There are so many options and many are ao expensive that not having a DAW at all is the primary reason I haven't been composing or arranging anything for several years. So I'm really hoping that I can get some recommendations com people I know are at least waist deep in audio production.
I tried FL Studio a while ago and the loop-based structure didn't make any sense to me. Also I'm on a Mac so it won't work for me in that regard either.
I have some proficincy with Pro Tools but for how dope wove it is it would ha to be totally perfect do me, which it is not. The effects systems are too needlessly overcomplicated, the piano roll editor is imprecise and inefficient compared to the other interface I'm used to, and I'd expect a better assortment of patches for the money.
The other interface I'm used to was Magix MIDI Studio 5, which is rather old. It was also rather limited.
What I want is excellent MIDI capabilities with an efficient piano roll interface. An additional tracker interface would be nice too. MIDI file import and export is a must, as is a decent collection of patches for non-MIDI export. It would also be nice if there were an additional note-based export format which could retain more detail than .mid files and be played back in a game engine.
I have found the following tools. Could anybody reading his please describe whether any of these met my needs and which you personally prefer, and why?
Cubase
Digital Performer
Ableton Live
Logic Pro
Pro Tools
REAPER
Reason
Magix Samplitude (or others? Not sure what the differences are in their product line)
I'm also biased towards programs with free trials so I can figure out if I actually do like it first.