recommend me MIDI/audio software, please!

[tony2000]

I'm looking for a solid, in-depth piece of software for MIDI sequencing and audio recording, all the way to mastering a CD ($500 to $1000). Well, I'm also looking for the right PC for the job. I'm pretty green to this home studio malarkey (though I have experience with using Performer;; I write in styles from classical to electronica to folk, etc.) so I think that the place to start is to hear recommendations from experienced people on what software to get, and then get the right PC to fit.
I talked to a couple of people; Logic and Cubase have been recommended to me pretty equally, and I was told that ProTools isn't the way to go for MIDI sequencing. Nobody said anything about Cakewalk, though.
What do you think? Thanks, I need the help.
If you can recommend other hardware I need too, that's cool. Soundcards, MIDI interfaces...?

[blacko3788]

A good sequencer that goes with a DAW is easy. I use Logic Audio and it is wonderful. You can record audio along with midi tracks. Although Logic is a little difficult at first, you will find it awesome once you learn it. It is one of the most flexable DAW programs on the market. After you use this program you will not want or need any-other! (For all yous people that have seen this before.....shhhhh I love copy and paste).
As far as a sound card and interface into your computer goes, I would go with MOTU 2408. I've never had any problems with this baby. It is worth all it's hyped up to be. MOTU 2408 runs around $1000.00. Not bad concidering what it does:8 channels in and out of analog or, or sdif, or 24 channel of digital optical adat I/O or Tascam Tdif into your DAW at 24 bit. So for around $1,500.00 mark. You could have a kick but system. Trust me I have nothing to gain from you buying this...I'm just here to help my fellow comrads in music.