Best Sound Libraries
More than 150 orchestral instruments-lush strings, intimate woodwinds, joyous brass, powerful percussion, a Steinway virtual concert piano, Stradivari violin, a glorious concert organ, heavenly harps, select Program SAM brass, and more. The entire orchestral collection is integrated with the ARIA Instrument Player and works as a virtual instrument. More than 150 orchestral instruments-lush strings, intimate woodwinds, joyous brass, powerful percussion, a Steinway virtual concert piano, Stradivari violin, a glorious concert organ, heavenly harps, select Program SAM brass, and more.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There are many software instrument players on the market, but few dedicated orchestral instrument units."
"This also has an instrument package to add to the other players (such as a group of Horns) that will add extra depth and can increase the volume of the group."
"The sound quality and control of the orchestral instruments are unequaled."
"It's great for a writer to hear their work done by an orchestra, and that is hard too arrange that many people."
"although the sound is great for orchestration mockups or backing tracks, if you are looking for a super realistic orchestral sound, you'll have to shell out for a more advanced program like VSL SE or EastWest Gold."
"Great addition to repertoir of instruments to supplement current musical software."
"In fact, this one was so good, I bought "Instant Orchestra" and "Harps" by Garritan as well."
"Brass, particularly trumpets sounded very fake."
The entire Jazz & Big Band library is integrated with the ARIA Instrument Engine and works as a virtual instrument. Garritan Jazz & Big Band provides multiple individual instruments from which you can build your own jazz ensembles and big bands. More than 75 instruments, including a comprehensive saxophone collection, brass instruments with various mutes, woodwinds, Steinway Piano, guitars, organs, acoustic and electric basses, an electric piano, drum kits, and other instruments.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I really love using this software!"
"With JABB I made a silly mistake and ended up contacting Tech help, they responded quickly with wonderful advice and were very clear with their directions."
"It takes a lot of work to get to the tweeks of tone of real player touch."
"For Big Band brass the trumpets were HORRIBLE!"
"I didn't like the sounds one bit."
"I used JABB1 with Finale (to write charts and hear them played back) for years and it has been a pleasure to use."
"Since I updated my Mac to Lion, it keeps saying that I need to activate my copy of JABB (which I did originally) and even after I do that, it repeats the message each time I re-open the application."
![Vocaloid3 KAITO V3 [Japan Import]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51V%2BAUZ8vNL._SS600_.jpg)
Operating environment: OS : Windows 7 (32/64bit) /Vista (32bit) / XP (32bit). CPU : more than Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz recommended. RAM : 2GB or more. Disk Space : 25GB for installation. Display with more than 1280x768px. OpenGL 3.0 driver compatible video card. Other : DVD-ROM drive, sound device, and the ability to connect your computer are also required. The software is easy to integrate in your music production environment, equipped with a full English voice bank and 3 additional voice banks in Japanese.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Two of them contain his voice banks JPN Straight, JPN Soft, JPN Whisper, and finally English. It was suppose to replicate his original V1 voice. His English VB is understandable and slightly smooth but, he still has the Japanese accent so he won't sound like a native speaker."
"So making a song, I had separate files for melody parts 1-5, and then sometimes double that if i wanted to add harmonies."
"If you don't know japanese, just Google translate your lyrics then make kaito sing beautifully!"
"It can be installed in English, and it is a bit complicated to use."
"His Soft and Whisper voices are definitely pleasant to listen to, and his ENGLISH is actually very clear--while his voice sounds a bit more tight-throated, and an odd mixture of Soft and Straight in vocal tone, he is fairly understandable even if you leave his parameters on default. At times, his English can sound a bit annoying and hard to get him to sound how you want, but...I have heard people use him properly in which will make you fall in love with this Append (a certain cover of Crusher-P's "OBEY" comes to mind...I applaud that person for showing his capabilities, I wish I knew how to get that sound!). I still hope one day he gets a POWER Append, since even on STRAIGHT his voice may seem a bit weaker than his original V1 voice....but again, then I saw someone make an "Unhappy Refrain" cover in which I had no idea V3 had that kinda power! I've also done a couple covers to get used to tuning him and such, he sounds very good when you add just the right amount of vibrato (this is probably due to the fact that his voice provider, Naota Fuuga, naturally has a lot of vibrato to his voice). I personally think he is still good to buy, once you load him into your PC and start playing around with his voice, some of your prior disappointment might melt away...I know mine did, and if that is not enough to convince you, look up some covers on YouTube such as "Unhappy Refrain" and "OBEY", heck someone even did an awesome comparison to V1 and V3 with "Children's War" which in some sections, it was hard to tell which was which until you analyze the sound quality of the vocal!"
