"Yes Reason 6 is a full-blown DAW, and if you're into beat/loop construction and DJing it's become a DAW of choice. I've stayed away from it mainly due to the copy protection, I have so many freakin' USB keys for that sort of thing it gets annoying!" The piano roll and drag-n-drop audio/midi isn't in the same league as Sonar. They've offered a tremendous upgrade for 4,5 users. I bought the 6 upgrade so now I will get 7 when it comes out. As far as loop and beat construction, Sonar does this well. Few people would shudder to do this but grab some loops and one shots and see how well Sonar works as a looper tool. Octo REX is no Beatscape. Reason 7 will no longer require their dongle. I don't mind it since I have 4 machines. I only use them one at a time so I don't have to buy extra licenses, just plug in the dongle.