favorite virtual studio software? Options

Hi there
This is my first post to this list. You all seem like nice folks. Looking forward to speaking with you.

I'm wondering what people's feelings are on their favorite digital studio/sequencer software to use.

I need something very simple and easy to use that lets me use DSP plugins.

I love reason, but I need to be able to use DSP plugins, record audio, sequence midi, etc.

Cubase seems pretty good to me, and it's the software I'm most familiar with. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.

Logic has been recommended by loads of people, but it seems too complicated to me.

Is there another one of these programs that just really simple and easy to use to bring together the other software (plugins, reason, soft synths) that I've gotten used to using? Will I be missing something by just going with what I'm familiar with and sticking with Cubase?

[geedoubleyou]

If you know Cubase stick with it, it's worth the VSTinstrumens integration.

You have a wider choice of compatible hardware, free plugs.(never seen any FREE Pro Tools plugs).

If you need to interface with a large Pro Tools studio, the new version will add OMF export/import.

More tracks, I've tested to 50+ tracks on my lowly G4/400.

Then you are not tied to PT hardware to use the software.

I'm also running DeckII and DP3 on the same machine. With Pluggo and VST wrapper you can run VST efx, and instruments in DP3.

It also depends on what type of musician you are.

Pro Tools is more of a recording and engineering tool, the midi features are sparse to say the least. It does have good tools for audio editing. Pro Tools did add a list editor, but lacks a notation editor.

DP3, Logic, and Cubase are compsition tools, with a full set of audio features.
You can use DP3, Logic, and Cubase without any extra hardware if you don't have one of the newer Macs.

G-Dub