Avid Pro Tools vs. Cubase

Pro Tools is great for recording multiple different tracks of audio at the same time with live inserts that you can later remove/edit if they do not suit the track. It always makes a backup of any file you copy in which is essential when working with original copies of files for clients, and you can rest easy knowing that any changes made can be reverted without having to start over or having any work be lost. You can compile many different tracks for larger-scale projects and group or bus them together with ease. The software is very user-friendly for beginners and is a great tool overall for anyone looking to edit audio. The only instance it is less suited it would be if you're only making small audio edits with any adobe video software. Also if your business is not heavy on audio editing or recording it may be a costly investment.

Incentivized

I have been a longtime fan of Cubase and would recommend it to anyone, whether they are just starting in recording or a seasoned professional. I find that it is really strong in the pre-production and production phases of a song. Tools like the arranger track, track versions, and the chord track make writing and experimenting very easy. I have used these tools on almost every song that I have started from the writing phase. I am able to experiment with different variations of a song, different channel settings, and even completely different arrangements all with just a few clicks. My writing process and speed have improved so much over the last few versions of Cubase. We have also enjoyed working with the mixing process. The mixers in Cubase are laid out much like a regular console. So for an old timer like me, the learning curve is very low. Cubase did a very good job with layout and labeling. Things are labeled what you would expect them to be and laid out in an order that makes sense. The other part of the mixer that makes it great is the ability to color code and organize tracks. My mix time has drastically decreased since using Cubase.

Incentivized

• Integration with UAD - I have used Pro Tools with a number of UAD devices over the years and it always integrates perfectly, and saves CPU resources by offloading effects processing to dedicated Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips on external hardware. Plus, UAD effects sound great!
• Multitrack Recording and Arrangement of Music - This is really the big one for Pro Tools. It's for recording and arranging, and that's really its focus.
• Import and Export - Pro Tools is great for its ability to import and export multitrack files in a way that mimics traditional analog multitrack recording.

Incentivized

• Ease of use
• Clear, user-friendly interface
• Stable and glitch free

Incentivized

• It does not like to cooperate with third-party interfaces.
• Plug-ins can get quite expensive.
• They are proprietary about their product, so it does not lend itself well to open-source features that you can use with other programs.

Incentivized

• Shortcuts aren't easy to learn
• Can be a bit of a resource hog
• Upgrades don't necessarily have enough features to make the worthwhile

Incentivized

It’s very easy to use it on a basic level. There is a learning curve for advanced stuff, but if you have a need to learn the advanced features and shortcuts then it’s not too hard. Plus, you’re probably using it to make money then anyway, so it all works out

Incentivized

The times I've had problems with Avid, they've responded within about 48 hours, and most of the time with a reasonable solution. More often than not, however, I've had to resort to forums to get answers, because when I'm having a problem with the software, I can't afford to wait 48 hours for a solution

Incentivized

Any time I've had to reach out to customer support, they've been fast to respond and answered my questions to the best of their ability. Authorization of the software is easy, and the company is great about emailing you promptly. Overall, they do a great job.

Incentivized

I like Apple Logic Pro. For certain things. The user interface is relatively simple and it can be quick and easy to get a project going. There are also certain features in Logic that don't yet exist in Avid's Pro Tools. But for most things I find it more cumbersome and less intuitive than Avid Pro Tools. This might be because I worked my way through the industry using Avid Pro Tools vs. Logic. But Knowing both of them, I still think Avid Pro Tools is the better of the two options.

Incentivized

The reason I find Cubase is best suited to my needs compared to other DAW software is primarily the ease in which the software can be edited. The MIDI integration, editing and composing aspects, in my opinion, is far superior to other software which is great when creating and / or editing projects. As I use Mac, the CoreAudio side of things works seamlessly too which provides a stable work environment for both myself and clients when working remotely over video links etc

Incentivized

• POSITIVE: Even with the 2022 Price Increase ($299/yr) - One billable hour more than covers my software expense. I could drop Slate and Waves and still have all the tools I need to continue producing.
• POSITIVE: "PRO TOOLS POWERED" carries more industry weight than "Reaper Powered" or "We Use Logic."
• NEGATIVE: I am continually tempted to upgrade my hardware to take full advantage of Pro Tools including Atmos, etc.

Incentivized

• Using Cubase over something like Protools means that new users are more likely to be successful during training and due to this, decrease training time.
• More trained staff means that we are able to complete more projects faster instead of waiting for a more skilled staff member to become available.
• Implementation on-site for on-site recording has been very reliable and has decreased the amount of failed recordings during events.

Incentivized