Can someone point me in the right direction?

[BroughtToTheirKnees]

I've been to this forum a few times now, mostly reading from google results, but I just now signed up.

Here's the thing. I've done some home recording, but now I'm on a new computer and I need to re-download some software. But before I go doing things the way I used to do them, utilizing about 3 programs that I'm sure I could have used one for, I thought maybe I'd ask for a little assistance.

Again, I'm new here, so if this is the wrong thread I apologize, but just point me in the right direction if thats the case

I'm looking to...

- Track guitar, bass, and vocal tracks
- Direct line my head and use impulses so VST plugins are a must
- Click-and-point program Addictive Drums to custom arrangements, without having to bounce down tracks from one software to the next.
- Have mixing and compression options all within the same program.

I used to do all of these things separate and bounce all the tracks into a final program to mix in (which I was never really great at).

What would you guys recommend?

Also, I'm totally lost on mixing. Personally I think I have a decent ear for it, and could be good at it, but thats if I knew what I was doing. Only problem is I don't really know where to start.

I would reeaaallllyyyy appreciate all the help i can get.

Thanks.

 

[oroinvictus]

The thread for your first question is located here: http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/equipment-414/, but I will give you one of many answers: www.reaper.fm
As for your second question, the first place I usually start when it comes to mixing is volume, panning and EQing.

 

[BroughtToTheirKnees]

I'm looking into Reaper now. thanks.