Best freeware tool for the creation of digital music

[torstum]

I've been using Anvil Studio for creating some good midi sounds, but I feel a little bit constrained by a few factors. Firstly, only a few of the midi instruments really sound good (mainly the FX ones: goblins, etc...). Secondly, whenever I try some real-time playing/recording, the PC keyboard seems to lag behind the intended rhythm, and the song dies out because of it.

So, is there an alternative? Should I try some other kinds of software like trackers and stuff? But then I would also have to find good instrument banks, right?

Or should I buy a Midi keyboard, and then there would be no lag, and I would be able to play like a real electric piano? My soundboard is an AC97 onboard one, so does that have an irreversible effect on the music-making potential of my computer?

[yetifoot]

If you want to go the tracker route, i would recommend OpenMPT (Open ModPlug Tracker), it's quite nice.

Normally though i use Reason, but that is quite expensive really.

[NecrosIhsan]

Yeah, I'd also strongly recommend modplug. Having an onboard AC97 isn't an issue...it's what I've used for the past year, no problems.

[torstum]

Thanks. ModPlug Tracker seems to be a powerful tool.

[Josiah Tobin]

I use modplug as well. (psst. and so should you. @_@; )

[DrV]

MilkyTracker owns you all.