Hey Fats - Might as well get this ball at least rolling, if not bouncing :=)

I've been using Samplitude for about 5-6 years now, synced to Cakewalk for MIDI. Samp doesn't do MIDI except for being able to sync to it, until the last version or two, and even those versions aren't powerful enough in MIDI to be taken seriously. Maybe version 7... (due out right about now)

For digital audio, I've yet to find anything that can even stay in the same room with Samp without hanging its head in shame - tried a demo of cubase about a year ago, what a POS. Unfriendly as hell, can't do half the stuff even WITH the manual in front of you - gave up and wiped it. Tried Minnetonka, liked the "build yer own mixer " idea, but saw nothing to cause me to jump ship. Cake up to V9 still hadn't found out how to do audio (too klunky, can't tell what you're doing, record levels kinda hit or miss) Sound Forge (I have 4.5) is great, but not multitrack and no MIDI. They make you pay extra for NR, which works pretty good.

Samp has had a super sounding summing algorithm since I've been using it - even with 20 bit hardware, it just sounds like what went in, even with 20 stereo tracks. I've always used 32 float/44.1 - Samp has had that for several years, even saves projects to disk that way, and the only time you deviate is when you burn a CD or monitor. Then, hardware limitations kick in.

Samp is pretty intuitive, I've RARELY had to hit the help files in order to figure out how to do something. Usually, you just click on a menu item and follow the dialog boxes. Lotsa quick 1-key macros standard, and you can make your own for oft-used operations. One of the standard macro's is M (brings up the virtual mixer - pretty hard to remember, huh? Another is O - brings up the Open Project dialog - duh... R for Record, space bar toggles play, etc -

Also, a lot of what the other guys make you pay for, is included in Samp, like noise reduction, multi-band compression, FFT analysis, etc.

I might have tried ProTools had I been born rich, but since I don't work for Geffen or Skywalker, I found I couldn't justify the cost for what you got. Turns out I may have been lucky in a way, heard a lotta crap about Alsihad that I've NEVER felt about Samplitude. In all fairness, I've not actually HEARD Alsihad except in final products...

Samp responds to as many as 16 different MIDI controllers PER TRACK, and has a "LEARN" mode, so works pretty well with just about any control surface. So far, it's a little light on MMC, as are most proggies to date.

One thing I really like is the project notes file that can be set to pop up every time you open a project - Basically just a word processor that you can blab as much info into as you like. Great for all the notes you thought you knew where the file folder was...

Probably missed a ton of other reasons, just woke up after 6 12-hour graveyard shifts so probably won't be even semi-cognizant til tomorrow.

Soooo, Samplitude's my drug of choice, you won't be able to pry it from my cold, dead fingers; you'll hafta bring a bone saw... Steve

I use Digital Performer. I chose it because (a) i didn't want ProTools because they don't allow third-party interfaces and I have a problem with that, especially since the reviews of their hardware are mixed and (b) because it seeme to be the cheapest full-service program available and (c) MOTU seemed to be a good company and (d) DP got good reviews from otehr users of the interface I'd decided on, the Metric Halo 2882.

So far I'm pleased with it. I really have no arguments with it whatsoever, besides wanting betterplug-ins (So far I'm only using the ones that were included with purchase.) I find the program very easy to learn and use.

As far as summing quality goes, I wouldn't really know what I was talking about so I won't start... But I will say that I'm still learning to mix. Before DP, my mixes were 4-track only, and it's much easier to mix 4 tracks than 16 or whatnot. Automation helps a lot.

Thanks for the questions. Fats, do you use a DAW?

What: I use Digital Performer.

Why: I used to work for MOTU so I got the software for free. I know it well and I can't afford to switch to another package right now.

Do I like it: For the most part, yes. I've used it in many different capacities and it's done quite well: from simple stereo editing to SFX and music for animation. I wish they would tone down on the GUI. It would speed things up a bit. Of course I haven't tried 3.0 yet...

