I've had a bunch of them over the years. I still like MT Pro, but my version goes back to the days of Atari, which I can and occasionally do still use, only now on Windows XP via Steem, the Atari emulation program.
+1 for Cakewalk version 3 also.

Today though, for fast midi editing, I like FL Studio best. Although it's known best as a pattern sequencer, it's easy to use as a linear sequencer as well. What I like best is that when editing a right click deletes notes without having to change tools ( pen to eraser..etc ) from a menu like Sonar, Cubase, etc has.

Also, note stretching, velocity edits, panning, etc.. are a breeze in it by comparison, and although it doesn't have the cal script functions that Cw / Sonar have, it has many similar tools imbedded in the sequencer.

The other app that I really like is Sonic Bytes Phrazor. It's midi edit functions work in a similar fashion, but I prefer running my vst plugs through it vs FL, because it is also a true chainer, meaning I can run the vst equivalents of midi plug ins with soft instruments and effects ( or midi outs ) seamlessly. Of course, this will be of no use for those who don't run vst plugs.

Unfortunately, it is out of production, as it's creator, Argu, moved to NI, which was developing competing software. Even more unfortunately, he passed away last year in a tragic accident. The .99 beta freeware version, which is stable and has most of the functionality of it's commercial cousin, is still available though, at sites like Gersic.com

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 08-18-2008).]

AJ
I have Phrazor, and I remember the updates were coming on a regular basis, when suddenly, he dropped out of sight. I now see the reason. Everyone on the Phrazor forum was blaming him from everything from inattention to going on a drunk.

Bernie

Well, I'm rereading my post and I suddenly realized I gave ya bad info there, must have been sleepy last night... lol.

Holger was the dev on Phrazor, not Argu.. and he is alive and well and still working for Native Instruments last I knew. Argu worked with Gol and the folks at FL. Unfortunately, the one part I was right about is that he did pass away. Just prior to his passing, he had already planned to release his primary software ( Aodix I think ? ) as open source. After he passed it was released.

As for Phrazor, it's a great app for my uses, but it certainly would have benefited from further development. This is sometimes a consequence of the circumstances when very talented small scale developers are snatched up by larger outfits, ala the Virtual Guitarist ( both versions ) and Virt Bassist scenario. Production on those also ceased when Sven Bonemark, who created the the interfaces for these, and who is also the primary developer of Broomstick Bass, went to work for a competitor of Steinberg. Suddenly all three disappeared from the shelves. I'm a pretty active lurker ( and occasionally poster ) at KVR and remember reading in depth about both scenarios.

Sorry to have hijacked the thread a bit. I have an SE version of Ableton that came with my M Audio Fast Track Ultra. Nice software but pretty limited in midi editing, ( as I understand the full version is as well ).

I reread Frank's post and see that you need to display lyrics.. I've never seen that feature on FL, nor have I ever tried, but I'm guessing with all the automation functions it has it can be done ..

To me, if you want the fastest plug and play, and don't mind an extra step for detailed midi editing, the Cakewalk series ( or probably Cubase ) are going to be among the best choices. Previously, I used an SE version of Cubase that came bundled with an older soundcared, along with an old Atari version.

XG works, if you can find it ( I believe there are still SE versions floating around the net ) was also very intuitive to work with, nice lyric display and excellent midi tools, although it had limited audio functions.

AJ




[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 08-19-2008).]