i still bounce around using different ones. My main one is Logic, but i do track drums often in Pro Tools, then for live Playback for shows i use Ableton. I do want to try a few new ones
Been using Studio One for 10 years now. Before that I went through Cubase and Pro Tools, and before that I used a hardware/software DAW system by Ensoniq called PARIS, which I still have, though I only use it to retrieve audio files. I got Studio One in 2012 on a special NAMM discount of $20.12. I loved it immediately. It seemed analogous to working in a recording studio, which I had done for many years. It was everything I had wished ProTools was, in fact, it's very similar to ProTools, but streamlined and more user friendly. And more stable. I looked at a number of other DAWs when I was helping a friend pick a DAW, and some of the popular ones seemed to be designed more for copy and paste production using loops and samples, rather than being aimed at recording and mixing audio.
I started with Pro Tools but made the switch to Studio One V1. Now have Studio One 6 and I am very happy with it. Like anything it could always be improved but for me, I feel most comfortable with it. I have also used Digital Performer, Cakewalk, Luna, Samplitube and Harrison Mixbus. Harrison Mixbus is a great sounding DAW, really love that Harrison console sound. Just wish it had the Studio One workflow. Maybe someday the two companies will work together, I can only hope. Thank you for the great video. Stay safe and may God bless 🙏✝️🙏
For me -Reason 12 for simple sequencing and great effects! -ableton for easy audio editing and I love the retrospective recording and the simpler -cubase for big sessions and mixing
You forgot Magix ACID (formerly Sony ACID). It’s what I started on and have purchased newer versions to be able to open old sessions. Also, I’ve found as a musician foremost that using different DAW’s like different instruments, playing on their strengths, can be helpful on the creative side of things.
Now, can we make enough fun of the Loudness Wars to show the powers that be how silly THAT is - so that we can go back to albums sounding good instead of loud?
They all have pluses and minuses. You really can’t go wrong with all the major DAW’s available. I think that because folks choose one over the other, they are emotionally attached to it and therefore will fiercely defend their choice. Personally I use Studio One; free version available too. It does the job just fine. I will not claim it’s “better or worse” than any other DAW. It’s all about the user, not necessarily the program.
Thank you so much for including us with your video Warren and plap friends! It was a lot of fun and we are looking forward to getting even better with our video production. Already upgraded cameras ;) It sure is a process learning to create great content.
Logic Pro. It's easy to use, and you can start in GarageBand and then switch it right over to Logic Pro for more finesse if needed. And it's made for my Mac, by Apple. Perfect combo!
Great Video! I’ve been using Ableton Live for years. I like it because you can tweak it live and the session and scenes view. I’ve taken classes to learn it but it always seems to go down a rabbit hole when I try something specific. Looking to try out Logic Pro soon. Just to switch things up. Thanks Warren and friends!
I still play with Pro Tools or Fruity Loops from time to time, but Reaper is the best, super light, not very expensive, you can basically change anything you want, I started using Reaper because of the folders, routing was easier.
I know you did Logic in the previous video. But... I LOVE Logic. I will, however, use whatever DAW you put in front of me. It's the music that's important.
Unrelated to DAWs, but somewhat related to the intro of this video: There's nothing I find funnier than people that put up the Spock hand gesture and say 'May the Force Be With You'. And for the record, I have never seen any of the Star Wars OR Star Trek movies.
Probably,i would like to share with my most important thoughts about DAWs: most important thing is : the sound,that is coming out of the speakers. Listeners do not really care about : which DAW/Software/Hardware was used for that record,so all i can say about DAW's: it has to be joy to work with. Workflow has to be comfortable and push the creativity and inspire,but not stop and make the mixing process annoing. That is why there is no good or bad DAW. My DAWs,that i am working with,are: Reaper,Cubase,Harrison Mixbus. Comfortable,great DAWs.
Near Zero Latency, 700 db (not kidding) of headroom on software, instrument & vocal channels, and perfect bouncing, i.e. bounce a file + flip phase = 100% cancellation, makes Logic Pro my favorite.
