To switch or not to switch?

       Well, I have sonar 7 xl home studio, and i am really getting tired of the limitations. I definitely feel like I am ready to go for a full purchase of a DAW. However, I am not so sure that I want to go with Sonar. I am defiantly leaning towards Cubase, and if I had a mac I would get logic (but I don't so...). I tried studio one and it just did not feel right. I have heavily researched Cubase and it seems so good, and it actually looks professional and looks like it has the workflow I would like. I'm tired of this clunky design in Sonar, even the skylight interface does not look all that good. I really need a program that allows me to record and manipulate many tracks with many VSTs and access the envelopes view, midi view, and track view with ease.
     And just to clear up any possible ideas: I don't want reason or albeton. I looked at them and I am not a big loops person. I also looked and pro tools and it seems like it is more for audio and I am strictly midi right now, so I really don't think I want to go that route. It is mainly a battle of Sonar and Cubase, (and logic if I had a Mac ).
     So could you please give me your opinion on this matter or any experience with the programs that might help in my decision. I really don't want to spend around 500$ and get the wrong program. I want to make this decision right the first time.


Thanks in advance...

If notaion is important to you Sonar is a bad choice. 

Did you check out the demo's?

Guitarpima


Apparently Digital Performer is going Windows. Does anyone know if their notation is any good?

It is - DP seems particularly popular among composers. 

You can try Cubase Elements (no hardware required), if you want to get a feel for Cubase. Pretty skimmed down, but still might give you an idea.

Just looking at that loooooooooooooooong list of unsupported products mentioned in that other thread you started (and not all of them are in there) would make me seriously reconsider switching to anything w/ the Steinberg logo on it. Except Wavelab, maybe.

I would suggest reading the reviews of the DAWs in your favorite music publication, mine being Sound on Sound.  See what they say are the limitations and highlights of the DAW in question.  Download a demo or two and check your workflow.

Does it do what you want it to do and are you comfortable using it?  Perhaps the best choice for you will be 2 DAWs for different reasons.  Let your budget and flow decide.

All our opinions are nice but we all have a different workflow and this is a very personal decision.

Personally, I use Sonar X1 for tracking/mixing and Studio One V2 for mastering.

Best of luck,

Reginald K.Son

+1 to what everyone said!! Sonar's Midi engine is quite good and this maybe something you should compare with other DAW's.

So yeah...........Get X1!!

If you are primarily MIDI-based, then Sonar has a fairly mature MIDI implementation.  I use MIDI extensively, and Sonar has always done everything I needed.  I understand that some of the other DAWs are coming along nicely regarding MIDI, but they may not have all the features you need.  So, all that being said, you probably have your homework cut out for you ...

Good for you Gat19g!!
The current version/updates of X1 has made it a very stable DAW and if you'd like to change the look of Sonar......check out Panu's mods.....really enhanced my X1 experience.