Fiddler,

Valid point about current DAWs, VSTs waning support for Windows 7. In my case, Cakewalk's SONAR version 5 (running on XP Pro) and SONAR X1 running on Win 7, and all the other support software, soft synths, etc., does more than I need it to do. I have the latest version of Studio One (a nice DAW) on a stock Windows 10 box, but don't use it for any of my own work...just there to help a few friends out.

Some drawbacks to many of the newer DAWs and earlier versions of some (e.g., Cubase, ProTools, etc.): Even after you register and activate your software, the "phone home" function sporadically validates your license via a USB fob and/or embedded software… internet connection is required. And if the company goes out of business or modifies their license agreement, and then your USB based license fob fails, you now have a brick. Three reasons I stuck with SONAR: (1) It works very well for me; (2) they had a very reasonable license and use agreement, and (3) good customer support, updates, and after installation, I never had to do anything else to keep using SONAR...not required to be on-line, no intrusive telemetry, nothing. I know SONAR is back, having been resurrected by a company in the far-east, but I have no experience with them. Cakewalk's earlier demise was having been bought out twice by two different companies that...you know the rest.

For me, the soft synths I have are quite good, but I usually record/create my own midi files and route them through either my Yamaha Motif keyboard or Yamaha Rack synth, both of which have amazing sounds and are configurable in many ways. With the high cost of many of the soft synths these days, it would be more economical for me to buy another hardware synth if I needed more features, sounds, etc. (and the better ones are upgradeable with more/improved voices, etc. that can be purchased separately). For my guitars with synth capability, and my keyboards, I record both the analog and midi. Capturing and printing the notation then becomes especially easy (since I am neither a great or efficient transcriber).

Windows 10: The previous major update (Features 1903), did not go well (read the Win 10 forums). The current major update (1909) includes 1903. I and others still have the same and more issues. Familiar scenario: Update downloads, Installs, then upon the Microsoft induced reboots to complete the update, in the "working on updates" stage, you get the several hours of stuck at 90% . 14 hours at 90% is ridiculous. I have had to back out both updates more than once to get back to an operational system. Not a quick endeavor. For those disbelievers, buckle up, the ride will get bumpier in the future. And while you’re at it (pun intended), make sure to get your home "upgraded" to a "Smart Home".

Regards,
Richard