What is the Windows XP version of Garageband?

February 20, 2010 9:13 AM

What Windows XP-compatible software is closest in feel and functionality to Garageband? Apple's music making package is one of the things I miss about my old Mac, but for now I am stuck with working on two PCs. The last AskMeFi question on this was five years ago; I've tried Acid and Audacity and hate them both. Help me get my groove back!
posted by skylar to Technology (4 answers total)

What do you hate about them? What do you mean by "groove?" Because...they're the closest. Other Windows-based audio software in this vein include Cakewalk Sonar and Adobe Audition (fml CoolEdit Pro).
posted by rhizome at 9:20 AM on February 20, 2010

What about Songsmith? It's close to Garage Band.

Here's an intro video.
posted by KokuRyu at 9:41 AM on February 20, 2010

What kind of music do you make?
posted by mendel at 10:03 AM on February 20, 2010

Songsmith is nothing like Garageband.

I think Steinberg Sequel is the closest thing to Garageband on the PC. Similar to how Garageband is a cut-down, user friendly version of Logic, Sequel is a cut-down, user-friendly version of Cubase, a similarly venerable DAW.

I would also recommend Reaper and Tracktion as alternative recording and music production environments.
posted by Magnakai at 10:10 AM on February 20, 2010 [1 favorite]