best daw for midi composing?

Discussion in 'DAW' started by tzzsmk, Jul 21, 2018.

  1. eXACT_Beats_

    eXACT_Beats_ Rock Star

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2018
    Messages:
    634
    Likes Received:
    472
    Quick answer? Studio One. I used FL for years and I actually still like their MIDI roll despite the fact I am fed up with Image-Line products as a whole (though, I do still use Edison,) but after getting accustomed to Studio One, I'm actually much happier with the workflow of MIDI/VSTi/arrangement. Of the DAWs I've tried (most of them, recently,) some do stand out in that area more than others, but Melodyne's integration is in Studio One, of course, a major selling point.
    Just what I find works for me. :bow:
    (Some honorable mentions for what your looking for go to Reaper, Acid Pro and Ableton.)
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • List
  2. Iggy

    Iggy Rock Star

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2011
    Messages:
    1,092
    Likes Received:
    434
    Location:
    The stage, man
    Thanks! I still don't like it -- just hate it a little less now that it appears to be working properly. Again, I think I can see why it appeals to some people the way it does, because it seems overly simplified in some places and overly complicated in others. I remember that, back in the eMagic days, nobody liked it, because the learning curve was so ridiculously steep (the manual was the size of an NYC phone book), so they sweetened the pot by throwing in all kinds of plugs and VIs. Apparently, Apple's take was just "let's make it stupid" when they bought it.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
    • List
  3. KidPix

    KidPix Producer

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2017
    Messages:
    163
    Likes Received:
    114
    Because he can only test OSX compatible DAWs.
     
  4. Bunford

    Bunford Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2012
    Messages:
    2,170
    Likes Received:
    837
    Cubase hands down. It's not a coincidence it has now becoming the industry standard DAW for use by major film composers, such as Hans Zimmer, Harry Gregson-Williams and Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) etc. It's being led by Hans no doubt, as everyone that's gone through his studio is now on Cubase for composing (and some recording the audio into Pro Tools). There are other obviously, such as Danny Elfman who mostly uses Digital Performer and there's some who use Logic Pro. For me though, Cubase is king!
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
  5. Donut Nyamer

    Donut Nyamer Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    2,244
    Likes Received:
    865
    Location:
    Threadlockington
    There are definitely things I don't like about FL but I can say that they have the most elaborate and deep piano roll I've ever tried. If you need something for purely midi/composition and sound design then go with FL then mix with Reaper, Cubase, Studio One or Harrison Mixbus afterwards if you don't like to do your mixing in FL.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Disagree Disagree x 1
    • List
  6. xbitz

    xbitz Rock Star

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2013
    Messages:
    843
    Likes Received:
    460
  7. reaktor

    reaktor Producer

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2017
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    83
    Location:
    geneva
    or Notator! Logic today....lol
     
  8. reaktor

    reaktor Producer

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2017
    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    83
    Location:
    geneva
    or Roland MC 500!
     
  9. kooper

    kooper Platinum Record

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2011
    Messages:
    563
    Likes Received:
    173
    Certain areas of reaper I find difficult when dealing with MIDI. If I really want to be at home with MIDI, I probably would be on Acid Pro. I think that is windows only but your question is not OS specific.
     
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • List
  10. Synclavier

    Synclavier Rock Star

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2014
    Messages:
    467
    Likes Received:
    315
    obviously Donut didn't have enough of DAW flame :hahaha:
    the last thread was the best

    As a Reaper user I envy Fruity loops for usability of their midi editor every DAW should copy it
     
  11. Ŧยχøя

    Ŧยχøя Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2020
    Messages:
    1,098
    Likes Received:
    765
    Location:
    Neverland
    Could some FL Studio users elaborate on what makes FL MIDI Editing so appealing/handy?

    How does it compare with Reaper?
    What is Reaper missing in comparison?


    Having worked with (very old) Sonar, Cubase and then Reaper,
    I certainly prefer Reaper's way of doing.. felt more Free, less constrictive right away..

    But I never got to try FL Editor,
    as I found the GUI/whole program quite strange/confusing..
    like it's made for a certain workflow and with Electronic music in mind..

