Software - Bang for my buck

[marcuslee]

I've downloaded the demo of fruity loops, and from what I can see I like. And, I hear a few other names floated around. I don't have a whole lot of money to spare, but I am searching for a good mixing software package.

I think I would like something that can use soundfonts (unless someone has a cheap idea to replace soundfonts) and VST plugins (which I know just about all of them will do).

Strong midi notation capabilities would be a plus but not really needed. I use Noteworthy Composer, and for the most part I like it.

Any ideas?

Mark

[MaestroX]

It depends on what side of composing your needing it for. Do you need a clean score for output? or is a good MP3 enough?

Notation program such as Siblius and Finale are the top dogs, where as good mixing software packages can be found everywhere, Cubase/Sonar/Fruity Loops are just some of the better known ones.