I've been out of the home recording loop for a few years (children, etc.), and am finally looking to start back with a simple setup. I'm Mac proficient and used to be proficient with Vision and Galaxy, but haven't touched any of it for years.

My goal is to do some songwriting and create simple demos.
I don't mind purchasing some additional software/hardware within reason (under $400?), but of course would prefer to use what I have, if even possible.

My main concern is I remember spending more time trying to get things to work together than actually creating, and don't want a steep learning curve. MIDI sequencing is probably fine for me and I'm comfortable with the process, unless digital audio is easier than I think. I do enjoy the process of MIDI sequence editing and massaging tracks into what I call art.

My tools?
PowerMac 7200/90 running OS 9.1(I prefer using this machine as it's not used for anything else and could be dedicated to the music setup)
iMac 800 Flatpanel running OSX 10.1.4
Roland SoundCanvas SC-880
Roland U-20 keyboard
Yamaha MD8 Multitrack MD recorder
Vision 3.01 (don't even know if it works with either OS)
Opcode Studio plus Two MIDI box (2 in, 6 out)
various outboard compressor/limiter, reverb, etc.

Where should I start?
Is there something new that I should be looking at that will make this easier for me?
Again, simplicity is the key, as I want to just sit down, hit record and play.
Thank you for any help or advice you can offer.

Hello there.

The short answer is: "have a read of previous posts in this forum". Lots of people ask roughly the same question, so there's a lot of info already in here. Start rooting for truffles.

Don't think I'm being unfriendly It's just probably easier - and highly educational - for you to reap the reward of other people's past questions.

Quickly, though, programs like Propellorhead's Reason, Ableton's Live, Arturia's Storm, Emagic's Logic range, Steinberg's Cubase range and Digidesign's Pro Tools series are popular choices, with a recent rush of interest in Metro 6. Lots of people also waiting for Mark Of The Unicorn to get it together with Digital Performer for OS X.

Hardware-wise, there are dozens of options, particularly at the beginner/semi-pro end of the market. Again, check out the relevant forum here.

You'll need your most powerful Mac to work with audio, of course. BTW, Live makes editing audio as easy and flexible as Midi, so the new version 2 might be worth a look for you.

Enjoy - and come back with more questions as you narrow your choice!