BEST software for recording? (Logic vs Pro Tools vs Ableton)

BEST software for recording? (Logic vs Pro Tools vs Ableton)
Here's my follow up to a video I did 5 years ago called "BEST software for recording? (Logic vs Pro Tools)". I wanted to do an updated video that still tries to get to the bottom of which DAW is best for recording, while adding Ableton, and also being a bit more quantitative with my reasoning for what DAW is best.
0:00 - Intro
2:01 - Category Breakdown
2:45 - Learning Curve
4:14 - Pricing
5:28 - Recording Audio
7:12 - Editing Audio
8:52 - Stock Virtual Instruments
10:25 - MIDI Editing/Manipulation
10:59 - Stock Plug-Ins
12:24 - Overall Workflow
13:41 - Mixing
14:57 - Collaboration
17:23 - Final Results
For a FREE Logic Pro X mix template and turtorial:
www.timbuellmusic.com/mixing-...
My video course on getting solid drum recordings (regardless of the gear you currently own): bit.ly/3lUIU81
Gear I Use (affiliate links that help support the channel):
Music Notation Software (Finale 27): imp.i114863.net/XxK3Zy
Transcription Software: bit.ly/3cGymE1
Kick Drum Pedal: imp.i114863.net/P0WNnj
22" Zildjian K Constantinople Ride: imp.i114863.net/Gj23q6
Ludwig Supraphonic Snare: imp.i114863.net/mg0V0y
Pro Tools (recording software): imp.i114863.net/15VQzD
Vic Firth SD2 Bolero Sticks: imp.i114863.net/P0WNqj
Ableton Live Intro: imp.i114863.net/gb4k5g
Ableton Live Standard: imp.i114863.net/BX1okB
My Audio Interface: imp.i114863.net/x9RDR3
sE Electronics Drum Mic Package: imp.i114863.net/x9RDjy
Warm Audio Pre Amps: imp.i114863.net/9WrarY
My Pre Amps: imp.i114863.net/DVJzJG
Favorite 'It Does Everything' Plugin: imp.i114863.net/WD03EJ
Fab Filter Pro-Q 3 (best EQ ever): imp.i114863.net/ORW3EZ
Fab Filter Saturn 2 (best saturation/distortion): imp.i114863.net/4eqjM0
TrueVibe Isolation Mounts: imp.i114863.net/rnBo1j

[@FlorinCirciu]

Amazing review man! Appreciate it!

[@zamyers]

Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing bro!

[@TimBuell]

Thanks for watching glad they helped!

[@Novvadiaries]

Thank you very much for this video !!! It was so helpful for me to decide which program to buy . Really thanks

[@TimBuell]

So glad to hear it!

[@iengineer_247]

You are a Pro!!!! You're sharing light on how to choose based upon work flow!!!

[@TimBuell]

I appreciate it - glad it helped!

[@skk6811]

You're so spot on about the workflow thing and how dependent it is on what you're using it for. I usually compose / sound design / arrange everything in Ableton Live, just because it's built for a ridiculously fast sample / midi / automation based workflow. But when it comes to recording a band or mixing an album from stems I get, Pro Tools is the go-to. I often find myself exporting stems of my own productions into a Pro Tools session instead of recording in Ableton, just because I know I'll need to edit those vocals and will miss the editing features of Pro Tools, even though it would be much more convenient to handle everything in one project.

[@lrios0086]

You know whats crazy? 1 minute in I forgot that i was looking for comparisons of DAWs and i sitting here waiting for this fool to just start drumming.... lol

[@TimBuell]

Not in this video! Haha

[@reginasayles]

Thank you for this video. So much good info. I’m a pro tools and Ableton user. Have been debating on whether to learn logic as well because it would make collaborating with one of my groups easier…. Still debating.

[@TimBuell]

Logic is cool and easy to pick up if you are familiar with PT and Ableton.

[@justinharrison7517]

Helpful video. I use both Ableton and Pro Tools. Only have been using Pro Tools for a year. Have to say I love mixing in Pro Tools over Ableton. The send/return limitation in Ableton is annoying and the audio effects rack workaround is not enjoyable to use. I agree on the returns being really quiet for whatever reason compared to Pro Tools, always need to use a trim plugin. I will say with pro tools I have run into more bugs than with ableton.

[@JorgeCidMusic]

If you own a Perpetual License for Pro Tools you don't have to pay a Subscription Plan., you just pay for the updates for one year and you could use that version for years until you need a new update.

[@TimBuell]

This is worth looking into for sure. Should’ve mentioned that

[@aakarshandutta8511]

I think perpetual licence is not available now. Last I checked I couldn't find that on Avid's website.

