greggybud:
I think the potential depends on that “much higher price” to rid a DAW from this vicious cycle. Today that high price may be unrealistic. They know their market. But at some point I think someone will come along with this concept.
I wasn’t thinking of bare bones. I was thinking of a DAW built from the ground up that focuses on core functions. For example the sample editor, the list editor, the drum editor, the logical editor, key editor, with support functions such as history window, comping window, etc. But NOT functions that 3rd parties often do better such as autotune, all the presently included instrument and effect VST’s, LoopMash, upgrades such as EQ’s, or Magneto. Plus not what I think should be options such as Halion, Groove Agent etc. And make it so better integration with major3rd parties such as UAD or Waves is encouraging. Give the pro user the options of configuring the DAW from ground up with 3rd parties instead of a huge take-it-or-leave it bundle. DId I just eliminate 90% of users hopefully leaving 10% who desire core functions?
I know “core functions and better workflow” is subjective. And I admit how they were able to eventually integrate Vari-audio with chord tracks is very cool. But with 10% paying a “much higher price” you can allocate your resources to DAW core functions instead of releasing new eye-candy or wiz-bang features. I bet you could fix bugs, even create non-eye-candy new features such as mix undo well before the competition. Until C8.5 look how long Steinberg had ignored the drum editor. A way to delete drum tracks, move them around, and manipulate length should have been achieved back in the SX era! The same can be said about the sample editor. These core functions are ignored because resources have to be used to appeal to hobbyists.
I hear what you’re saying. But VST 3 is a good standard, and all Steinberg would have to do is focus on core features. I really don’t think there’s a need to code the app “from the ground up”, just fix what’s not working and stop messing around with the candy.