There is no likelihood of my expecting to master Reaper in a week or two. Its been longer than that and I"m on "day 6" of the beginner's book.  So I will take it slow, as you advise.  In my case, I have no choice.

And I think your other advice is good as well.  Learn the basics, and then leave the more advanced stuff till I actually need it.  Makes sense to me.

Both suggestions say to me: don't get overwhelmed.  Learn at your own pace, take what you need, when you need it.

Thanks.

Mike

There's no need, anyways! For example, I've been using it for about 3 years... I know all the basics, but every so often I'll be working on something that needs a new detail, and that'll be when I learn about how to use that detail ... I imagine that's how most people progress.

While most, or at least a lot, of what you and the several other outstanding participant here discuss is beyond my ken, I am delighted with your willingness to take the time and to share your knoweldge.

That goes for the particpants as well as the "employees" who respond here.

Thank you all.

Mike

Audacity is the simplest there is. Reaper shoots for the big league DAW players. I feel more comfortable and flexible in Reaper.

I am on "day 7" of the beginner book.  Nothing ever seems to work as anticipated the first time.  But eventually either I find my errors or I get some help from other good folks.  Its just very slow.

Are there benefits to using Pianoteq within Reaper that are not available in its stand alone version  -  assuming that Audacity as an alternative can record and edit both midi and audio? I know it won't host a VSTi.

Thanks again for your support.

Mike

I do not presently own either one, but I plan to purchase Pianoteq in the next few months.  I have never used a DAW before, but in looking around I thought that Reaper seemed to have a good approach and excellent documentation and web help.

But, before I try to climb this steep hill (for me) to learn how to use a DAW I would like some assurance that the view will be wonderful when I get there, i.e. that Reaper will play nicely with Pianoteq.

Stand alone is another option.  But I do want to be able to record, and edit, using both audio and midi.  If stand alone and something like Audacity, which I have and have used a bit, would do what I want then that might save me a lot of grief, er. . . I meant, a wonderful experience in self improvement and expanded knowledge base.

Any advice is appreciated.

Mike