What DAW do you use and why? [Archive]

Sal Paradise

07-20-2011, 01:27 PM

I use Logic and am about to get Ableton. These two just seem the most relative in my circles. Pro Tools seems to be the choice if you recording musicians w/instruments. Ableton & Logic is what most people I know are on and seems to be the way forward. That being said I have no experience on any other daws so I can't say what I am on is better or worse. What I can say is I know a lot more people on these platforms and that makes a big difference to me. I'm also a MAC guy and these platforms do well on macs.

rissa

07-20-2011, 01:58 PM

Reason, Pro Tools and for the deeper/drummy stuff Logic

Depends on my mood....Logic has more stuff in the box so when it comes to synths n stuff I use that but I am more used to PT interface and shortcuts :)

blackwax

07-20-2011, 02:45 PM

Don't forget to vote above people

Thanks

Sal Paradise

07-20-2011, 02:57 PM

Don't forget to vote above people

Thanks

you should be able to pick more than one as a lot of people use more than one.

blackwax

07-20-2011, 05:00 PM

I should be set for multiple choices already?

SoundScience

07-20-2011, 07:06 PM

I run Logic with Ableton through rewire. Like the use of loops and editing of waves in Ableton, so I do most of my drums there and instrumentation in Logic. Sometimes I import sounds in from FL Studio. I like the 808 and 909 sound that FL Studio offers better.

Mocambo

07-20-2011, 08:32 PM

Logic

- I used to work with Sonar. But, my PC crapped out. Very underestimated DAW.
- My production brother had Logic. So, I bought a MAC and went that route for easy collaboration.

Will be getting Reason. Most of the people that want to work with my production squad uses it.

Marshall Jefferson

07-20-2011, 10:42 PM

For records Logic, for DJ mixes Ableton.

Had a lot of technical hiccups trying to get Cubase running, got frustrated and gave up. Bought Logic and was writing and recording songs again within 10 minutes. Very simple and easy to use, which is a priority for me. Whenever somebody asks me for a DAW i recommend Logic and they pick it up in minutes, a lot of times people with no previous songwriting experience. Logic is also fully featured and one of the most versatile DAWs out.

I also use Ableton but there's a much steeper learning curve and it's not as flexible as Logic, but it is better for doing a DJ set.

blackwax

07-21-2011, 04:01 AM

What issues did you have when setting up cubase Marshall?
What version was it?

Nightshade

07-21-2011, 05:56 AM

I use cubase. Why??? Work smarter, flow faster!!! It's as simple as that. And cubase gives me the flexibility of doing one thing in a whole lot of different ways.

What issues did you have when setting up cubase Marshall?
What version was it?

Good question, I would also like to know.

Marshall Jefferson

07-21-2011, 06:35 AM

Can't remember what version it was, it was early 2000's. Had all kinds of problems setting up the Asio drivers and even after I got that sorted I found the interface somewhat less than straightforward and intuitive. I would say it was the whole PC experience, but I found Sonar/Cakewalk to be pretty easy in comparison.

I bought my 1st Mac and not having to setup separate audio drivers and the like a was a godsend.

Dj Bones

07-21-2011, 08:09 AM

Logic.

blackwax

07-21-2011, 09:41 AM

Logic.

Very informative bones thanks ;-)

blackwax

07-21-2011, 09:42 AM

Marshall Jefferson

07-21-2011, 12:17 PM

The 4+ years nearly everybody I've worked with is either Logic or Pro Tools-and 90% is Logic. Very rarely run into anyone that uses Cubase, although Cubase absolutely ruled the 90s. I've seen more people use Reason and Ableton than Cubase. (DJ Pierre, Carl Bias are Reason users off the top of my head). But the overwhelming majority of pros I know are using Logic (Kenny Dope, Terry Hunter, Ron Trent, Booker T, also off the top of my head) Cratebug and Jamie 3:26 from DHP are both Ableton/PC users and do really well with it. Ableton also has a Mac version.

Timmy Mc

07-21-2011, 01:21 PM

Duron Tarik

07-21-2011, 04:49 PM

When i was making records for a living i use to use Logic. Coming from the days when it was owned by Emagic Into the Apple buy out. I use to love logic.

Now that i'm more of an hobbyist just having fun kat, i'm using Reason/Record which will be just Reason 6 with the new upgrade coming out in Sept. The work flow is smooth, it works on any computer no matter how powerful & the price is right.

Nightshade

07-21-2011, 05:19 PM

Logic.

