InfinitoarMy story is a “bit” dramatic so have a box of tissues ready.[And some popcorn and maybe a drink..=P ]
When I first started out in music I used Audacity. Of course I didn’t know a lot about music and I used only the samples that were given in folders to “mix with”.[I’m a registered remix artist at fixtremix.com] After my 1st attempt to remix a track in Audacity, some told me I should acquire a “DAW”, which at the time I didn’t even know what that meant but within the comment they clarified what it meant.
After that I was directed to “purchase” Magix Musicmaker 16. I downloaded the premium version, messed around in it and then made a couple of demo mixes in it. After a while I spent $59.99 on the “download version” not knowing that the premium version[$99.99] enabled the use of VST Effects. Now mind you I seriously think someone could sue Magix because NOT ANYWHERE on the ENTIRE SITE does it tell you that the 99 dollar version enables the use of VSTe’s and the 59 dollar one “prohibits” you from using VSTe’s. Now how I finally found out that I couldn’t use VSTe’s in Magix is when a good man from Russia[why do people “NOT” in the U.S. are so much more friendly than the people who LIVE in the U.S.? Or is it just me?]was teaching me how to make a good guitar sound and teaching me how to create better music and sounds. Because of Magix and their scamming asses, my hopes of EVER even being a “small time” mixer and composer of music was crushed. I regret ever buying Magix and still do. So this good man[from Russia hehe =P ]literally stopped the lesson and we started looking up “freeware DAW’s” of course we started with Google, and LMMS came up[Linux Multimedia Studio] so I downloaded it and played around with it. This good man that was helping me sadly had to go but he told me he would keep searching. So I played around with LMMS only to find out that, that program crashes like NO TOMORROW. And I hate that so much.
So I told him about it. And he searched, and searched, then he remembered this one forum he went on and told me to try “PODIUM”.[That’s how he put it. lol] Skeptical that Podium would be different from the rest of the crappy other DAW’s, I googled “PODIUM DAW” and of course http://www.zynewave.com showed up. He told me to download the free version because there was one available and I did. I didn’t know how to work it at first, and YouTube “Zynewave Podium Tutorials”. Of course awesome guy “LiquidProject” came up and I sat there and looked at ALL the vids.
The only trouble I’ve ever had with Podium was of course it sucking up my old ass CPU[1.8Ghz AMD single core]process but after I played around with the ASIO driver utility and rendered each track…the highest I’ve seen Podium use was 15[%] of my CPU. 😀
After I looked at all the vids and here I am now with a LOT more knowledge in music I can proudly say without Zynewave[Fritz, Frits, as people have called him ❓ 😉 ]I probably wouldn’t have made it very far in becoming a “ok” remixer/composer that I am now. I’d probably would have quit and gave up on it all.[And I’m still learning from the Russian guy. One day at a time….or whenever he has time to teach me, thank goodness for “Skype” hehe]
Now I’ve tried many DAW’s. Darkwave Studio, LMMS, Magix, Ableton Live, FL Studio, and many more even hidden ones that support have stopped for but by far TO ME Podium is the BEST freeware DAW of all time. The BEST. Small little crashes here and there[which I did mention in a certain post]but nothing you can’t work around. There are some updates people have requested and that I agree that need to be implemented but I can be patient for them.[Including my own little ideas for Podium I thought were cool]
But all in all, I discovered Podium on the “brink” on my own musical extinction. All thanks to one man, Zynewave and this amazing community helping me.[And Liquid. Thanks for the YouTube vids they do help.]
THIS IS MY DAW. And I don’t think I’ll have any others for a loooooong time.
P.S. I didn’t write this to win, I wrote this because I thought it would be also inspirational too. Plus I think also it’s a little different from how others discovered it.
InfinitoarAt what ninjawarrior said:…..I have no reply.
I’ll just say this and Zynewave, Fritz, whatever you wish to be addressed to, please don’t take this the wrong way and I hope it inspires you.
