As a MIDI enthusiast, I was very excited to take a glimpse of what Cakewalk had to offer with Pro Audio 9. If you have used other Cakewalk products, you know that they do a quality job with their software. I was definitely not disappointed with their latest offering.

First of their software is very easy to use. The manual does not require a "propeller head" to understand what they want you to accomplish. They know that most people when making a decision to purchase MIDI or audio recording software, want ease of use. Their manual is very well laid out and you can get quick answers to most of your questions.

From a MIDI standpoint, they make it easy for us to mix and fix our MIDI files. The ability to loop and cut and paste to our hearts content make this process a non-event. The only problem that I have run across with the software is assigning MIDI ports. When you try to call a midi file from outside the software package i.e. from Windows Explorer, it fries your MIDI settings. This can be a little annoying, but as that old joke goes well, don't call the programs from outside the software dummy! This feature was evident in past versions that I have used but not in 9.0.

The only other feature that I would like to see added would be the ability to gracefully convert a MIDI file to an audio track. I looked on their web site for help in this matter and they said it could not be done. They do have a very helpful website though.

I only tried a little bit of audio recording with past versions that I have had. They have greatly improved the capability to record audio tracks with this version. The mix down features to MP3 format will only take a couple of seconds when you are happy with your mix.

In comparison to Cubase by Steinberg, I think this product wins hands down. It is much easier to get into bed with it, you know where you are going and where you have been and it takes up less of your hard drive to complete a song. The only area where I think Cubase has a leading edge is with its effect processing. Pro Audio 9 does have effects available, but I think that the Cubase effects are more sincere to the real thing. The Line 6 amp simulator is a nice touch.

I have been a MIDI enthusiast for the last few years. One thing that drives me crazy about MIDI files that you find on the Internet is that most MIDI-philes have no idea how to play drums. Well thank God for PA 9.0 They have drum beats and fills already built for you. This will save you oodles of time in writing MIDI files and composing music. It really helps in the creativity area by letting you jam along with a beat that you might not otherwise deem enticing

Here's the new features list for Pro Audio 9:

• WavePipe™ technology for faster audio effects processing, mixing and track playback on Windows audio cards.
  
• Export audio to MP3, RealSystem G2, and Windows Media Advanced Streaming Format for delivering music and sound on the Internet. Includes the patented Fraunhofer MP3 Encoder technology.
  
• Advanced support for professional audio cards using AudioX technology. AudioX-compatible cards include the Yamaha DSP Factory, Sonorous STUDI/O, Digital Audio Labs CardDeluxe, and others.
  
• Analog-tape style audio scrubbing for smooth, accurate queuing and auditioning of audio tracks.
  
• Enhanced mixdown options for bouncing audio tracks and mastering to stereo, mono, and dual mono wave file formats at variable bit depths.
  
• Guitar tablature editing and printing with synchronized, real-time fretboard display.
  
• AmpSim Lite audio plug-in for adding vintage amp simulation to digital audio tracks.
  
• Chromatic Tuner display for tuning guitars or other instruments through a PC audio card.
  
• System meters provide real-time visual feedback over CPU and disk activity to monitor system capabilities.
  
• All-new, context-sensitive, searchable online help system.
  
• Over thirty other usability enhancements, including global mute/solo/record, enhanced MIDI patch browsing and organizing, drag-and-drop enhancements, MIDI and audio effects presets, and others.

Overall I am giving this product 5 Picks as it is just what the doctor ordered.

Ease of use: 5 picks

Functionality: 5 picks

Use of Technology: 5 Picks

Features : 4 Picks because of the effects availibility

Value : 5 Picks

Thank you Cakewalk for giving the industry a useful tool to create both audio WAVS and MIDI files. They have really looked at all of the important details with this release.