Software packages for solo songwriters

[daled]

So I actually have a little money hanging around after Christmas and Im looking to drop on some software. I am a songwriter (isnt everybody?) that is looking to record my own songs, problem being that I live in an apartment and have no friends to play with Anyway, I need to be able to record full arrangements (strings, drums, bass, violin, sax, etc.) but I am wondering which software programs are best. I've read many reviews on ACID, FL, Band in a Box, Sonar, etc. blah blah blah so I want to know what different software combos YOU would use in a similar situation. BTW I will hopefully be venturing into midi soon so...

[badgas]

I'm using Sonar XL now. Was using PA 9, by Cakewalk also. They are the only ones I know anything about.

I've heard others mention Pro Tools, Cool Edit and some other ones.

Good luck.

[TimOBrien]

You don't have to spend a fortune if you look around.
Here's what I'm using for my solo recording:

N-Track Studio for multitracking
$39/$59 from www.n-track.com

Sonic Foundry's SoundForge5 for editing .wav's
I got a $99 introductory deal on this because I was a registered ACID buyer otherwise I might have gone with Cool Edit. SF5 is super tho...

Fruityloops and ACIDMusic 2.0 for drum tracks
$49 from www.fruityloops.com

Melody Assistant notation editor for songwriting
$18 from www.myriad-online.com

[Gidge]

I use mostly N-Track/Fruity Loops/Goldwave, along with some plugins ive "found"....

[musicsdarkangel]

Logic Audio Delta, and N-Track, i've used both among many, both rock and no one seems to complain about em.

Delta's probably cleaner. (don't ask how, i just think so)