Has anyone here recorded with NCH MixPad?

[Soc Prof]

I've been looking for a DAW that has enough features to be useful, but not so overloaded with features that it's a pain in the a** to learn and use. Most of the big name DAWs, even the supposedly lite versions, I find fit in the second category. For example, I downloaded the manual for Cubase Elements and found that it was 600+ pages long--no thanks.

Audacity is easy to use, but lacks Midi capabilities and has some other limitations.

Then I stumbled upon NCH MixPad (with it's related WavePad editor). I bought the "Master's Edition" and have started to learn how to use it. It seems to hit the sweet spot for me. Has anyone else here used this?

https://secure.nch.com.au/cgi-bin/re...oftware=mixpad


Note that this software is "on sale' most of the time. The usual discount is 30%, but it will occasionally go briefly to 50% off. If you're not in a hurry and willing to keep checking, you can get it cheap.

[Top Cat]

I've recently discovered Presonus Studio One Recording Software and love it(My latest song Inside Out was recorded/mixed using it). I also use Steinberg Cubase 6, but Studio One seems to be more intuitive and more user friendly.
I started out using Tracktion when it was in it's earliest stages and was a sole project of a developer on KvR.
Like you, I found the learning curve for most DAWs a bit steep, but stuck with it and moved on to Cubase 32VST, then Cubase 4 and now 6.
Yes there is a learning curve for most major DAW software, but persistence and practice yields high rewards.

I have some other NCH software (the Suite) and still use it for converting files and burning CD's.

Whatever works for you IS the best software. The idea is to spend less time trying to figure out how to record and more time creating/recording your music.

Thanks for sharing the information, have you checked to see if there is a user forum where you can trade information?

[Soc Prof]

There is a user forum, but it's a low traffic affair. On the plus side, NCH employees sometimes answer technical questions. NCH also has some decent video tutorials on Youtube.

[Top Cat]

There is a user forum, but it's a low traffic affair. On the plus side, NCH employees sometimes answer technical questions. NCH also has some decent video tutorials on Youtube.

Tons of professional and user YT tutorials for Studio One which I really appreciate. When I have an issue I do a search and there is usually an answer. Also a large FB group and the people are extremely helpful.
I know you're happy with NCH but here's a link if you want to at least look at it.
The free download works great but is limited. I liked it enough after a month to purchase the Artist version for $99. Except Artist doesn't allow 3rd party VST's or plug ins. For $79 you can buy an add on which sets up 3rd party installation and it worked great for me.
The Pro version is much too much for me and I didn't need all the extra stuff.

https://www.presonus.com/products/Studio-One
btw, any new songs lately?

[Soc Prof]

Thanks, Top Cat. I'm hoping to get a song recorded this summer. My new Strat (Fender Roadhouse, Mexican) is currently being set up by a luthier in preparation. I programmed a totally killer patch in my Zoom G5n to use for the rhythm guitar part. And I got a start on a David Gilmourish lead patch.

[Soc Prof]

I had problems with MixPad crashing when I tried to use my Zoom G5n multi-effect via the ASIO driver. It recognized the device, but would crash as soon as I started recording. If it can't handle a simple ASIO, how is it going to handle my VST plug-ins?

So I've moved on to Cakewalk. Fortunately that one is free. And it's listed among the DAWs with support by Arturia.