Composition & Sequencing Features:  

Prefer composing in standard notation? Or perhaps sequencing in step-form? What about piano-roll? Or editing near-completed tracks in waveform? With Digital Performer, users can compose, sequence and arrange using any combination of the methods. But more important than simply having these features and composition panes is ensuring that they actually function well. To Digital Performer's credit, they do just that.

With accurate, real-time MIDI transcription, on-screen page layout, multi-staff/part scoring and lead sheet printing capabilities, the software covers the basics of sequencing and composition without leaving the devilish details for the producer or composer to sort out. Even wrecked, contra-tempo notated lines can be smoothed over easily with the help of Digital Performer's "Adjust Beats" feature. Combine this with "Display Only" and "Playback Only" notation functionality and you have the makings of an all-around indispensable MIDI and audio production program.

Recording & Editing Features:  

Digital Performer has made vast improvements upon its previous versions. The most visible is the graphic interface. However, other tools and features have undergone an overhaul as well, especially those designed for use in the recording and editing stages of production. Effects like unique amplifier filters (Fender, Marshall, etc.), consolidated V-racks, range automation modes and a variety of other production-positive tools help organize the oftentimes-chaotic initial recording process, organizing them into detailed spaces to be edited with precision, accuracy and only as much effort as is actually needed thanks to helpful automated features.

Speaking of editing, Digital Performer has some high-powered, time-saving tools and features that are unique. The "Comp Editor," is a fairly common feature in most MIDI and audio production software programs. In Digital Performer, stitching and mending various segments together is actually, well, easy to perform. Many programs lack the responsiveness or automated functionality to allow for true splice-and-dice editing but Digital Performer is not one of them. The program combines well-designed suite interfaces and responsive tools with automated functionality to quickly and seamlessly clip loose threads and tie the composition together.