    So what makes FL MIDI Editing so good?
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2022
    • Like Like x 2
    • Dislike Dislike x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
  12. redhead

    redhead Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2013
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    7
    The old man in me craves my days with Studio Vision...:guru: I've long since moved on to Pro Tools (for the last 20+ years...) Taught a college course on DP, still use Ableton for some live shows. And PT is still my workhorse for compatibility with the outside world (and I love the audio editing) - BUT 3 years ago I picked up Cubase for just the reason you're asking about. MIDI Programming functionality - and I'm not looking back. It's easily my DAW of choice these days. I wish it had some of the speed of editing for audio that PT has, but specifically for programming, it's the best I've used. The lite versions (LE/AI) are often paired with hardware, so maybe you've got your eye on a piece of gear and can pick this up alongside to give it a run. :dunno:
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2022
  13. harkermist

    harkermist Noisemaker

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2022
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    6

    LMAO garageband with better sound quality and more options? logic has been around for years m8. google emagic. theyve just skinned it like garageband but behind the scenes its prob the most powerful of them all (maybe minus pro tools or reaper if ur autistic enough)
     
  14. Ambar

    Ambar Producer

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2013
    Messages:
    372
    Likes Received:
    84
    I suggest Fl studio, really good reviews of its piano roll and midi edit, however I reckon it lacks some visual helpers and tools like "show velocity numbers" (as in LogicX) and legato or slide function in midi notes for all 3rd party vst plugins
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
    • List
  15. Atlantis84

    Atlantis84 Platinum Record

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2021
    Messages:
    679
    Likes Received:
    293
    ~Grabs Popcorn'' sits back and watches the show'' lol
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
    • List
  16. Xupito

    Xupito Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2012
    Messages:
    6,956
    Likes Received:
    3,830
    Location:
    Europe
    It still has some issues so few people use it, but Tracktion Waveform has amazing MIDI features.
    Without being an expert by any means I think Cubase and FL Studio are considered among the best in the MIDI tools department.
     
  17. angie

    angie Producer

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2012
    Messages:
    391
    Likes Received:
    107
    Location:
    Milano
    For midi programming, especially drums and percussion, nothing beats UPBEAT/ OVAL TUNE by Zicarelli & co. ... I keep an old LC II only for that purpose :):dunno:
     
    • Interesting Interesting x 1
    • List
  18. Donut Nyamer

    Donut Nyamer Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    2,244
    Likes Received:
    865
    Location:
    Threadlockington
    Damn that's actually pretty neat, it's too bad it doesn't import automation clips though which is the most important part of my projects. Although I'm sure Bitwig is wonderful. Plus, I don't really need another sound design host like Bitwig because FL has me covered in that area even with native only plugins. Harmor and Sytrus together absolutely destroy sound design on my end.

    Lmao nah I don't care much about what DAWs do what better personally, that not here nor there for me.

    It's just those abletontards were coming at people and attacking them so I slapped back but they didn't like it when they got slapped harder than Davie504's bass guitar.

    I was just being courteous to other posters because we didn't need all that since we were all being civil until they started coming at people for no real reason but since they asked for the Devil then they shouldn't be so mad that they got the horns overcooked in a microwave for 17 minutes. I have no problem eating and shitting out a bully for dinner, otherwise if I'm not provoked then I'm like your best friend drunker than a skunk at his first big party serving a fat cheap beer keg in high school.

    There is always one guy that thinks he's hot shit and uses that to shit into peoples mouths like we're all toilets or some shit. I'm a toilet that could malfunction and puke it all back into their ass like a Goregrind album. You know me, you've come at me before like civil person so I treated you exactly like a civil person. I'm a reflection in the mirror when you step in front of me.

    That's all I really care about, a nice cool space for everyone to share their opinions and experiences without needing to fling shit because I can do it better than a monke but would rather not cause I appreciate good peeps since I know exactly what the opposite is. We don't need ass gorillas, we just need to stick together like gorilla glue because we all make music and there's not that many of us. So, why be divided further right?
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2022
  19. Donut Nyamer

    Donut Nyamer Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    2,244
    Likes Received:
    865
    Location:
    Threadlockington
    Glad you asked, also thanks a lot for your Reaper skin contribution! Badass of you to share your porn compilation with us!

