Logic Pro vs Pro Tools: Which is the Best DAW for You? – Updated May – Guitar Space

We are here to try to help you with that. If you have been looking to invest in some software to record music, you have certainly found these two names. They both do similar things, they both have great respect in audio engineering circles, and they both cross the line from hobbyist software to something a little more serious. Basically, they perform the same general functions and are very popular audio recording software options.

But, are there some important differences between the two that audio engineering professionals need to know … or are the differences really that important? As far as recording software is concerned, this is premium level material. It is for people who need to know a little what they are doing. In short, they both use MIDI. All of this makes the Pro Tools workflow less fluid than Logic Pro. When it comes to audio recording software, the market is awash with endless options. Generally, they both do the same things and perform the same functions.

However, each is preferred by different industry professionals:. Pro Tools: More industry-standard audio recording software. Popular as a tool for music production, post-production, band recording, and broadcasting. Logic Pro: Most popular as an audio recording program for musicians, songwriters, jingle producers, prosumer base, etc.

Apple Logic Pro X Layout: This audio recording tool has a loop library where you can quickly choose loops, strings, etc. It comes with a MIDI editor for various instruments, such as a piano.

Logic is great for MIDI composers and producers as it has many of the Pro Tools features, but editing is a little different. Because this makes work simpler and faster, Pro Tools is better than Logic for high-pressure sessions. These are just a few of the main differences with which our audio production school helps students. And that is that. There are no other pricing options. There were no discounts for people who upgraded from the previous version, which is unusual in the progression and price of the DAW version.

There seem to be no education discounts or anything, another unusual aspect for high-end commercial DAWs. Did you notice that I only mentioned the Mac App Store? Yes, Logic Pro is not available for Windows or Linux or anything. I am sure I will return to that point a little later.

The discussion on Logic Pro pricing options ends there. Professional tools have a little more variety in terms of purchase options. First, it is available for both Mac and PC — it doubles the market potential, right away. Second, similar to many software packages, it has several price points to make it as accessible as possible to as many people as possible, with some variations in the characteristics of each.

Currently running a tiered pricing system, freemium. The first level is completely free forever, but it obviously has restrictions.

The main one is that you can only record up to 16 tracks, it includes 23 plug-ins and it includes 3. With that, you can record between 32 and music tracks on the sequencer, depending on the kHz setting. You also get up to auxiliary tracks, and now you can play video. The included sounds were also increased to 5. And finally, the upper level. Here you can record up to tracks in one project! If you are a video enthusiast this is probably the level for you as it allows up to 64 video tracks.

The main thing you will notice in the increasing levels is the capacity of each one. In addition to the usual levels, the creators of Pro Tools have not forgotten the underfunded education sector of the world, and offer a discount range just for that.

Yes, I know: All home recording enthusiasts on a budget are now checking to see if their master friends can tell them about this discounted version. OK, these are aimed primarily at very serious home users and professional producers, so any one of these will do a lot … not everything is a particularly fascinating read.

Could it be easier to analyze what they both do and then give details on what they stand out as their selling points? I think that avoids generalizations about both products. Well, the elephant in the unique identifiers room here is that Logic Pro is only available for Mac. Other than that, here is a list of things that Logic Pro highlights as important:. So, as noted above, one of the unique identifiers for Pro Tools is that it has versions for Windows and Mac. Again, I just leave that statement there.

Here are the main things, and yes, there will be similarities to what you read in the last section. Not only controversial but ultimately somewhat useless. Both Logic Pro and Pro Tools are so usable with each other, to the point that it is not worth dividing them into sections. Most producers will have started using one or the other, and just stick with it, I suppose just for simple comfort with relatives. However, it might be useful to talk about usability.

Where do you start? A common complaint on Reddit about it is that even the tutorials on any of the products are barely intelligible and too long. But, you have to start somewhere if you want to be a professional someday. In this regard, I think that just getting stuck and making mistakes is the best way to get acquainted with the usability of high-end DAWs that try to include a lot of functionality.

If you get stuck, it is highly unlikely that you will be the first person, so a solution is more than likely just away from Google.

I have mentioned Mac Vs PC several times throughout this review. That is your decision and now you can go with it. If you are a Mac user, you will probably enjoy the exclusivity of things that are only available in the operating system, so you will probably lean towards Logic Pro. They are both using software that is as useful and as confusing to beginners as the other.

