These threads often unearth interesting details that I had forgotten about, or maybe not even known, but there's something annoying about picking apart the details of a DAW and saying that this is weak and that is strong, so this is better than that, and maybe I'd better go with that, because it's got XYZ, etc., etc.
It just comes down to making a choice and doing it. After working with DP for so many years, I'm accustomed to it, of course, but when I try other apps, I find that I seriously do not like them. It has to do with streamlining of operations. Can you do a full edit of a MIDI line in one sweep? You can in DP without having to line up multiple lanes or windows. Can you draw in controller shapes? If you look at page 2 of the DP Tips Sheet, scroll down to an article called
Control point editing in DP's MIDI Edit Window. Or something like that. If you follow the steps in the post, you'll learn how to do complex controller line edits such as vibrato with a certain "spin" to it, in what amounts to one move, using modifier keys as you go. It's simply amazing. I love doing that sort of thing in DP, and not one other DAW I've seen can do it like this, even if they have controls that appear to copy DP's.
Then there's the perennial problem of editing MIDI that has a lot of control points under it. How do you select exactly the control points that go with the MIDI you want to edit? That was a problem until I took the time to create some customized commands, which I describe in this article:
Working with Selections in DP. Ever since then, picking up exactly the right control points has taken me probably 1/10 of a second, after I select my MIDI. The post may look long and complicated, but the process it describes literally is a double keystroke. It's just a method — a workflow.
There are seemingly endless workflows possible in DP. Some of mine involve the Search window. How many DAWs even have a search feature? You can search for rhythmic figures, by or attributes, range, and... well... it's best if you just go there and spend about a half hour learning all it has to offer. While you're doing that, check out Split Notes. It, too, has a tremendous ability for picking out events to highlight and/or move to another track. These are some of the reasons why I prefer a selection method, rather than "MIDI Objects." I spend more time trying to turn off the MIDI Objects grouping than anything else in DAWs that work that way. You can always move a selection precisely where you want it to go with the SHIFT command. Or drag, then nudge to a final position.
I can't say my preferences are any better than others' prefs, but they are my preferences. You guys can talk up MIDI objects all you want, but I can't stand DAWs that work that way. It feels like using a "Playskool" app for making little songs. I expect to create a performance that cannot be distinguished from live performance. "Snap to Grid" cannot do that. If you want snap to grid, you'll find it in the Adjust Beats feature, where you move the beats to match your performance. THERE it is important. But if an edit grid suits you, by all means go with something that gives you an edit grid. I've reached the point where I'd be happy if MOTU would add a "snap-to" edit grid to DP, just so we don't have to see that particular conversation again. But I'll raise holy heck if they make it the default!
I actually like the way they implemented MIDI Mutes in DP9. That works for me, and I didn't even particularly want it.
The bottom line is that you choose a DAW and make the best music you can with it. I've never come across a situation that DP can't handle. Whether that's my limitations as a user or DP's strengths as a DAW is something you'll have to decide, but it works for me. Always.
Shooshie
I could use some zen right now.
