Computer Audio Recording Programs, Multitrack Recording Software, Sequencers - Specifications and Explanations

Click here for more multitrack audi/midi sequencer and looping programs.

24-bit/96kHz audio = the bit depth and sampling frequency of most sound cards and music programs. CD audio is 16-bit/44.1 kHz audio. This higher standard has usefulness in the recording and mixing process, as well as in the emerging field of DVD audio.
ACID-format, MP3, WAV, WMA = different formats of recorded audio. Samples are short audio files in different formats. Your sequencer should be able to handle these most standard formats.
Audio = actual audio recording of sounds.
Audio Drivers (WDM, ASIO and MME) = Industry standard drivers for audio hardware sound cards. These are more precise than regular drivers.
Automation = the ability to record your mixing functions. Mixing with a mouse is difficult, especially if you have to adjust numerous tracks at once. With automation, you can record each of your movements in a separate pass until your mix is exactly as you like it.
CD Writing = simply put, the ability to burn a CD from within the program.
Drum Machine = many software programs enable you to create rhythm patterns from within the program itself.
Effects = changing the audio in a creative way. Standard effects are reverberation, delay, echo, chorus and more.
Event Editing = the ability to view and edit MIDI in a list of events format.
Hardware Inputs/Outputs (I/O) = often you may have multiple sound cards connect to your computer. Additionally, many sound cards have multiple inputs and outputs. Sequencers may vary in how many of these inputs and outputs they support.
Loops = phrases that repeat. For example, you have a rhythm had her in which underlies the whole song. You can record only a measure or two of it and then loop it for the whole song.
MIDI = Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Practically speaking, everything but the sounds. MIDI is all of the details of the note, the pitch, the duration, the velocity, but it is not a sound. It tells your synthesizer what notes to play with its sounds. MIDI can also command functions such as effects, and choice of sound patch. When you record in a MIDI sequencer, you can edit your performance, change notes, change tempos, and played back with any instrument you select.
Mixer = the same as a hardware mixer, in as much as it will combine the tracks and create a final stereo or surround sound mix.
Multiple Meters and Tempos = often, a piece of music may change its tempo or meter in the middle. Basic sequencers do not always support that, and you'd have to record each section as a separate file.
Nondestructive Editing = the ability to delete and alter audio tracks without affecting the audio files behind them. The sequencer records your audio tracks and stores them in a special folder. Within the sequencer track window, you edit those tracks in a form of envelope style. For example, when you delete a section of the track, you do not delete the actual audio file. You simply tell the sequencer to not play that track at the spot where you have deleted it.
Pattern Sequencer = you play a certain rhythm pattern or melodic pattern and the program will keep that as a backing track which can be played continuously. Often, by programming in chords, the sequencer will automatically transpose your pattern.
Piano Roll Editing = the ability to view and edit MIDI as blocks on a graph.
Realtime Monitoring of Effects = effects have to be created in a file. Better software allows you to preview in real-time what the effect will sound like on the audio track.
ReWire = the ability to connect a sequencer program with a soft synth program. This is a bridging program that enables you to play the sounds of a soft synth program within the interface of your multitrack sequencer program.
Sample Rate Conversion = the ability to change the sample rate of audio files. For example, if you have recorded at 24-bit/96 kHz and want to burn a CD, you'll have to convert it to 16-bit/44 .1 kHz. If you are recording for the Internet, you will want to convert to even lower settings for smaller files.
Samplers = programs that record an instrument and enable you to play those sounds as if they were a synthesizer.
Score Editing = the ability to view and edit MIDI as notes on the staff and to edit them there.
Soft Synths = programs that contain instrument sounds. A MIDI sequencer can play back music using the sounds of a soft synth.
Sound Library = not all instrument sounds are created equal. A sound library is a collection of audio recordings of instruments which can be put into the soft synth program and played.
Synchronization = the ability to synchronize your software to an external hardware recorder. If you have a hard disk recorder and wish to use your computer for additional tracks or MIDI, you must be able to sync them up so that they start and stop at the same time. There are different types of time code used, the most common being MIDI time code and SMPTE.
VST Instruments = instrument that can be played from within the program itself. As opposed to a software synth which can be connected to a sequencer by using ReWire but which he is a separate program nonetheless, these instruments are integrated into the sequencer program itself.

Steinberg Cubase SX3 Recording Software

Perhaps the most powerful of the multitrack audio MIDI recording software programs. Highly recommended.

Extensive audio MIDI recording and editing functions.
The number of tracks you use is only limited by your computer's power.
Includes virtual instruments and the use of plug-ins makes this program expandable in a big way.

Click to learn more about and acquire Steinberg Cubase SX3 Multitrack Recording Software

Back to the of multitrack recording software

Steinberg Cubase SE Multitrack Recording Software

A great program for home recording based on the powerhouse Cubase SX, this software appeals to the budget conscious. Those who want an easily usable program without sacrificing quality will succeed with this version of Cubase.

48 audio tracks and unlimited MIDI tracks with full editing functions.
Includes a complete set of effects plug ins.
Upwards compatible and upgradable to the SX/SL versions.

Find out more about and purchase Steinberg Cubase SE

Back to the of multitrack recording software

Cakewalk SONAR Home Recording StudioC

Cakewalk SONAR Home Recording Studio 4 XL PC

This program is ideal for people who are getting into home recording and want to a multitrack recording software program that will grow with them.

You can record 64 audio tracks and an unlimited number of MIDI tracks.
The program comes with Roland Virtual Sound Canvas instruments and Dreamstation instruments.
Full audio effects and editing and support for VST plug-ins.

Click to learn more about and buy Cakewalk SONAR Home Studio 4 XL PC

Back to the of multitrack recording software

Shareware Multitrack sequencer: N-Track Studio (trial download)

n-Track Studio is a multitrack recorder for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP.

$49 to $75

A complete recording studio in your PC: all you need is a card and some free space on your hard disk to store audio data. The program supports simultaneous recording from multiple 16 and 24 bit soundcards, and real-time audio effects can be applied non-destructively to each track, allowing the user to listen immediately to the result of a change in the parameters of an effect: up to 25 combinations of effects per track are allowed. Built-in effects include Reverb, AutoVol, Echo, Pitch Shift, Chorus and Track EQ.
The program can use third party DirectX and VST plug-ins to process in real-time audio signals in a number of different ways. Effect can also be used to process the recorded signal in real-time so that the computer can act as a multi-effects device. The program uses 24 bit (32 bit floats) resolution for mixing and effects processing.
Various wave files formats are supported, mono & stereo tracks are can coexist in the same song and wave editing operations can be performed from within the program. MIDI tracks can be imported end exported to regular MIDI files, and edited using the built in piano-roll based MIDI editing.
All the audio tracks are saved as standard wave files and mixed " on the fly" during playback. Volume and pan evolution can be programmed by drawing on the timeline window.
When all the tracks have been recorded and all the settings are correct, it's possible to mix-down all the tracks to a single wave file for recording it to a compact disk using a CD recorder or for distributing it through the Internet (using the built-in mp3 encoder).