Nuendo is looking mighty fine to me. I love the fact that you can customize just about everything. Plus you've got readily availableplug-insand System link. Team that up with a MOTU interface and you're smokin'.

jajjguy,
Yes I am using a DAW... I'm running Cubase VST 5.1 at 24 bits, 18 ins and 18 outs simultaneously.... real cheap and it sounds pretty good. The eq and compressors are all right and the wunderverb sounds reasonable. The program was easy to learn and very Windows like, that is if you know Windows reasonably well you won't have a problem poking and hoping your way around. The only problem I have with Cubase is how the documentation is spread between an owners manual and a PDF. If I try to run the PDF and Cubase at the same time the computer crashes. Opus says I need to remove acrobat to stop the crashes but then how do I read the PDF? But that is the only complaint I have. ........ Fats

I'll second the vote for Samplitude!
I have Samplitude Pro ver 6.04 and have really enjoyed it. I mainly record audio only mixes and had been using Cakewalk from version 6 through Sonar and was tired of the hangs and file corrupts . Samplitude is set up where you can record, edit and create a Red Book CD all from the same program (and same project for that matter) so you don't have to learn the ins and outs of many different applications.
Samplitude runs so incredibly well on my modest 700 p3 i can get 30+ tracks with several instances of autotune and compressors and a reverb or two.
I must be honest and say I did find it difficult at first to make the mental switch to the mind set behind how things work and terminologies, but now that I've mixed a few albums and radio spots on it since February this year I'll not change back to anything else. It seems like I'm constantly finding new things the program does,and does well.
The native reverb stinks. The native dehiss / denoise is fantastic.

:w:

I use Cubase SX (or used to use Cubase SX until I updated over a week ago...). I love the program for the most part, although I really hate the Steinberg support (or lack thereof). The good news there is that there are lots of people using Steinberg products, so it is easy to find support on forums such as this. The program has really been rock solid up to version 1.05, which I upgraded to over a week ago, and just can't get it to run on my system.

The included plugs are great, although I have a ton of 3rd party plugs to go with them (UAD-1, Waves, etc.). One other thing I really like about having a Steinberg product like this is that they set the standard for VST and VSTi instruments. You know that you are going to have a huge list of compatible plugs and instruments for a long time to come. Logic (Emagic/Apple) is now turning their back on VST, and this is *after* turning their back on PCs...

The SX interface is sleek, easy to understand (much easier than 5.1 Fats ol' boy), and sounds just incredible! They have completely redone the automation capabilities (it used to be one of my biggest gripes with Cubase) so that it is now as good or better than anything else I have seen...

I sure am tired however of hearing good things about Samplitude! ;) They now have version 7 on its way from what I hear, and it sounds pretty good on paper...I might need to swing by their web site and take a peek...

Hey DH!,
I'm considering the step up to SX from VST. Steinberg offers the upgrade for a reasonable cost but I am waiting to hear how your problems are resolved. So far, so good, huh? I am very happy with the performance of VST and I am of the mindset "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Re; your situation, I have heard Opus mention that Windows 2000 is problematic... perhaps an upgrade to XP Pro would solve your problems? ........ Fats

Alo amigos and amigas.

I use Cubase 5.1 and instead of upgrading to SX I would rather go to NUENDO...I do record almost everything at home but I mix ,master and track voices at somebody`s else ProTools studio(I do not have those 5.000 bucks pre-amps and mics,nor yet the skill...).
I control Cubase(Mac) with Tascam`s US-428,I love this machine,I dont care about Logic(see what they did to the PC users...),Cakewalk or Digital Performer,they are all at Cubase`s level anyway...once you get used to the sequencer...Cubase`s Midi rocks and Halion is GREEEEEAT!!!!
I`d love to switch to Mac OS X but I am not in a hurry,all I need for now is to buy a couple of decent near field monitors...
Greetings from Lisbon.

Baiano.

Alo Baiano,
Are you transfering your files to and from Cubase and Pro Tools? The ability to do this is one of the reasons I decided on using Cubase VST 5.1. .......... Fats

Yes. I just did it.

I record all midi parts at home,Halion,Guitars,vocal track guide etc...or sometimes the ProTools based studios also have Cubase is a spare computer than I`d bring a Song(if they have Cubase Mac,I would not mess with ProTool`s midi though)and a Midi arrangement (if they use Logic,DP,etc...) and record the sounds from my keyboard in the Studio,they usually have better A/D converters...(but I am not crazy about their converters,sometimes I record my bass (through my Fender 300 bass amp)and guitar at home and if they sound good enough ,and specially if they are in the correct "mood" for the song I just keep them...)
At home I record using fictional Cubase`s "32 bit",then using "solo" I do a "32 bit float point " mixdown of each edited track,so they all start and end at the same point (THAT`S VERY IMPORTANT),it`s also a good time to see if they sound good without any distortion,,leaving home I burn my 24 bits aif. files + midi files in a CD or two.