I have to say that when i want to create something really quick, like composing new songs, i still use Adobe Audition 1.5 (2004) :D It's really simple, no need to create any tracks or anything, just press REC and start recording. Kind of like the old tape recorders. I came from Cool Edit Pro around the year 2000 and then Adobe bought it and continued making it. Then they ruined it in 3.0 and i downgraded back to 1.5 and still use it. Well, it has limitations, like no VST2-3 or VSTinstruments at all but 128 tracks :D I use Reaper when making real planned recordings.
Great video!! I´m glad to see all of these so called "underrated" or "not industry standard" DAWs in this episode. I´m really familiar with most of them, because I think it´s fine to try new territories and then make a decision what is best for me or for other music or producing oriented artists. All of this products have their pluses and minuses so it is really the matter of individual taste 🙂I cannot say which my favourite is... Btw. I know that these videos have theirs limited amount of time, but I missed some of the KEY Features of some of these daws!!! (In Cakewalk is very important "Pro channel" feature and more..., In Waveform really "One window workflow" - with the capability of open implemented universal properties and parameter editing lower part of the window, which changes immediately when you click wherever you want - plugin, clip, loop, tempo map or even the input of the track) etc.... And at the end I want to agree with some of the guys here, that the Harrison Mixbus is reeeally worth to mentioned!!! Some years passed since I give this DAW a try, BUT - even I was not too familiar with the audio and midi editing view (based on Ardour daw)- The SOUND experience was (don´t know why) something like FROM OUT OF THIS UNIVERSE... Sooo wonderfull !!! Thanks a lot, and Good Luck!
I’m using Ableton because it came with the my first midi keyboard. Maudio keyrig25 😊. I used Cubase before but I quickly adapted to Ableton and forgot Cubase for a while. I was asked to mix a track in logic and thought I’d get it too. For some reason most templates I saw were in logic and my mixing sucked so hence the slight jump. Then I upgraded my interface from focusrite 18i20 to Apollo twin x and got Luna. It’s a wonderful thing. I’m just lazy sometimes to bounce out stems to pull up in another DAW. I hope Ableton one day wil make their mixer like a real console so everything is right there . I mean I can use console one in.Ableton but not with Ableton plugins 😂. What if I like the eq or the stock compressor.and the thing that get me is they refuse to put the plugins in the mixer view . #collab with softube and whip up something guys . Come on 😂😂😂😂.
Remember, you don't have to say "X is bad, Y is bad", you have to say "I don't like X, I don't like Y", there is profound difference between the absolute aggresive opinion stated as the truth, and a personnal subjective opinion. It is ok to use the second statement for any DAW, not the first one.
I'll give you the tip with the super secret sauce...wait for it...Drum Roll Pulease!......🥁 Reaper + Reason 12 = Heaven _Why_ you ask? Reaper is the King of audio editing / flexibility Reason is the King Of Da Toys, plus it has one of the sweetest SSL's on the market. Using Reason in VST mode inside Reaper = $260 fully featured. I shall now drop da mic down dis hole. 🎤_________>🕳
Mixcraft pro 9. I'm new to mixing, but mixcraft is east to use. Price was a consideration as well. I purchased Mixcraft pro 9 for $129. It does everything I need so far, and again, is super easy to use.
@blazebox4 I started with Magix. After getting mad they never fixed the bugs I found Mixcraft. It's more stable. I don't use it as much as FL Studio. I don't know what it is but usually I come up with more ideas in front of FL despite the fact in many ways should be easier in Mixcraft. I think Mixcraft is good enough and easy to figure out. When it comes to piano roll, automation, arranging drum patterns FL Studio is easier.
