Logic Pro X

I switched to Logic in 2010 and never looked back. Although the term powerhouse is used to describe most DAW software nowadays, I have always felt that what distinguished Logic was not its endless list of features but the elegant integration of those ideas.
 
Unlike many of its competitors who sometimes leave you feeling that things are sometimes just grafted on top of each other, the people behind Logic always strive to integrate features in the most seamless manner. 
 
For exemple, and not too surprisingly, most DAWs have emulated the unified GUI design first implemented by Logic (Cakewalk called it Skylight). Because that design is simply more efficient and elegant. 
 
Integration is a key word with Apple, as you may know - and to some, that can be a deterrent. But that philosophy is one that really pays off when it comes to DAWs in my opinion.
 
In terms of features, Logic also comes on top of the list as far as I'm concerned. I barely ever use 3rd party plug-ins, and the ones I use are tools that I've worked with for years before I switched, like Rapture-Dimension and Zeta - they're just part of my palette of sounds. 
 
In fact, one of the things that I so appreciate about Logic is that it is a self-contained solution. I don't know how many pieces of music I've written and produced using nothing but Logic's bundled sounds and plug-ins and my own custom samples. There's simply nothing else like EXS-24 and its integration to Logic. 
 
The rest of the instruments provided cover a wide-range of territory, from subtractive to wavetable to physical modeling and beyond. Remember: we're talking about a DAW that has Alchemy bundled with it! You have your B3 and organs covered, a top-notch Rhodes emulation, a clavinet and so on.
 
Did I mention Alchemy? 
 
One of the areas I never imagined I could change my workflow was drums - I couldn't imagine myself without EZ and Superior Drummer. But Drum Kit Designer is so darn good that I now use it instead of those in many case - and when I use SD, most of the time, I'll also layer a few tracks on top using Drum Kit Designer.
 
As for audio processing... The one thing lacking would probably be a top notch algorithmic reverb. Impulse is more than covered. But I still use a couple of 3rd party reverbs - Valhalla, Lexicon, Exponential Audio R2.
 
Delay Designer is a monster, and I don't think there's anything like it on the market since the demise of NI's Spektral Delay. If you don't need that level of complexity, you also get series of traditional delays. The compressor offers a variety of modes covering all the classics - and quite convincingly. The EQ comes with the standard spectrum analyzer and a non linear version. All the basics are covered and you also have a bunch of less orthodox tools thrown in,  such as a terrific Ring Modulator, Leslie emulation, creative filters and so on.
 
Honestly, they're practically all that I use. Occasionally, I will slap an algorithmic reverb on a bus or such. But 99% of the audio processing is done with bundled plug-ins - even bus compression. Logic's compression can do a fine job emulating the classic SSL.
 
See that's the cool thing for me - I'm actually always looking forward to needing less and less 3rd party plug-ins, and as little as I used when I started using Logic, over the years, that number actually decreased because those tools were replaced with native versions. That means I'm not wasting time upgrading and installing and authorizing all those different plug-ins with their different copy protection scheme, requiring me to download and install more software just for copy protection sake... It's all in Logic, and it's all available in the App store. 
 
P.S. Did I mention Alchemy?

Logic is a magnificent and deep program.  It has a pedigree that goes back well further than Sonar as well.  It has been refined and is way powerful.  I have been using it lately in my work situation with the latest version running on a powerful 27" iMac.  It looks incredible to start with.  These new generation iMac Pros that are coming are going to be super excellent as well.
 
The instruments are very good (yes Alchemy is fantastic I love it!) The native plugins are extended, high quality and super powerful as well.  Midi wise it is deep and powerful like Cubase.  Very fast latencies can be had via thunderbolt and some interfaces like Focusrite Clarett series.  Studio One Quantum is looking like super fast latency being just over 1 ms.
 
Studio One also runs on a Mac.  Imagine having both of them installed on the same machine.  I am thinking of doing this for both personal studio reasons and work reasons.  Logic is very affordable as well. 

The latest iMac is dead silent.  Might even be a SSD not sure.  Even my 2012 iMac runs silent.  Last week I did a 24 track recording using Logic on a very hot day in a very hot room. The iMac was on all day and barely got above cool in its temperature.  I have never encountered a computer running this cool in such a hot environment.  It was like Roger Federer.  Did not even break a sweat.