Last time I did it the engineer had a G4 running ProTools LE and a Power Book running Cubase in sync.It works it rocks...
If I had to transfer my stuff to a PC studio all I had to to is to save files in midi and wav. format I guess...
So for me it depends on how you save your stuff.

Lisbon is cold but sunny now.
Baiano.

Yes Cubase`s/Nuendo Forums Rocks!!!!
Also Tascam`s US 428 Forums are great.

Motu,DP,Emagic Forums sucks...

Even Digidesign`s Forums sucks...

You learn/share a lot in the Forums it`s the best thing you can do after reading the ******** manual...
Nowdays, I care about those Forums before buying any new software/gear.
Baiano.

I've spent considerable time on every package and platform other than Digital Performer, and I'm using Cubase ever since I got 'booted' from Logic by Apple. In a way, it was a fortunate event - since I made the switch, I found it to have, by far and away, the most sensibly set up UI of _any_ DAW software I've used.

HOWEVER, it is a crashy, buggy P.O.S - more than Logic or Cakewalk. Almost as bad as Protools for windows (I won't start complaining about Doobiedesign here, or I'll never stop).

So, now I have a license and dongle for Sonar, Logic and Cubase, and I'm pretty much sticking with Cubase, despite the bugs. The better UI more than makes up for the problems, as large as the are. It get's my vote for 'universal' program.

YMMV

bIz

I like Sonar on the PC. I use a PC for song creation, writing... and Sonar has the MIDI sequencer, multitrack recording, and loop programs all built in that I need all the time. Comparitively, I get very good sound with it, also. Packed together with the Waves bundle, there's not alot I can't get done on my PC. It seems to be effecient compared with other programs I have used also, as I can get 32 tracks easily on my lowly P3 733.

H2H

I'm also a Sampletude head!!! I've been using it for about 3-4 years now and am afraid to venture off on a blind journey throught the forest with any other DAW mainly because when i started i was an absolute dope-head and samplitude was so easy for me at that time. As time went along my partner and i noticed how our mixes on samplitude sounded at times much better then someone who mixed on other systems like pro tools, cubase, nuendo, and digital performer. We attribute this to the amount of time we spent perfecting every niche of samplitude from the effect to understanding it's midi. It was really laid out so we could understand it. I'm wondering though how come i don't hear so much about samplitude in other forums and in industry magazines. Why does everybody always focus on the pro tools, sonar, cubase, logic audio, digital performer? What's the difference between these and samplitude that i am unaware of? I'm curious, but until someone steps forward and sits me down and explain the differences i'm stuck with Samplitude. Our mixes have come out well. I appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks

Joe, I think the main reason you don't hear more about Samplitude is that its developers are more interested in perfection than commercial endeavors. Samp started out as a college project in Dresden, Germany - my German is about as fluent as my Klingon, but SEK'D is a German acronym for Society(?) for Klangerbangen (?) (means sound in German I think) Dresden.

OK, maybe my Klingon is a LITTLE better...

Anyway, Volker and crew, when it became obvious that the Emagic/Apple core had MANY worms in it, simply excercised the option they so wisely kept open, and told the worm-meisters to take a flying **** - Samplitude is now being distributed in the US by X-Vision audio, who are also the rep for RME among others - I'm hoping this is a marriage made in heaven, since both products are German origin there should be one less translation problem. RME stuff has always worked well with PC's and Samp, from what I read.

In my case, I've used a 20 bit Layla and a 20 bit Yamaha DSP Factory with Samp, and in both cases there doesn't seem to be anything there but what went in. Hard to complain about that.

A few years ago I called tech support to find out how to move a track down to a different location, since I couldn't find a menu item for that function. Felt really embarrassed when I was told "just drag it where you want it" - Sometimes Samp is almost TOO simple to use - yet, when you want the depth you just dig in.

V7.0, due in days now, reportedly will be a MAJOR upgrade, to the point of nearly being a different program. There are rumors of full MMC support both ways, I'm hoping they're true. I bought a Tascam DM-24 last year, mostly for the control surface and a place to plug in MIDI modules ($2300 as opposed to $8500 for a Mix24) and I'm hoping to get full control of Samp including track arming, record, play, rewind, etc - Guess I'll have to wait and see for a few more days...

