best computer sequencers (PC) Cubase or Sonar

Don't get mad. I sold my mpc 2000. I use my roomates mpc 4000. But I am now looking for a good computer sequencing program. I want to be able to control all of my modules from the computer screen (change patches and banks). I also want one compatible with pro tools (so I can record at home and mix at a professional studio). Besides all of the audio tricks, I want the one that works best with midi (quick to get started, easy to loop a track, easy to step write (for 32nd and 64th notes), And one with good arranging features such as having different loops for bridges and breaks and such. I'm sure someone on this site knows the truth. I can't have the mpc as my main sequencer no more because all of the modules and samplers I'm using are starting to drive me crazy when having to save a track.

Why not get Pro-Tools then? I heard they are releasing a 6.1 update for Windows XP too.
I started out using Sonar, and i absolutely hate it. I'm now using Cubase SX, it's a nice program (if there is such a thing) but i still have to say i hate it most of the time.
Most studio's will have Cubase as well as many other sequencers, so there's no need to stick to pro-tools.

Okay, I won't get mad......I'll get furious Arghhh!

Sonar2XL is great. they nailed the stability of the program and the DX synth routing is fantastic. of most interest for MPC and loop users is the beautiful way Sonar manages tempo of loops.


in an unbiased fact check i can put money on Sonar being the better app for MPC and loop users in general. Cubase (which i work on in many studios i freelance for) has some great in-depth functions, gorgeous deeeeep midi editting and various other functions, but that is useless to the average user.

i wouldnt call sonar easier, but its general approach is better for sampler and loop usage.


as for ProTools, well id laugh off any suggestion of the status quo of MPC owners using it. its a great tracking and editting suite, but not much chop in terms of integration with the MPC. i could go on about the programs inherent between the ppq's of the MPC and the PT sequencers when synced, and other stuff, but suffice to say if you do most of your drum sequencing on yur MPC, stick with something less hardware reliant for starters, and dont go for the overkill of ProTools just because studios and "pros" use it for this and that.

having said that i regularly use all three both for my own music, for my job and for fun. i lean towards sonar overall to rewire Reason2.5 nicely (the old cubase5.0 was bad at this, but SX is good now) and to jump between quick Acid ideas

oh and yeah, Acid4.0 can be great too... i still use it for quick scratch-tracks and its beat-chopper is quality when you get used to it and the keyboard shortcuts.


in any case, final advice is pick something and STICK TO IT FOR YEARS TO COME. any kid can get the latest sequencer off the net but if you can master something TOTALLY you will be ahead of 95% of others.

why do you think some people still only use the mpc? one OS... no new bugs... lovely. hope any of this is helpful... and its all just my opinion. peace.