As I told you before I’ve been through all sorts of DAW’s. I’ve been through FL Studio, LMMS, DarkWave Studio, Magix, Ableton Live, Digital Musician DAW, A “BROWSER based” DAW[lol], and many more, even hidden ones that no one barely knows that people have stopped updates and support for, and all I can say is this:
Podium is what is keeping me interested in creating music. Not any other of those DAW’s are, YOURS is. “I WANT” to be the guy to tell everyone with a proud smile: “Hey try Podium it’s awesome and I love it”, and much more. I use the freeware version of the program and by far to me it’s the best one. As I said I know I’m new here so I kind of feel like I may not know exactly what is going on, but I can tell you how “I feel”. And I must say thanks to you[and many other reasons in my life] when I thought I would never create music because I cannot afford the “good stuff” your program is what kept me going.
Now yes on certain points there are things that may concern people. Like the usage of CPU Podium uses. Or the weird crashes here and there. But I know you are just one guy you don’t have a FULL STAFF working around the clock figuring out what to do with Podium to make it better. I know you may think of the users here as somewhat as your “staff” by giving you comments on what happened, why it happened, and suggestions to fix it. Now if I’m wrong about the “FULL STAFF” then I stand corrected. But IF in fact you are truly ONE MAN without a FULL STAFF and/or Development Team then I can understand what you may feel as a priority update. I will say that I do agree that maybe you need to “consider” the much needed “requested”[not demanded] updates. But I am not going to go bat shit crazy about you sitting at your PC making updates left and right while not getting rest. Things take time and no one was born walking.[if you get what I mean]
If someone is offended by this post then sorry, but I believe he is doing the best he can. Unless you are coding and making updates for Podium yourself trying to tell a “one man tech team” to hurry up doesn’t help at all nor does it make you look like you care either. Do what he does and see how you would feel getting the feedback he gets.[Good or Bad]
Zynewave, I respect you and I don’t want Podium going down in history as a potentially good freeware AND paidware DAW that was shut down and will not be further updated due to overdemand of people who want want want, but can’t give give give.
And as I stated, do what HE does before you go criticizing him for what he “doesn’t do”.
InfinitoarAlthough I am not a veteran of this site I can honestly say this:
I love Podium for what it is and what Zynewave continues to do with it. He’s only one man people. Try to think in his shoes for a second and then see what you would do. He doesn’t have a dev team working on Podium, HE IS the dev team.
One man cannot do it all.
And out of all the DAW’s I’ve used by far Podium to me is a VERY excellent DAW. I mean I’ve used nearly all of them and don’t like them.[freeware that is] LMMS just released[Linux MultiMedia Studio]a patch that did “nothing”. I asked myself: “Ok they have a dev TEAM working on LMMS, WHY can’t they release more updates to stabilize this DAW and make it more promising to use, instead of CRASH CRASH CRASH? I rarely have any problems with Podium[except for some crashing problems which I will state]and I think it is a very stable program. Also Zynewave if you are reading this this may be somewhat of an important patch for you to look into-
-When I save my project sometimes if I try to open another project Podium crashes.
-When and after I’ve saved my project when I just hit the “X” to close Podium, and of course Podium asks me to save the bounce files, sometimes it finishes all the bounces files THEN crashes again. 🙁 [and I don’t know whether or not it truly saved the bounced files or not…]
Just something I thought you would like to know. = )
Have patience people I’m sure Fritz[Zynewave] is trying to come up with much needed updates that we are demanding, but we have to remember he is one man and he does try. = )
Infinitoar@Zynewave wrote:
Make sure you haven’t enabled the “Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth” in the MIDI output list.
**bows to the almighty Zyneweave** You sir…are the God of freeware and paidware “DAW’s”….
I know it’s not on subject but, I couldn’t resist. The man is epic. lol 😀 🙂 😮
Infinitoar@ronin wrote:
Sorry Infinitoear, there is no option to edit the tempo of a single track. If you refer to audio-timestretching I think this is already planned but no there yet. You can stretch MIDI-parts in the current “pro” version but I’m not sure if it is already in podium free.
Thanks Ronin. 😉
Infinitoar@Lion wrote:
Just want to say. I know of no music program in the world that has different tempos for each track.
Plus, why would you need different tempos anyway? out of curiosity.