Even if MIDI is still weak on V7.0, I'll be fine since I intend to build TWO new 'puters, one for Samp and one just for Sonar/soft synths - probably wait til Serial ATA is a little more real with more MOBO choices, but hopefully in the next 6 months.

One thing about DAW's, generally upgrades aren't as expensive as all new hardware - even with the eventual coming of age of DSD, it shouldn't be more than a few thou to move up.

Sorry about the ramble, happens when you're in love :=) Steve

Knightfly said

One thing about DAW's, generally upgrades aren't as expensive as all new hardware - even with the eventual coming of age of DSD, it shouldn't be more than a few thou to move up.

You are correct Sir! Dedicated hardware is history except in studios where they have to upgrade every 12 or 16 months for tax reasons... Speaking for myself, I didn't consider Sampletude initially because of the name. It made me think it was primarily a sampling and looping program. (BARF) Something I defiantly didn't want...nope, not gonna go there...But the way that you keep slugging away at this (Knightfly) has peaked my interest. I choose Cubase because of its compatibility with other DAW studios ( a large amount of them use it) VST effects and it's ability to xfer files to and from Pro Tools. The ability for all our machines to speak to each other is something that needs to be addressed IMO. Perhaps Sampletude isn't as popular as others because they don't offer a free limited version for hardware mfrs to bundle with their products like Cool Edit Pro does....It has to be shown to me however that there is any real difference in sound quality from one software to the other, except for PT's 24 bit vs. others 32 floating point, most of it seems to be pretty much the same. It's all in what the operator does with it. I do take issue with this statement;....

In my case, I've used a 20 bit Layla and a 20 bit Yamaha DSP Factory with Samp, and in both cases there doesn't seem to be anything there but what went in. Hard to complain about that.

You must have never had the chance to actually do an A/B comparison of this...even with a 96 kHz conversion there is a definite loss of stereo image and depth and a perceivable loss of highs converting to digital. If your statement held true, no one would be striving to perfect digital any further. ................ Fats

Logic Platinum with 2 MOTU 896's into MAC G$. Can't beat it in my opinion.

-Marty

Hi.

Today I was talking to a friend about how great is Halion and that I`d like to get my hands and learn a bit about Reason too (I saw somebody using Reason+ Cubase Vst and was also thinking of Reason as one alternative to Halion in Loop-sequencing...).My friend who owns a Digi001 said he had Reason before but now he cannot use it with ProTools LE...Digi hardware would not accept it...Is that completelly true???
I am Mac-oriented and I kind of like ProTools `cause I got used to take my Cubase+Nuendo files to LE and TDM studios,since they almost always have a Mac there...I kinda fell at home...I love ProToolsplug-ins..But I think a hardware based application can be a bad thing if you end up with fewer choices when all you want is to do your job...ProTools migrating for Mac OS X is great but all this Digi 002 eye candy thing is no music in my ears...I want to be able to handle ProTools a bit but I am not using it at home I favor Nuendo,I falled in love with Nuendo one of these days...I went as a session musician (guitar player,yes we are a plague...) to do a job in a PC-oriented studio and loved their set up: Two Pc`s online(VST Link????),one running Cubase VST only for midi and the other running Nuendo on audio only...This was the first Pc Studio I in fact did love the work went fine...I also love WaveLab a lot and regret the fact they did not make it to the Mac yet...I guess...
"The weather is moody here in Lisbon".
Happy Xmas.Ramadam and Hanuka.

Baiano

Another Thing...

Concerning Cubase+Halion,after almost a couple of years learning those programs ,optimazing,thanks to Tascam`s US 428 Forum,and putting the Mac in shape(40+40+80Gb-audio only- 7200rpmHard Disks + 1.12Gb RAM...)I am having a bad time trying to remember when was the last time my 733 G4 crashed on Cubase,it also NEVER crashed when I am messing around with Halion+all those tracks in real time...It would crash twice a month though when using stuff like Outlook Express or Microsoft Entourage...
So my system is rock solid for now ,way change??? I`d better keep expanding and learning more and more...
I do need to buy decent near field monitors and if there is something that attracts me now in the DAW world are those Pulsar XTC,UAD-1 and Powercore..I`d love to grab some of those...Is anybody experienced??? Are they really compatible with most DAW`s ????Are they a good answer to those great ProTools plugs???Why is not Lexicon into this???

