Ask HN: Setup for home recording and DAW on windows
Hey
Wondering what free DAW you’re using on windows for kids to mess around with, including what microphone?
Think tweens, low budget, easy to setup and use.. or just get a USB mic and use an iPad?
Wondering what free DAW you’re using on windows for kids to mess around with, including what microphone?
Think tweens, low budget, easy to setup and use.. or just get a USB mic and use an iPad?
A DAW might be overkill, not just in terms of complexity, but in terms of actually killing their interest...DAWless is a thing because using a DAW means sitting at a screen.
If your child has an iDevice, Garage Band is a free download from the AppStore and there's already a microphone at hand. Garage band is about as easy to use as a DAW gets. And as easy and portable.
There isn't really anything comparable on Windows. I mean Garage Band is a reasonable rational for Apple hardware...not that there aren't good DAW's that run on Windows and almost any MIDI controller [1] will ship with one. Ableton Live Lite, for example. But it's idioms are biased toward the sophistication of a professional environment.
In terms of microphones, people seem pretty happy with the price performance ration of the Maranz MPM-1000...But it has analog XLR output and will therefore require an external audio interface with a computer, which is another piece of gear in the setup. [2]
Circling back, audio is a giant rabbit hole, so go down it with your child as far as they want you to go. But let them lead the way and learn together.
The tweens are an exciting time to parent. Children are getting their own independent interests and there's the possibility they find their life's passion.
Also a good time to develop your own new passions...to model lifelong learning.
Good luck.