You almost own a professional recording studio.

Just download recording studio software for $89, $114 or less and you've got a fantastic set up!

The audio/MIDI sequencer program

The Audio Editor

Okay, all the hype aside, in expensive shareware programs are amazing things. You probably won't find them in a professional recording studio, but they will do everything that you need them to do. Here is a clear guide to a download music software studio.

Before we touch the software aspect of this, let's make sure you have the necessary hardware. Firstly, is your computer up to snuff? For music recording, a relatively fast processor and large amounts of memory and hard disk space are crucial. The more tracks you plan to record, more computing power you need. Get extra RAM and make sure your hard disk as a lot of space on it, because audio files are large. And processing effects and reverbs makes a lot of demands on your processor.

• If you are interested in getting a new computer, you can compare prices on computers and software from thousands of online stores here.

The second hardware issue relates to getting your music into your computer. The average home computer sound card is not meant for high quality music recording. While you may be able to get passable results, if you are reading this page you are probably interested in something more high quality. Look for an audio interface that allows you to record MIDI, has phantom power for your condenser microphone, and a microphone preamp. You can get all of these things separately, but I find it almost always better to get one piece of equipment that has all necessary functions.

• Click here to see the computer sound cards we offer.

Third hardware issue is your microphone. Again, Kmart special microphones may be great for voice attachments to e-mails, but you owe it to your music to get a proper studio microphone.

• Click here to see the studio microphones we offer.

Now it's time to download recording studio software.

Let's look at the functions you will need fulfilled:

1. Recording audio
2. Recording MIDI
3. Editing the MIDI
4. Editing the audio
5. Applying studio effects to the audio
6. Converting MIDI to instrument sounds
7. Mixing down to stereo
8. Mastering the mix
9. Burning to CD
10. Converting to MP3

The principle to follow is keep it simple and effective. One piece of software that does as many functions as possible is preferable to many smaller programs. Through the use of plug-ins, you can access functions that the recording studio software may not have on its own. Therefore, software that supports plug-ins is recommended.

The audio/MIDI sequencer program.

A wonderful and popular program is called N-track Studio. It will be the mainstay of your software based recording studio. Here are some details about it and a link to download the program for a trial.

n-Track Studio is a complete multitrack recording studio in your PC. The program supports:

Simultaneous recording from multiple 16 and 24 bit soundcards Real-time non-destructive audio effects Effects include Reverb, AutoVol, Echo, Pitch Shift, Chorus and Track EQ. DirectX and VST plug-ins can process audio signals in real-time 24 bit (32 bit floats) resolution for mixing and effects processing Volume and pan evolution can be automated by drawing on the timeline window

Click to download N-Track Studio Shareware Multitrack Workstation

The standard registration costs $49. The 24 bit registration costs $75.

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The Audio Editor

Another crucial program is called an audio editor. While N-Track offers great audio editing, you may want a program that specializes in it. These programs do more, generally, than audio MIDI sequencers do in their audio editing. They can and more effects, time shifting, pitch shifting, EQ special presets for mastering, and CD burning. Here is a recommended program that is unique, in that it is a dedicated audio program that supports multitrack recording. Most audio editors only work on stereo tracks. The program is called Mixcraft 3.0, and here are some details followed by a download link for a free trial:

Unlimited tracks depending on your computer’s processing power! Pan, volume, solo and mute on each track.   Cutting edge 32 bit sound engine for maximum sonic quality!   Full support for 24 bit recording and playback! Read and write high quality audio, including broadcast quality 32 & 24 bit WAV files up to 192 kHz. Import compressed WAV, OGG, WMA, and MP3 files! Time stretch any file from 25% to 400% without affecting the pitch!   No chipmunks!   Pitch shift sounds from -24 to +12 semitones! 7 Powerful Built In Effects - Reverb - Simulate environments Delay - Create multiple echo effects EQ - Boost bass, treble, mid-range, 10 band EQ Compression - Boost dynamics to sound louder Flanger - Create a whooshing effect Chorus - Double up your vocals Distortion - Give it some grunge!

Audio Editor: Mixcraft $39.95 Trial Download.

These are the basics. Other issues include finding appropriate software instruments. I wasn't able to locate a good shareware software instrument program, so I recommend either using sounds from a quality keyboard synthesizer or purchasing a box CD software instrument program.

Acoustica Software offers a full Musician's Bundle of downloadable music recording programs. Click here for more information.

• Click here to see our listings of software instrument programs.

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And that's it! A shareware download recording studio for $89, $114 or less!