Studio One Vs Pro Tools: What’s The Difference?

Digital Audio workstations have changed and transformed the facet of digital technology concerning the musical niche. The set-up has conveniently managed to help creators, editors, and music enthusiasts from across the world attune their creativity and create masterpieces without any restrictions.

From mixing audio to recording and editing, DAWs make the whole process a lot more seamless and easier to tackle. The growing popularity of these digital set-ups has put forth more brands coming out with different kinds of DAW set-ups.

Studio One and Pro Tool are two of the most popular among the list of options. Both these tools or interfaces are curated and developed by different companies with varying visions. However, what ties them together is the functionality of each software.

This article will give you a comprehensive analysis of each of these software, along with a breakdown of features to let you better understand which one would be an ideal pick for you.

Studio One – The Definition

As the basic definition would go, Studio One is a Digital Audio Workstation. It has been developed by PreSonus and is one of the current favorites among eminent musical artists.

The three primary functionality of Studio One is to help an artist create, edit and remix different audio samples. Not only is it limited to audio profiles, but the software is also pretty dominantly effective for video editing and remixing.

Recently, PreSonus announced and released the latest version 5.0 of the software, integrated with premium quality and high-resolution graphics and other exclusive features and functions.

Besides the basic functions and features in the software, the most important one that makes it stand out from the crown has to be the simple “drag and drop” feature. This unique and handy feature makes the overall user experience a lot easily accessible. So, if you are on the route to creating a groundbreaking musical breakthrough, this software can help you achieve that.

Also, the software is available in three different breakdowns:

• Studio One Prime – Free version
• Studio One Artist – 99.95 pounds
• Studio One Professional – 399.99 pounds

What are the Most Notable Features?

Now that we have briefed you about the basics of Studio One, let us move on to the features. Knowing the individual standout features will help you understand the software better and make a more conclusive decision.

64-Bit Floating-Point WAV Recording

This is hands down the best selling point of this software. The integration of this particular feature enables users to record and then create audio in varying audio interfaces, including the 32-bit variant. Besides the 32-bit variant, it works equally well in helping with the recording in the 64-bit variant with a 384 kHz frequency.

So, if you are one of those creative artists that don’t want to compromise with their audio quality, you are in the clear with Studio One.

Create Multiple Audio Clips

The latest 5.0 version of Studio One enables the creators to explore which genre and niche of music they best incline towards. This means that you can use this software to create different and multiple audio clips to trial and test out the versatility of your music knowledge. Thus, the best part of this software is that it gives the creator the freedom to explore without any inhibitions.

This software’s clip editing feature allows experienced music artists to mix and rehash different music tunes and genres and create the sound they relate the most with.

Integrated Drum Notation

Not every digital audio workstation software that you come across on the internet supports drum notation. However, Studio One does integrate the same into their sound interface to provide the users with more diversification options with their music. The unique “drum map interface” enables the users to include the name of the specific note they played and correlate the specific drum note to it.

Once set, the users have the complete free reign to adjust the pitch of the audio or music up and down depending on the users’ requirements.

PreSonus Sphere Integration

Moving ahead, if there’s one specific feature worth talking about, it is this one. The sphere integration feature enables the musicians to work and collaborate without any compromise or complications. So, if you want to brainstorm ideas and take inspiration from other musicians, this is likely one of the best choices you can consider looking into.

This enables users to digitally create different workspaces and collaborate with other musicians, get their input on the tunes you are creating, and even invite others to join them. The only requirement for this is for the musician to have a PreSonus account.

Immaculate Mix Console

The integral part of any DAW is the mixing console, and Studio One doesn’t fall short on that. The mixing console in Studio One is uniquely designed with all the modern features to meet the needs of every musician on this planet. From resizing to changing the pitch on the scale, the console is highly versatile and enables users to mix the music according to one’s needs.

What are the Pros and Cons of Studio One?

Pros

• Simple and minimalistic User Interface
• Easy saving of standard templates for future use
• Superior speed and functions without buffering
• Integrated with advanced graphics options
• Integrated with advanced library functions with superior workflow
• Low frequency of crashes while work is in progress

Cons

• Lacks MIDI retrospective capture option
• Lacks ripple editing feature

Pro Tools – The Definition

Like Studio One, even Pro Tools is a popular Digital Audio workstation designed and developed by Avid technologies. Like the other DAW, even this one helps create, edit, and remix different kinds of audio.

From classical mixes to music tune generation, this software is capable of doing a lot more than you’d anticipate. Like Studio One, even this one supports multiple video editing features, especially with the latest 2020 version.

The integrated Avid Marketplace enables musicians to collaborate with different artists, helping them cultivate their knowledge further. Besides the standard features, the software offers a range of keyboard shortcuts, all of which have proven benefits in the user experience.

Also, it comes with varying pricing options that the users can choose from the varying requirements and utilities involved.

What are the Most Notable Features?

The simple introduction might not be enough for any user to know whether this is worth the time or not. If you are in the same boat, the following features should guide your decision a lot better.

Integrated with high-speed RAM

Recording and mixing audio involves a lot of data and heavy-duty data. This means that if you want to experience a hassle-free user experience, you must invest in software that supports high-speed RAM, and Pro tools is just that. Not only does it help manage real-time features, but it also supports varying RAM-based recording via different channels.

So, if you want to record and mix your audio without unnecessary traffic in the interface, we’d recommend that you rely on such features. From auto fades to clip gain, the interface supports a lot more than you’d anticipate.

Integrated with Dolby Atmos

Every musician and even an enthusiast knows how amazing Dolby Atmos is. This feature provides the users with better access to cinematic quality functionalities to create nothing but musical masterpieces. It streamlines the workflow, especially with the support of the 7.1.2 audio features.

Supports HD Series Audio Interface

When it comes to audio clarification, the Pro Tools supports audio up to 192KHz and 32-bit version. This is a slight difference from Studio One, which supports up to 64-bit variation. In the Pro tools, floating-point access is another option worth considering. This enables you to store your audio files for an optimal mixing experience.

Besides the HD series, the range of dynamics with this software is a lot more profound than any other DAW software that you come across.

Avid DNxHD sequence

Compared to Studio One, the Pro Tools has hands down one of the best controls over the creation and mixing of the music, enabling you to create masterpieces with flair. The 64-bit version adds to the benefits as well. Also, like Studio One, even this one supports the share function that allows you to share your masterpieces with other creators and composers.

What are the Pros and Cons of Studio One?

Pros

• Pro Tools supports 64-bit architecture with high-speed RAM configuration
• Ideal for creating, recording, and mixing different audios
• Programmed with intelligent CPU processing
• Integrated with offline bounce

Cons

• Window design in small monitors is not easily accessible

Comparison – Studio One vs. Pro Tools

Conclusion

If you consider a good-quality DAW for your music creation, both Studio One and Pro Tools stand out with their list of features and functions. Both of these come with a range of advanced, and highly functional features, all of which contribute to a premium user experience.

For the users looking for a conclusive opinion from our end, we’d recommend that you consider Studio One as a superior choice. From the premium features to exclusivity, Studio One stands out on multiple fronts. Also, it is ideal for both beginners and advanced music creators, so you won’t have to compromise on the quality at all.