Very informative bones thanks ;-)

:rofl:

The 4+ years nearly everybody I've worked with is either Logic or Pro Tools-and 90% is Logic. Very rarely run into anyone that uses Cubase, although Cubase absolutely ruled the 90s. I've seen more people use Reason and Ableton than Cubase. (DJ Pierre, Carl Bias are Reason users off the top of my head). But the overwhelming majority of pros I know are using Logic (Kenny Dope, Terry Hunter, Ron Trent, Booker T, also off the top of my head) Cratebug and Jamie 3:26 from DHP are both Ableton/PC users and do really well with it. Ableton also has a Mac version.

I totally agree brother a lot of people don't use cubase. Others even prefer Nuendo either than cubase.

mocilo74

07-22-2011, 01:06 AM

I´m using Reason5 Record 1.5. That´s all I need. This is the first "DAW" I obtained on my own a few years ago. Before that I was "forced" to use Cubase because all my friends used it in their studios to make music. But it wasn´t my cup of tea.

As a bedroom producer I think the Reason Record combo is the shit. Haven´t come across another program where I can sketch my ideas that fast and concetrate on making music in the end. I´m also forced to use all devices inside RR because they don´t support VSTs. I have learned so many fundamental things about production and mixing this way.

So RR for me. :)

Matt Hughes

07-22-2011, 05:47 AM

I use Logic and have done for the past 6 years. It does wht is say on the tin, from a work flow perspective- everything works in a logical progression.

Now that NI Maschine is the centre of my studio, this can interact with Logic seamlessly. I also Re-wire Reason for its sounds. Very interested in Reason 6- although I am yet to upgrade to 5.

Ashwell

07-23-2011, 10:08 PM

Short answer is Cubase 6 & Abelton 8.

I'm mostly using cubase 6 right now largely because I've been using it for a while and know my way around. I also use Ableton for getting ideas down quick and playing around with different arrangements. The other reason I still like cubase is that I have the N12 mixer which allows me to handle some mixing duties out of the box. Can use outboard gear on inserts and aux sends which is pretty nice. The mixer's eq, compression and reverb are sometimes useable too. Still use Reason 4 every so often either rewired into one of the others I mentioned or just to make loops. will probably upgrade to 6. Never used Logic or Protools but I've always been curious about both, especially Logic. I'm really curious about that Ohm Boys collaborative DAW as well.

Walter Stallworth

07-24-2011, 07:08 PM

Reason and Pro Tools for me. PT mainly because everyone I knew at the time used PT so it was easy to ask questions and get answers.I just stuck with what I knew.

Timmy Mc

07-24-2011, 08:21 PM

"Talking about how bad the scene is won't make it better, you need to do something to make it better."
DJ Politics = Lack of DJ talent

This is very true indeed

djfunq

07-25-2011, 07:02 AM

I had to/and can work with almost every platform. Q-bass, Logic, Reason, Ableton and Protools.
At home i work with Ableton
Last week I saw a docu on HBO about Richie Hawtin where he uses Ableton synced with Traktor, synced with a
a main A&H mixer synced with a 2 other dj's Magda and Loco Dice who also had their own A&H mixer fed into the main.
also synced with led/light visuals and direct feed to internet...
Some serious signal flowing ova there...

djfunq

07-26-2011, 12:18 PM

I believe from my experience :
-Ableton is more versatile for live performances
because of it's flexible routing possibilities.
- For actual analog studio recording no doubt protools tops the bill.
- Qbass and Logic are good programs for home producing.

dj aakmael

07-26-2011, 12:38 PM

Pro Tools for the DAW, running with other stuff via midi and rewire like Reason, Maschine, KORG Triton and other various plugins. To me there's nothing like Pro Tools for vocals, and this is the first DAW I actually learned the most about when I was in a different studio.

peace
aak

Ashwell

07-26-2011, 10:41 PM

Hey Aakmael, what sets pro tools above the rest for you when it comes to vocals? Just curious, I've heard others say the same thing.

dj aakmael

07-27-2011, 01:14 AM

Hey Aakmael, what sets pro tools above the rest for you when it comes to vocals? Just curious, I've heard others say the same thing.

I personally think Pro Tools adds a nice "digital gloss" over the vocals as well as other tracks. I know it's to each his own when it comes to DAW's in general, however I've worked with Cubase, Ableton and Logic before but none of those really provides that gloss imo.

I've even heard others say this who use both, they like Logic for the apparent thicker feel and bounce tracks down to to Pro Tools when they're ready to add vox and master.