The best DAW is usually the one you get familiar with the easiest then continue to use. There is absolutely no point in changing it once you are familiar enough to start creating. They all do the same thing but in slightly different ways. You can make just as good a song in whichever one you use. They all use the same technology and can pretty much use the same hardware, although some hardware is better integrated with the software from the same vendor. I love Studio One because it was the most natural progression from the old Logic on the PC. Therefore I stick with Presonus interfaces, and currently use the Presonus thunderbolt Quantum 19” rack mount.
For me the key here is not so much about the wars but about Warren allowing us to get a glimpse of the diverse selection of amazing tools we have available to us as DAW hosts. These are truly great times for the producer. Nice one Warren and team and thank you. 🙂
Used Logic for years but when I moved to an Apollo I checked out LUNA when it first came out. All I can say is I've never had to go back to Logic, I really like LUNA and the videos that UA put out to help support users.
Have they gotten Luna to work better with hardware? That’s been my sticking point with them early so I’ve stuck to Logic plus I really like the improved Logic samplers and drum machine so I’ve been putting together my own samples into a custom drum machine.
I may only be 21 but crazy how similar mine and Roberts stories are. My dad did house music in the 90's and used acid (as well as the DAW with the same name) it was my first experience with a DAW, I got a BR80 by roland probably for an early teen birthday present and went on to make many pink floyd sounding tracks. it came with sonar LE (cakewalk by bandlab) it was the first dwa i only really and truly understood and has been my weapon of choice ever since. The fact it is free when other DAW's command such a premium is beyond me. It is a fab DAW and has never limited my creativity once.
Mixcraft 9 Pro. Easy to use with so many built in VST effects and virtual instruments. I was hoping Warren was gonna' comment, as the overview here was disappointing missing a lot of things.
Back in 1998 when I first checked out DAWs I basically had 2 options: Cubase and Cakewalk. I mostly work in audio and only occasionally use midi. At that time Cubase was basically a midi program with 2 just tracks of default audio. It took me hours to open up more audio tracks and then the program became unstable. Cakewalk immediately let me use as many audio tracks as I wanted along with full midi functions, so I bought ProAudio 9. After a few years I upgraded to Sonar and now I'm using Cakewalk by Bandlab. I can still open Cakewalk projects I created in 1998!
I use Logic Pro and then export to Harrison Mixbus 32C. I like the Loudness Analyzer & Normalizer feature, in Mixbus that has output settings for Spotify, Amazon etc.
Nice Video though... To the Luna-Guy: Those Contextual Editing features are nothing new for most DAWs, Bitwig, Cubase, Reaper, Studio one, Cakewalk, and many others support them as far as you have shown so... not sure what the point was. (Maybe another thing I overlooked) And to tue Mixcraft guy: Be careful what you say about the channel strip... It sounds like an SSL? More likely, it's anormal digital EQ, which is totally fine. But claiming it's like a SSL (Which are analogue-modelled) without any proof to that, is a risky move...
One of the best for home use that no one ever talks about, easy to use, sounds great with its built on circuit emulated EQ, Compressors & Tape Saturation, is Harrison Mixbus. Mixbus 32C is what I use for mixing and is the pro version of the regular version. Harrison are always offering great deals on their DAWs, both sound amazing
Agreed when it comes to the best sounding DAW, MixBus 32C beats everything hands down. It has some quirks which Harrison will eventually figure out but again, I also use it for that additional work and sound that I cannot seem to get from any other DAW. I usually work with Nuendo 12 but export stems and work on those in MixBus 32C 8. There is a noticeable difference, and it's a great one. Once you hear it, you will want to hear it all of the time going forward.
I totally agree, i always use this great DAW ans i love it's sound. It has tons of great features, especially in Mixbus 32c v8. I would love Produce Like A Pro to review this DAW !
Thank you for mentioning mixbus. It's topps for sure. Been using it for several years and it's my main mixing software. Not using it for creation mode....but for mixing.
Funny intro, you made my day, thanks! BTW: I use Logic since day one. It has a lot of great features and it seems that some of the pro's seem don't know that those even exists. It also has its flaws an limits.
