Robh you got this program nailed.. I don't think I'll live long enough to conquer what you already know.. I am not familiar with VSTi's, so there's a lot of groundwork I have to do, & terminologies I'll have learn, & now that you mention it I did buy MTS about 3 or 4 yrs ago, on the recommendation of a friend. I had a recording with pops on the vocals on the P's, & I used MTS to minimize the pops.. Worked good. I got a letter recently to upgrade , but I didn't because I didn't use it enough..
Reaper for me is out of the question, & instead of learning several DAWS I'm going to concentrate on Real Band. I'm not familiar with Acid Loops, or Jamstix, so as soon as the holidays are over I'm going to start reading, & more reading, but I'm looking at 80 in Feb. so I'm going to look at a lot of shortcuts, more in the line of neceseties to get something resembling a decent recording. I will be here looking for help, & Lord knows I'll need lots of it...