Cakewalk?...or should I get something else..?

Well i know audition and those other expensive programs are just...well too expensive for me to even think about buying =w= (And I don't really know how to rip it OTL)

I was thinking of buying the cakewalk program (I was stupid when I bought my microphone...There were bundles that included my current mic + the cakewalk , and the mic stand but NO my dad was being cheap about it and got me the package with ONLY the microphone and I had to buy the stand seperately...) but I never heard of anyone using it before so I don't really know if thats the best idea xD I would really appreciate it if someone could explain to me if the programs good for mixing and if its not so hard to use =w=" Im currently using audacity and I am kinda getting irritated by the lack of effects. (I did install an autotune plug-in but it only lasted 10 days and expired T^T)
Also, if cakewalk isnt the best choice, could you guys suggest me some other programs that are affordable...and a program that actually has decent effects compared to audacity?? (within 50$ or less if possible)
Thanks!!! ><

Garageband is great for mixing! If you have a newer Mac it's free, otherwise it's 49.99 US.

The PC counter version would be Mixcraft by Soundcraft(?) i think it's priced at 79.99 US for the bundle.

There are also other software bundles you can get such as protools LE or steinburg cubase if you buy the supporting audio equipment. Otherwise you would have to pay well over $200 US for those as standalone.

There are a lot of factors to visit when deciding to use a computer operated digital audio workstation such as computer spec, how much external audio gear you require, who you will be recording, etc.

Good luck on your search! This decision is probably one of the most important decisions you make towards making your music!

--

Tempo

I use Cakewalk and like it! ^w^
It makes mixing very easy when you have several tracks! You can apply effects to only small parts of the track or the entire track without any hassle~
Recording is also very good on it. ^^
I don't think it's very complicated unless, of course, you want to go into complicated things. Otherwise, it's pretty simple once you learn your way around. ^o^

Cakewalk Sonar is a pretty good program and a lot of people have said that they liked using it, but then again it is always up to one's preference. Based on my trial of Sonar 8, I didn't like the user interface because I generally thought it was difficult to find the stuff I wanted to use and it took me some time to figure it out. owo

Most of us here in YTC probably use cracked versions... 8D;;
So we don't spend money on those software. *runs and hides*
Adobe Audition crack is pretty easy to find online and I recommend it as a starting point right after using Audacity. Adobe Audition is like a learning ground to make your way up to more complicated software and is good enough if you're doing simple mixing and mastering. I moved from Audacity to Sony ACID Pro and then to Adobe Audition. I still use it for mixing choruses now.

But if you don't want to follow in the path of the dark side of using cracks, you may want to try out Reaper, which is considerally better than Audacity and has a 30-day trial. After that, if you like it, you can purchase a US$40 discounted license (for individuals who aren't using it to make a profit) to keep using the software. owo
http://www.reaper.fm/index.php

You can also consider Sony ACID Pro. Originally about US$70 but is currently going for $48.93 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Acid-Music-Studio-8-0/dp/B003L51CSA/ref=pd_cp_sw_3

I hope this helps! ( o3o)/~