Could you imagine hearing the metronome, that would be crazy confusing. 😆
There is many programs that do that. Linux Multimedia Studio does, and so does Magix Musicmaker 16. I also believe Audacity[even though it is not a “DAW”]can do it also. And I was wanting to speed up the tempo because the idea I have for a remix the vocals have to be sped up a bit otherwise the remix would sound “slow as dirt, yet fast like a Lambo”. lol But I suppose I will try to make something out of the slow tempo of the song’s original tempo. [which is 94BPM]
And the song is Martin Harp’s “I’ve Wasted” track. I love his material and he released some stems recently for those who wish to remix the track.
InfinitoarWindows XP Pro 32 bit for me. I plan on upgrading to Windows Vista Ultimate once my new PC gets here
Can’t wait either to see how Podium runs in it.
InfinitoarIt’s too quiet because one day it’s going to be a huge tsunami wave of mixers coming to Podium because it’s so damn epic. I’ve recently joined and I promote Podium to anyone interested in making music.
Podium=Epicness on a whole other level.
>= )
InfinitoarPodium to me is easy to use offline and online. The online connect feature is a big and USEFUL step Zynewave, and I have used it to help on some problems I have had and of course fixed.
SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Podium=epicness
>= )
InfinitoarPLEASE STAY WINDOWS ONLY!!!! Let those Mac users have fun with Logic and Ardour.
Yesssssss. Forget MAC because they have “Ardour” and they already announced that Ardour isn’t coming to Windows because MAC bought them or something along those lines, so Windows won’t have Logic or Ardour. Stay WINDOWS! >= ) [besides Ardour looks hard to use anyway….>_>]
InfinitoarI have tried everything. And thanks for responding! I know your busy and you don’t have time to magically make all these updates people ask for “on the fly”, and also you have to see which ones are a “main priority” and not those that you can implement in future “small updates”.
Trust me everyone, when I say I’ve tried everything, I’ve tried everything. Even sacrificing a cheeseburger to the Grease God. Ok…..maybe not that but I’ve tried everything I “could”. lol. I have a good musician friend who helped me also with Podium[he was the one who found it for me and I couldn’t be more grateful to him]and we already tried the ASIO drivers.[and yes I downloaded the latest one and installed it also] But still the popping sound “exists”. As I said and this may be the “final test” to see if it’s whether my PC or Podium.[which I strongly believe it is my crappy CPU and sound card, and IF it is, then I think there should be somewhat of a warning under the minimum system requirements for the Podium program. Just in case someone literally flips out and goes postal…lol] I have already ordered the new CPU and soundcard. So after I get the new things and install them, I will determine whether it was Podium or my PC’s lack of being somewhat “epic” in processing. [lol] But all in all I think it’s my CPU and soundcard. But we will see. = )
Thanks again Zynewave and thanks to the musician friend who discovered this awesome program for me.
InfinitoarAbout the images: I couldn’t agree with you more with using different pics being in different projects. I think that is what makes Podium even MORE EPIC and unique is the fact that it uses those images and they frankly look BEAUTIFUL and inspire me even more when I use them.[To me personally]
About paying Zynewave for the MP3 option: I think he should get some sort of payment back for his hard work. I could have just listed all of those updates for him to make it for the freeware version but what would HE get out of it? Yes, a “pat on the back” is fine and dandy, but sometimes giving back to the person who put their hard work into it shows more appreciation, than “gimme gimme gimme all for free”. Just saying.
As for the other things you asked: I am using a standard MME Windows Audio Drivers and have already previously stated that I have friends who are really good at PC knowledge who told me what the cause could most likely be and narrowed it down to my CPU or my audio card.[or both] Now I have ordered a 2.3Ghz AMD Dual Core CPU and a good audio card. If the audio STILL POPS after I have exported the project into a .wav file[because I am using the freeware version and .wav is what I always export my material into, I know a lot of PC’s too just not “everything”.]then it is “Podium” not my PC. [ALSO NOT SAYING Podium is a BAD PROGRAM FOR THAT ISSUE “IF IT IS A ISSUE” AFTER UPGRADING THE HARDWARE. And if it IS Podium, then all I ask IF Zynewave “wishes to” is to somehow make or invent a way to export without somehow including the popping sound. I mean Magix can do it, I am sure Zynewave can figure out a way. Also someone told me Podium uses “realtime” rendering so that could be the cause too, which I do not know how to “shut off” but it would be a good addition or option also as an update]
–moving on—lol =P
I think having a option[whether to turn it on or not]for using your keyboard “as a MIDI Keyboard” would be equal. So for those who don’t want to use it, don’t check the box, if they DO[like me hehe]then of course I would check the box.
