Lichee wrote:
thats the thing, i know fl pretty much inside out and just want something that is harder to use but once i learn it becomes better.
In my experience of using Reaper and FL Studio 9, Reaper is
easier to use than FL. Once you learn it inside out, you will kick yourself for ever using another program...
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Reaper allows for complex routing, meaning you can do things like create an FX sends bus, use plugins with multiple outputs, sidechain, create buses for mix groups and create surround sound mixes etc.
Reaper is extremely customisable, meaning that once you figure out your prefered workflow methods, you can map keyboard shortcuts, toolbar buttons and menu items to your method of working. This makes using Reaper
fast; you don't need to switch between various tools to achieve simple things (like FL).
Reaper's mix bus is processed at 64bits internally, even using the 32bit version. This means the sound quality is impeccably accurate.
Reaper uses the traditional left to right workflow that many other sequencers use. If you can use Reaper, you will be able to use Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools etc etc. The only problem is, once you become accustomed to using one mixer track to achieve all your goals, using different types of track to recieve audio or midi, and to create mix bus groups etc becomes an onerous chore. The same is also true of returning to a program that requires tool changes to do simple things like select loops, move sequencer items, draw midi data, slice audio, zoom etc etc....
If you insist on having Logic without buying a Mac, you can create a Logic theme for Reaper meaning Reaper will look like Logic. There are already themes that make Reaper look like Cubase, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Studio One, Adobe Audition/Cool Edit, Energy XT and Mackie Tracktion. This means that if you are switching from one of those programs, you can continue using the visual cues (icons) you learned using the other program.
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I used Reason as my main tool for almost eight years. I got pissed off by the long work arounds I needed to perform in order to achieve simple things like reversing audio samples in drum kits and chopping up audio.
I've customised the floating Reaper toolbars (which can be called directly to your mouse cursor at the press of a button) so I can perform many audio editing operations with one click.
Some examples of the things I can now do
in one click:
-Reverse a sample.
-Slice an entire drum loop.
-Slice any audio or midi into two parts (at the play cursor). (I simply click at the point I want to slice and press 'S' to slice.)
-Glue two separate parts into one.
-Repitch a sample by one semi tone or octave.
-Normalise a sample.
-Bounce midi to audio.
-Bounce VST effects to audio.
-Create an FX bus for multiple tracks.
-Zoom a selection of audio or midi to fill the entire screen like a sample editing program.
-Explode any number of sequencer items (or rex slices) across multiple newly created tracks for detailed effects processing.
-Implode items from across multiple tracks onto one track.
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'So what?' I hear you ask...
Well, I can load a VST synth onto a channel (without having to assign a midi track like Cubase), record or draw in a midi sequence, select part of the sequence and bounce it to audio for further processing (like timestretching or reversal), all within a few clicks.
Reaper saves me time when I have an idea in my head and I want to get it down in the sequencer quickly (before I forget the idea). I've even ditched Adobe Audition as my sample editing program because I can do all my sample editing and batch sample processing directly in Reaper.
In fact, Reaper is so good my sex life has improved as a result of using it (I'm lying haha).
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Anyway, download it from here --->
http://www.reaper.fm/download.php
Install the SWS extensions for added flexibilty when you decide to customise the program to your working style --->
http://www.standingwaterstudios.com/
Follow my tips on using and customising Reaper here --->
http://www.dubstepforum.com/topic91084.html
Save up all of $60 when you can and purchase it. (You can use Reaper in the unlimited 'evaluation/demo mode' for years. I used Reaper for two years before buying it
).