Baiano.

My first DAW (I finally jumped in and built my own) includes Sonar XL, MOTU 24i, AMD XP 1.4Ghz running Win XP. It's a mobile setup I built for live recordings at church (I'm the music dude). It has worked very well laying down all 24 tracks an hour at a time.

My buddy Pat over at Patrick McGuire Recording uses Nuendo. I export my 48khz, 16bit audio out to a .wav file and they import great into Nuendo - still experimenting though.

Since I use MIDI, I've always used Cakewalk products. Don't have the time & money at the moment to really consider other programs.

Fats, no doubt you're right on the A/B thing - I've yet to work with higher than 20 bit hardware, and the listening I refer to is going thru said 20 bit hardware while I'm monitoring during record - Sooo, what I meant was that the software doesn't appear to add a signature of its own, beyond what the hardware is already doing to the sound. I can (so far) only imagine that Samp won't further degrade the sound beyond what newer, higher res hardware offers - this scenario is yet to be played, as I'm still trying to find the best reasonable cost way to interface my DM-24 with a PC so that I can do automation and mixing in Samp but still use the converters in the DM for synth tracks, with (maybe) some higher quality converters for acoustic tracks.

From what I've read, not all 32 bit float summing algorithms are created equal. I have NOT had the opportunity to check this out personally yet, but due to cost/time restraints will probably continue to accept that it's true, at least until I hear degradation that can be attributed to software.

Once I get a workable system back together with the DM-24, I intend to experiment with mixes done using Samp's summing algorithm, compared to same mix done internally on the DM-24, which also uses 32 float. If the DM does as well, that's just a bonus as far as I'm concerned. I mainly bought the DM as a control surface, so anything else it does well (reportedly quite a bit) is just icing on the cake.

Anything I get out of my studio beats the crap outa fixing/installing stuff for other people to have fun with - already done 30+ years too much of that, now it's MY TURN... Steve

Steve,
I think all of that is pretty much moot. If you can get good sound out of something that's all that matters. These are tools we speak about and if the end result is acceptable, then that's all it needs to do. If you are getting good product out of 20 bits then I say why switch? Ride that horse till it croaks. Planned obsolescence is built into these products and I for one refuse to go for the "Banana in the tail pipe". ........ Fats

I've used n-Track for about 4 yrs now. Love it, and have no reason to change.

No limit to the number of tracks (well, as many as your processor can handle)..

Built-in 20 band paragraphic EQ..

Unlimited AUXes..

Handles VST and DirectX plugins..

Does MIDI (altho', i don't)..

Great interface.. intuitive and great documentation..

Cheap! Bought the software and their EQ and Compressor upgrades; all for $60.

Definately worth checking into for hobbyists like me. :)

tj

I must be the only oen giving into the evil :)

What I use...
Mac G4/466 with UW SCSI
Pro Tools 5.1
Mix Pus cards
16 Channels of Apogee AD8000 Convertors

Why?..
I got 64 tracks while the CPU is bored taking care of graphics redraws. The editing is easy as anything else I have used probably for the simple fact I have been using it a long time. Which I feel this is the main reason everyone uses the software they use....Who wants to learn something new after they get comfortable??Digidesign 888/24 converters blow so the apogee's used were not too much more money.I mix in Pro Tools for now although I admit I don't like it.Even when I have mixed with the Digi Pro Control it was nice having faders and knobs to touch but I would prefer to use Pro Tools as a tape recorder/editor in one. Maybe next life time I can afford that SSL.

Robert

I do primarily remote recording. Its ADATs into Nuendo for mixing. Works for me so far.

If the bit rate is the same then I don't really think that there is much difference in the sound of these various programs. I'm in agreement with Fats on that one. The summing bus is another issue however. The big issues are ease of use, a speedy workflow, compatibility, hidden costs of the operating system chosen, latency, plugin compensation, and stability. Finding software with a good user forum is another big plus. Does your software of choice support lots of good plugins? Is the company faithful to it's users regardless of the platform they are using?

To flatrock, Why use the Adats? I would just go straight into Nuendo.

Portability. All of my recording takes place in rehearsal spaces, clubs, churchs, even a barn once. Looking into obtaining an Alesis HD24 at some point.

