AJ, thanks for your comments..

I didn't have any problems with the VST's I tried..

I liked the way my EMU controller worked with Mixcraft 4...Just click on any track and the controller automatically played the vst assigned to the track and easily can change the instrument..

I also like the way it records audio, and seems to handle the midi/audio mix well..

The tempo and key change works easily [better than Adobe Audition and Acid Pro]..and saves just as easily to the location of your choice..

The included VST instruments are very good [organ , pianos, synth], as are the GM wavetables[better than M-Audio key rig]..

Over all I liked it a lot....in fact I ordered the boxed version...

There are so called "cracked" versions on the internet, but I suggest others do as I have...pay for the software, and support efforts to make all great software available to us in the future...

I give Mixcraft 4 a thumbs up...

I will report back after I have used it more..with positives or negatives...but what I have tried so far...works well...