The only areas I can think of where Cubase gets a slight edge is in the ease of sidechaining to VST plugins and adding post-fader insert FX. Mixing & Mastering: FL Studio doesn't have any major limitations here. But it's totally doable, and Image Line are continuously improving this area with updates. Recording Vocals and Live Instruments: Admittedly, FL Studio still doesn't have the greatest audio recording workflow. And, if you're lacking music theory knowledge, and you really need some extra help making chord progressions, you can always grab Cthulhu for forty bucks, which probably destroys Cubase's Chord Tracks anyway. Its Piano Roll is widely acclaimed as one of the best MIDI editors in any DAW. MIDI Composition: FL is great for MIDI composition. As a former Cubase user, I recommend FL Studio.