This is possibly one of the most asked questions by beginners. There is also an easy answer - there is no one best DAW! (Despite what many different people may say.) The truth is they all do very similar things but slightly differently and therefore have strengths and weaknesses. Here is a quick run down of the one’s I have used and my thoughts about them.
Logic Pro - I think its main strength is its versatility. You can use it for making EDM, recording bands or doing a singer-songwriter project.
Pros
The most versatile DAW I have used - suitable for recording bands and creating electronic music and everything in between.
Intuitive Interface - easy to use.
The stock library, loops and effects plugins all sound very good.
Good Midi Editing - good piano roll feature.
Good for writing in as well as for professional mixing.
Cons
No PC Support.
Automation could be better.
Browser is a bit slow and browser playback of samples can be glitchy.
I wouldn’t use it for live performance despite the latest live feature due to stability.
No search for plugins, this would speed up workflow.
Ableton - I think it’s probably best for solely doing electronic music. The stock sounds and soft instruments are very geared up that way. Also it is my favourite for performing live.
Pros
Pretty easy to understand interface.
Session view is great for creativity and helps with the arrangement process. It favours loop based music like EDM.
Automation - stronger than Logic’s, easier editing of automation in my opinion.
Good stock sounds and instruments for EDM.
Stable enough to use for live performance.
Cons
GUI not as nice looking as Logic’s in my opinion.
Not as versatile for me across multiple genres. I wouldn’t record or band or use it for a rock project.
Full version is quite expensive.
Pro Tools - great for recording bands and mixing. Used in the majority of professional studios for a reason.
Pros
Very customisable with regards to shortcuts and workflow.
If you come from a traditional studio background it is familiar, great for mixing.
The best DAW for working primarily with audio in my opinion. It would be my first choice for recording bands.
Very stable.
Cons
GUI and workflow are not so great for a writing tool.
Steeper learning curve than Logic or Ableton in my opinion.
Stock plugins and sounds, particularly the instruments aren’t as strong as Logic or Ableton.
Fruity Loops - Personally my least favourite as I’m not a huge fan of the pattern based workflow. In my opinion it’s a great tool for the beginner and for learning production but lags behind the above 3. That being said, many successful artists have used it so don’t let that deter you if it feels right.
Pros
Low price to get started.
It has a fairly simple GUI and it can be quite easy to get started.
The step sequencer is great for creating drum patterns, and it excels at dance music and loop based music.
Some cool stock instruments / sounds, better suited for electronica.
Cons
The recording process can somewhat be confusing with pattern and song modes.
I’m personally not a fan of the mixer window, which I find inferior to the other three.
I found it was not geared up to handle audio as well as it does midi.
Not very customizable, last I used it, you weren’t able to change shortcuts around.
So in conclusion, my favourite DAW is Logic Pro because it suits my needs as someone who writes music in a variety of styles and also mixes and masters music for other people. However, I did learn the basics on FL studio first and don't think this is a bad place to begin. If you are going to be focusing on electronic music though, my first choice would be Ableton. Finally if you are going to be recording other people, perhaps in more of a traditional studio set up, then Pro Tools may be the one for you.
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