The D.A.W.

The next thing you will need is a digital audio workstation, or D.A.W. This is your software recording studio, editor and mixer.

These are products such as Digidesigns Pro Tools, Sonar, Cubase, Samplitude, Ableton Live etc.

All of these usually come in two flavors. The pro version which includes all the bells and whistles, or a "lite"version, SE, etc. The difference between the two usually comes down to how many features you need, and the number of tracks. Most of the lighter versions only allow about 8 tracks, however there is usually a way to cheat to get more tracks. One feature i do think is important to most people is the ability to freeze tracks. Without this, you will get much less out of a memory lacking computer.

Other than those things, either addition will allow you to record in better than digital quality. 

A couple of these workstations, i feel are a bit different than the others. These being Fruityloops, and Ableton Live. These two are geared more to clip based music production. If you dont play a real instrument, these two might be your choice. If you do play an instrument, you might be better to look elsewhere. 

One product in the budget line stands out to me, and that is Samplitude Music Studio 14. It is a light version of Samplitude Pro which is a very expensive professional workstation. For a reasonable amount of money you get the same audio engine as the pro version. It is a great workstation for under $100.  Check the link on my page, www.hotconcept.net for a special offer.

So, like everything else, its a matter of how much you have to spend.Just remember a cheaper version does not mean cheaper results. If you have a question on picking a daw, leave a comment.

Next time a closer look at the D.A.W. workstation. 

If you have an interface, and a daw, you are ready to rock and roll, as they say.