Reason (DAW's)

[Derpageddon]

I'm aware that DAW's have been posted about quite a bit so slap me on the wrist if this post is unnecessary. But I am looking into getting a DAW, I have been playing around with Reason for a bit because it was recommended to me, and I have been enjoying it because the way the software works just makes sense to me but for some reason its not a very popular DAW. I heard somewhere that it has some poor drum samples among other things.

I have poked FL studio for about an hour but got confused and gave up. However it seems to be a more popular software (probably because of word of mouth and price). It also seems to be a very disliked software, why? I'm willing to give it another try if someone thinks it is worth my time.

I also peeked at Ableton and that looks confusing but from reading the FL vs Ableton thread I have understood it is a preferred software in the long run. Should I just pony up and try and go for that? It also apparently has a pretty solid trial software, so the "try before you buy" is alwase and added bonus.

Finally (yah Im asking a lot of questions) this isnt a DAW but I have had Omnisphere recommended to me as a synth creator as opposed to Massive. Do any of you know anything about that?

[bartekko]

the main reason why reason is not liked, is because it has no support for vst's.
as i heard, it has only just gotten support for external plugins, but not vst's.
Massive is a vst plugin synthesizer, you won't be able to use it, nor z3ta+, nor nexus, unless you use rewire and another daw.
Saying that a daw has bad samples, is absolutely irrevelant, as pretty much every serious producer has external sample packs, like Vengeance, and drum vst's like Addictive Drums.

If I'm to choose one daw, I'd say Ableton. In fact, i could give you a crash course on it one day.
But in fact, any daw that suits you and your needs is completely okay.

[Facade]

basically what barrtekko said
another reason people like fl is because of the huge user base meaning lots of tutorials and people to help you out if you get stuck

[Legion]

I have poked FL studio for about an hour but got confused and gave up. However it seems to be a more popular software (probably because of word of mouth and price). It also seems to be a very disliked software, why? I'm willing to give it another try if someone thinks it is worth my time.

FL Studio has a bad rep, but ignore that. It's equally as capable as any DAW and easier to learn IMO. Each one has their upsides and downsides, so make sure to do your research (which it seems you have).

basically what barrtekko said
another reason people like fl is because of the huge user base meaning lots of tutorials and people to help you out if you get stuck

^ This. Honestly, FL or Ableton would be your best bet as they both have the largest user bases. The choice is, honestly, a little arbitrary. The only reason I went for FL was because all my idols used it. ^_^

I feel like I heard once upon a time that omnisphere was really good, but I have absolutely no knowledge of it beyond that. I would marry Massive, given the chance, so I'll go ahead and recommend it (just be prepared to have your mind fucked with the first few times you try to use it).

[Lavender_Harmony]

Omnisphere is more for cinematic sound design, and is more tailored towards its own internal sounds and variations upon them. It's good, but very expensive and might not be what you're looking for.

As for DAWs, bear in mind there is also Cubase, Reaper, a few other less capable but more audio oriented products, as well as the recently released OhnStudio (Which is in Beta) that allows collaborative composition.

[Peak Freak]

the main reason why reason is not liked, is because it has no support for vst's.
as i heard, it has only just gotten support for external plugins, but not vst's.
Massive is a vst plugin synthesizer, you won't be able to use it, nor z3ta+, nor nexus, unless you use rewire and another daw.
Saying that a daw has bad samples, is absolutely irrevelant, as pretty much every serious producer has external sample packs, like Vengeance, and drum vst's like Addictive Drums.

If I'm to choose one daw, I'd say Ableton. In fact, i could give you a crash course on it one day.
But in fact, any daw that suits you and your needs is completely okay.

Okay
I seem to again and again recognize that you all think that VSTs like Massive are only available as VST plugin.
That is wrong, there is this plugin type called audio unit, and nearly ALL Plugs you buy install BOTH types on your computer or mac, because there are these DAW's like Reason or Logic, which don't support VST's.
So you can use Massive, you can use Nexus ( as I can both use with Logic, which doesn't support VSTs)
This is absolutely no reason to abandon Reason, or Logic, or any other dAW, which doesn't support VSTs.

[Derpageddon]

Thanks for all the feedback!

As for DAWs, bear in mind there is also Cubase, Reaper, a few other less capable but more audio oriented products, as well as the recently released OhnStudio (Which is in Beta) that allows collaborative composition.

Oh my, more things to consider.... Personally I have experience with live sound mixing (I'm and engineer for a local band) but I don't know where to start as far as creation of my own stuff goes. After a bit of research I ran into Ableton and FL studio. I hear quite a few people complain about FL studio (just look at the musicians panel from the last Bronycon). I knew somewhere in the back of my mind that Qubase exists but I have really just been looking at Reason, FL, or Live just for simplicity sake. I was unaware of Reason's restrictions so I have pretty much ruled that out.

I guess that pretty much turns this back into a FL vs Live thread again. Unless somebody know anything more about Omnisphere.

[Peak Freak]

...

[Derpageddon]

Still I wouldn't stick to one synth, the more you got, the better you go.

I didnt know that. Why is is more beneficial to use multiple synths as opposed to having a single multi-purpose synth?

[Peak Freak]

Yeah, but still one Synth has his limits, and you will surely see them soon, if you only use one.
If you use two, you can make up the deficits of the other synth. You will not be able to do EVERYTHING with one synth. You might can do a lot with them, but sooner or later you will reach the end.
As said, the more variety you have, the less deficits you have.

[Facade]

Yeah, but still one Synth has his limits, and you will surely see them soon, if you only use one.
If you use two, you can make up the deficits of the other synth. You will not be able to do EVERYTHING with one synth. You might can do a lot with them, but sooner or later you will reach the end.
As said, the more variety you have, the less deficits you have.

not only that but its fun to experiment with other synths