Choosing DAW for students: Logic Pro X vs Studio One 3

There are so many DAWs in the market that each has distinguished features specialised for a specific function.
Pro Tools, for example, is well-known for its mixing capability so that many studios use Pro Tools for their mixing purposes. However, MIDI support of Pro Tools is not as good as other DAWs. Similarly, Ableton Live is specifically good for live performance. If you're planning to use your keyboard and DAW for live performance, Live might be the best option for you.

We can't say which DAW is the best in general, as it really depends on the purpose of DAW, as well as your personal preference. Here, I can't talk what is the best, but try to narrow down which DAW might be best for YOU. The suggestions are totally based on my personal view and general information gathered from Internet. Also, be aware that I'm a newbie in computer music. ;)

DAWs to be considered: Ableton Live, Cubase, Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Cakewalk SONAR, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Studio One, Traktion, Reaper.

1. Do you intend to do Live performance? Consider Live.
2. Mainly for recording and mixing? Pro Tools would be good.
3. Compact, light-weight, simple, reliable with inexpensive price? Reaper
4. Playing electronic music? FL Studio is the hot DAW these days.
5. MIDI composing and some mixing? Either Cubase, Logic Pro, or Studio One is a good start.

Here, let's dig further into Logic Pro X and Studio One 3. Full version of Logic Pro X costs only US$200 from Apple App Store, which can be purchased with around US$160 cash if you can buy 20% discounted iTunes gift card.
Presonus Studio One has a discounted student version, with further discount if you own their Artist version. Studio One Artist can be easily obtained for free as it is bundled with many audio interfaces and keyboard controllers. If you have Artist version and buy the educational upgrade license from Artist to Professional, it costs only US$150 to get the full version. In short, Logic Pro X and Studio One Professional can be purchased with similar price if you are a student.

Apple's Logic Pro is long-history DAW, one of the longest DAWs in the market while Studio One is pretty new software which has been out there for just some years. Although its young age, Studio One became so popular due to its easy-to-use intuitive workflows with decent functionality. Certainly Logic Pro got much more user population as it's been for so long time.

• UI and workflow

People say Studio One's most powerful feature is its intuitive UI, represented by the drag-and-drop function. It supports massive macros which make mixing workflow much simpler. Although Logic Pro has beautiful colors with decent icons, actual usage might be easier in Studio One.

• Bundled instruments and effects

Virtual instruments included in Logic Pro are extensive and in good quality. Logic Pro has so many effects and instruments in its bundle. People usually say Logic is just worth for its cheap price with those massive bundled contents. Although Studio One got many bundled contents as well, it's not as good in quality as Logic Pro's.

• Score notation

Logic Pro has score notation function integrated within the software, while Studio One doesn't provide any.

In conclusion, if you work more with MIDI and virtual instruments, rather than recording the real instruments and mixing down, Apple Logic Pro would be a good beginning as it provides massive bundled contents with score notation function. Especially if you do not intend to buy any 3rd party plugins (such as NI Kontakt instruments or other effect plugins), the included instruments and effects within Logic Pro will be sufficient when you just started music.

If you already collected many external plugins and do not need Logic Pro's bundled contents much, try Studio One. Also, if you do more recordings and mixing, Studio One will be suitable to work with its easy and intuitive UIs.