Any software requires a bit of getting used to.
It's just how it is. Refusing to try new software simply because you are more familiar with something else is alright for as long as you are happy with what you are using.

You should be able to run software synths right inside Cakewalk (unless it's some ancient version. Being a Mac user I can't get into specifics when it comes to PC software. Sonar and Cubase SX are what most use and I don't hear anyone complain about them being difficult to use).

Usually there is a learning curve to any piece of software/hardware and it is okay as long as you read the manual and take the time to learn to understand the basics. Believe me, learning how to connect your KB input to tracks inside Sonar or Cubase is no rocket science and the only ones to struggle with that stuff are folks who try everything before grabbing the manual and reading instructions. That's what they are there for. Do a bit of reading and learning and all the stuff that seemd way over your head is going to become easy. No need to re-invent the wheel. It's been done. Just read the manual/user guide.

Now, using software synthesizers and playing them is the same thing as using hardware synths and workstations. It's a lot easier if anything. It's not like you have to play them using a KB mouse or some bizarre stuff like that. You can use your Yamaha to play any software synth. It will play and respond like a piece of hardware. You will be able to run as many of them (each on it's own individual track) as your computer's CPU can handle.

Reason is actually not just a soft synth. It's a standalone application. Does require some learning and thinking but so did everything else you ever tried. It is actually like a virtual studio in it's own right. Virtual synths, virtual drum machines, virtual mixers, virtual FX processors. Now, you can't run Reason inside your sequencer/ audio program but you can virtually rout it's outputs to it and process them with more plug-ins or record them on multiple tracks if you wish. You will need something called Re-Wire for that.

I'm not sure if Reason handles external MIDI devices but you will be able to play it (or it's multiple instruments) right from your Yamaha without any problems. You may require different ASIo drivers to get lesss latency but that's really all there is to worry about.

To get into specifics of what software to try and which drivers to use you will have to ask AJ (AKA BluezPlayer) since he knows more about PCs than me. I'm pretty sure you can get a killer setup without having to add any additional hardware.

If your version of Cakewalk can't handle plug-ins or soft synths (or audio at all) you will at least be able to use it to control and sequence Reason and basically treat it as a virtual synthesizer workstation. Sequence your Yam along with it and you're rockin'.

What are the specs of your PC?
Processor speed, RAM etc?

-ED-

[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 12-07-2005).]