EQUIPMENT
Hardware
Windows 7 running on a 6 core AMD FX(tm) running at 3.5GHz. 8 GB ram.
Roland MA-15D Monitors. Good enough for the amateur.
M-Audio Keystation 49 es – a well priced 3 ¾ octave midi controller
Roland GAIA SH-01 synthesizer
For ease of editing I use a three vdu setup.
Software
For the actual composing I use Sibelius 7.5. Depending on the instruments to be used, I either bounce down staves to individual audio files or export as midi.
For mixing and putting together the structure of the piece I use Cubase 7.5.
Final mastering is done on Studio One 2.
Other tools include Wavelab elements 8, Sound Forge Audio Studio, Audacity and Wave pad Sound editor.
I use a wide range of vsts but some of my favourites are:
Synths: Arturia Analogue Lab, V collection
Romplers: Omnisphere, Trillian, Steinberg Halion
Drums: EZDrummer, Stylus RMX