Cubase Sx Or Digital Performer 4.5 Options

[Milca]

Cubase SX or Digital Performer 4.5

I know guys that this question was here couple of times but even though I went through almost hundred of post covering this topic I did not get my answer.

So this what I currently have G4 – laptop,Pro tools – Digi 002 rack and Reason 2.5 and some VST plug - ins .
I’m pretty happy with Pro tools as far as audio but Midi part as we all know is not that good. Since I’m planning to get Garritan personal orchestra and in general start to work with MIDI - I want to get other application( in addition to pro tools which would be able to handle the Midi better than PT.I’m thinking about Digital Performer 4.5 or Cubase SX – and that’s basically my question.
For now I’m leaning little more towards Cubase so Let me write down couple reasons why – if you have some experience with those issues I would really appreciate if you can give some feedback what do you think about it.

ENOUGH POWER?
Both application requires pretty much the same requirements.
Like I said I have 1GHz – power PC G4,512 MB and my main concern is that after I install the one of those programs - My computer won’t have enough power to run it or there will be other difficulties down the road. Is anybody out there who’s running one of those programs on Mac G4 , 1GHz.
I’ve also heard that cubase SX has so called “offline audio processing “ which might be also a big advantage as far as saving some CPU .I don’t thing DP does have that?

LEARNING CURVE?
I’ve heard a lot of opinions but mostly people claim that cubase is easier to learn than DP?

OPEN SYSTEM ?
Since I have DIGI 002 rack – I would like to use it as hardware front for Cubase or DP .I think I can use it for CUBASE (audio core) but I’m not sure I can use it as a front for DP. Anybody knows?
One thing which was making me thing about getting DP was “Enhanced Pro Tools Support”. But recently I’ve found out this is only for HD system which I do not have .Even here cubase seems like better choice – not to mention that I have couple of VST .

SOUND CARD
I’ve read couple of times that if you want to get maximum out of cubase you better buy some good sound card in order to get great sound.I’m wondering if using cubase together with DIGI 002 rack would solve this problem ?

MIDI
As far as MIDI editing and recording I really don’t know .They’re for sure both great programs for that .
From my experience with PT it’s great to learn the software on real musical examples. Couple days ago I’ve checked out the book – HOW TO GET CREATIVE WITH CUBASE. Even it is not a video tutorial it is a great book with real orch. score ,radio jingle and other mus. examples which is another reason I want to go with cubase . Could not find anything like this for DP.

Sorry for a long post but I was only trying to explain the details.
If you have some advice for me – I would really appreciate that. Hopefully it will be helpful to other guys as well

Milan

[macyu]

It seems like you pretty much have your heart set on Cubase, but here are just a few points for DP since you asked. DP's workflow is a bit more like Protools, especially with the new consolidated window on DP4.5 While DP doesn't have too much books written on it, partly is due to the very comprehensive printed manual that comes with it. As for offline processing, DP has both offline plugins (destructive effects) as well as 'freezing' of tracks to free up cpu power. Otherwise, there's also Chunks and Sequences in DP that is like an advanced version of Play Order Track of Cubase SX3, where you can have many subsequences that you can put together to make your piece.. sometimes nice with big orchestral pieces that have recurring themes. As for audio interfaces, Digidesign is not known to be very friendly with other music software, but I'm sure it'll work alright.