Edit:

To add, I also understand that Logic may be a lot simpler to use than Pro Tools. Pro Tools can be a bitch when you are first setting it up, but when it's runnin' good with all your plugins working and everything gellin' it's smooth sailing :)

Dj Bones

07-27-2011, 11:01 AM

Very informative bones thanks ;-)

Sorry Steve, was having a bad day. :blush:

I have used cakewalk and cubase. Both in ther many differnt versions and then used Logic on a PC for ages and really got into it. When that PC died I moved Nuendo but still preferred Logic.

Now back with Logic on a Mac. Like the look, the feel and functions.

Ashwell

07-27-2011, 04:44 PM

@Aakmael - thanks for the skinny.

Sweep 181

07-30-2011, 06:58 AM

i am using Digital Performer, i am very used to it, it is a great software! i think it is the best for the audio ... much better than logic for sure for this purpose. a bit similar as pro tools for the audio. also using ableton for playing live and using it in rewire in Digital performer for choosing any kind of loop, rythmics etc.

Marshall Jefferson

07-30-2011, 07:17 AM

David Morales has used Performer for years.

rissa

08-04-2011, 12:38 PM

I use pro tools now I used to use logic and I still have logic but it's funny, every time some other program comes up with something new Pro Tools incorporates that function into it's system. ie ableton and it's time stretch with makers, Pro Tools had that with in six months later. I rewire Reason, Ableton, and various other DAW proprams right into Pro Tools. I was intimidated by Pro Tools but now I find it easier to use than most DAWs.

Me too I absolutely love Pro Tools ...the interface and everything is much easier for me ..the only thing it lacks is the VSTs that come with Logic ...if i had more vsts i would stick to just using pro tools

rich carrick

08-04-2011, 02:21 PM

I use Logic because a) it's easy to use b) I have a macbook & Logic runs well on it c) you can pay to get a year's worth of tuition on anything Apple at your local Apple store (£80 for a lesson a week for a whole year) - so naturally I chose Logic

for DJing (if I used anything other than vinyl) I'd use Ableton as I've seen it in action and it's ace

Timmy Mc

08-06-2011, 01:49 PM

Me too I absolutely love Pro Tools ...the interface and everything is much easier for me ..the only thing it lacks is the VSTs that come with Logic ...if i had more vsts i would stick to just using pro tools

Yeah and if you are using a MAC it's hard to get free stuff

PumasNFatLaces

08-07-2011, 04:52 PM

Presonus Studio One Pro. It's a very nice DAW. Easily routable and get the creativity going fast.

DJN Project

08-10-2011, 12:58 AM

A mini survey
Please tell me what DAW you use and the reasons for choosing it

Thanks

DJN Project we use , Reason, Logic and Protools. I prefer protools for mixing, and adding extra Vitual inst sounds

blackwax

08-10-2011, 06:41 AM

Thanks for all the responses

As suspected Logic seems the most popular still
Ableton seems to be doing very well

Also seems as if lots of people use multiple platforms depending on the task at hand

This came about because I was wondering if there was an industry standard of sorts
Seems like logic is popular but by no means a standard
I know that my poll won't count for that much as it's not on a big enough scale but I did find it interesting

Being a cubase user I have often found it frustrating when I find good custom made maps and tools on the web but always seems not to be a cubase version

kav

08-11-2011, 10:44 AM

I guess im the only one representing FL Studio. I find it very easy to put down my groove i have in mind into FL with ease. Im also learning Ableton on the side too.

checkoneaudio

09-15-2011, 05:18 PM

i've been using Reason and Native Instuments Maschine as a controller for about the last 6 months or so, Maschine is pretty cool on it's own, but i LIKE Reason waaay much better. These 2 together is now my setup of choice !!! As my DAW i use Nuendo and i been using it for about 4 years... this is pretty much all i use !!!

Dal-Tex

09-25-2011, 01:56 AM

After buying a new Macbook Pro I had to also purchase Logic Express even though I like ProTools better. But the new ProTools is like $600 so fuck it. You can check out my tracks: http://soundcloud.com/nawewtech

DUBFLY

09-28-2011, 08:08 AM

Tha ease of Ableton really work for me !

JonasEdenbrandt

10-03-2011, 08:34 AM

Ableton!
Cause I'm a PC user from the age of 10 and it's to big a hassle to get to the same level of workflow on logic. Started out on reason but then wanted VSTS and audio so switched to ableton with reason rewired but then after learning some VST synths and the synths in ableton reason just got phased out i guess.
I use Logic when i produce with a friend cause he's a logic user and we both really love the synths in logic!

Twilight Being

10-05-2011, 03:26 AM

Logic with Live rewired to it here.

