Hi all,

I'm looking for some quick ideas for me to chew on regarding this question:

What are the best DAW programs for working with softsynths and softsamples, and that also have excellent notation display?

I'm curious what would be the best answer for Mac and for PC.

I'm looking for a program that will make it fairly easy for me to create string and orchestra arrangements using midi and a notation interface, but that will also allow me to pretty easily record live tracks (guitar mostly) along side of this. I don't need the notation program to make great looking sheet music. I need the notation to observe and manipulate harmonies and arrangement.

Currently I'm using Tracktion (3) on PC, but this has no notator, and doesn't interface well (at least, not as well as I'd like), with my notation software, which is Overture (4).

I'm willing to throw good money at this....maybe. Good money = $1,000 - $1,500.

Thoughts?

Thank you!

-Fox

I would look seriously at Logic 8. The built-in notation seems to be as good or better than most, and I heard that Apple bought Sibelius so I'd look for future upgrades that really add value.

Sorry, but Digidesign bought Sibelius.

Logic on a Mac.

Cubase on a PC.

That's what I was looking for.

Thanks,

Fox

Fox,

I do lots of Orchestral/String arrangments and audio recording using Nuendo or Cubase.

The scoring doesn't look as good as Finale but it does work, is fast and the players always know what notes to play!

jmp

"Sorry, but Digidesign bought Sibelius."

Thanks, I must have heard it wrong.

If on PC, definitely Nuendo or Cubase.

On Mac, you can add to that Logic8 Studio (imho the best all-rounder), and Digital Performer (used a lot for film scoring, imho better audio engine than Logic, but weaker in virtual instruments and midi stuff).

Pro Tools for scoring... not yet. Not in the current version at least

I thought that it's all Avid now, but it might be the other way around. ProTools will probably see some broadening in the future.

Bruce, you might be more right than you think

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