Why do people use multiple DAWs?

[jamcat]

It's good to try a few different DAWs when you're starting out and then pick the one that you work best with. The goal should be using a DAW that you don't have to learn, because it just works the way you expect it to. It's also obviously a bonus if your DAW covers all of the bases, so you don't need different software for mastering, or scoring, or live performance. Of course when you think about it like that, it becomes obvious that Studio One Pro is the only DAW you should be using.

[machinesworking]

It's good to try a few different DAWs when you're starting out and then pick the one that you work best with. The goal should be using a DAW that you don't have to learn, because it just works the way you expect it to. It's also obviously a bonus if your DAW covers all of the bases, so you don't need different software for mastering, or scoring, or live performance. Of course when you think about it like that, it becomes obvious that Studio One Pro is the only DAW you should be using.

You would likely be surprised that your descriptions of Studio One made me realize I would not enjoy using it at all.

IMO that it can cover all the bases is far more important than my initial impressions that it works like I would expect. Plus to me the most important element is that once you really learn the software the workflow is faster, not hindered by it's pandering to those that can't read a manual, who need it to be simple.

[jamcat]

Except that Studio One Pro's workflow is already optimized to be fast and immediate, as well as intuitive. Most things can be done in one or two clicks, or with drag and drop, instead of 7 or 8 steps like other DAWs.

[BONES]

Plus to me the most important element is that once you really learn the software the workflow is faster, not hindered by it's pandering to those that can't read a manual, who need it to be simple.

It doesn't need to be simple to require no learning, it needs to be intuitive. But what's intuitive for you will depend what you're used to. e.g. Orion had single click note entry in the piano roll, whereas every other DAW seems to require a double click, which feels incredibly unintuitive to me. Even 7 years after I stopped using Orion it still catches me out, but to anyone coming from pretty much any other DAW, double-click is intuitive and anything else would be confusing. It even took me a long time to get used to drag'n'drop (which I still don't like using but I knew going in that was its "thing").

[machinesworking]

Plus to me the most important element is that once you really learn the software the workflow is faster, not hindered by it's pandering to those that can't read a manual, who need it to be simple.

It doesn't need to be simple to require no learning, it needs to be intuitive. But what's intuitive for you will depend what you're used to. e.g. Orion had single click note entry in the piano roll, whereas every other DAW seems to require a double click, which feels incredibly unintuitive to me. Even 7 years after I stopped using Orion it still catches me out, but to anyone coming from pretty much any other DAW, double-click is intuitive and anything else would be confusing. It even took me a long time to get used to drag'n'drop (which I still don't like using but I knew going in that was its "thing").

I don't even think intuitive is necessary, if the workflow is fast when you learn the method.
I can't stand the drag and drop method if it's the only way, it's what bothers me in Live when I use it, great search function, but unintuitive method for instantiating without drag and drop, I just end up using drag and drop and not liking it. IMO there should be an intuitive you can be braindead and fuss your way through it method, and a set of simple keystrokes that you can learn for speed for most major functions in a DAW. This way you learn the keystrokes for the things you use all the time, and don't have to pull up google to figure out some arcane command you need.

[BONES]

There will always be things like that, though. e.g. Once you set up your MIDI controller(s), you don't have to do it again until you buy a new computer (or a new controller), so it's never going to stick in your head. That's where Gregor's minute long videos come in handy. (It's actually easy but I can never remember how to get the process started.)

Intuitiveness may not be necessary in the longer term but it's a great way to get new users into your product. If you can be productive right away, it's going to make an impression. It is what convinced me to spend money on Studio One.

BTW, my wishes were answered last night - Heavyocity are having a sale and I picked up Machina for $50 off.

[jamcat]

I switched to Studio One from Cubase, and it instantly clicked for me. It was like a sleeker, less bloated Cubase without all the floating windows and stumbling blocks everywhere.

My all-time least favorite DAW of all-time (yes, it’s so bad it had to be said twice) is Pro Tools. How many hoops do you have to jump through just to load up an instrument or a live audio track with an ampsim? By the time you're finally playing, the inspiration is gone.