Best Sound Editing
Avid Pro Tools Academic Edition is for sale to college students, and faculty, teachers, and administrators at K12 Schools and Higher Education institutions only.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great price and works great!"
"Excellant product at a great price."
"Full version, academic pricing."
"Good product, very recommendable."
"Download procedures almost caused me to just cancel the order."
"really good product."
"I’ve been using pro tools le 8 since 2010 but with all the latest updates pro tools made with 12, it was definitely worth the upgrade since I wasn’t impressed with 9, 10, & 11."
Best Recording Software
Designed to meet the requirements of professional producers, composers and mixing engineers, Cubase Pro stands for cutting-edge technology, highly efficient workflows and unlimited possibilities. Unlimited audio, instrument and MIDI tracks and up to 256 physical inputs and outputs.Full Control Room integration, including talkback and four different cue mixes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Thankfully, I was able to get a free upgrade to 9.5 after activating the product, as part of the Steinberg grace period program."
"Good item."
"It works seemlessly and relatively easily."
"Great Software for Prosumers."
"Installation was easy, though I should point out that downloading the application took nearly an hour. After installing this application on my HP Desktop, it took me less than twenty minutes to produce an nice, workable guitar track."
"As a voice actor I do a fair amount of recording from home, though nothing on the scale of a fully produced piece. I wanted to try something new to see if I'm missing out on features, and Steinberg's Cubase Elements 9 is definitely a different DAW all together."
"I'm a long-time Cubase user and was interested to look at Elements to see if it's a worthy subset of the full-fledged Cubase, and it is. This is Cubase "light", so you can't expect to get all the bells and whistles as with the complete Cubase, but it's powerful enough to give you basic tracking and mix-down functions."
"It will almost download all the way and it will stop, giving you a damaged zip file. If you search this online you will see a lot of bad reviews because of this."
Best Music Notation
The Guitar Pro 6 Deluxe Soundbank Edition includes Guitar Pro 6.0 plus 6 realistic sound libraries featuring vintage electric guitar, modern electric guitar, acoustic/exotic guitars, basses, keyboards/synths, and drums sounds. The newest version, Guitar Pro 6.0, includes over 40 new features while improving on those that have made it the most popular guitar tablature editor available. The WAVE Export allows you to convert a Guitar Pro file into an audio file which is playable without Guitar Pro and can be burned onto an audio CD. Includes Guitar Pro 6.0 plus 6 realistic sound libraries featuring vintage electric guitar, modern electric guitar, acoustic/exotic guitars, basses, keyboards/synths, and drums sounds.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"1/1/2015 (12 hours later) Update: BE AWARE: after the THIRD update, my "Guitar Pro 6\Data\Soundbanks" folder decreased in size by about 500 MB's, down to 1.2 GB's, and I now notice an audible "click" when I start playing my score. Amazon, after Cyber Monday, gave me an excellent deal and I thank them for it. I have a Windows 7-64 system, Intel i7, SanDisk SSD, 16 GB RAM, and multi-monitors. I bought the Hotel California Full Score for a dollar. You must first create a mysongbook account, confirm it through your email, buy the score, start GP6, log on to your mysongbook account inside GP6, then you can open the score inside GP6. One thing I don't like about the mysongbook account is that you cannot actually save the purchased score on your local computer drive. I am currently running a THIRD update which involves improved Soundbanks, about 1 GB in downloads. Regarding using GP6 as a tool to learn how to play Hotel California, I will probably have to buy additional printed material."
"All in all if you're looking for tablature software this is a nice product."
"So if you are looking to learn a particular song, it is really easy to find the TAB, run it through GP 6, and start learning."
"With Mixcraft you can drag a WAV or MP3 file into a project and slow it down to 1/2 speed or any speed you want so you can figure out what the heck someone like Eric Johnson or Steve Morse is playing. Otherwise, it is almost impossible for the average learner to transcribe ridiculously fast solos."
"This software package pleasantly surprised me."
"This is the best....not only for learning tunes but for learning the theory behind the tune....but DEFINITELY get the enhanced instrument version.....or you'll basically be listening to bland click tracks....but, that said...it's only."
Best Instrument Instruction
FL Studio Signature Edition. Fully reworked scalable interface to fit any screen size or resolution Multi-touch capability extends to the Mixer New category Browser tabs and the ability to delete content on right-click Channel Options Menu has moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings have been integrated into the Plugin Pattern Menu moved from the Channel rack to the Toolbar Menu and Pattern Selector Piano roll Auto-zoom can now be deselected.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've been using FL Studio since it was Fruity Loops...Thanks Pirate Bay...but I decided to man up and purchase myself a legit copy so that my music making experience can be hassle free and legal."
