to use it. I tried exporting in wav format then convert to mp3 with another application but it seems cubase do something to the file to prevent that so now I need to look into that. All in all it's a battle with Cubase. It's lovely kit but boy do they stamp down hard on the hosepipe of creativity with their IP protection.
Lets see how we get on. Slowly, slowly I'm getting there. Anyone else done battle like this?
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oldwailer
1964 posts
Apr 21, 2013
3:34 PM
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Hey Tooka! I've been down that road--I just got to where I could use Cubase--then it started telling me I needed to pay through the nose for the next module--then, of course,if you want to really dig in--pay again for the next level--then so on.
I like the sound you are getting--but I would recommend, based on my experience, ditch the Cubase right now and check out Reaper--it costs about 50 bucks and it can do everything I ever wanted to try and more. It is very involved--I actually had to break down and buy a book (One of those papery thingies that smells funny and has writing on the pages) to learn how to do something with it--but I'm glad I went that route in the end. I think there is a big learning curve with any of these recording software packages. I also tried Audacity and some other package that I can't remember the name of now. Reaper was the way to go for me--economical and extremely versatile.
Of course, the real pros use Protools--but that costs bigger money than I could spend and requires a lot of study too. The recording bug is just as voracious as playing music, it seems--if I was a rich man--I'd just hire a pro. . .
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"Too Pretty for the Blues."
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tookatooka
3263 posts
Apr 22, 2013
4:59 AM
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Thanks Guys. #oldwailer. I'm determined not to get bitten by the bug to get too deep into it. The basic setup will suit me fine when I get it all working as I want. I used Audacity in the past and it gave me too many probs. I'll see how things go. Thanks.
#King Casey. Thanks for the tip about Lame. I think I've found a solution which I need to experiment with.
I think Cubase is good software but I don't like their mean streak with having to inject money. Let's see how things progress.
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Frank
2257 posts
Apr 22, 2013
7:29 AM
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Enjoyed your playing Tooka - you have made huge strides. whatever your doing is really helping you improve in an impressive way :)
Have you messed with any of Cubas 'effects' or the (PANTHEON) VST Reverb Plugin In ?
Last Edited by Frank on Apr 22, 2013 7:30 AM
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tookatooka
3264 posts
Apr 22, 2013
8:01 AM
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Hi Frank, Thanks. Yeah I had a quick fiddle with Pantheon and HAlion One and some other bits and pieces bit at the moment my priority is learning how to edit the tracks which means getting my head around events and Hitpoints and such because I normally shorten my backing tracks down to the two minute mark,(Probably as much as most people can stand)so I try to take out a lump from the middle. Cubase is a massive piece of kit and I'll probably only end up using 10-20% of its capabilities but you have to dive in and learn a lot of stuff which I'll never need again in order to find the stuff I do need. Having said that I'm thinking about a midi interface now for my keyboard. Hmmm! do I really want to get involved with that as well?
I've found the Lexicon Alpha to be excellent (Thanks for the heads-up) I was a bit dissapointed at first because it would only record (in Cubase) in either the L or R channel but now I've found out how to merge the channels and manipulate the panning etc. it's looking very good indeed.
Although I could recommend it to anyone else that may be interested, I'd have to tell them to be fairly tenaceous and it would really help if they knew their way around computers and could solve problems. Fortunately I have a programming and computer design background so I could solve most problems but for a muso without a technology background I think they would curse me for suggesting it.
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Frank
2258 posts
Apr 22, 2013
8:38 AM
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If The directions and help contents are patiently gone over as well as trial and error of using both Alpha and Cuba... the main basics of their functions can be figured out and taken advantage of. I agree that Cuba can be rather overwhelming if someone has poor patience skills.
I use Cuba only for the effects it offers... For any editing, I feel Audacity is a straight forward software program that I find pretty easy to use.
Last Edited by Frank on Apr 22, 2013 8:39 AM
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