Popping Audio: I still don’t see how MAGIX does it but when I create something or use too many VST’s of course the audio will pop here and there. When I turn it into a MP3, there is no popping sound present at ALL, and I am most happy about it. I hope Zynewave can event such a system within Podium because I’m sure it would make me want to buy the full program even MORE. I mean, when I export to a .wav file, then it renders then it turns it into a .wav file, I play it in iTunes[just to test]…then I hear the dreaded popping sound. Even if I sync the .wav to my iPod the popping sound can be heard ON the iPod![kind of shocked me] I just really hope…..REALLY hope, that Zynewave can implement some update or invent such a system within Podium to render this problem “useless”. That would make me the happiest composer in the world. And just to say: I want to make a remix from this program and someone absolutely love the remix[that’s what I’ve been doing this whole time], it has no popping sounds, and they ask the one question I would HAPPILY answer: “Hey Infinitoar, this remix is AWESOME! What program did you use to create this mix?” Of course I would proudly answer: “Zynewave’s Podium. The most Epic program ever. Get it. You will become addicted to it just as I have.” lol
MP3 for the paid version: I’m glad you like the idea. I mean you have to give “something” back to Zynewave eh? Everything can’t be free. It’s enough he’s shelling out updates to suit our needs so adding features to the paid version would in turn make people buy the paid version and of course he would feel more appreciated.
Built in timed “auto backup”: I’m glad you agreed with that also. I mean I used LMMS…….and…..good God man. That program crashes like a little kid repeatedly smashing his/her toys together and of course it’s driving you NUTS. LMMS needs some serious updates. But Podium in total that have EVER CRASHED is…..5. lol. 5 times it has crashed on me and the funny thing is it crashed when all I wanted to do is either close the program or load a new project. BUT still I think the auto backup save is most needed.[because I would soooooo select “every 1 minute” JUST to be safe. =P ]
And giving up on music: Pffft. Hellllllll NO. Ever since I found Podium music has been a BLAST TO MAKE. I love this program and I think it’s one of the best one’s out there. Yes it has some minor things that needs to be done but overall if I had to give this program a “rating” it would be 4.5 out of 5. -.5 for the small little updates hehe =P ]THis program is near perfection and Zynewave and the community is only making this thing MORE better. And the HELL with Magix. I hate that program and I wish I could get my money back, I really do. What a waste of $60 USD. I could have saved 10$ and spent 50$ on Podium. But I still will in the near future because this program KICKS ASS!
@MelodyMan
As stated above I already ordered a Dual Core CPU and a better sound card[for my current budget. tigerdirect.com is a awesome place]
Further stuff[lol]: I know allllll about KVRAudio.com I have it bookmarked in my Google Chrome. My fav synth is dblue Glitch and Rez and Grizzly. Those are good synths. I look daily for more synths and VST’s I can manage and create epic tunes within Podium with. [recently I discovered Tatafull4.035 drum sampler synth. Reminds me of “Robota” from MAGIX]Now from what my order says everything I ordered should be here by Friday[from this post]. I will update this post saying when I have everything and maybe even post a YouTube vid for you all to laugh and giggle at while I upgrade my PC and retry Podium with it. = )
And to Zynewave.
I. love. this. program. Plain and simple. I hate to say it[and I may get “hate posts”]but I rank this program above MAGIX, Pro Logic, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and more. Because ONE: It has a unlimited freeware version, that STILL gets updates from you. TWO: It’s just that badass. lol
I hope to see my ideas implemented hopefully within the program. And IF I am wrong about the popping sounds I will admit it and stand corrected. I just hope this new sound card and CPU nullifies the popping. *crosses fingers*
Thanks everyone for replying and telling me what you thought of my ideas![without trolling me =P ]