"Great product."
"Great product."
"My boyfriend very like it."
"Super fast delivery with Prime!"
Best Recording Virtual Instruments Software
Maschine Mikro gives you the entire Maschine software environment, including ALL of the included content that comes with the full version of Maschine, plus a compact hardware controller that's perfect for smaller setups and on-the-go music creation. The software is downloaded and managed via Native Access, which also maintains all NI softwares and plugins with serial numbers in one location. An Internet connection and a graphics card which supports OpenGL 2.1 or higher are required to download and activate MASCHINE software.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Boyfriend bought this to make beats for personal music projects."
"my son luvs his pre birthday gift."
"Excellent buying experience, from beggining through end, brand new, latest model, and manufacturer direct access, with added bonus, 110% satisfied!!!"
"An incredible instrument that is as extremely deep or as shallow as you'd like to explore Very well made."
"Awesome tool, especially if making beats is more of a hobby for you."
"Perfect gift for my teenager son!!"
"Software supposed to be included but wasn’t."
Best Recording Production Stations Software
Powerful time-stretching, arranging and sequencing capabilities let you quickly create and capture musical ideas, turn them into finished productions, and take them to the stage. Powerful and creative MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is exactly what i expected it to be and the serial number works perfectly allowing you to download the 64-bit version from their website."
"It's an amazing program."
"use this for music backgrounds for animations."
"It was just as stated and works perfectly."
"I used to use adobe audition for mixing and propeller heads reason for music making, but this is an all in one software."
"I love it for music production."
"Its great for making dubstep and other types of EDM, and I thoroughly enjoy it."
Best Computer Recording Sampling Software
For version 5, Steinberg has added amazing new instruments, a new granular synth engine, stunning effects, a wicked slicing mode, and more. Wide range of high-end audio effects, including Reverence convolution reverb, VST Amp simulation and many more.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As far as programming new synth sounds, I'll leave that to all the techie synth sound programmers."
"However, they sound just like my Yamaha Motif XF(which are close, but not good enough). Sample slice options are easy to understand, as usual, with more editing tools. Halion 5 commands most of my projects at home, and I am getting ready to use it on stage using Cantabile."
"I have been using Steinberg products for a long time."
Best Recording Audio Plug-Ins Software
Run UAD Powered Plug-Ins via Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connection on new Macs, Dual Thunderbolt ports for convenient daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt peripherals.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My mixes have so much more flexibility now that I don't have to commit the plugins so early on in the process."
"Wish I knew it came with free UAD SSL and Neve plug-ins before I bought them the week before!!"
"Great quality product, nice durable build."
"The UAD emulations are far superior to Waves and require serious horsepower to function."
"Super performance from this unit."
"I can use tons of plugins without feeling troubled that I do not have enough DSP to spare."
"CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!!!"
Best Music Creation & Sequencing
Sony ACID Pro 7 software is a DAW (digital audio workstation) powerhouse that combines full multitrack recording and mixing, complete MIDI sequencing, and legendary loop manipulation for seamless music creation and post production. Other new features include a dedicated mixing console, MIDI track freeze, input busses, tempo curves, and enhanced format support. With its Transparent Technology design, ACID Pro 7 software removes typical barriers to the creative workflow so you can effortlessly transform ideas into real results. Professional multitrack recording For uncompromising 24-bit, 192 kHz sound quality production live or in the studio, ACID Pro 7 software has an expanded set of features for maximum audio performance. Version 7 retains all the classic ACID Pro features including real-time pitch/tempo transposition during playback and preview, unlimited tracks, and our signature pick/paint/play interface. Simultaneously record MIDI on multiple tracks, apply real time quantization, perform filtering and processing, create and edit drum patterns, and more. Professional workflow features Maximize efficiency with folder tracks and cluster editing to drag, pitch-shift, cut, copy, and paste whole sections of your arrangements. Requirements Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit SP2, Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit operating system 2 GHz processor (multicore or multiprocessor CPU recommended for HD or stereoscopic 3D) 500 MB hard-disk space for program installation 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended) IEEE-1394DV card (for DV capture and print-to-tape) USB 2.0 connection (for importing from AVCHD, XDCAM EX, NXCAM, or DVD camcorders) 512 MB GPU memory Windows-compatible sound card DVD-ROM drive (for installation from a DVD only) Supported CD-recordable drive (for CD burning only) Supported DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW (for DVD burning only) Supported BD-R/-RE drive (for Blu-ray Disc burning only) Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (included on application disc) Apple QuickTime 7.1.6 or later for reading and writing QuickTime files Internet Connection (for Gracenote MusicID Service). The new Audio and MIDI mixing console allow users to visually represent audio signals in a project and provides additional routing options, Allowing for a much more flexible and efficient in-studio recording environment.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Even at first I got no sound and started watching youtube videos and searching forums, nothing. I was frustrated and I turned off the MPKmini editor, hit the keys on the virtual keyboard (that pops up after you load the MPKmini into Acid 7 for Input and Output) and then hit the keys on the MPKmini and whalah, sound to my ears."
