I've been using Reason for a while. If you know someone who can use it well, get some tips and starting points off them. Once you have your way in, you'll be able to learn the system inside out - and only then will you start to notice the limitations.

From here, you'll have learned enough about sampling, synthesis and arrangemet skills to move up to a professional package like Cubase or Logic. Starting off with these is a bit hardcore - but they will give you the power and versatility you need.

I moved to Cubase SX, because it had a more transparent interface. However, the programming tools on offer are poor compared to Logic's sequence edit functions. Logic seems to be far more tightly programmed as well. In the current climate, Cubase SX is too buggy and unstable to use in a professional environment - Logic has the edge on timing and stability. Either wait until Steinberg fix up Cubase, or use Logic.

Be aware that Logic is no longer made for the PC, so if you buy into it, you're buying the last version made for the platform. I thought it was worth it after half an hour...

Get some books about the technology, programming and the rest. Paul White (SOS editor) is brilliant author - I especialy recommend 'Creative Recording 1: Effects and Processors'. Also, Huber's 'Modern Recording Techniques' is a good, broad-based starting point with some good advice buried away.

Find a course on studio techniques and MIDI. It's good to give you an idea of what you need before you start to spend money, and courses are great places to get contacts. I landed some engineering work from going on one.

Tequila