Cubase/Logic/ProTools Killer?

So, the other day I was talking to Andrew and he showed me a new beta software called "Reaper". It's a new digital audio workstation, intended to compete in the already saturated market. (Cubase, Logic, ProTools")
I took a look at some of the features of this thing and it blew my mind fairly quickly. I couldn't' figure out how a piece of shareware could be created in so little time with so many features.

Here is the story: The guy who created winamp is a musician/genius coder. Age 28. He just sold winamp and shoutcast for 100 million dollars to AOL. He was looking for something fun to do. So he scouted jaded employees of a big audio companies and started a new project. He started creating a sequencer/audio program that has all the features he always wanted to see in once place. So, here we are. "Reaper" 45$ cdn or wait for 6 seconds each time you start.
Cubase was a sequencer that had an audio engine build onto it. ProTools is a recording program that had sequencing functions added as an after thought. "Reaper" is a ground up program that combines both of these features in new and interesting ways. (How is this possible in 2.2 megs? OMFG! It can load of a usb key!)
I've seen these "killer apps" before, and they usually turn out to be POS toys that can't handle the real demands of production. So far Reaper very impressive. It may even surpass cubase. This is interesting considering they're only getting started. I'll put this program though its paces and see if it's all it's cracked up to be. I always said, if something better came along I'd switch. It just has to be worth my time. I have zero software loyalty.

Just a few interesting features:

1. Takes advantage of multi core processors with AI processor distribution.
2. 64 bit math, right off the hop.
3. Real routing possibilities.
4. No tool sound editing.
5. VST compatible.
6. Super efficient design and architecture.
7. Mac Version in Q4 07.
8. Hardware support.

The list goes on.
We'll see.

Bedroom DJ:

I already have one turn table and a great mixer. I need another turn table! If anybody knows someone who is looking to sell a tech 12, let me know. Those things are monsters.

Making Good Time

I've got some interesting projects looming. I'm working on ideas for a Musical, my thesis, a new CD with Chris, a video art project with James... There seems to be no shortage of cool things to work on. However, after watching DJ Champion and Mike Realm I have a different sort of cloud floating above my head. A few years ago, Kevin told me something that bothered me a lot. "Eliot, you'd better release a CD soon... Because you'll be to old to be a young and cool electronic producer". I keep collaborating with people and producing stand alone tracks... And after many years of producing, no album. (other than the 2 TenTooMany albums, but those aren’t fully mine)

I've always managed to hide behind my academic work as a reason not to commit myself to a CD. I also hide behind the fact that despite my technical skills, I'm not sure what direction I'd go for my own Project. I don't like doing things half assed, but I also don't like stalling. I've seen people so critical of themselves that they criticize themselves into artistic oblivion. Thats not me.

I've collected many pieces to the production/performance puzzle. I've got a few more left and I'll be ready. When I look at guys the same age as me playing cool electronica shows, I have to keep reminding myself that although I'm not there yet, I'm taking a longer road less traveled that leaves more options open. However, sometimes I wonder if I’ll end up so far in the outback that I’ll break my ankle and starve to death.

Then I check myself and remember that I'm making good time, even if it IS a long road.

Here is a glimpse of the immediate future.

Artist Website
Electronica Website
Thesis Proejct with the McGill DCS and CME.
GroundsWell Projects
Album with Chris

0 to iJerk in no time

I got a Mac... A fancy silver one. I never thought I'd see the day.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/03/03