Avid’s Pro Tools and Apple’s Logic Pro X are two of the most popular digital audio workstations today. The former has been the industry gold standard for 30 years.
However, Apple’s software is also very influential and is arguably easier to use.
But which DAW is the better option?
There isn’t an easy answer to this question. Their audio recording and editing features make them invaluable tools for sound engineers and musicians. Both DAWs offer similar levels of performance in most categories, but several aspects set them apart.
Hopefully, this guide will help you decide which one you need.
Compatibility
If you don’t have any Apple products, you probably won’t want to invest in Logic Pro.
Their software is only compatible with iOS. This means you’ll need a MacBook or an iMac desktop with 72GB of hard disk space.
On the other hand, Pro Tools will work across both Mac and Windows. The DAW’s cross-platform capabilities make it far more versatile and accessible for potential buyers. It also makes it a superior option if you need to work from different computers.
Pro Tools requires a powerful system, but the advantage is that many PCs are cheaper than Macs. That’s why it’s the winner in this category. You won’t need to buy an entirely new system to use it.
Your computer will need 4GB RAM, an Intel i5 processor, and 15GB of free hard drive space.
Ease of Use
Apple products guarantee ease of use and accessible interfaces.
Logic Pro is no different. Newcomers will find it clearer than Pro Tools. It’s more streamlined and simpler to pick up than the Avid software. The difference isn’t massive, but Pro Tools is slightly more complex. Its menus feel less intuitive than that of Logic Pro. However, you can organize track by color on both systems, and most of their shortcuts are very similar.
Apple wins this round because Logic Pro doesn’t require any previous knowledge. But Pro Tools requires at least basic familiarity with DAWs before you start using it.
Recording
Now we’re getting to the important parts.
Most DAW users will use their software in a recording situation. Pro Tools is justifiably held up as the industry standard. While Logic Pro has an easier interface, Pro Tools has more specific functions.
One of these is the multi-tool that enables users to add fades and shorten clips without having to move between buttons. Sure, Logic Pro X can do this, but you need to set it up manually.
Pro Tools may confuse beginners, but when you know what you’re doing, it’s more effective. It’s easier to edit your sessions in the recording studio.
Mixing and Plugins
You need plugins if you want to mix audio on a DAW. Both systems come with standard plugins, but they provide them in different ways.
Pro Tools offers different packages with a range of Avid and third-party plugins. These include free and premium options. These include amp simulators, reverb and delay, and a whole bunch more.
Logic Pro’s plugins are exclusively for Apple users. While their library isn’t as big, they still have a wide offering. It’s also easier to find different options and experiment without having to find the right package to sign up to.
If you know what you want, Pro Tools is probably better. But the Apple Loop Library is free-to-use and makes it fun to use.
Sound Editing
There’s no denying that Pro Tools is top of the range in this category.
It offers 4, 32, or 192 inputs depending on the version you subscribe to. You’ll have access to 512 instrument tracks, making them easy to record simultaneously. The 5.4 GB audio library enhances the wide variety of sounds you can create.
There are endless editing options with the Elastic Audio feature, the Midi Editor, and a whole bunch more.
Logic Pro also offers amazing options with 2000 sampler instruments and an audio library with 4300 patches for an auxiliary, audio, instrument, and output tracks.
It’s simple to record audio in Logic Pro. Position the playhead at the exact location on the track where you want to record, then just hit the magic button.
Price
It’s difficult to say which system is a better value as it depends on your circumstances. Let’s look at their payment models now.
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro appears to be cheaper in the long term. It costs just $199 for the full platform. It’s also possible to sign up for a one-month trial, so you don’t have to commit straight away.
However, there are two important points to remember.
Firstly, you will need an Apple computer to run this system. This can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost. The other issue is that Logic Pro continuously updates over time.
Unfortunately, you must repurchase the software to gain access to these new features.
Pro Tools
Avid takes a different approach to Logic Pro.
Their subscription-based model is more transparent. A standard one-year subscription costs $299. However, students and teachers can make big savings. Just show your academic credentials, and it will only cost you $99 per year.
Pro Tools can be more affordable when you add in the fact that you can use any high-performance laptop.
Final Thoughts
Both DAWs have their merits.
If you’re a professional audio producer, then we’d recommend Pro Tools. It’s more flexible when it comes to operating systems and is specifically designed for serious use. If you go into a recording studio, it’s much more likely that they’ll use this DAW.
However, Logic Pro X is an excellent DAW too.
Beginners and indie musicians will find it easier to use because of the clean interface. It’s more fun to play with and has a massive audio library. If you’ve never used a DAW before, then Logic Pro is probably a better option.
Meanwhile, if you already use OSX, it will work seamlessly with your system. Logic Pro also benefits from Apple Support which is the best in the business.
Ultimately, these are two of the best DAWs available today.