Reaper just released v7 with a new way to do track lanes and comping, which got me thinking . . . which DAW is best at comping (selecting, combining, crossfades, etc.).

I should clarify . . .

Any DAW can comp by recording several takes on several tracks, compare, slice and assemble the best bits onto one track, then crossfade.

However, many DAWs have created their own simplified way of doing this with take lanes, swipe comping, etc.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 25, 2023

Why don't you try taking a wild stab in the dark at this one yourself?

 

I've been at it for days and get more confused with each demoing.

 

What a can of worms.

For what use? Traditional style or creative? Both?

Maybe make a poll and be more specific in the use case?

 

Basic live instrument audio comping to smoothly and accurately compile the best segments from a bunch of takes.

 

I found this whilst doing a search . . .

Tips for vocal comping:

1. Record a complete take, then record additional takes in sections.
2. Keep track of good takes as you record.
3. Cut on silences or consonants.
4. Hide comps with downbeats.
5. Adjust the timing.
6. Use crossfades.
7. Use clip gain to fix dynamic issues.
8. Clean up any pops and clicks with RX.

 

That sounds like basic DAW 'knife and fork' stuff. You can do that with any DAW. I'm going to vote REAPER because I love it. However, STUDIO ONE has some interesting tools and so does SAMPLITUDE. (........knick, knack, patty-wak, give reaper a bone.)

 

Confusion comes from not knowing what you actually want and need! When demoing you should always have a clear picture of what you need and want from a DAW. Following your own preferred workflow and see what DAW comes most close to this will eventually help you decide.

 

These "best" questions should just ask what DAW are you currently running and why you think it is best at whatever.

For this one, a good explanation of how you think the DAW you are using is better for Vocal Comping than Protools. Take your time.

 

Polls are just clicks without an explanation. It rarely bring interesting information. Not to speak about people that would click the name of their DAW because they are fans without knowing what other DAW can do.

 

Last edited: Oct 25, 2023

I have tried almost every DAW. They all comp slightly differently and some even offer more than one way. I'm just wondering what others have discovered . . . I'm confused.

 

Sequoia has an excellent system for organising different takes on the same track, also it's object based editing system allows you to do some pretty funky comps such as the 4 way cut, you can begin comping whilst the recording continues for another example.

 

I forgot about that one. It's still viable . . . alive and kicking?

 

Again! Go with the DAW you yourself feel most comfortable with. Not the one that other people tell you to be comfortable with!

 

One thing I definitely prefer . . .
Comping the best bits of takes into an empty lane as opposed to comping within or over one of the takes.

 

Anyone selling an old Tascam tape deck and scissors?

 

Studio One has the best (feature wise) and quickest comping features that I have used thus far.

 

you should check Cubase.
its main feature for me

 

"Best" is subjective. The "best" is also the one you know. I know Cubase's comping (lanes). I prefer it a lot over Pro Tools' comping.

 

People will always say whatever they know the best, is the best. But never why. I know Logic the best of any DAW that I use, but if I was to do a realistic comparison I would be lying or justifying something to say it is "better". It's almost an afterthought in Logic, so therefore it has not been fully developed anywhere near Protools. Nothing I am going to do as an end user is going to make it "better" when it has probably had 1% as much programming resources, user feedback/demands, and focus. In fact, I even went to the index of the Logic book by David Nahmani ( it's "the Logic bible" ), and the word Composite does not appear in the book 1 time apparently. I might as well be telling you a racing speed boat is the best to use for fishing.