[@MattTravelling]

Thank you for this detailed breakdown! As a software engineer I can appreciate your ratings approach and it makes sense, especially with the color that you added to this video to explain each one. I’m a hobbyist though, definitely not a pro and never plan to be, so Avid looks like the winner for me, simply for recording and mixing. Thank you!

[@TimBuell]

Glad it was helpful! I did one of these several years ago and realized that I need to have some kinda of category/ranking system to make it a bit more applicable for people's different needs.

[@lamontpeoples]

I track drums. First starting out I was using Ableton. However, that quickly changed. I’m using Protools. I feel it’s best for tracking drums

[@TimBuell]

Agreed!

[@tonyvalenti6614]

Great video! Now that Pro Tools has announced Perpetual Licensing again, what would you score their pricing. I know they were already number one overall, but interested if you’d up pricing to a 2 or 3? Thanks!

[@TimBuell]

Probably increase from 1 to 2. It’s still on the expensive side, but defiantly an improvement from subscription for sure!

[@tonyvalenti6614]

@@TimBuellThanks! Agreed. Good first step! 👍🏻

[@littledrummerboyph]

This is super interesting to me. I'm on PC so Logic isn't an option, but I've also never really given ProTools a shot. About 12 years ago I got Ableton as my first real DAW (re: upgrade from Audacity) with the purposes of introducing clicks and tracks at church and producing music from the ground up. I'm super comfortable in it for both live and studio work and haven't ever really had an issue tracking and mixing things. The take lanes update for comping with Live 11 *was* very much needed and could still be tweaked, but overall it works for me.

[@TimBuell]

Agreed! The updates Ableton has been doing are great

[@purenonsense7296]

Nice vid. I’m a Reaper weirdo. It’s great now since it’s very customizable and it is now set up just as I want it. Also, I already have all the VSTI’s and other plugins I want. Steep learning curve. I always recommend Logic for anyone new to DAWs with a Mac. Like you said it’s simple and comes with a bunch of great VSTI’s and other plugins.

[@TimBuell]

Agreed! I still want to try Reaper just to see what’s what. I also want to get familiar with Audacity since it is so popular

[@siewierap]

reaper is amazing, but not out of the box, you need to spend time to figure out your workflow

[@IndyRockStar]

I had Pro Tools subscription for a year. I still don't know how to use it very well. I just got Logic, and I was immediately able to get started. I'm no expert, but this has been my experience so far.

[@tonylancer7367]

I find Ableton to be a bit more robust than Logic, especially with the audio overload messages that randomly pop up on Logic. I agree that Ableton is not as straightforward as other DAWs (in fact I used to think that it was ugly compared to the others), but once you get it, things just "click". I don't understand why Logic haven't implemented a search function for plugins, and be able to adjust the imported loop to an already rolling project (yes I know of Smart Tempo, but it's gets a bit quirky with multiple loops, Ableton just does it well). Pro Tools looks great but with all the changes happening to it, probably staying away and getting good at the current DAWs I use.

[@TimBuell]

I agree totally on Ableton. I was 100% lost until it finally just “makes sense” - and now I really enjoy working with it.

[@ChetHanks-eh1md]

Ableton is pretty ugly and confusing at first. But it's a solid daw and very stable. It's better than logic but I like using logic more.

[@elemental_animal]

Loved this breakdown! Also ik this may not have been at the time of the filming of this video but- correct me if im wrong, doesn't Avid provide a perpetual license now? Its significantly more expensive but i'd assume its better in the long run- also jit sure if the perpetual license has the same benefits so if anyone knowsbthat pls let me know, I don't have much experience in this industry yet💀

[@TimBuell]

Hey! They announced the perpetual license RIGHT after this video came out haha. I think it is still a little too expansive but definitely bumps pro tools up a little bit in my mind.

[@elemental_animal]

@@TimBuell Ah, I see, Tysm!!!

