What would be considered the Photoshop of music mixing software?

I think Acid Pro is best for recording when using live instruments and FL Studio is best for using synthesizers and drum machines.

Check out these tunes: www.myspace.com/regulus54

The very top track was done with FL studio 6 generators, hence you can hear the drum machine beats and the synthesizers.

I made the rest with Acid Pro so I could get a good recording be able to chop and mix easier. The interface is much better for chopping and mixing live stuff on Acid. The last track was done with drum beats from Acid though not FL Studio.

You can also get these programs from Limewire or something, just get the cracks. www.crackspider.com

Thanks, that sounds like what I was looking for. :)

Oh, and I tend to get most of my shopping done here:

http://thepiratebay.org/

A lot of people would tell you ProTools, because nearly every recording studio uses it. But thats only because they were given it.

In my experience and that of other people Ive worked with, Logic Pro is defenitly one of the better packages. It's awesome. It can do just about everything, although it will take a bit of learning how to use it. But I think it's well worth it.

The best of the best, as used by most large studios, is Pro Tools. However, you can't torrent it as you need the hardware breakout box plugged in for the program to open. You do get a very good little box for the money though, and pricing isn't stupidly high for the Mini version.

However, I'm also seeing a few smaller studios using Logic Pro, which seems like a good bit of software although I've never used it - it's Mac only.

Another fairly widely used program is Adobe Audition, or Cool Edit (same thing, after Adobe bought it they changed the name). It's got a lot more functionality and plug-ins than Acid.

Personally, I use Acid for quick chopping jobs as it's nice and simple and Audition for recording into and heavy editing.

Edit: Stainless beat me to it while I was typing this post! I'll just add that Pro Tools has got some nice timecode sync features, which is why most studios which do film soundtracks use it.

I second Acid pro, and for recording either Audition or Cubase.

For the average guy, FL studio will do everything you need. Once you master that, go on to reason or ableton or logic. You don't need Pro Tools unless you're working with Jay Z or something.

Hmmm IMO Ableton Live 7 rocks for production with synths and rocks out HARD AS FUCK for live performing if you wish to get into that.

Hmmm IMO Ableton Live 7 rocks for production with synths and rocks out HARD AS FUCK for live performing if you wish to get into that.

^This.^

apart from Pro Tools, i would suggest Logic Pro (although i personally dont use it as im extremely comfortable in Pro Tools) i appreciate that alot of producers and even studios use Logic as an alternative to PTs. The stock Plug ins that come with logic are great (free convolution reverb?!:eek:)

As for the midi instruments (synths etc), Logic is way out in front of the competition.

Basically its this:
Recording, mixing: Pro Tools
Composing: Logic Pro

But with Pro Tools 8 coming it will be the best of both worlds.

You wont go Pro Tools because of the price, and the necessity to buy a peripheral to use it.
But if you have a mac, Logic Pro is on top of its game.

Also dont forget Reaper!!!! its free anyway, and its brilliant! (from the guy who made WinAmp)

I'd recommend Reaper over the likes of FL and Cubase any day of the week.

The best of the best, as used by most large studios, is Pro Tools.

I told you someone would.

A lot of people would tell you ProTools, because nearly every recording studio uses it. But thats only because they were given it.

Its not like the Studios were 'given' it for free. Digidesign just doesn't give away $20000 worth of pro tools equipment.

plus 90% of people that are working in each studio have bought themselves an LE package. (mbox- mbox 2, 001 - 003)

personally i own an Mbox Mini and a 002 Rack... and of course use pro tools at work.

By no means is Pro Tools the only good recording software, but it does make it easier as it is the industry standard, (much like photoshop is for photo editing as the OP has stated)

Buy this setup now!!!!

1. ProTools M-Powered (free)
2. Delta 1010LT ($175)
3. Waves Mercury Bundle (free)
4. Any other VST program worth having (free)

DO NOT sleep on ProTools...I <3 it!!!