In addition to ACIDized loops from Sony and Big Fish Audio, I also incorporated standard wav and mp3 files. These loaded as easily as ACIDized loops, though, as previously mentioned, I was only able to adjust tempo. Luckily, many of these loops include the song's key in the title, so if you wanted to use a specific musical loop (beats aren't really a factor), you could just set your session up in the correct key and build from there.
Placing all of your sound, sample and loop libraries in one convenient location makes finding that perfect groove simple.
Value
At $399.95, ACID Pro 6 is not real cheap, but it is fair for what is offered. When you consider the fact that it is actually a full digital audio workstation, with all the bells and whistles, it is a downright steal. The sound libraries range in price from approximately $30 up to $100, with creation packs (sets of multiple titles) fetching close to $200. Sony produces a comprehensive DVD tutorial in their Seminar Series that will get you through every aspect of ACID Pro 6 and it is well worth the purchase.
Final Comments
I can't say enough about how much I love using Sony ACID Pro 6. It has made music production fun, easy and extremely addictive. I use other software, from complete DAWs to stand-alone virtual instruments. While I am sure I will still turn to these other tools from time to time, I can honestly say that from now on, all of my projects will start with ACID Pro 6 and more and more will finish there as well. The creativity afforded by using ACIDized loops is unsurpassed. Whether you are a musical prodigy, like Prince, or you just know what sounds good, but you couldn't play an instrument if your life depended on it, like yours truly, I can't recommend ACID Pro 6 strongly enough. You can download a trial, but have your credit card ready, because you will want to buy it once you've tried it. It's a keeper.
Ease
of Use
10.0
Depth
of Options
10.0
Performance
10.0
Value
9.5
Overall
Score
9.9
Chris White owns SIX 2-0 Studios, a Pro Tools based studio in Pensacola, specializing in music production for film, recording, editing and video post-production. He is actively involved with an orphanage in Neuvo Laredo, Mexico and has recently produced a documentary about Casa Hogar Elim and its founder. He is also composing the film's score.
