Whilst the basic functionality for plugins, recording and mixing are pretty common and intuitive between platforms, it's the fine detail and deeply buried functionality of the software packages that becomes increasingly important.

To efficiently use your time you need to be as proficient as possible with a deep understanding of the package(s) of choice. Each DAW seems to have some really nice features deep inside that can help make the workflow so much easier if you know where to look and how to use it.

There is also the comfort zone and familiarity of understanding that helps the engineer, rather than wondering what will happen if they click that unfamiliar button during a take, or trying to understand how to get a complex route working.

Of course it was different in the old analogue console days, you cold jump on any console and make it work for you.

We got a personal demo of Presonus Studio One software yesterday and the speed with which you can access everything, and coordinate your workflow from basic creation right through to mp3 and publishing is very impressive.

Any personal experiences people would care to share about this still new platform?

As a long term Steinberg user (since Pro-24 on th Atari) I've recently upgraded to Cubase 6 which I'm very impressed with. Having recorded and produced CD's for a few school bands as a community exercise, I have had to do a lot of timing work and occasional drum replacement. What used to take a day or so, is now only a few mouse clicks!

I tend to find that I work quicker and more effectively with the tools and interfaces that I've spent a lot of time with, knowng how to get particular results fairly quickly. I'd suggest that you pick a platform that's been around for a while (most of the major DAW's have now) and that you are comfortable with stick with it. Don't expect to be an expert after a week (or even a year) and connect with the forums to find out hints and tips.

I started using Studio One Pro in Jan 2011. I lost all of my Digi gear to a fire in early 2010. After research I decided to check out Studio One and really never looked back. The software is great and the support and online community are even better. I do enjoy the lack of a "Beat Detective-ish" function within the version 1 release of this daw. It was kind of a lack of those editing features that caught my attention. I was getting used to relying on them instead of getting a great performance on the front end. Anyway I tracked and mixed a record with Presonus converters and Studio One Pro this year and I can't say anything bad about the brand and the gear. Performance, Mics, Pres, and Ears go much further than pricey converters and hype. Thank you Presonus.

I have been a Studio One user since 1.0.1. I stumbled on it when I bought a Presonus Interface. A free version was included with my Firestudio Tube and man, what a treat. Now it's on 1.6.5 and I've totally set aside Cubase and Protools. Yeah it's got a few things missing right now like folder tracks and a few midi editing functions but the Bi-directional browser kinda takes care of the folder track issue and so far all the midi functions I need are there.

Also I'm told version 2 will be addressing all the details so I'm pumped and all my current client projects are in Studio One now. The audio engine, in my opinion has a quality equal or better than my 2 former DAWs but a claim like that is really up to the individual so definitely check it out and compare for yourself. I have done tutorials on just about everything anyone would need to get started (partially so I remember things too...lol).

I have yet to crash it and have only had a small issues with 3rd party VST Instruments that Presonus addressed, pretty much days later. Again, I can't begin to talk about the stability so if you can use Protools or Cubase, you should be able to do full productions, from song to publishing in a short amount of time.

And if you need to master CDs, the project page that's available in the Pro version is the best I've seen integrated into any DAW so far. Check it out! It's worth it.

Actually, if he's just getting started, he shouldn't cave to the pressure of Keeping up with the Jones' He should, in fact, explore all the options out there and get opinions from all DAW users including the ones that have switched to this new DAW.

Keeping an open mind, trying all the demos available out there and looking for any and all video tutorials, on what ever captures your interest, is highly advised.