David et al, I don’t use any product or tool as a given. For example, I tended to use BIAB to generate my tracks as a basic usually Realtracks but maybe as some MIDI. If I am adding MIDI I tended to pull the song into Cakewalk to add and manipulate MIDI. I would then freeze and/or export the tracks and pull them into Reaper for mixing and “mastering”. Why, mainly to cut out the “nice” features of Cakewalk. I reckon whilst the Pro Channel is good if you use it, it can become an issue if you don’t use it. (It is there).

Ok why use Cakewalk for MIDI? I found Cakewalk easier particularly the Piano Roll and adjusting features. Probably because I spent years learning it.

However, once I purchased Tod’s Pedal Steel and worked with his ToolBars and subsequently created a number of Note Maps for various instruments I’ve found Reaper easier to use. Creating Note Maps and ToolBars that are saved with an instrument makes life way easier.

For example, an AmpleSound guitar has many key switches to adjust articulations, also many key switches to adjust Capo positions which require multiple keystrokes. Using a using a ToolBar for Capo Position it is a one button push. The button sets the cursor a bit before the note, adds the keystrokes. Easy and more accurate.

VSL Synchron Player control uses many CC lanes. To have these named in a “Note Map” really makes life simpler. Instead of trying to remember what CCs do they are named to tell you. Unfortunately Cakewalk does not have this ability (yet) as I understand it.

Different tools for different jobs. I believe a DAW is a tool and one should use it to their advantage. Which is the best tool :- the one you find the easiest to get the result you want to get the job done.

Sorry for the rant, just spent too long on a different topic with a different group.

Tony

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