The Programs
The main program used in the studio is Adobe Audition 2, which was previously known as Cool Edit Pro. We resisted making the change from Cool Edit to Adobe, but with version 2 now out, we found that the features and working space were irresistable. Cool Edit has a massive fan base both in the professional and domestic areas. Its ease of use is one of the main reasons for using this program. But as we are now finding with Adobe Audition it's been made even easier. In a single track session it is an extremely powerful wave editor, with many of it's own plug-ins and integration for Direct-X and VST plug-ins. These features alone make it one of the most economical and most functional audio programs on the market. The multitrack session has as many separate tracks as you require for loops, instrument and vocal recording, all in stereo. The multitrack also allows users to record in real-time with effects. We use it mainly for the recording of vocals with the main backing track playing through the PFL. We also use it for creating backing tracks and adjusting arrangements. All in all this is a virtual studio on its own. It also has powerful Video editing tools.
Cakewalk is probably one of the oldest computer audio firms still around today. While it may not be everybodys cup of tea due to its cumbersome and long winded way of working, it has many excellent features for working with midi, which are quite extensive including: 480 ppq MIDI resolution, up to 256 MIDI tracks, SMPTE/MTC sync, automated virtual mixing console, support for Direct-X plug-ins and Cakewalk MIDI plug-ins, built-in digital video sync, volume/pan envelopes, unlimited undo and redo and a full customizable and dockable interface system. On the multitrack audio end of things, Pro Audio 9 sports up to full 24-bit 96Khz capability and 128 tracks of audio. Midi is also one of the most useful and flexible forms of creating music. When creating your tracks whether they are the latest dance tracks or the soppiest ballad, you will definitely at some point need to use MIDI. We use Cakewalk Audio Pro 9 for rearranging, adding and subtracting instruments, and creating medleys. Cakewalk has massive features, if you're willing to put some time into using it, mainly these relate to MIDI, and it's an invaluable tool for our business.
Acid Pro has been around for a few years under the previous company heading of Sonic Foundry, unfortunately (for my money) it has now been taken over by Sony. We use Acid Pro 5 which is the first release under the Sony heading. This version has had little update from version 4, but rest assured that Sony in their fight against copyright, will no doubt introduce all sorts of plug-ins to prevent using copyrighted samples and tracks. However we find this program and especially its plug-ins invaluable. While it's nowhere near as professional as Cubase it has some excellent features for mixing and beat matching.