    The piano roll is probably the biggest reason I can't compose, create or do sound design in any other midi host. Fl studio definitely falls short when it comes to the mixer so other software will demolish Fl in that department.

    As far as FL's piano roll: There are articulation options, you can select, flip move, copy paste any midi notes easily. Import midi files, export them and also export the midi as a scoring sheet if you're Bachs long lost brother. Which is probably most piano rolls tbh, it's just FL does it simply and easily so you end up working rapidly. I hate sluggish featureless and slow piano rolls. I can punch in and punch notes out to an existing midi sequence so fast.

    If I am working on an orchestral piece and have multiple orchestral sections routed out then I can create the entire score on one midi roll window. Not multiple but one screen where I see all the notes without switching midi tabs. I just switch to another midi color code and I'm automatically controlling the voicing of the violin section in pink as opposed to the brass section I was working on with the green midi color code.

    Its so god damn intuitive and I know you work on lots of scores so it would be a huge help to you because you do cinema work. It's so awesome to just move my arrangement notes around in the same window by clicking on the different midi color codes and experimenting with shifting entire midi sections over with shortcuts or transposing sections up or down with such relative ease.

    You can use the keyboard shortcuts to do a lot in the midi roll tbh like quick legato, articulate the notes for better expression by mass editing the velocities or randomizing them for quick rhythm sections. Of course quick quantize with other drop down options is there too. There is a riff machine to come up with arpeggios and riffs quickly plus quick chopping for breaks.

    You can use the tools section to arpeggiate, claw, strum, flam, flip, limit randomize or add LFO's inside the piano roll. Which is too much to go over atm when this thing is a chapter book at this point.

    Then there's a suite of scales, chords and rhythmic options for composing things on the fly so I can select a 7th chord and paste it with ease then be working with a full chord progression in less than 5 or 10 minutes. There's a bunch of customizable options to change the way the piano rolls looks to your liking as well. Like inverting colors and a host of other drop down options like ghost channels, editable ghosts that I can edit from one window and the ability to view the waveform behind the midi arrangement so you can place notes in a more precise manner.

    It's got a select option with tons of obscure randomization options. Different zoom options as well. The ability to save time markers inside the midi roll and arrangement window which I use to their fullest to label sections without guessing where things are.

    Its got select options so I can select things by group, velocity, note color, overlapping notes, muted notes or odd ones to edit with keyboard shortcuts. It's got a magic lasso button that IDGAFOS what it does but it's there too and a note smoothing option which probably turns the crunchy peanut butter smooth again. Cause only psychopaths eat crunchy peanut butter, everyone knows that.

    Each midi note has target options where I can control the pitch, fine pitch, velocity, panning, note release, note lfo, note filter cutoff frequency, note filter resonance which you control per note. After all these god damn features, it's lighting fast, intuitive and extremely easy to pick up and learn. Even for a beginner that wants to left click in new notes and right click out to delete them which started my love affair with FL's piano roll. Maybe other DAW hosts have more elaborate piano rolls, I don't know because I haven't used everything yet.

    Anyways I've covered Fl's piano roll in its entirety I think. So I would be glad to know what @Vlad11 does with his dinged up abletont midi roll and how it's more superior than anything else. Drop us that feature set and make us jealous then make us repent from out sinful ways and move into the holy-grailed apartment that abletont lives in.

    It definitely shows the velocity amounts and more just read up a bit and you will be surprised how much attention to detail it pays to it's piano roll.
     
  20. xbitz

    xbitz Rock Star

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2013
    Messages:
    843
    Likes Received:
    460
    morphing between presets is easier in Bitwig IMO this kind of stuff

    so in Bitwig you gonna create not just presets but transitions between presets

    ps. it's true for operators too, gonna create transitions(how the soundscape gonna change in time) here too
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2022
Loading...
Similar Threads - best midi composing Forum Date
best midi sequencer? Software Mar 9, 2024
AI midi tools - who's doing it best? Software Jan 24, 2024
Best MIDI keyboard without bells and whistles Instruments Jan 7, 2024
Sheet Music (PDF) to MIDI converter... what's the best software for that? Software Jun 3, 2023
best organ samples and midis ? Software May 22, 2023
Loading...