Another suggestion…
You could use Sequel. I was playing around with an LE in the last few days. A few comments:
- Really easy tu use.
- Projects directly importable to Cubase.
- Manages and records instrument tracks with sounds from Halion One
- Several automations available, also control via MIDI for transport, mixer, etc, via MIDI Learn.
- No dongle to lose, only Soft-eLicenser.
I honestly don´t know, how many inputs you may use at once or how many tracks you´ll be able to record at a time, but I can confirm, that the direct import to Cubase works great, with all audio, instrument tracks, effects and automations. Might be an option for you, and definitely a cheaper one than make an insurance for the dongle.
Or maybe we could convince Steinberg to make us an offer to buy Sequel way cheaper, when you already have Cubase. Even a (intelligently) limited version could be useful. Or include it in the Cubase 6 package…
Just my 2 cents.
Roger