Understanding the complex world of midi controllers, DAWs and live playing: what software should I use?

Question

So here's the scenario: I play drums and mallets (marimba, vibes, etc.) and currently own a drumkit and a 4.3 octave padouk marimba. However, I'm looking into buying a Pearl MalletSTATION. The versatility of it is very attractive, being able to play all those percussion instruments on this one thing. I'm also quite interesting in jamming by building up some layers/loops; such as playing a bass marimba line, drums, chords on vibe and finally play solos on xylophone for example. On the other hand, I regularly help out small town orchestras with their melodic percussion and they usually don't have the right instruments (vibes, tubular bells etc.) so hooking the malletstation up to a PA would be very useful.

For context: I'm a software developer by profession. I use linux (ubuntu) or otherwise Windows if necessary for better software. MIDI is not an entirely strange concept to me, but DAWs mostly are (used cubase years ago but it looked like a maze to me). I read that Mainstage is good at this, but it's not for windows/linux and that ableton live can do this, but I'm not sure if it's overcomplicated. And to get mallet samples I need the suite version of the software voor €599...

So the question is: what is the most straightforward setup for me that I can use to play the malletstation at home but also bring to performances?

Edit:

a clearer overview of what I basically want to do, preferably as many of these as possible through programmable buttons on the midi-controllers:

• plug midi-controller into laptop
• choose an instrument
• hit record
• play some notes
• hit stop so it starts looping those measures
• change instrument
• hit record again etc. (or play without recording)

Answer 1

I don't own any instruments, synthesizers, or physical plugins, so I can't help you with that.

As for DAW, most have a high learning curve and the difference is hardly noticeable if you're a beginner. However, it is extremely recommended to own a professional DAW if you plan on composing or mixing. It is not worth saving your money on free DAWs like Audacity, GarageBand, the ones you find on AppStore, or rent in on a browser.

The main decision on which DAW to own depends on if you're on Windows or Mac. FL Studio is great for Windows and is beginner-friendly. If you're on Mac, I hear good things from Logic Pro or Cubase.

Most of the main challenge in maneuvering the DAW is on the plugins itself, not the DAW's interface. It is important for your DAW to be able to support important 3rd party plugins such as Kontakt Player, Serum, or certain special slicers or voice harmonizers.

Some awesome and super professional plugins for voicing, orchestration, or beat making seem to be exclusive to certain DAWs. If any of those were your purpose, be sure to check out if your DAW supports making certain genres of music/sounds.

If you are still unsure, just get either and expand your knowledge from that platform. Most of us get our current expertise and career that way anyway, by jumping in after enough time of fiddling and not over analyzing.