Automation, plugins, usability … all completely on par with each other. That is why today so many successes are created in one or the other. If you are a total newbie, I recommend starting with Pro Tools. You can keep updating as you need or how you can pay.

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Musical Mag contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This adds no extra cost to your purchase but helps this site grow and cover the costs of running it. Avid Pro Tools vs. October 20, Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin. Table of Contents. What do they do? However, each is preferred by different industry professionals: Pro Tools: More industry-standard audio recording software.

The layout differences Apple Logic Pro X Layout: This audio recording tool has a loop library where you can quickly choose loops, strings, etc. Pro Tools Professional tools have a little more variety in terms of purchase options. Features OK, these are aimed primarily at very serious home users and professional producers, so any one of these will do a lot … not everything is a particularly fascinating read.

Logic Pro Well, the elephant in the unique identifiers room here is that Logic Pro is only available for Mac. Other than that, here is a list of things that Logic Pro highlights as important: Smart Tempo: This means it will automate the timing of your tracks; Gone are the days when you start playing a click: now you can do what you feel and coincide with you.

Brushes: This is for using brushes or drum kits designed for brushes, rather than sticks, to give that softer sound for jazz or roots. Logic Remote: This turns your iPhone or iPad into a remote device to adjust your tracks or use it as a virtual instrument. Flexible Step: This allows you to adjust the note parameters within the sample, which is useful if there is only one note that is slightly off. Pro Tools So, as noted above, one of the unique identifiers for Pro Tools is that it has versions for Windows and Mac.

Project Reviews: Not sure if the shot you are listening to was correct? Pro Tools Control : an official application that allows you to control things from your phone. QuickPunch recording: allows you to quickly replace an error as if it never happened. Artist Community: The best way to describe it is as a private social network for you and other Pro Tools users.

Elastic Time: allows you to quickly adjust the tempo of your project.

Logic pro x vs pro tools mixing free download.Logic Pro vs Pro Tools [2021]: Which is the Best DAW for You?

 
In this side-by-side, Logic Pro vs. Pro Tools shootout we compare the top features, ease of use, and price. Read on for our full guide. Logic Pro X: Audio and Music Production | Amazon to top-notch effects and automated mixing, Pro Tools enables you to sound your best.

Logic Pro X vs Pro Tools (8 Categories, Who Wins?)

One producer will find their workflow is suited to one DAW while the next producer will feel the complete opposite. With many options to choose from it can be difficult to determine which DAW is for you, never mind which is superior. One thing that is certain, however, is that Logic Pro X and Pro Tools tend to be the two that go head to head in the audio world.

While they are both similar in a lot of ways, there are also big differences depending on your workflow that can either make or break your opinion of each. Primary differences between Logic Pro and Pro Tools :. Both pieces of software are particularly intensive on computer usage with Logic requiring 8GB of RAM to run and a minimum of 6GB disk space for minimum installation.

If money is no object, then neither are the specs, but for those sticking to a budget, Logic Pro X is a much more wallet-friendly option. Logic Pro X includes a massive collection of instruments, effects, loops and samples. These days, Apple has evolved Garageband to be something close to a free version of Logic. Avid also offers education bundles to help students purchase or subscribe to Pro Tools for a reduced rate.

In this case, despite costing more overall, Pro Tools wins. Pro Tools provides everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix music and audio. Create without bounds and work at the speed of your creativity, so you can take on the most demanding sessions and deliver the best sounding mixes possible. Forget sound, forget recording, we need to think about the user-friendliness of the different DAWs.

Hover over anything on the screen for a pop-up box explaining what it is and how it works. Setting up or changing your audio interface is easily done and can be completed without needing to restart Logic Pro X. You also have the option to save your sessions as projects which can easily be accessed and emailed to your bandmates without the worry of losing any music. Pro Tools , on the other hand, can be a bit more temperamental.

The menus are more difficult to navigate and can seem unintuitive for newbies. Changing interface requires a restart of the software, again eating into valuable mixing time.

In this case, the points go to Logic Pro X. The thing you spend your time looking at when recording! Both have a similar layout which is pretty standard between most audio and recording software anyway , with shortcuts to switch between your mix and edit windows.

Both give you the option to organize your tracks by color, and both have similar recording options allowing you to punch in or record passages in your own preferred way.

