Stephen Williams wrote: for software Reaper is unbeatable. Reaper has a truly excellent forum where people help each other out a lot. also a lot of videos to learn it. There are loads of free plug-ins and also excellent ones come with Reaper. it costs $60 but can do more than pro tools in many ways
Silly, like what ? What ways ? What can Reaper do functionally that Pro Tools can't do ? I'm not talking cost here.
With all due respect, Reaper, as good as it for the $60 cost, cannot BEAT or do more than Pro Tools in many ways. Reaper is BEATABLE but not in the $60 cost window. Please don't go down that road. Its misleading.
A 4 track cassette platform is NOT what you want for this purpose, it's the wrong tool. Can it be done ? Sure, you can also frame a house with a ball end hammer, it just may take a while.
Regarding recording and trading tracks, you need a good internet connection, a strong email account that can receive and deliver large files, a software package or recorder you are comfortable with , with the ability to drop a clients file, wav or MP3 into your recording platform and the ability to send back your recorded file DRY in a format your client can use.
An MP3 file at 320 will more than likely suffice as the file size of a wav will be HUGE and require a Drop BOX account. Being able to communicate and send tracks by EMAIL is a huge PLUS.
You want your client (friend) to send you an MP3 two track. LO file size is all thats needed. You only need to return your ONE track with Steel. I recommend a DAW, yes even Reaper, which requires a nice PC, monitor and an interface. Seeing what you are doing on a monitor is a HUGE advantage over a small workstation. You will also require a good PC or MAC foundation, with the ability to grab drivers when needed. If you go with WINDOWS, keep auto updates OFF.
The software or workstation is not the prime factor,there are many things to consider. Tascam and Boss products may require a file conversion from their own file structure . Zoom products by comparison already record in WAV format.
Converting your final file to MP3 is another issue . Many will say you have to return a WAV file, hogwash, if it's not a retail recording, an MP3 at 320 will be more than ample. Keep it clean with ample gain and all will be well. An external file conversion may be required if it doesn't exist in the DAW or Workstation.
320 MP3's are becoming the EMAIL file standard these days for NON retail recordings.
By the way, Reaper does not come with an MP3 file conversion, you will be required to grab the LAME MP3 Codec download to be able to convert tracks to MP3 / 320 inside of Reaper. This is NOT uncommon. Many DAW's don't have this feature due to licensing. Oh yeah, Pro Tools does contain MP3 conversions along with file tagging. No 3rd party or additional outside of PT's software required. MP3 conversion is a necessary step for what you want to do.
The process for tracking over the NET is way more involved than just plugging in our Steels and playing, thats the easy part, the real easy part. The process has to be easy and if we have the proper gear and configurations, it is. IF we don't, then it's not.
I'm just one of many who do this often for clients all over the place, USA, Mexico, Europe and yes, even clients across town from me. It took a good deal of time to work thru the nuances of the process and make it efficient. I have probably done 200 to 300 remote tracks over the last many years, I can tell you this, if the total process is smooth it's fast and fun, if it's NOT, it's not fast and it's not fun ! Duhhh !
I would close by saying if you can muster the $$$ , these days Studio One is probably the premium DAW package cost wise, value wise, for home tracking. It's not cheap but it is reasonable.
When choosing a DAW its really not about today, it's about tomorrow. We may only use 50% of the feature set on a day to day basis, but the fact of the matter is the power is still there when you need it, and trust me ,one day you will need it.
What you are wanting to do is an easy process as long as you have all of the right components ( big picture) in front of you. Build a studio with the best you can acquire given your financial constraints. You may not thank me this year or even next year. But one day you will !
Good luck ! Have fun .
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