no dsd

not looking for dsd at this point so ya know.....

I'm a die hard Sequoia user (and just for disclosure, I have an association with a turnkey developer here in LA). I'm one of the original users here- I got on board in the initial beta testing stages before it was released publically several years back...

I like it for a number of reasons- first being the sound and functionality. The editing model is awesome- based on the 4 point model and the "sonic-style" editor, but it has some notable differences with the traditional paradigm. I can do high track count projects as well as stereo mastering- all from the same program. I can edit/mix/master and then generate a DDPi file for replication- with CD Text, etc... and all the necessary Mastering functionality. I can also do surround from it as well- even with video overlay for post.

Add to it the "object-oriented" paradigm of working. I can basically insert any effect (DX/VST), pitch change, time stretch, etc... in real time non-destructively. When there are high-end tools like the Algorithmix Restoration suite, Linear Phase EQ and other similar tools available, anything becomes possible in the computer. Internally, all latencies are also compensated for so DSP cards like the UAD-1 can be used with zero effect noticed to the user...

--Ben

Although I don't use Sequoia, I do use its little brother - Samplitude - and I think I can vouch for Seq based on what I experience with Samp. It (Samp) is, by far, the best-sounding most professional audio app I have ever used. It is a deep program - similar in depth to PT - and yet it is easy enough to get up and running with no previous exposure to it in just a matter of days. After 1 yr. of use, I still find out more things I can do that I didn't know I could - things that I could only wish I could do in all the other apps I used before.

As Ben stated, the Object mode of operation is incredible. There isn't much you can't do with Samp or Seq. And, Seq - being the deeper of the two - is, I'm sure, even more incredible with its added feature set and 4-point editing.

My vote is for Seq...

Harnoisable wrote: Hey everyone,
Of these software/hardware solutions, I'd like to know what you use, and if you have time; why. I know all about the programs in terms of what the manufactures say are the benefits (Proprietary hardware, audio engine, ect) . But, I'd like to hear a "real world" reason why you chose what you chose.....

If you are asking for an all in one program for mastering and recording then I think the answers you are getting are good. If you want a really good mastering program SADiE is GREAT and so is Wavelab. I guess it depends on what you are doing with the software. I have friends that do mastering on Pro Tool and CuBase but I wouldn't. We have been using Wavelab since version 1.6 and like it a lot. I have also had a complete Sonic system in house which we sold off. Before I had Wavelab I used Sound Designer II for mastering because at the time it was the only thing available for the Mac that I could afford. I hope one day to have a complete SADiE system in house becasue I really like the way it works and the tech support is the best in the business (IMHO) Different strokes for different folks is what I have been taught.

Best of luck in your choice of a DAW.

Started on Sonic Classic, and worked on SonicHD for a while, now on Sadie for a little over a year. Sadie by far the more flexible and stable system, IMO.

I really loved the look, and editing feel of SonicHD, but it always seemed like there was an issue lurking around the corner. Buffer underrun, trashing prefs, and you always had to restart the entire computer when it locked. Sadie just keeps plugging along, and if it does crash, which it does occasionally (usually my fault for closing a project with the channels in record, weird bug) you just fire Sadie up again and all your work is there, saved.

Every time I need to declick though I miss Sonic and it's amazing waveform display. Sadie looks :? when you're trying to find small clicks.

We switched 5 systems over from Sonic to Sadie.