I usually use MICXRAFT pro 8 DAW for recording songs, backing tracks etc,
http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/mixcraft-pro-studio.html

and there are so many other great DAW programs out there like....
Propellerhead Software Reason. ...
Cakewalk Sonar. ...
Cockos Reaper. ...
PreSonus Studio One. ...
Apple Logic Pro. ...
Steinberg Cubase Pro. ...
Ableton Live. ...
Most times I will use my arranger KB to record into the DAW different tracks using styles, or separate mutltitrack sequences, etc, for music and then do my vocal tracks on top of that. I recently to make the workflow easier as i thought purchased for only $99.00 a small Controller KB and AKAI MPK Mini mkII just to keep on my desk to to record into the DAW easier, as an alternative to using the much larger S970,... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQHayN69T24
I guess I'm just old school as it was a bit confusing at first to set up the controller to do what I wanted and then after a few hours said to my self,.. "why did I buy this?" "do I really need it?" it's not that its a bad product, on the contrary, it's an amazing small piece of gear used by hundreds of musicians around the world. But personally for me I can do it all with my arranger KB just the same although my laziness kicked in and made me think something smaller would make it easier, NOT!!...but in reality it didn't, so I returned it and called it a day. I should of listened to Fran's advice) The whole controller process is a bit daunting to setup but with patience (of which I don't have much) it certainly can be done if you know how. For me working with a DAW like Mixcraft 8 Pro & all of its VST effects programs like Izotope Ozone 5 Advanced is amazingly powerful and have no trouble when I work with an arranger KB and my own vocal tracks to create music as it's basically an "All IN ONE" for my needs, editing is a breeze and very powerful to master the mix and get exactly the sound that I want for the end result. Doing it all & recording in the arranger keyboard never gets me the desired result I need, So with that said I wanted to ask you people here on SZ are you using your arranger or controller to record or edit your music,.....If so what feels more comfortable for you and why?...as for me I chalk it off as another lesson learned in my musical journey....
and if there's no replies I understand

..Carry On

I have done the same . My results were actually better with the arranger and any multi track recording system. Seems to go quicker. It's great for getting those song idea ,projects down quickly while the creative juices are flowing. Then maybe use the computer daw system to tweak , enhance, my work but I hardly ever use it. I just record, store my song in a folder on my laptop,desktop, or MP3 player for use on stage . Pretty simple process that works for me.

I am using te Kronos for this..

I have made a combi on the Kronos for recording..
I have 8 programmable knobs and 9 sliders and 16 programmable buttons
They can be easilly asigned to DAW functions trough the midi learn function.
Also using the kronos as USB audio interface.

So why use a DAW next to the Kronos?
Kronos has no piano roll for easy midi edditing
Also its easier to record automasations.
And offcourse for VST's and a straight forward arpeggiator.

Recording itself works just as well on the kronos.
Next to 16 midi channels there are 16 audio channels(mono) in the sequencer/recorder.

The Kronos is definately an all in one workstation..
To bad all these companies fail to see that an arranger would als be a great tool in such a workstation.

All good points Wrinkles,......although I like my S970 to a point.... I really miss & loved loved my old Pa4x it really had so many pro editing features that were needed for my style of creating music in may ways....at this time in my life maybe I should buy another Pa4x and sell or trade in my MINT Yamaha S970,.......
thanx for the reply hope to hear more..

I quit using the Yamaha and mainly use the micro arranger because it sounds more like a live band on stage. I had this issue before and I know it has been discussed here and it's a matter of personal taste. I might move into a pa 600 later. But for now the micro is all I really need. It's a fun little machine. I've arranged my performances around a MP3 player or laptop playing my backing tracks along with my micro arranger and this setup works great for me.

Wrinkles I agree I also enjoyed using the micro.....and yes korg does sound more live.

I use Yamaha arrangers to play live; however, when it comes to recording, I’ve never recorded one thing on the arranger itself. Too cumbersome and complicated. I use PreSonus Studio One, Windows version. Works like a charm for detailed editing, adding vocals, overdubs, pitch correction, making wav files, mp3s, burning CDs, and all the rest. I play everything live from the arranger and guitar. Never used midi, controllers, or anything like that. Guess it’s an old school approach, but it’s comfortable to me. I started out years ago with reel to reel multitracks. Wonderful tools, now.

I should have mentioned, using Logic X on the macbook..

It is the most adanced user friendly. DAW available at only €200
It fully competes with Cubase, protools and ableton, at only a margin of their price.
It has an incredible userfriendly workflow..

Logic and mainstage are a very viable reason to still choose Mac..

Altough this is a 2011 macbook, still working perfectly, once bought for €1500
And uograded with more money and an SSD a few years back
Current macbook prices of near to €3000 are really to high.
So if i ever need a new macbook, i will probably go for a refurbrished one..

A DAW is like a Workstation in that you build up what you want from scratch, (Whatever you want you can do, it’s only limited by your imagination)
An Arranger is press a button and play, as everything is done for you so is dead easy to make music.
Now while some will say you can do on an arranger what you can do on a Workstation, (And vice versa) it’s actually a load of cobblers, as while there are similarities, they are completely different instruments designed for different jobs.
Another error arranger players make when they go for a DAW, is that they go for one of the top versions thinking it will do everything they want, (Which it will if you know how to do it and have the time) however, most arranger players will probably never use 909% of what’s available, so they would be better off buying the entry level versions (All allow an easy upgrade path) as it will do everything they need without confusing them.
Regarding Midi Controllers, then unless it is a cheapo special, you will find templates available (Most DAWs have them built in) that you can use to automatically set it up for whichever DAW you use, (Which if you are not technical is ideal) so you don’t have to worry about it.
A style (Arranger) engine that could be added to a Workstation as an option would be ideal; unfortunately, they are 2 different departments which never meet, so I wouldn’t hold your breath.
As to a recommendation, then just like there is no one size to fit all Arranger or Workstation, the same applies to DAWs, so it’s a matter of downloading the trial versions to see which suits you best and going on from there.
As to arrangers, then if you want easy but with limited control, then Yamaha is the way to go, however if you want to get more down and dirty, then Korg is the way to go, (To be honest the Korg PA4x is probably everything an arranger player will ever need to get down and dirty, particularly as it has both an Easy and Pro mode) with the rest being in the middle.
In the final analysis though, no matter what you buy, if you haven’t got the talent then you’re never going to move outside the box. (No matter what magic features you keyboard and/or DAW has)
Hopefully the above has given you something to ponder over, before you jump.

Happy pondering

Bill

We are all wired differently. Some loved to get deep into – some hate the thought of another learning curve.

For me, I am into loving and playing music. There were times when I was spending more time learning and programming than playing. N. G. 4 me.

I am spending time learning and programming mu Pa4x – and I am done now and ready to enjoy.

John C.