How long comment can I leave? Haha... First, great beginning of this video, Warren!! I currently run Logic and have been running ProTools, Cubase, Nuendo and even SAW (old audio software), Notator and so on, and I feel it would be great if I could "borrow" a few functions from almost all these DAW's to use in Logic. I think it's safe to say that Pro Tools no longer is the only "Pro" software because ALL the DAWs today are "Pro". The audio engine and the main functions are often all the same, meaning no DAW is bad. I feel Logic has so much for a very low price, but then there are features that I would like to add or change, for example the routing of the sends. I am sure this is something all DAW users feel, that one or more features are missing in their DAW. If there only was one DAW delivered empty or with a base regarding features where the engineer could add features and functions from ALL the different DAW softwares, or if for example Logic would allow importing of functions. Now this would probably not be an easy thing to do, but I feel often in DAW's there's one or a few functions I miss. One thing I really miss in Logic is that it is not possible to arrange the channels in mixer view. Of course on a real desk this is possible but takes a bit of work, but why Logic doesn't allow re-arranging of the channels I don't understand. All the DAW softwares are good enough for music production etc, but some functions are bette than others. These are tools only, and so it all comes down to what fits your workflow, so I use Logic because it is overall what best fits my workflow, but again there are functions/features missing, but at least most of Logic gives me what is right for me. ... Can I write more? haha...
Great Daw Wars 2, Glad to see Bitwig, Waveform Pro, Cakewalk, and Mixcraft Pro included this time around. Luna looks cool, wasn't familiar..... Not sure why FL Studio was just mentioned with link and not in the lineup, but maybe next Episode 3? Yes, Harrison Mixbus 8 for sure!!! Only other ones I can think of that are general daws, are Magix Music Maker Premium, Samplitude, or Band in the Box maybe even? I would say Ignite by AIR, but it seems to be unkept for years now. Sad because it did what it did very uniquely (quick no rules takes and demo arrangement ideas) especially with AIR keyboards. Cheers Warren!
I stuck with 24 track "all in one" boxes until a relatively short time ago. Then I bought Pro Tools and will likely never use anything else because: 1) I'm used to it now and have no desire to go through another learning curve, and 2) Sending stuff out for mixing is easy because everyone uses it.
I started with something similar, a pair of DA88s and a DM24. It basically acted a lot like one of the all-in-one units since it was all Tascam gear. Eventually ended up with a 1984 setup, a hot-rodded Soundcraft 2400 and Stephens 821b. The console sound is there, edits are a bit of a bear though.
It’s so great to see Robert on this wonderful channel! Robert is super ninja pro when it comes to Cakewalk! Thank you Warren for promoting great guys like Robert on your amazing channel!
Loved the opening sequence. I am going with Joe Gilder (Luke Skywalker) on this one. Everyone has their personal peferences, often based on what they are familiar with, however at this point Studio One is definitley leading the pack with exceptional innovation, features and user experience. I think the other long established DAW's are slipping toward the Dark Side and Studio One is moving into the light.
There are so many great DAWs but I use Studio One because it comes with Joe Gilder and a Flux Capacitor! Thanks again Warren! You are absotively posilutely fantabulous!
We had Mac in the house for professional artwork so we played with GarageBand for fun music. It was a simple jump from there to Logic, coupled with educational discount, so Logic was the logical conclusion. I suspect they are all good enough in their own way but I have no reason to change now.
I was half expecting your face to appear in space and start talking, then the usual intro song played and i was like.. ahhhhhh!!! Awesome SW intro btw!
I've used Cubase, Digital Performer, Logic, Waveform, and FL Studio...but Reaper is my favorite to work with. As simple or complex as you like, with the built-in tools being powerful(if no nonsense). Logic has great synths and such, but the workflow doesn't suit me.
