[Emmet]

Reason is a great studoi all in one package for the first timer.

Acid Xpress..yup, yup yup for messing around with yer audio.

I live by the bible that is Cubase, have a look at Cubase SE for the most cut down version.

People swear by different software packages; Cubase, Reason, Logic, DP etc..everyone has their own preference and to be honest in this day and age theres nothing pretty much wrong with any of them.

Have fun.