Windows version or equivalent of GarageBand?

August 9, 2004 10:58 AM

What is the best alternative to GarageBand for the Windows side of the universe?

I want to interface with the software using my MIDI controller, and be able to do similar functions to GarageBand.

posted by benjh to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

Have you looked at fruityloops?
posted by crumbly at 11:15 AM on August 9, 2004

I haven't used Garageband, but I love Fruityloops. Especially if you have a seperate prgram (for example Sound Forge) to record and edit sound samples with.
posted by drezdn at 11:31 AM on August 9, 2004

I love Fruityloops (now FL Studio) too, but ACID might be a closer parallel to GarageBand.
posted by mmoncur at 11:47 AM on August 9, 2004

I've never tried GB, but my understanding is that it's quite similar to Ableton Live and Acid
posted by soplerfo at 12:24 PM on August 9, 2004

Ableton Live 4 is amazing. It just came out.
It does just about everything.
Even loads up VSTi's now, and has midi/piano roll functionality.

You won't be dissapointed in Ableton Live.

There are demos for all this software.
Download some and see what you like.
People differ in what type of environment they like to make music in, virtually.

Reason is another consideration.
posted by Espoo2 at 2:43 PM on August 9, 2004

The guitar action in GarageBand seems pretty unique. No, am I wrong? I mean the vintage amp simulation.
posted by inksyndicate at 3:24 PM on August 9, 2004

ProTools' AmpFarm and Line 6's GuitarPort provide (Windows-based) vintage amp-modelling.
posted by Smart Dalek at 3:43 PM on August 9, 2004

Oh, cool.
posted by inksyndicate at 6:09 PM on August 9, 2004