Hey Warren primarly I love to use Studio One Pro / Pro tools / Fl Studio and Cubase. I would love to see this friendly face talking about Fl Studio Producer or Signature series some more, maybe there is a chance to get even short video recording from this guy you have mentioned or someone else. It is noteworthy to mention about Magix who is responsible for Sound Forge Pro, Samplitude Pro and now Sequoia Pro and One next ,Merging Pyramix, MOTU Digital Performer, Waves Soundgrid Studio, Harrison Mixbus, Adobe Audition, n-Track Studio ,ACID Pro, Sound Bridge, NCH MixPad, Ardour, Qtractor...
I use Samplitude pro x suites to record, edit, mixing, and mastering. I have recently been using Mixbus32c7 for mixing and mastering for fun, it has a fill to it or something that I like, kinda hard to explain, I started with Magix Studio.
Been messing around with Ableton, but we never really clicked. Now I'm using Studio One and it just sits right with me - and that's what it all comes down to at the end of the day :)
"The best DAW, is the one you know". I use Reaper primarily and Ableton. Both are great for different things and different reasons. Have basically abandoned Logic Pro after using it for 15 years, as I wanted out of the OS chase that Apple wants me to do if I want to stay up to date. Logic is great though. Tried Bitwig, its great but I already have Ableton which I like and felt there was a lot of overlap. If I didn't use Ableton, I would be using Bitwig. Bitwig is great. Also tried out Cubase 12 after decades from when I was using Cubase VST. Cubase 12 is great..although there's some annoying bugs.
Reaper. Only braise my Engineer switched from Mac to PC. So that made me have too so we can send files back and forth. That’s the Only reason. I’m a Motu Digital performer native. But I like protools too. But I’m not paying for a license which you’ll pay more in the long run. I’d rather stay with the install discs. One time purchase and I’m good. I’m my opinion it doesn’t matter which one you use. They all do the same job. RECORD WHAT YOU PUT IN IT. It’s like a tape machine but in many different brands. Just pick one and get to know it in and out.
At the end of the day, there really is only one answer regarding what is the best DAW. Personal choice and what works best for you. Of course when you are at Warrens level within the industry it is more or less expected that you would be on Pro Tools, it is the recording industrys DAW of choice and it is the DAW that you would find in the vast majority of professional recording facilities world wide.
I've been using FL Studio and Mixcraft for a long time. I asked random people what is the easiest DAW to make drum patterns and that's how I end up using what I am using. I am curious about other DAWs but when you get used to an environment you kinda don't want to have the headache of figuring out new environment. I know FL Studio enough to get things going and if I don't know something usually someone put a video on RU-vid explaining how to do it. So yes, I am stuck in there for maybe lifetime.
former hardcore Pro Tools, Logic and Studio One user. Now primarily on Cubase 12 and...very happy. Yes, Cubase has the best flexible daw mixer and the best midi editing composing capabilities. Cubase onstock effects and synths are top notch in these days and absolutely comparable to expensive purchased plugins. I really like the fast creative Samplertrack, Direct Offline Processing and the Control Room e.g. great GUI too. Highly recommend, I must say.
Back in my early 20's we had a marantz 4 track and recorded many songs.. then I became a videographer and built very powerful PCs to edit video back when everything needed to be rendered on Apple but with my Canopus hardware on a PC I didn't need to render anything. It was MUCH more powerful than anything Apple were doing. Fast forward 15 years and I'm still a PC guy and still edit video using Edius, Premiere and Resolve. Looking for a daw.. found studio one. With my MOTU and a very powerful PC with 12 cores and 24 threads, RTX 3070 64GB of ram and a couple of ridiculously fast NVME 1 TB drives.. I get no latency. I won't switch to Apple. Lol
Went to music production school, then worked in professional studios and got used to the quality sound and Pro Tools. 2008 hearing loss, 2020 cancer of head & neck & brutal chemo, recovering and now almost 2024, still here and want to start over with singing, songwriting and recording real guitars, bass, and vocals. The rest of the "band" will be collabs or with midi. Don't know which DAW or interface to get. Would love to be in the UA eco-system and have dsp