[@mpasistasyalanci]

I think for tracking, mixing, editing etc Reaper is one of the best options out there. It is reliable and easy on the cpu and ram, has a lot of customization( for toolbars, appearance, workflow etc), it is very good and easy for editing, have some great tricks (like spectral analyses on your waveforms, automatic coloring, grouping with just a drag and drop on a folder, can create parameter linking, make automated envelopes from the tracks volume changes, etc ) Every daw has its use though and things that it works the best. If you work and collaborate with established industry studios maybe you can justify the cost and hustle with pro tools. If you create music and want the convenience of all the included instruments Logic is great. If you are creating by arranging loops, phrases, instruments in a more live scenario Ableton could be what you want. There are a whole lot of other daws out there that may be great for what you do, the best is the one that suits your needs and you know how to use it well. If you need a workhorse of a daw, if you have already plugins that you want, if you have a not so powerful computer, if you want to have the option to even put a demo version on a n other computer and work without any limitation and problems... give Reaper a chance. It saved me when I had a slow computer, it saved me when I had to record in a studio that had problems with an other daw and I just downloaded it and record with the demo without even the musicians realized that there was any problem(We later installed the full version there)

[@frankpratte8358]

Reaper's price and the customer service and all the free updates, amazing. Also, the free Reaper Mania tutorial videos are great. I used Pro Tools before Reaper, I'd never go back.

[@winstonsmith9424]

helpful thank you

[@TimBuell]

Glad to hear it!

[@FvdWSeatbelt]

great video 👌 what is te difference between Pro Tools vs Pro Tools First? (which is free with purchase Focusrite interface) or shoud i go for Logic Pro X? i’m a bass player who makes only drum & bass grooves with a midi-usb keyboard for strings underneath.. i use a iMac or MacBook thanks for your advice sorry for my English..

[@FvdWSeatbelt]

that means? 🫣

[@GregRband]

Pro Tools "Intro" is the newer version of "First". Not sure all hardware products (you mentioned) are honoring the PT First free thing to Intro version. I've seen a few that just simply say "no longer avail" sorry for inconvenience upon registering hardware in your account. If thinking Pro Tools, Artist for $99 is the first "real" version for less restricted features.

[@iengineer_247]

The Professional people will never make you feel less of yourself based upon a daw you decide to use. Some people who are non pros are the ones stay getting in people's ear. All daws operate different based on preference and choice for making music. People act like it's a crime to use DAWs😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. I find Logic to be good for tracking, Ableton to be good with sequencing/beat making along with PT is good for mixing and mastering. All daws are about workflow!!! You're sharing your honest opinion/feedback which is helpful. Thanks for the vid keep helping best as you could!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TimBuell]

Agreed all around!

[@iengineer_247]

*different daws

[@AdrianHzCa]

Gran video. Ableton lo utilizó solo para cortar y pegar audio, para hacer música o grabar el Logic y como me dedico más a grabar como músico no pago por pro tools con Logic me funciona muy bien.

[@TimBuell]

Thanks so much!

[@gavinhammond3137]

Protools is great to mix and track on but I still prefer doing it in Ableton because editing and the workflow is a lot faster and if time is money I'll go with the more efficient option.

[@PowerOfDestruction]

I went with Propellerhead Reason 12. The learning curve is 5/5. I didn't want to spend hours figuring out how to make music. I just want to make music. Reason 12 is the best daw with ready to go functions that makes making music fun and exciting! Pro Tools was my first daw, (hated it) Then FL studio's. (wasn't user friendly) and then Abelton (Everything was backwards for me) Then i landed on Reason when it was reason 4, and stayed ever since. Never Liked Mac products just because of the compatibility with other computers. Thanks for the Info, Love the video! Keep it up!

[@Wicked_Fox]

As an audiophile, which is best for Hi-Res recording, mastering and mixing in 24-Bit or even 32-Bit Float audio??? I only have experience in Stagelight Now called Roland Zenbeats after being bought out.

[@TimBuell]

I would still say Pro Tools is the industry standard for mixing and mastering. Not that other DAWs can’t do it, but most engineers mixing and mastering at the highest level are using Pro Tools.

[@warrengoldstein410]

thanks, but how about Cubase. I have only version 6. I got away from Mac and started with it when it first came and continually had to call Germany to EXPLAIN to them how syncing worked. The designers were just computer geeks and not users. I was delighted when PC finally was able to take over. I have Cubase and want to update OR switch to another program at this time. How about a cubase comparison for today's versions. thanks

[@TimBuell]

Hey Warren! I honestly haven’t used Cubase and don’t know anyone else who does so I likely won’t be diving too deep into it.

[@StepaniM]

Hey there. I can tell you for sure that you can fully record, use VSTs, mix, and master in Cubase and get an international standard sound.

[@abirtariq3692]

any sound quality difference between the three? Sorry am kind of new to daws so yeah!

[@TimBuell]

I don’t believe so. You can make high quality recordings on all.

[@LCRLive687]

You will only notice a quality difference between daws when you move to pro tools HDX systems. But not pro tools light versions. It sounds like all the others.

[@RYVENANT]

Lately I've been hearing good things about Studio One, ever mess around on that at all?

[@LilHendoMrFoolstyle]

I agree with you.

[@TimBuell]

Glad to hear it!

