Apple Logic Pro: This is my MIDI and Audio recording software of choice. I've been a user since e-Magic first released Notator in 1988. In those days, it was a MIDI sequencer using the Atari 1040 ST computer, which ran various outboard samplers and synths. I used to record to a Fostex E-16 analog recorder, via a Studiologic 8:16:8 desk. This allowed me to experience the delights of studio techniques that i had, previously, left in the hands of the professionals. It was always easier to descibe what you wanted the sound to be, rather than trying to achieve it with racks of compressors, gates, FX and so on that , still, are put to good use in dinosaur recording studios. Many musos still insist on using ancient technology as if the souls of musicians past still inhabit the tubes and capacitors of ancient analog gear. In the hands of a good engineer, this is quite likely to be true, but it's so much easier nowadays using up-to-date digital equipment, especially as the end result is likely to be heard as a mp3 file by some scruffy scroat who hasn't paid for the download. In the seventies, especially, most audiophiles prided themselve on a good quality hi-fi system for their sounds. Now, some kids are going to achieve early deafness because of their addiction to mp3 players piping directly onto unprotected eardrums. Old heavy metallers used to be deaf as posts - now it's twelve and thirteen year olds!
I then progressed to Logic Audio Gold 3.5, running this on a Windows 98 Intel PII machine. The audio was handled by an Echo Audio Layla 20 interface, with the Unitor 8 for MIDI. This computer was upgraded to P4, Asus mobo, 2G RAM status, although the Layla was still productive. By this time I had upgraded to Logic Platinum 5.5, with Waves Gold FX plug-ins, together with Sounddiver and EXS 24. I also was partial to Sound Forge v4 and 5, for advanced sound file editing. This was the basis of the system that recorded the G2 CD; I have continued to upgrade the software with all update relases.My previous system used Logic Pro 7.2 on a dual 2GHz PowerMac, with 4Gb RAM and a LaCie 80Gb external drive for my extensive sample library. Since then, however, I've managed to upgrade to a new MacPro with 12Gb RAM, four internal hard drives and an external backup hard drive connected by USB. This runs Logic Studio 9 and Final Cut Studio 2 with ease, allowing me to indulge in more demanding software instruments.
Waves: Many people are wary of using Waves plug-ins because of their Update policy (in order to use the plug-ins on the latest platforms, Win XP and OSX, you have to install the appropriate Waveshell, only available to up-to-date customers). I'm currently using the Native Platinum package, added to which are the GTR with outboard controller, Tune and SSL plug-ins.