Limitations Of Ableton Live For Recording, Can it be a stand alone software? Options

[bucko]

I am almost ready to lay down hard-earned cash for my studio setup. I like Ableton Live, I have a powerbook g4 1.67mhz, and was told at the local Guitar Center that you can do hard disk recording with Live. How versatile is Live for recording? I was going to get a MOTU Traveler and I'd have my MIDI hookups and I could record and playback with Live, and manipulate the samples in real tim with it as well.. BUT..

I may be missing something here. I probably need a MIDI controller/synth. I probably want to sample and record my acoustic instruments with my microphones, through the Traveler, into Live, and be able to manipulate the sounds with plug-ins, etc. What does Logic, or Digital Performer, have that Live doesn't have, or visa versa? There must be some limitations, I'm not aware of, because Live costs only $499 or less while Logic Pro costs over $800 and DP is higher than Live too.. Is there someone out there that could help me become the creative producer/musician at home that I know I can be? I have played the drums for years, and dabble in the guitar, and my trusty Rhodes electric piano, but I need to take the next step. HELP!!!

[edge100]

Live is a great piece of software.

Logic is a great piece of software.

Use 'em together, and you'll get the best of both.

I wouldn't say Live is unsuitable for multi-tracking. In fact, in some ways, its better than Logic. MUCH more flexible track routing, allows on-the-fly looping, and so many other things that are either impossible in Logic (and other DAWs, I might add), or much more difficult. Plus its the only DAW that supports both AU and VST plugs without a wrapper, which may or may not be important to you.

It's also somewhat limited. Audio and MIDI editing is VERY basic and it's a CPU hog. Logic's built-in plug-ins destroy what Live offers (same compared to any DAW, Mac or PC!)

Seriously, use them both for what they're good at. Sequence your loops and work out your arrangements in Live. Multi-track in Logic or Live. Mix in Logic, and you're set. Or any combination of these. Each program has its strengths and weaknesses.