Best Program to create a mix-tape mix-file

I'm sure this has been asked several times but I don't know if the question has been asked for what I'm looking to do.

Anyways, I want to record a mix and I don't want to use Traktor pro 2. One I don't want to record it as a live performance. Two the recording audio quality is limited.

My production needs are basic considering I'm not creating music I just want to beat match it and use some effects and also use loops like the tracks on Traktors remix decks.

There are a lot of options Audacity, Sony Acid Pro, The Reason, Fruity Loops, Abelton, Mixxx, Mix meister although it's not supported anymore.

What is the best software to use either my S4 or Audio 8 DJ card to record high quality 24 bit mixes. I want to record my announcements too.

The sets typically would be an hour long. I want more effects than just flanger and reverb, & I would prefer if it's fairly user friendly.

So with that said what would you recommend?

You said that you want to beatmatch. Isn't that performing live? Anyways, I'd recommend Ableton. You can put in loops like remix decks, record in high quality, use a huge range of effects, and it's easily mappable to your S4. The only problem is you can't "beatmatch" live. Ableton does it for you.

Abelton or Maschine? Can I ask why?

Ableton Live. Hands down.

/thread.

Ok, thank you!

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Originally Posted by stuie66

Two the recording audio quality is limited.

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Exactly how have you determined that the audio quality is limited?

Are you referring to the "built in" recording in Traktor? It will record to "wav" files (16 bit).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stuie66

My production needs are basic considering I'm not creating music I just want to beat match it and use some effects and also use loops like the tracks on Traktors remix decks.

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Traktor has an "internal" recording feature that will not depend on any external sound card limitations.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stuie66

What is the best software to use either my S4 or Audio 8 DJ card to record high quality 24 bit mixes. I want to record my announcements too.

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Once you have an analog sound interface output...you have thrown away any "24 bit" advantage. The sound will be going though a D/A converter to be output from the sound card, and another A/D converter to get back to digital. The specs for the Audio 8 show the bit resolution as "16, 24"...so it is unclear if there is any advantage to recording once the signal passes through the sound interface.

Just out of curiosity, where did you get the original 24bit source material? CDs are only 16bit. Most commercial sources for songs also offer 16bit at best.

hands and ears

Yes I was referring to the 16 bit wav option. I've read that the recordings are not loud and to it doesn't sound as good as most DAW programs. I really don't know myself if that's true or not?

I should have tried it out for myself first.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stuie66

Yes I was referring to the 16 bit wav option. I've read that the recordings are not loud and to it doesn't sound as good as most DAW programs. I really don't know myself if that's true or not?

I should have tried it out for myself first.

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The level of the signal can be adjusted. And for the record, louder is not better, louder is louder.

It is possible to maintain 24bit in a DAW all the way to the recording. But that begs the question, where are you getting 24bit source material? Unless you are recording your own samples and starting with 24bit...you are worrying about details that do not matter.

It is VERY unlikely that anything you are doing is "worth" investing in a 24bit capable signal chain. No offense...but most "first albums" are made with "crude tools" (by comparison to second albums). I PROMISE that moving from 24bit to 16bit is NOT the thing that is keeping the sound in your head from getting out.

What you have is more than enough to get started. Start. Produce. Make something. Stop worrying about the tech, and worry about the piece of art you are trying to produce.

ableton is probably your best bet in this case, i use audition to put my ambient sets together, but beat matching is not an issue there.