I personally did not have a need for the free software included since I use a Licensed and paid version of Pro Tools.

The only reason this gets 4 stars is because of how complicated it is to install the free software from cubase.

The device generously comes with a bunch of free software, like my Behringer and Focusrite.

If you are a beginner without software, the free software themselves make it worth buying this device

I tried Reason, Ableton, Sonar X3, notation programs that include sound packages and VST output including Sibelius, Finale and Notion - as well as standalone software instruments including Kontakt, and the Dimension XP soft synth

It's not as warm or loud as it could be, but for the money and the functionality i'd rather trust M-Audio than the next up competitor..