I'm currently using audacity but I don't really like the interface and it feels to limited to me so I'm looking to upgrade. This is mostly just to have something to record my ideas as I come up with them so I don't need anything really fancy. Back before my Mac broke I used Garage Band and loved working with that program so I'd like something somewhat similar to that. My budget is about $300-$400, any recommendations? Also I've been thinking about getting a drum machine so if anyone has recommendations for that that would be helpful as well.

Buy another Mac with garageband on it. If you like it, you like it.

Yeah, but I don't have that kind of scratch to just buy a new computer just for the free recording software

Actually thats a great idea, I could just get a old mac from when garage band first came out and just use it primarily for recording and storing music.

an actual drum machine or do you mean drum pads that control software?

Do you just want to lay down drum tracks or want the drums to play along with?

For software, lots of options- mixcraft, fl studio etc

Have you looked into Apple's Logic Pro?

The current version (9?) goes for around $500 but I think you can find one of the older versions (7 or 8) used for about $300.

Not sure about compatibility though.

He doesn't have a Mac though which is part of the problem...

Yeah, the used Mac was the avenue I was suggesting, Leon, considering your budget.

I mostly just want something to create backing tracks. For most of the stuff that I've done before I've just used different drum loops but I'm looking for something that gives me more control.

how much more control do you need than garageband gives you? You can sequence your own drum loops with the pencil tool.

Hence my question about compatibility. Wasn't sure if they made a version for a PC or not.

I think Pro Tools makes something similar and cheaper that is PC compatible.

Hmm, never tried that or if I did I forgot about it. It's been over a year since I've used garage band. When I was using it I didn't really take that much time to learn all of it's features, but if I get it again I definitely will.

You should step up and get Logic Pro/Mac.

We created these tunes in Logic...

http://soundcloud.com/morikami

sounds like any of the DAW programs would suffice..and be overkill- assuming your computer can handle doing audio processing.

Re:drums If you simply want to compose backing drums - I think the cheapest and most versatile solution is creating that through your DAW as well instead of a "drum machine".

Download something like FL Studio (which is pretty powerful and cheap compared to pro DAW software) or Mixcraft and see if it fits the bill. If you dont like inputting drums etc using keyboard.. consider a MIDI controller like the Akai's MPD26 (which I dig).

Hey man, thanks for the links. I guess it's time I update my profile though, I'm now in Asheville and have been for a couple of months ans been to lazy to change it from Charlotte. I'm calling a guy about his old G3 today which he's selling for $150, so I'll see how that goes.