At one time, recording audio was a business that was restricted to a few fortunate enough to have the funds and technical expertise to operate costly desks as well as recording equipment. But, advances in digitization technology, as well as the widespread access to personal computers have enabled the practice to be accessible to online mixing and mastering services like Select Recording Studios and hobbyist users alike.
However, this shift towards the consumer market has led to an extremely profitable and extremely aggressive market of digital recording studio software. This has led to an abundance of recording software options and, with this level of competition, it’s possible that you’ll be in a state of confusion as to which one is the most suitable for you.
If this sounds like an everyday scenario, then fret not because today we’ll take an in-depth look at two of the most well-known Recording Studio Software available to determine which is best for your recording, editing, or voice-over work.
Recording Studio Software
A Recording Studio Software is software specifically designed to edit and record music. This computer tool should be able to guide you through the recording and monitoring of audio as well as any post-production that follows with the highest level of flexibility.
So, a good Recording Studio Software is one that can perform these two main functions as efficiently as is possible.
In addition to completing these two essential tasks, having a smooth user interface is an enormous benefit. Between recording your episodes as well as editing and producing them, you’ll be spending a lot of your time with these recording and editing apps, and it’s only natural that your time in them is as straightforward and enjoyable as you can.
Although product websites can give you a complete listing of specifications for technical purposes, we’ll examine these Recording Studio Software Apps with everyday use situations in your mind. We will be looking at their user interfaces and their editing and recording capabilities in this head-to-head comparison.
It is important to mention that both Recording Studio Software Apps are offered in various pricing brackets. To help you save money, we’ll be looking at two versions of each of the two Recording Studio Software products;
- Cubase Elements 11
- Pro Tools First
The first one will be Steinberg’s Cubase Elements 11. The latest version comes with the ability to play upto 48 different audio tracks each of which has 8 inserts that allow you to choose from those 47 pre-installed VST effects. The specs are impressive at less than a hundred dollars. But how does the Recording Studio Software incorporate these features?
Let’s discover.
The User Interface
First impressions matter starting at the start it’s clear that Steinberg’s Recording Studio Software has adopted a minimalist design approach to their interface – using the monochrome color scheme that is efficient in helping you distinguish different sections and determining what’s currently in use. The little flashes of color will be reserved to record buttons, and for levels making it clear which tracks are currently in use when recording.
User Interface
Channel information and libraries and mixers are all hidden at first. On the upper right, you can turn on these components, which can help simplify workflow based on the task at hand. This modular approach isn’t free of flaws, however, since there’s no separate mixer window as in other Recording Studio Software. The result is that sections can grow, and eventually consume a significant amount of screen space. I noticed that I was altering the size of the tab fairly often while switching between leveling and tracking.
The Cubase User Interface
Despite this minor drawback, however, the UI is extremely clear and simple to comprehend immediately upon launch. Steinberg has taken great attention to ensuring that Cubase gives a speedy and user-friendly experience.
Sound Recording
Recording in Cubase was an easy task. The process of creating a track is simply an easy matter of pressing the plus button on the upper left corner of the timeline, then recording and naming it. I had no issues choosing my preferred outputs and inputs, and as a new user, I found the entire procedure extremely efficient.
Transport bar situated in the lower part of the program unlike other popular Recording Studio Software however, it was easy to change and frees up screen space on top, making it possible to have the use of a longer timeline for monitoring signals that are coming in.
It is important to note that, by default, tracks are shown in black or white. This keeps everything in sync stylistically, having a colored track is much easier to see what’s playing.
This can be corrected with the tool for color fill on the toolbar, but having tracks automatically assigned to a random colour during recording is an improvement to the recording process.
Cubase has color tracks as well as track inspector.
Sound Editing
When editing audio like in voice-over work, the Recording Studio Software will help get jobs done as quickly as is feasible. Well-designed Recording Studio Software assists in keeping you focused on your mixing process and makes hearing and altering audio parameters much quicker and more enjoyable.
Each track is equipped with a 4-band parametric EQ and visualizers in both mixers as well as the track tabs, which makes adjustments on the frequencies a straightforward procedure. Below are inserts that allow you to insert one of 47 included VST plugins as well as any other third-party plugins you’d like to utilize.
The plugins follow an essentially monochrome design featuring interactive graphical interfaces permitting a high level of interplay between visual and audio while editing.
For instance, the compressor lets you alter the points of the compression visualizer. This allows you to adjust the knee or threshold while viewing the effect in real-time. The tools are extremely simple to use and have the lowest level of entry because of their design. This makes Cubase the ideal option for new Recording Studio Software users. Also, Cubase comes with plugins active.
Pro Tools
The other Recording Studio Software we’ll look at is the AVID’s Pro Tools. Pro Tools is available in the majority (if it’s not in all) studios as well as professional editing suites. It is widely considered to be the standard in Audio Production Software. It shouldn’t come as a surprise considering that the Recording Studio Software is in use for more than three decades which means AVID has been able to improve and modify its software with updates.
User Interface
Pro Tools takes a no-frills approach to its user interface. The colors haven’t been altered significantly since its initial release, so why would you change something that isn’t broken? Everything you require to start recording; the tracklist timeline and navigation bar are all located within a predefined area on the screen, making the process of finding the desired control extremely simple.
The Pro Tools UI
Similar to Cubase, Pro Tools opts for tabs that let you show and hide certain elements in order to keep the UI free of clutter in the process of production. Instead of having a single-window Pro Tools has two windows.
