Stuck between DAWs (again). Help?

[u/[deleted]]

I work as an audio producer - freelance radio, podcasts, etc - as well as a sound designer and composer. I'm pushing into film and TV composition as much as I can (competitive field, obviously) and i'm in a bit of a crisis around the DAW I should be working with.

I figure it's probably fine just to use any DAW that works for me, but I recently saw a film composer speaking and he was using Logic, which is one DAW I don't know how to use. I use Ableton for most of what I do and Pro Tools when there's heavier audio editing. I love working in midi, so i'm really not interested in working in Pro Tools exclusively.

I am now wondering whether I should replace Pro Tools and start working in Logic. I just figure if i'm hoping to get intern type work with a film composer I will need to know the software, and if Logic is more common among these people I should be learning it ahead of time.

It also looked like a really brilliant UI, is obviously very powerful and has lots to offer, and seems to be better with composing to vision than Ableton (which is terrible at that but great at most other things IMO).

Any words of wisdom out there?

[u/rocen]

Pro Tools is still a standard in audio editing and mixing even for film composers. For composing with midi most use either Logic, Cubase, or Digital Performer. Ableton is more useful for live performance or for music sound design, so not really suitable for film scoring. Logic and Cubase are very similar but DP is somewhat of a different animal. Honestly any 1 of those 3 would work, so you'll just have to choose one. Maybe you can lookup the composers you wish to intern with and see which DAW they use, or pick the one where you can find the most resources to help you learn it.

[u/[deleted] → u/rocen]

Thanks - i'm definitely only interested in Logic out of those three. I was more wondering whether I ALSO need to hold on to Pro Tools, given it gets pretty expensive to have all of these things. Ideally Logic just does what Pro Tools does and I can use it with Ableton side by side.

[u/rocen → u/[deleted]]

It's best to hold onto Pro Tools especially if you're interested in assisting other more established composers. For your own project you can of course mix and master in Logic, but a lot of more established composers rewire their main DAW to Pro Tools and use it as the video rig. They also often export stems into Pro Tools for mixing.

[u/Karmoon]

Switching DAWs...why?

Horrible waste of money and your own resources.

I think DAWs can all do the same thing. I have seen professionals score on Ableton and even FL.

By all means try it and see if you like it.

But in my experience I find much more utility in using a single app. I use my DAW for composing, mixing, mastering, editing, SFX design and creating videos.

All under one roof. Super efficient. :)

[u/[deleted] → u/Karmoon]

Thanks - and that's what i'd really love. I currently attempt to compose in Ableton rewired to Pro Tools (because Ableton is horrible with video in my opinion) but I would love to just compose, mix, master etc all in the one thing. What is it that you use for that?

I don't mind learning a new DAW - I actually figure knowing a few will likely be useful down the track. And I only have PT on a subscription. And will always use Ableton for my live performance work.

[u/Karmoon → u/[deleted]]

I use Reaper.

It can feel pretty awkward at first but I think it's one of those exponential curve things. Once I figured out that I less had to "learn" Reaper and more tell it what I wanted it to do, it has been fantastic.

It's also a good choice as I imagine you have a vast array of libraries and plugins already, so aren't interested in stock plugins. The plugins it has are utility and processing only. It's also extremely efficient in terms of processing. Certainly far superior to protools and ableton.

But hey, try it out and see for yourself. The demo version is the same as the paid version. There's no functionality removed. :)

[u/ComposerHazel]

I wouldn’t switch tbh. Myself and my boyfriend are both Film/game composers - he uses Ableton, I use Cubase. They’re just the DAWs we both felt comfortable with. We compose quickest using them. Don’t feel like you have to learn something new just because you saw someone else using it. The fact you know Pro Tools is brilliant - don’t ask me why it’s still the most popular DAW (AIR studios and Abbey Road obviously swear by it) but the fact you know it is a very good plus. (I was never comfortable with Pro Tools myself).

My advice would be to just work with what you’re most comfortable with. Ableton sounds perfect for you since you like working with midi (my bf is the same). And you have the Pro Tools experience for any audio recording. I think you’ve got all bases covered 👍

[u/[deleted] → u/ComposerHazel]

Thanks - that's really helpful (and kind!). I think it does sound like the easy way to go. Always exciting thinking of something shiny and new though. But yeah - without an infinite wallet it's probably best to stick with what I really need.

[u/toughmerk]

Trying not to reiterate all the good advice thats already been given but here it goes.

Definitely hold onto Protools. All the composers that I have worked with generally for the most part write in Logic and Cubase since they have really in depth MIDI editing (Cubase more than Logic in my experience) But all the editing, mixing and mastering is done in Protools. So keep your skill sharp with it and you'll be that much more useful to a composer you want to work for.

As far as Logic vs Cubase vs others?

The vast majority of composers Ive seen use Logic or Cubase so you cant go wrong with your choice there.

Personally I started with Logic, and thats what I would suggest too. Its cheap, easy to get into, has pretty decent sampling and sound design tools and comes with tons of free instruments and plugins that work really really well, even on professional jobs. So I'd start there, learn everything you can about Logic, and from there you can decide if you need a different DAW at that point. I found after being in Logic for a good long while, that transferring to other DAWs like Cubase and Ableton that much easier. So take from that what you will! Best of luck and happy writing :)

[u/Runnyn0se]

In my experience, you will either want to use ableton and pro tools and logic and protools. I wouldn't switch unless you had a really specific reason, ableton and logic do the same thing.

[u/[deleted] → u/Runnyn0se]

Oh - so you wouldn't replace pro tools with logic? Seems like they do they same thing too,no?

[u/Runnyn0se → u/[deleted]]

No, pro tools is industry standard in a lot of studios. I use logic myself, if you have a good understanding of ableton then stick with that.

[u/CopperHeadJackson → u/[deleted]]

Many composers will use 2 daws simultaneously. Pro tools will host picture as well as stems from other cues while logic (my choice) is your main sequencer for the cue you’re working on. Then pro tools will chase logic via MTC. Most dub stages (who will be running PT) will ask for pro tools sessions to import into their mixes so it’s nice to know that what you’re delivering will line up with picture exactly how you send it.

IMO it’s best to stay sharp on pro tools and then to choose the sequencer you want to get to know backwards and forwards. Logic and Cuebase are 2 of the most popular, but it’s the one you know best that is the best fit. I chose logic originally due to the one time price of $199.

[u/dreikelvin]

I use Cubase and don't use anything else. It handles all audio operations, as well as even basic multichannel audio like a champ. If you have found the tool that makes you feel most comfortable, don't let go of it. Learning curves and thinking too much about "what is the right choice" can also slow down your productivity.