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

I use all three also

[@TimBuell]

Sometimes it’s unavoidable haha. Luckily they each excel at different things

[@TheDredog59]

Logic has all you need , and now also mastering . You don't need to spend a lot on plugins . Even the amp modeling is not bad . I do use Amplitude 5 in addition . But I stopped buying plugins , I feel that Logic has most of it to do the job well !

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Reaper? bandlab cakewalk sonar?

[@mstruth8628]

Mixcraft is the best for me because of it's ease of use, price, and it simply does what I need it to do. However, I have found out that it's best to use the DAW that you can EASILY Manipulate. A DAW to me is just like a PIANO KEYBOARD. Each keyboard has special features. In this case, Mixcraft is the BEST for Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced.

[@matthewgaines10]

Discussion has a built in bias of what you know. At the end of the day, there is no best DAW. There only is the best DAW for you. Thus, everyone needs to consider their musical style, personal work flow, and preferences and decide for themselves what is best for them. Look at what others making the music you make are using. Find out why they use that DAW. Get free trials of the candidates that you want to try based on interest and recommendations. Pick the one that works best for you for what you do. That is the best DAW.

[@TimBuell]

Agreed. That’s why this time I tried to rank these in categories instead of broadly saying “this one is best” - but it’s all subjective and like you said. If it works - use that one!

[@Tom-Studios]

May be some limitations in logic. But logic is always worth to have.

[@TimBuell]

For sure!

[@aakarshandutta8511]

For Production, I prefer Logic. I'm hands on with Logic. For Recording, and Post Production, I prefer Pro Tools. Also I jse boty for editing, but my editing workflow is better in Logic as compared to Pro Tools.

[@richertz]

So…. With years of use I’ve spent a lot of time with all 3. Pro Tools is professional. If might not have the best plugins but some of them like lofi are slick and classic. I recently came back from Logic and I think now perpetual licenses are back Pro Tools is back. It’s early days but I have a professional love for Pro Tools. I want to get away from Mac as well. I can tell you have professional experience and after being in a studio I was never as fast as I was in Pro Tools. 🎉Pro tools is back!

[@TimBuell]

LoFi is such a great plugin. Would buy it standalone if they ever offered it. Haha

[@MaschinenKopf1998]

Just tried logic its insane to me that you cannot edit sections from recorded guitar for example that has multiple takes. You can't put crossfades or anything on it you first have to flatten the take folder which deletes all your other takes.... well. back to pro tools.

[@TimBuell]

If I remember correctly there is a way to make the playlisting/editing more pro tools like - but it takes some doing.

[@MaschinenKopf1998]

@@TimBuell In case you ever find out I'd be glad if you could tell me! Thanks!

[@GonzaloMusic]

Review Ableton 12 !

[@Usernotfound1777]

Me watching this with zero knowledge of DAWS. “Logic,logic, logic”

[@savagecalibre5178]

Logic Pro $199.99 Ableton Live 12 Suite $749.00 Pro Tools Ultimate $1,499.00 Ableton is Not Cheap Bro And its Design For Live Performance. and it is Widely Use by Skrillex, The Chainsmokers,David Guetta etc "Personal Opinion" For me it Depends what DAW we are used to be trained and versatile to it. if your fast to work on a certain daw then that would be the best for you. it only depends on what we use. but hey! Spread Love and Make Music to All so we could Enjoy! Peace

[@TimBuell]

Agreed that whatever works for your workflow you should use. But most people can get away with using Pro Tools Studio (not ultimate) and Ableton Standard (not suite) for about half of both the prices you listed. Ableton is definitely used for live performances - but it’s grown in studio use a ton primarily for people that use loops/software instruments and I think it has a ton of great recording features. But like I say in the video several times - it’s about whatever workflow and feature set works best for you.

[@askilledentertainmentcompa2711]

Cubase/Nuendo….! That’s the best software out.

[@TimBuell]

Haven't used Cubase before but seen demos of some of the features and I'm really interested.

[@thenext9537]

I have logic, been using it since 2012. 200$ I think is VERY FAIR for what you get. BUT I am tired of buying macs, I buy used macbook pros, looking at a mini......but I also have a AMD 7900x3d and it's CPU is SUPER powerful and can handle anything from vid edits, to music production....but now I was lo oking at ableton, and I was like 500$? HMMMMMPH! Kind of looking at Reaper, but not sure yet. Trying Ableton I am like WHAT THE HECK IS THIS I CAN'T DO NOTHING lol. Here are my thoughts, now - I used some stock library, but getting alot of plugins on the side really changed it for me. Reason synths, drumming patches, reverb, SSL comps, I am more and more NOT using default logic so I can now just migrate those plugs to new DAW. HOWEVER, and it's a doozie, is CONVERTING ALL THEM DAMN SONGS to master sessions so to speak. Thats a challenge for anyone who's been doing 1000's of sessions, or anything like that. I have 100's, 392 to be exact. Yikes!

