What type of laptop software etc would you need to start recording and editing music?

Answer 1

Laptops are not strongly advised to record music with due to them previously not being able to compare with the power of desktops and hardware audio workstations. You would need one with generally good memory (RAM - 2gb minimum) and speed (the processor - around dual 3.2 ghz minimum.) Take the Hard Drive space into consideration as audio files can be quite big. Also, be aware of the sound card, some laptops may not support the software you use, however this is probably unlikely.

Answer 2

If price isn't much of an issue, pick a Macbook or Macbook Pro, as Macintosh is the favorite operating system, as you can get Logic Pro, or even Garageband whilst still being able to use products such as Reason and FL Studio.

Answer 3

There are many different types of software for recording on a laptop. Depending on the type of laptop, many will run the same type of software as a pc. Some of the more popular programs are Audacity, Windows Media Sound Recorder, CakeWalk, and Monkeybread.

Answer 4

If you have win 7 it's very easy: Just click 'start' and in search type 'sound recorder.' This will render a basic recording using the laptop mic or whatever is plugged in to the mic jack. I recommend using a program like Audacity or Goldwave to edit and pan whatever you recorded this way.

If you are looking to do anything better quality than a junior-high YouTube selfie, you need a professional-quality Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). "Best," of course, is subjective, but the industry generally agrees on the top 3 tools for recording, creating, and editing music digitally outside of a full-blown studio... in no particular order, they are:

• FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops)
• Ableton Live
• ProTools

Other good DAWs, primarily used for "electronic music" include:

• Reason from Propellerhead
• Studio One from PreSonus
• AcidPro from Sony
• Sonar from Cakewalk
• Cubase from Steinberg
• Reaper from Cockos <--- "best" under $100

...But you asked for the best, so let's just look at those top 3, shall we?

I'm confident free trials or demos are availalbe for each.

Although I have my personal preferences, it's going to come down to your style as a musician/songwriter/hobbyist/pop-superstar.

Compatibility/Post-Production = ProTools

If you're primarily using software to record live instruments (jammin' on a guitar, blasting a Trumpet, pounding drums, etc.), then ProTools is the way to go. Although the most expensive of the three, it's the standard for a reason. If you need to have multiple types of instruments and computers and effects and controllers, there is nothing else that can handle the workload as elegantly. ProTools is awesome at post-production, too.

Right-Brain/Id/Live/Improv = Ableton Live

Almost more of an instrument than a studio, Ableton is perfect for Freud's id - gutteral, instant gratification. Designed for recording and editing, but also for live performance and control. Always adding new features, they've really improved their MIDI editing and conversion capabilities, and Ableton's beatmatching capability can't be......beat. It's a solid choice for non-perfectionists.

Left-Brain/Ego/Point-n-Click = FL Studio

Visual-based interface rich with features, tools, mixer capabilities, and effects, this is a sequencer style DAW, meaning, it's all about patterns and layering. Freud's ego and super-ego play well here, with more than enough room for creativity. If you haven't played an instrument before, and want a full-featured DAW, FL Studio may be the best way to start.. mostly because of it's industry-leading "piano roll." The ability to easily create or edit new sounds is powerful and intuitive.

They also released Mobile apps for the iPhone and Android that I haven't used yet, but seem like kinda fun accessories (NOT substitutes).

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When evaluating these DAWs to determine your "Best," don't focus so much on the sounds (you can always create or plug-in whatever noise or instrument you want), instead focus on how they work, how they work with the instruments you want to use, and how your brain works.

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Your Computer

I don't know about recommending any specific computer... especially as my answer would be outdated by the time I finish writing this. When it comes to PC vs. Mac, just go with what you're comfortable with. I do recommend, however, that you invest heavily in RAM, a decently fast processor, and then more RAM.

Answer 5

Apple Mac is by far the best. it has an application called garage band its its basically a virtual recording studio. Apple Mac is the Computer to get dude x