"I have always used Acid music studios to edit music."
"I had to get this because I couldn't get my ACID Pro 6 registered with Magix (very long story)!"
"This is the only software to consider in this price range (100-150$). If you are a musician looking to start formulating ideas, look no further."
"I love this software."
"I believe I need to uninstall the original but can't seem to find help from Amazon or Sony on how to do this."
"THIS PROGRAM DOESN"T WORK!!!"
Best Computer Recording Synthesizers Software
New Core library The massive new 7.4GB core library in Stylus RMX has thousands of cutting-edge grooves and sounds that were created by Spectrasonics' international sound design team, and produced by Eric Persing. Xpanders" libraries, Retro Funk (authentic vintage sound, feel, and classic grooves), BackBeat (live acoustic "straight-ahead" drum grooves), Metamorphosis (21st Century remix grooves), Burning Grooves (maximum impact, aggressive live drum grooves), and Liquid Grooves (unique acoustic drum. technology (Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine) Realtime auto-sync to the beat so grooves are always in time, even when performed live Groove Control is always active for optimum sound quality at virtually any tempo Massive, cutting-edge 7.4GB core library, with nearly triple the sounds of the original Stylus (the original Stylus core library also included) Includes "S.A.G.E.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you need an immense repository of great drum sounds and grooves, RMX is your ticket. The core library mainly focuses on electronic drums and percussive elements. Liquid Grooves gives you laid back drum and percussion sounds."
"Spectrasonics understands the needs of ambitious musicians and follows through in quality, inspiration and technical support."
"This product was such a big deal to me that when I moved from pro tools on imac with tiger to logic on macbookpro with snow leopard the first thing I installed was RMX and when upgrading support directed me to the proper place with no hassle and quickly allowing me to get rolling with my music right away."
"(one of the very few times that I've found it beneficial to me, the customer, to register a product, vs. simply providing the manufacturer with customer data) Spectrasonics customer service is terrific (and they were back then also, with general questions I had). However, it is neither of these extremes - it truly is a 'rhythm module', playable like an instrument."
"I'm not so good at writing reviews but I must say Stylus RMX is one top notch product! Even without using all the features I have done tracks used for library music used on tv and radio."
"But it's now 2015 and Stylus' grooves, sounds, and sonic quality are not top notch anymore."
Best Recording Looping & Remixing Software
Mixcraft Pro Studio 7 is a powerful music production and multi-track recording workstation with over 8900 music loops and dozens of audio effects and virtual instruments. Combining 250 MB of high quality Steinway Model D piano samples with advanced physical modeling, Pianissimo recreates the warmth, response, and playability of a real grand piano. Burn directly to an audio CD!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It has all the bells and whistles one would need to do professional work with; and right now it's on the brink of taking on the professional market. I come from Hollywood, and I have no problem using this in a professional setting."
"After using it for a week, I have to say that I am really impressed with this software."
"[UPDATE(1/23/17): Mixcraft Pro Studio 8 is now available with some great upgrades; this review applies pretty much equally to this new version.]. I am a professional music producer and Mixcraft Pro Studio 7 is my go-to DAW. In particular, there is only one feature not included which forces me to occasionally resort to Ableton: continuous transposition of audio files. They might be referring to the number of underlying synths that are used to create various virtual instruments, but there are many, many virtual instruments from kotos, dulcimers, Irish bagpipes, pianos, guitars, banjos, timpani, glockenspiels, glass harmonicas, accordions, bassoons, oboes, and pretty much everything else!"
"Comes with a lot extras including completed projects and thousands of loops and sound effects."
"I was a bit skeptical at first about purchasing Mixcraft Pro Studio 7, mainly because of the large price difference in comparison to high-end DAW's such as Pro Tools or Cubase."
"Excellent home studio software!"