recording software

im considering getting Garageband or something like it

whats the best software to buy?

What instrument/s are you trying to record?

as of right now i can only play bass but im gonna learn piano soon

There are much better programs you can find on the net than garageband.

No you can't. For the price there aint better!

My friend has a ton of those kind of programs that he got for free online. I'll ask him later where he got them. I've seen him use a few of them, and they're definitely better.

In the world of recording, there are litterally TONS of software applications out there today ranging from sublime to crap. On that scale Garageband is closer to the crap end of the spectrum.

If you are new to recording and just want to learn your way around, get your stuff down to share with buddies or mess about, Garageband will do just fine, it's a good starting point for a lot of people.

If you are planning to record your masterpiece for all posterity, break into the recording industry, become the next Quincy Jones or Allan Parsons.... Uhhhh No.

I have used Cubase and Cakewalk with very good results. If you go that route, make sure you have a dedicated system for your studio. If you are using your computer for other things, especially internet access, that will slow down the processer and you WILL have latency issues.. a real Pain in the ass..

I am currently using a stand alone DAW (digital audio workstation) and that my friend is The Cat's Pajamas. I'm using a Boss BR1600CD and I love it. Seroiusly, I may back away from writing my own stuff and playing and get more into recording and producing other artist's work..it's THAT good.

The BR1600 has 16 tracks, 8 inputs and a built in CD burner so I can record, mix and master, then burn a master CD all in the same system. Neat and clean.

All my inputs are usually run through a Behringer 24 track mixer prior to the BR1600, I do occasionally run direct.

If you can afford it, get a DAW. There are some 8 and 12 track units without the CD burner for around $300.00. My BR1600 was $1200.00