I’ve done quite a bit of research, but couldn’t find a decent (good UI/UX) multitrack/recording software for Mac OS. I’m not talking about DAWs, but something comparable to a Tascam Model 15 (but not hardware). Much simpler than a DAW (I don’t like all the options I’m not using) with a focus on recordings and some FX.
Why? First, the Model 15 is quite expensive and big (I don’t have that much space). Second, I like to have my recordings on the computer (just to listen and check).
I currently use a Zoom H6, but I’m thinking of getting a Bluebox instead. The H6 is fine, but I do need some basic mixing capabilities. But then I thought that this might/should already exist as Software. And maybe it does, but I just couldn’t find it.
Not good: anything which distracts from the main functionality, inconsistent design, look&feel like we’re in the 90s (audacity and lots of others)
Good: Simple, clean, easy to use
Good point – I almost forgot about Garageband. So yeah, why not? Still not quite there (for me) in terms of a mixer feeling, but definitely a good option. Thanks!
No. We need a couple of names otherwise it’s just going to be endless rounds of “
How about Audacity, it’s free
No, I don’t like the UX
Ok, pro-tools
No, it’s too much like a DAW
Have you tried Audition
Yeah, but i don’t like the business model…
Etc.
You did research already: what have you rejected? What’s your budget?
Audition: Well, not really a multitrack software, right?
Ableton: Ok in terms of look & feel, but lots of stuff I don’t need (but yes, it’s an option)
Auria Pro: Looks good, but only for iPad
Bitwig, Logic, …: Of course, all these would work. But again, lots of distraction.
I’ve basically rejected everything so far (that’s the reason I’m asking). Budget is not the main issue, but I don’t like to pay for stuff I don’t need.
I don’t know about today… when I last used it, it was good, but annoyingly priced because of tie-ins with their bloated design suite.
Other options:
Sound Forge - not tried, looks pricey. It was the best there was in the 90s
I just found out they do an 8-track “audio cleaning lab” verion, which migh be worth a look
DSP Quattro - good value, annoying UX, very limited built-in effects (which is freakin’ dumb for a tool designed for mastering). I use it for batch recording vinyl for DJing
Just installed Audition (since it’s part of my CC subscription anyway). Opened it, was shocked, deinstalled. That’s exactly the kind of bad UI I was talking about. Ok, I’m still quite shocked … should stop writing. But thanks for the suggestions.
Did a quick search for Reaper and Wavelab. I mean, really? Is music Software stuck in the 90s, aesthetically speaking? How can someone use this interface and make decent music? No offense and thanks for the suggestions, but no.
Honestly, I use Ableton because I spent the money on it. They had a sale on Ableton Live Studio bundled with Max For Live, and I happened to have some extra money lying around at the time.
Otherwise, most of my needs would probably be taken care of by Garageband.
I misread your earlier post as stating you wanted a 90s UI in your software.
I believe someone suggested GarageBand… It seems to be exactly what you need, it doesn’t look like it was designed 30 years ago and it’s free! Anything else you need or are you maybe a little picky?
Amadeus Pro is a straight forward multi tracker with both destructive and non-destructive processing/fx and decent editing facilities without any DAW bloat.
