Samplitude Pro
because
Object Editing
FANTASTIC native effects
sound quality
reliable
$30/month rental fee.

Also, Adobe Audition
second-to-none WAVE editing
Good restoration tools
Excellent native effects

I started with a home built machine and Cool Edit 96, in 1996. I graduated to Sound Forge's 4.0 but still kept on going back to Cool Edit 96 although it was hard to beat the first release of CD architect. It was very difficult trying to do live contiguous sound files without 2 seconds of silence between tracks, with the crappy "sl EZ CD Creator". But I was able to do it. It just wasn't fun.

I found Vegas 3.0 rather interesting for a first multitrack software. Although I was very impressed by its operation. I liked it much better starting with version 4.0 and have upgraded to version 7.0. I guess I'll see the new version at the AES? I gave up CD architect before Vegas, because Sonic Foundry discontinued the product and would no longer support CD architect?!?! Idiots! Since then and starting with my purchase of Vegas 4.0, all of my CD mastering is done in Vegas. It's also pretty cool to be able to accomplish multitrack production and video editing within the same program. Although I'm still a diehard Cool Edit Adobe Audition user. I actually prefer version 1.5 over my upgrade to version 2.0. I don't like version 2.0 as much but it's ASIO capabilities make it a no-brainer, for use with my Digidesign M-Box2, since I can both record and playback. I can only playback with version 1.5 of audition in the M-Box2, since version 1.5 does not have ASIO capabilities and the wave drivers are a joke.

OK, so I started screwing around with ProToolsLE. I don't find it anywhere near as intuitive as the Sony or Adobe products. It's pretty funny because I'm trying to teach it to a music teacher friend. It's the blind leading the blind. LOL But then I really haven't put much time into it. I think some of their processes and operational functions are bizarre?

I played with Wave Lab a few years ago and although I find it interesting and powerful, I don't find it to be comfortable for me to use, so I don't own it. I've also and never quite gotten a handle on Nuendo nor Cubase. Lots of my friends use those programs and I know they're wonderful but what can I say? They don't speak to me.

I actually love most of the included DSP processing and restoration capabilities of Audition and version 1.5 in particular. It's actually the program I use most of the time. I only purchased the 2.0 version to be able to use with my new M-Box2. Especially since I'm not really up to speed with ProTools yet.

I'm enlightened. By about 50 pounds.
Ms. Remy Ann David

I am currently using Cubase 5.1 and sometimes wonder why I am still using it.... I also have acid pro and SX3 which actually might be better programs. While using this DAW, I have encountered some errors (no its a legit version) and what not. However, all programs are prone to this behavior.
The reason I continue using 5.1 is that I find it to be comfortable for my recording needs. As time goes by I discover ways to limit errors and attempt to figure out why problems occur. I know how to fix many errors and keep lots of backup song files. The next project I record will be in SX3, but right now I am doing a project in 5.1.
What always baffles me is that a programming interface changes drastically between versions of software. That seems a little counter intuitive. Would'nt it be nice to have the old version the way it was but w/ more features. But what sells in the real world is a new look.

I use Cubase SX2 and am very, very happy with it. I started off with a version of CoolEdit that I got with my old Lexicon soundcard. While I was able to work with the CoolEdit somewhat I was entranced with all the talk I heard from others using Cubase. So, I purchased the Cubase Producer Pak with version 3.7 and Wavelab 2.0. The more I used it, the more confortable I became with the program. I upgraded to Cubase 5.1 which was fairly painless and eventually made the jump to SX2. There was a short learning curve but I now find SX's setup more logical for my tastes. I'm sure that other programs are just as good as the Steinberg ones, but I find the Cubase works for me.

I use Cubase SX2 and am very, very happy with it. I started off with a version of CoolEdit that I got with my old Lexicon soundcard. While I was able to work with the CoolEdit somewhat I was entranced with all the talk I heard from others using Cubase. So, I purchased the Cubase Producer Pak with version 3.7 and Wavelab 2.0. The more I used it, the more confortable I became with the program. I upgraded to Cubase 5.1 which was fairly painless and eventually made the jump to SX2. There was a short learning curve but I now find SX's setup more logical for my tastes. I'm sure that other programs are just as good as the Steinberg ones, but I find the Cubase works for me.