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I currently use Cubase Essential 4 as my DAW. It is getting a bit past it, it only works in 32 bit and has an annoying habit of hanging up just as I'm about to save work. What are the best current DAWs to replace it? I look around and see various ones, Logic, Cubase 7 etc, but I would like to hear from people on here who actually use them. This will give me the best pointers for buying a new one. BTW, this is just for use in an amateur setup, so I don't want to be spending thousands. Thanks, Paul

that depends on your style i think. Personally i think for song based projects the best solutions are : logic, sonar and cubase. For pattern based projects the best solution would be ableton live or if you are adventorous Bitwig.

there are tons of videos on youtube of each daw so it's more a matter of personal preference.

Unless you are in a mac or hackintosh Logic isn't an option although dollar for dollar it offer the best bang for the buck. I am excited to see what they do with camel audio. 200$ for what it offers is nuts, but I'm not complaining!

Personally I use Sonar and really like it for regular sequencing and recording.
As Qui said, Ableton is great for pattern based work and I use it for that. It has a completely different workflow that can be inspiring. It's not so great at multitrack recording and track comping. I'm not familiar with Bitwig.

Cubase has the benefit of being cross-platform - it doesn't matter if you're on Mac or Windows. If you're considering switching at some point it's worth a look. It also has Note Expression which is a nice way to tie controller data to note events.

If you're on Mac, it's really hard to beat Logic in the value for money department. It's easily as good as the other solutions but it's only two hundred bucks, compared to five or six hundred for the advanced versions of Sonar, Cubase and Ableton.

If you're already used to Cubase and possibly qualify for upgrade pricing it's definitely a good option. The best DAW, like the best synthesizer, is the one that you can make do what you want it to.

The answer sepends very much on how do you use your daw, is it a simple recording studio, or do you use it as creative part to put your ideas in music or is it part of your live setup?

Although you may have spent time and effort in learning how to use cubase elements,it would be worth looking at what else is available…following the good suggestions by other members etc.

However,do also look at the Steinberg link showing their latest elements 8 (not checked it myself)….and its upgrade offer.
(Details are to be found on your registered account,apparently).
You can try the package,without restriction, free for 30 days.

Use this link as a starting point…..there are other pages as well.
http://www.steinberg.net/en/newsandeven ... -3191.html

I've recently upgraded from version 6 to 7 and am in the process of getting familiar with it.
There are some good additions by comparison,but other parts aren't quite to my liking…..so,I use both for different projects.

Prior to elements,I began with the grand daddy Pro 24 on an atari,then cubase vst32 on a pc (win98 then xp pro)...which means it's what I've gotten used to over the years.
Tried many other alternatives,of course,but found none to my liking.
It is a matter of preference and affordability.

Im gonna be the odd one here..
I use Fruity Loops.
Very user friendly which gives it the head start for beginners.
But after a long use of it I have discovered that there is alot more to it beneath the surface,and I still didnt dig all the way through...
So I use FL and I love it.
Not sure about live use as I only do studio work with it..
A new version just came out(After you buy it once,all new versions are free to upgrade for life),maybe its somthing for you to look into.
Good luck mate

Maybe a good starting point might be to look at Reaper http://www.reaper.fm

It allows you to try it out for as long as you like to see if you can get on with it and then it is only $60 which is a bit of a bargain.

The main issue with reaper is that you don;t get loads of free plugins with it but if you already have a set of plugins you have purchased then it is a good choice.

I use Cubase Artist 7.5.4. This is the latest up grade before Cubase 8. I think it's great. I still have a ton of things to learn about it but it doesn't take long to get up and running. I also bought a couple of books and watch tutorials to help me.
I just use it in my studio. I'm an ameture with delusions of professionalism.

By far I'd have to recommend Reaper. http://www.reaper.fm/
I've tried Studio One, Sonar (last gen), Cubase 7 and Ableton 9 too. Ableton 9 is interesting for generating rhythm patterns ... in Reaper. I've used Reaper for years now and can vouch for it's rock solid stability with all of the plug-ins I've used (which are plenty), rapid rate of free upgrades (upgrades are popping up at least every few weeks), general quality of design, layout and execution. It's by far my preference when it comes to DAWs. It's the only one I use 99% of the time.
That being said, I've never tried Pro tools, Logic, Reason, etc. And the version of the other DAWs named above were all the "light" versions. I only tried the other DAWs because of free sample versions bundled with various audio interfaces and synths I've picked up over the years. I've been completely satisfied with Reaper so I never felt the need to buy the full versions of the other DAWs.
In the end, I think you are pretty safe going with any of the bigger DAWs that have a good reputation. They all seem like quality products and I'm sure the work flow on each is smooth once you start to use it for a bit. Good luck and have fun.

Samplitude Pro and a silent PC specially made for musician.

I think the OP allready changed his DAW to cubase 8 Elements

I use cubase. I personally think it's the best.

I switched from cubase to reaper because you get a lot for your money, stability is given a high priority, and updates are included in fee for 2 full release numbers. I still have a lot to learn (just like Kronos) but unlike cubase I am spending my time learning and DAWing instead of rebooting.

Cubase Pro 8 gets my vote. Superb DAW...