Subject:SFXP, vs. SF 5.0?

Posted by: DoctorLes

Date:3/4/2001 12:06:07 AM

Greetings,

I have an offer from SF to upgrade from SF XP to regular SF
5.0, downloadable version, for $100. I'm wondering if it's
worth it.
I use SFXP 4.0, and find it very useful, but wonder if I
really need the full features of SF 5.0.
I have ACID Music, 2.0, and, of course, it's a great
program. I also have Cakewalk Express, and Cakewalk Pro,
v. 7.0. I use the programs to help my wife combine and mix
tracks of her vocal work and pre-recorded
instrumental/accompaniment tracks. She posts on MP3.com.

I want to be able to play the accompaniment track while
simultaneously recording her singing, on a separate track;
then probably add some other instruments, or midi, then mix
the whole thing after tweaking with it a bit. I've done a
fair job of this using ACID Music, but it's a bit
cumbersome to get all the levels right, and such (the
vocal/mike track seems loud in the headphones but soft in
the record/playback). I want something that will handle
all these functions together. SFXP doesn't seem to allow
simultaneous playback of one track while recording another;
I assume SF 5.0 does, but I can't tell for sure by just
reading the specs.
Incidentally, I have Win 98SE, 256Megs ram and a PIII at
533MHZ, with a SB Platinum, full edition card.

Thanks for reading all this.

Les Garwood

Subject:RE: SFXP, vs. SF 5.0?

Reply by: garrigus

Date:3/4/2001 7:57:14 AM

Hi Les,

SF5 definitely provides more features in terms of editing,
processing and effects, but like SFXP, it will only let you
edit stereo audio files. It is not a multitrack digital
audio sequencing application. So it doesn't provide
multitrack recording like ACID and Cakewalk Pro.

Best,
Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - Author of the Cakewalk Power! and Sound
Forge Power! books, and Publisher of the DigiFreq music
technology newsletter. Learn about cool tips and techniques
for your music software by getting a FREE subscription to
DigiFreq... surf to:
http://www.garrigus.com/

Subject:RE: SFXP, vs. SF 5.0?

Reply by: DoctorLes

Date:3/4/2001 11:30:03 AM

Hi,

I just wanted to thank you for your kind, quick and very
helpful reply. I'll look for your book, and visit your
website too.

I guess I'll try downloading the demo of SF 5.0 and see if
I really need it. Hopefully, I can still beat the deadline
on the special offer, if I decide to get it. I don't know
how many bells and whistles I really need; mostly I want to
be able to do the "basics" with ease and speed. But I do
want the finished product to turn out right; so I may need
some extra functions.

Thanks Again!

Les Garwood

Subject:RE: SFXP, vs. SF 5.0?

Reply by: garrigus

Date:3/6/2001 7:15:23 AM

Hi Les,

I'm glad I could help!

Best,
Scott

Subject:RE: SFXP, vs. SF 5.0?

Reply by: SonyEPM

Date:3/6/2001 9:23:04 AM

And don't forget Sonic Foundry Vegas- you get a very robust
Vegas Audio LE for free if you purchase Sound Forge 5...