Pro Tools utilizes separate windows with a separate one specifically for mixing.
The separation of the mixer, multitrack recorder aids in separating different stages of the production process which is a huge benefit because you can concentrate on the inserts and levels without any distractions.
Sound Recording
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that recording to Pro Tools is a simple and simple procedure. Instead of clicking an added track icon, you just double-click to create the track lane from scratch, and then you will be given the option to write comments.
The comment can be modified anytime and is an excellent addition since the box can be used to keep track of the details of particular takes to be used later or as instructions when sending the files off for editing outside.
To get audio to the Recording Studio Software first, you need to choose the desired input through the section I/O. While other Recording Studio Software Apps attempt predicts the type of input you want to use according to the ins and outs the extra step is essential before hearing any audio recorded in Pro Tools. Although this could be seen as a redundant stage in recording, a routine of selecting inputs can aid new users in understanding the idea of routing audio within Pro Tools.
Sound Editing
Because of the distinct mixer and timeline windows available in Pro Tools, you have several options to go about post-production.
The timeline can be utilized for cutting, sequencing, or any other alteration. The drag-to-fade option is extremely useful as it allows you to not have to change into the automation view in order for smooth transitions and each track is assigned a different color, making it clear which track you’re affected at any point in time.
The Pro Tools Audio Fade creation as well as VST plug-in
The mixer window is comprised of a tracklist laid vertically with huge level monitors as well as tracks that can be inserted as well as sent. The layout of the mixer is perfect to adjust EQ and compression levels, as well as create auxiliary sends and the tracklist displayed on the left side allows you to organize tracks in a snap.
Pro Tools VST-based plugins appear in distinct windows inside the application although this can help in keeping your monitor clean while mixing, the program will default to only allowing one VST plugin to be displayed at a time. It is possible to bypass this by pressing on the target icon in red within the track window. However, it’s an unnecessary step that can slow mixing a bit.
Cubase vs Pro Tools Compared
Which Recording Studio Software is right for you? Although only you will this question let us look at the strengths and drawbacks of each to aid in making your choice.
The Cubase Recording Studio Software
Pros of Cubase
- A minimalist interface with a monochrome color scheme, with a handful of colors to signify crucial parameters like the monitoring or recording.
- Additional tools are stored in tabs that can be toggled on the upper right-hand side of the application.
- The intuitive recording process, with a simple recording track design, enable record and the ability to monitor inputs.
- Simple Insert options and EQ on every tab.
- 47 VST free plug-ins for audio processing.
- Toolbar with right-click for the fast switch of functions.
Cons of Cubase
- There is no choice for separate windows, which could result in a messy work area.
- The tracks default to monochrome and make them difficult to differentiate between.
- Built-in EQ can only be adjusted to 4 bands which means that further adjustments require an external plugin.
The Pro Tools Recording Studio Software
Pros of Pro Tools
- It is widely available in professional and commercial facilities, it reduces the requirement for exporting stems (opting instead to transfer the entire file, including the entire information).
- The UI is clean and all tools are identified within their respective regions across the screen.
- Mixer window with toggle function provides an improved layout to mix.
- Track lanes that are auto-colored, as well as the option of adding additional remarks on each track.
Cons of Pro Tools
- Ins must be chosen in order to capture audio (resulting in an additional time for setup).
- The design of the UI is outdated (in contrast to other brands).
- Insert mode default permits only one plugin to be displayed at one time.
It is evident that both Recording Studio Software excel in certain areas however, they are not as good in others. Based on the workflow you prefer, for instance, the need for a fully-screen mixer might cause Pro Tools the obvious choice. However, if you want to enjoy working with a modern user interface, it’s logical to choose Cubase. Even the Select Recording Studios uses Cubase 11 in the Studio.
It is crucial to remember is that both Recording Studio Software are utilized in professional situations frequently. Although Pro Tools certainly boasts more extensive use by podcasters and artists, many make use of Cubase with huge satisfaction. Both are not inherently superior or inferior to either, both producing the same outcomes. The difference lies in how long they take you to the finished product.
In summary
This article is a detailed breakdown of two well-known digital audio workstations available on the marketplace. The analysis we have provided has concentrated on the daily users’ experience while creating and editing a podcast. You can find all the technical specifications of each of the programs on their website.
There are several other Digital Audio Workstations or Recording Studio Software available. Logic Pro is another professional Digital Audio Workstation that is often comparisons to Cubase as well as Pro Tools. Logic Pro also has its own strengths and weaknesses. So, make sure to keep this in mind when choosing Digital Audio Workstation to purchase.
Finding a high-quality Digital Audio Workstations isn’t an easy task. It’s not due to the fact that there are so many choices, however; because each of the choices seem so similar.
Let’s end this article with a short overview of Logic Pro
Logic Pro Overview
Developed for the iOS platform, Logic Pro is a complete edit and MIDI sequencing tool that aids music professionals in the creation and editing of live audio tracks with step-sequencing, multi-device editing, and live looping features.
Utilizing Logic Pro, professionals can compose and arrange improvised music by using prefab loops/samples and prefab samples or construct rhythmic patterns and drum beats with Logic Pro’s step Sequencer and Drummer tools. This Logic Remote tool allows users to utilize multi-touch gestures to play built-in music instruments, mix tracks, and adjust the audio filter on an iOS device. Logic Pro comes with numerous plugins and sounds.
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Rindx Team
Owolabi Meshach