[@TimBuell]

Converting sessions is super tough and never a clean solution. Often times that is WHY people stick with one DAW forever, because they just can't commit to having to redo/re-dial every session they've ever done. haha Even when I had a PC, I still kept a Mac around because having access to old Logic sessions I did was important. All that to say - yeah - this is a nightmare haha.

[@thenext9537]

@@TimBuell LOL I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER NOW. Haha, I just started looking at used mac minis......just because I don't know if I can handle this right now lol.

[@Leandro-np1uk]

and Digital Performer?

[@TimBuell]

Never used it but I know several people that like it.

[@Magnetic1908]

Nowadays it’s a studio one vs Pro Tools because of editing amongst other things

[@TimBuell]

People do seem to love Studio One - never tried it before but I've worked in a few studios that they were running studio one.

[@SeanFlora]

Let's have a new debate: Hammers vs Wrenches vs Screwdrivers!

[@xandercrew6088]

Are you saying you need an all three to get the job done? What is your opinion on which one is best?

[@aeiplanner]

When editing audio, you cannot overlook take comping. Logic is on another planet compared to pro tools.

[@TimBuell]

Agree to disagree. I LOVE comping/playlisting in Pro Tools vs Logic. But, to each their own. If Logic works for you - use it!

[@mruzezibeats5428]

Fl studio for me, maybe it's because I started with it

[@RussellDent-qv5bv]

Compare apples to apples and logic level functionality in ableton is a little more than $99. 😉

[@austinkeikoa]

logic just pleases my brain when im looking at it 😭🤣

[@austinkeikoa]

I also started on logic so i’m bias but i’ve been learning both pro tools and ableton now and as of right now Logic is still my favorite

[@kingofdjembe]

This! Haha, logic is just beautiful. Might be superficial but on the long term it makes a difference, as I find more enjoyable to work on it for hours, so I'd be more likely to do it.

[@TimBuell]

Aesthetics really can make a difference. I’m a more “utility” over aesthetic which is probably why pro tools doesn’t bother me (and why I haven’t switched to dark mode in the UI haha)

[@ianfreddy3804]

Andrew sent us...

[@TimBuell]

Hahaha. Glad to hear that! Thanks for hopping over to the channel!

[@SaturnVoyager11]

Basically you´re leaving Ableton in the last place in almost all the points cause it´s the DAW where you feel less experienced, which is fair cause this video it´s about you but it´s not fair for a guy who just starts and is looking for objective points :( . I´m a Protools, Reaper and Ableton Live user and I totally chose Ableton Live over Protools but not over Reaper.

[@RandomVelocity]

Ableton has more virtual instruments. Tons of them in the live suite. And logic to me is like a child’s program. I found it confusing and I’ve been using DAWs since Cakewalk in the 90’s. You have instrument tracks. Sample track. Drum tracks. Midi tracks…. That’s confusing because there is only two types of tracks. audio and midi. And logic you have to have an overpriced apple computer. The reason I’m watching this is because I was thinking about trying pro tools as an Ableton user. Mainly for audio and mixing. But 29 bucks a month that’s basically $350 a year every year. Seems crazy to have to keep paying that much for a DAW.

[@user-iy2cd5hf4x]

Pro Tools 💯

[@CiscoBeats]

Ableton is the BEST production software. Hands down

[@jaydeejreamn]

lol by what standard?

[@guitarfumar]

Woah. Way off the mark imo. Also, you do realize every one of these work on Mac and pc?

[@TimBuell]

Agree to disagree - but like I say many times in the video. Use what works for you! That’s always the right program. And Logic is 100% a Mac only program.

[@garethde-witt6433]

Well that would be non of them

[@TimBuell]

To each their own! There are a ton of other options out there.

[@rano12321]

reaper

[@jasperruddock5155]

ableton is more expensive than logic, logic is 200 ableton 400

[@TimBuell]

Agreed! But the “intro” level of Ableton is $99 and would work for a lot of people just starting.

[@renodigitalservice]

If you got a lot of money use pro tools!!!

[@TimBuell]

$10 a month. They now also offer a perpetual. It’s expensive - but the producers and commercial studios I work with all use it. So that’s a huge deciding factor as well.

[@jannybravo8429]

But logic is knock off protools