It very much depends on what your objectives are....Seems everyone has their own method and tools. this has to be one of the coolest places I have been on the web.
Robert

I started out on Cakewalk about v.4.I used n-Track a couple of years but it can get buggy for some folks.I used Logic for a while,a limited version that came with my c-port soundcard.Nice program,but not very intuitive.Since last year,I have been using nuendo.

We use either Protools or DP3 with a rack mounted MAC G4. We carry a Midas Legend 3000 48/TP or 6 Digimax with two 2408 Motu. Sometimes we will bring a reel if the clients has got to have analog. The thing I like about using a MAC is that it does bog down like PC's can. Good Luck!

Cheers,

I'm a cubase user also.I currently have vers.3.07 running under (dual operating systems) win98 SE/win2000 pro. I hav'nt had any problems with stability or performance since I upgraded the op sys 6 months ago. Everything works excellent. I'm able to lock my adat xt20 and control the transport from cubase, when it use to be the other way around (the PC would lock-up when this feature was selected within cubase). Nevertheless my interest is to upgrade to nuendo or sx because of the control surface support these packages give.

Has anybody ever used an ADAT BRC as a transport controller for Cubase VST?

Yeah Mix can't you read...hahaha. No really this guy knows his shit even though he can't read. Just kidding Mix. Had to sling some mud on you since it's been a while. lol

Laters,

Soup

I use a G4 933, MOTU 896, and Digital Performer 3.

I love the 896 and DP. My only complaint is that DP's visual interface can get sluggish at times. However, it's a very stable program, it's easy on the eyes, and the bundled plugs rock (64 bit).

Pete,
Have you tried turning down the resolution and backing off the video card performance to it's lowest settings? This may help with your display sluggishness. DAWs don't really require a lot of video performance to run. Audio programs really don't put to much demand on the video card. Try backing off all the settings. Fats

Thanks, Fats. I'll try that, as I don't use OS 9 for anything else other than internet and audio at this point.

I'm using Cubase SX for recording/composition/mixing.
I can't compare to Nuendo because I got no experience on that one, but I'm asking myself "What's the difference?" since Cubase SX came out.
But anyway, I think that's the most intuitive program because of the logical construction.
I like it's overall design and against the opinion of some people who think it looks kind of cheesy, i think it looks kind of cool.
I've tried Emagic and some others and found that the learning curve is too high and not very intuitive.
After all, form follows function and after that guessing (Is this a fader?) I've sticked to Cubase SX.
But I must admit that the previous version was horrible in comparison.

Now they're on the right way.

Very good audio engine (good use and implementation of audio recording and manipulating).
Now very good implementation of track automation.
Multiple UNDO/REDO - and that really rocks!!!!

And it runs solid rock. I don't have an audio-only pc but it never crashed down. Runs stable for hours.
I'm actually so dumb and crazy that I work for hours, sequencing, composing, recording, manipulating without saving. And 'til now I've never lost my work.

For me it's perfect. Quick workflow and just me and the music.

greetz

Willi

I second that motion! I have been using Cubase SX for a while now, and I have been recording with just sm57's and using Cubase to doctor them up. And what a job it does. I like the way its layed out too. It just seems logical to me. I tryed Nuendo, and its almost the same program, (as far as Audio goes). I have tried Samplitude, Vegas, Cool edit, Ntrack, Soundforge. And they all sound the same to me. The only differance is that I think Cubase is the easiest to work with, and I am in love with VST! For all of you Samplitude users out there, I take my hat off to you. Cause I just cant seem to get anything right out of that. But thats my 2 cents. ;)

I looked extensively at Logic, Cubase and DP before settling on DP.

I like DP because:

1) It has never crashed or so much as hiccupped since I've owned it,

2) The manual is extensive and well-written, and the company is based in the U.S.

3) The quality of the bundledplug-insfar surpassed the bundledplug-inswith Logic or Cubase, at least at the time.

4) The interface is logical and much more pleasing to the eye than Logic or Cubase, which seems trivial until you have to stare at it for hours on end.

My only knocks with DP are:

1) MOTU is far behind in the OS X race, at least so far. Perhaps that means they're waiting for other companies to learn their lessons first (DP is known for being really stable), or perhaps they just screwed up big-time. We'll see.

2) DP doesn't recall your settings in virtual instruments. Not a problem for me so much, but I wish the capability were there.