FL Studio
FL Studio is a recording and loop creation application that I use to do all my music. It does everything - soft synths, effects, vst hosting, audio recording, etc. It’s a great tool and it’s infinitely expandable. Best of all, it’s only about $150 for the producer edition, $100 for the Fruity Loops edition, and $50 for express edition.
Now here’s the great part - if you’re planning on purchasing FL Studio, you can save yourself a couple of bucks by using this link. It’s for the FL affiliate program; basically I’m referring you so we both get something out of the deal - you get 10% off and I get some virtual cash to use in the FL online store.
If you are an FL user already, feel free to drop me a line if you have questions that don’t get answered on Looptalk (FL’s official forum) or the FL Wiki, or the FLipside.
Thanks for your support.