Consider Reaper. You can dl and try it before you pay. I used it before I got asio issues worked out with my emu. Unless they've changed, it's fully functional with only a nag screen.

Also you might consider CakeWalk Music Creator which will do what you want for less money than Sonar. Has less features but includes a decent sounding soft synth for about $40.

Sonar LE and Cubase LE are bundled with some equipment. Both came with my emu. Functional but not as many features as the full programs and doesn't include the soft synth you get in Music Creator.

If you can - try before you decide. Some programs feel more comfortable to people than others.

It's so frustrating to have asio issues.

Good luck.