It feels like the layout is more intuitive for someone who may be new to music production, making it easier for them to progress quicker. Pro Tools again feels a little like you need to already have a certain level of knowledge to be able to pick up on the nuances of the software. There is one thing that, depending on your style, might seal the deal for you in this argument. As an example, if you want to send your guitar tracks, or any of your music, to an auxiliary or buss track then simply selecting an output to that track will automatically create the aux and route the signal there.

On the other hand, Pro Tools will not send a signal anywhere unless it is specifically told to. Create a send for one of your tracks and, well, nothing will happen until you have created that track yourself and routed the signal to it.

So as a newbie, there are benefits to approach that Pro Tools takes here. By being specific, you really get to grips with signal routing which is vital when dealing with a large number of tracks in one mix.

Well, you need to go back and delete the bus track manually. So there are pros and cons to each, however, we still think Logic Pro wins this round.

One of the most important aspects of any DAW is how it performs in a recording situation. Again, both have similarities but in this case, we feel that there is a reason why Pro Tools is known as the industry standard. Both offer a selection of tools, allowing you to cut, copy, and fade but there is something that feels a lot more intuitive in Pro Tools when it comes to actually recording. Depending on your style you might want to get several takes, and you might want to keep going until you nail that perfect take that hits the mark.

You might even end up in the unfortunate situation of needing to record a section in small pieces and patch it together. The multi-tool in Pro Tools is one of the best functions within the DAW, allowing you to add fades and shorten your clips without having to switch or toggle between buttons. This can save a huge amount of time in the recording process, especially if you are having to patch things together.

It also means you can trim your regions and add your fades super quick, saving you a whole bunch of time later on in the mixing process. Want to mix like a pro? Check out out these essential tips from mixing engineers. For editing on the fly and tidying up your sessions in prep for mixing, Pro Tools definitely has the lead here.

Yes, we know essentially both DAWs do much the same job, but Pro Tools just feels more streamlined, quicker, and easier in the recording process. For those producing electronic music, or anyone wanting to use a MIDI controller to add synth, strings, and pads, MIDI functionality is just as important as recording functionality. With Pro Tools , this is a little more complex, requiring you to choose which parameter you want to affect before editing your automation.

Logic makes this process quick, easy, and fun. So whatever your workflow is like, Logic Pro has the upper hand here. But in order to mix you are going to need plugins! Both DAWs come with a big selection of standard plugins. Pro Tools , depending on which bundle you buy, will come with an array of 3rd party plugins for you to use, including amp simulators, compressors, reverbs, and EQs.

Logic, on the other hand, comes with a similar array of standard plugins which are all exclusive to Logic users ie they are only usable within the Logic DAW. The other huge bonus of mixing within Logic is the large number of soft synths and the free-to-use Apple loop library. The price can quickly spiral into the thousands depending on the specs you want, although there are refurbished options on the market for cheaper prices.

So in case you were wondering, there is no PC version available for Logic Pro. Pro Tools , on the other hand, is compatible with both PC and Mac. So you can probably save a few hundred dollars by going down the Avid route even if you need to buy a new machine. An obvious downside, however, is cost — you still need to buy an Apple product! If we look at it that way then Pro Tools just wins this round as you have the option for both!

A copout answer, but ultimately, your individual needs are going to determine which one is best for you. Although it is a tough battle between the two, I feel that for my own needs, Logic Pro comes out on top. For me, Logic has become my go-to DAW for the fact that it makes life simpler and easier when it comes to mixing and creating music.

It feels more intuitive, and the standard plugins are great for creating a pro-sounding mix. Whilst there are certainly advantages to using Pro Tools , ultimately when beginning a session, Logic has become my go-to software for these reasons. My workflow is more streamlined and so is my productivity and most importantly Logic just feels more enjoyable! Logic and Pro Tools can do many similar things, and you may prefer the way PT works for a particular task. Ready to get recording?

Tips See All. Interviews See All. Editorial See All. The Results. Partner Promos. Buyer Guides. Kieran Whitehouse. Disclosure : We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not influence our reviews or ratings. We endeavor to keep our opinions fair and balanced to help you make informed buying choices.

Pros: Versatile Great stock plugins. Avid Pro Tools Pro Tools provides everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix music and audio. Type to search or hit ESC to close. See all results.

Logic pro x vs pro tools mixing free download

 
 
For me, Logic has become my go-to DAW for the fact that it makes life simpler and easier when it comes to mixing and creating music. Transform MIDI performances into music notation in real time as you play, creating perfectly readable notation even from a performance that may be less than perfect.