I received a copy of Steinberg Cubase LE with my TASCAM US-224 I/O and control surface. It appears to be fully featured apart from having only one level of Undo, which is remedied by saving takes (and taking lots of notes). I was intimidated by it for a while, but it offers full automation, a complete set of effects and plug-ins, MIDI and WAV editing, and allows the use of sound fonts, to name the highlights. There was no copy protection, and the TASCAM itself is the dongle, so there were no issues with installation.

Imagine my surprise when I later got a copy of Nuendo, Cubie's big brudda, and found the interface to be virtually identical. Cut your teeth on Real Band or whatever you like, but when you need more, give Cubase another look.

Richard


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."