Logic just makes sense to me and it works flawlessly but I find Live better for audio manipulation. I also have Pro Tools 9 but frequently find it frustrating to use.

EmCDL

10-26-2011, 11:30 PM

I guess im the only one representing FL Studio. I find it very easy to put down my groove i have in mind into FL with ease. Im also learning Ableton on the side too.

Nah, I use FL Studio predominantly as well, so I'm reppin' it with you! I'm actually scared to move to any other DAW other than FL since I'm so use to it....its ease of use really helps me lay down my ideas the second I open the DAW on my computer.

I've messed around with Pro Tools with my engineer a bit last year, and its really good for vocals...for other stuff I'm not sure since I didn't mess with it in that nature....yet.

I also have Ableton Lite 6.0 on my computer but I've barely messed with it. Hoping to get a Maschine sometime soon.

LoneRanger

10-27-2011, 01:01 AM

I voted Ableton, but honestly I've been using Maschine almost exclusively now. I love it and I can create whatever I want with it.

It's so easy to use too. I've used everything. Reason, Ableton (I made alot of music on it from 2003-2008), fruity loops (i hate this program with a passion and think it't borderline juvenile...but then again some of my favorite producers use it and make it sound amazing), Acid Pro, Reaktor, and nothing beats maschine. maybe an MPC would...but honestly, I don't feel like learning a new piece of hardware.

Plus, I can pack that up with my laptop and alesis speakers and take it wherever I want. The thing I like the most about maschine is the intergration of software and hardware. It just makes making music fun.

It's funny. I have a microkorg, an 8 track digital recorder, and Akai LPD8 and MPD24, and an axiom 25 as well...and they all just collect dust now.

Hugo Slime

10-27-2011, 05:19 AM

I am liking that MJ is using Logic. Irecently upgraded from Reason3 - to NI Complete and Logic - have had a slight bit of dissonance as a lot of well known producers seem to now be using Ableton.

For records Logic, for DJ mixes Ableton.

Had a lot of technical hiccups trying to get Cubase running, got frustrated and gave up. Bought Logic and was writing and recording songs again within 10 minutes. Very simple and easy to use, which is a priority for me. Whenever somebody asks me for a DAW i recommend Logic and they pick it up in minutes, a lot of times people with no previous songwriting experience. Logic is also fully featured and one of the most versatile DAWs out.

I also use Ableton but there's a much steeper learning curve and it's not as flexible as Logic, but it is better for doing a DJ set.

jah

10-31-2011, 06:52 AM

I started with Cubase exclusively but this year I made the switch to Ableton for just the speed. I know it has sound issues but mann it just feels good to make music in that thing. Its fun and intuitive and its like a video game for me and I'm a big nerd. I always loved fucking around with ableton but I was apprehensive to make the full switch from cubase especially when I heard much more knowledgable heads saying there is something off with the sound in the low end with ableton. This may be true but I am so sick of having too much choice in this digital world.

I go around in circles with the multitude of plugins and DAWS on offer, trying everything and not spending enough time with one. I need to just stick to one thing and do it well and for me, Ableton is the one I feel most comfortable sticking with... I also run maschine for beats (every now and then I prefer to just draw it in) but Maschine certainly helps when your in the mood!

DJ Teji

12-26-2011, 04:56 AM

I use Logic because a) it's easy to use b) I have a macbook & Logic runs well on it c) you can pay to get a year's worth of tuition on anything Apple at your local Apple store (£80 for a lesson a week for a whole year) - so naturally I chose Logic

Same reasons as above except I'm using an i-Mac, I am finding the one to one sessions at the apple store really beneficial.
Also Apple sold me Logic Pro 9 Full Retail version for just £100 on educational discount so it made sense to get it.
Finding it quite intuitive to use once you get into it loads still to learn obviously.
Haven't used any other DAW before but I'm liking Logic so far.

:)

thesoulelephant

01-04-2012, 05:25 PM

I want a Mac so bad. I would love to get Meta-Synth but they do not make it for PC. Glad to hear you guys like your I-Macs.

EmCDL

04-17-2012, 04:51 PM

Nah, I use FL Studio predominantly as well, so I'm reppin' it with you! I'm actually scared to move to any other DAW other than FL since I'm so use to it....its ease of use really helps me lay down my ideas the second I open the DAW on my computer.

I've messed around with Pro Tools with my engineer a bit last year, and its really good for vocals...for other stuff I'm not sure since I didn't mess with it in that nature....yet.

I also have Ableton Lite 6.0 on my computer but I've barely messed with it. Hoping to get a Maschine sometime soon.

I just started learning Ableton as well....well, the Akai Lite 8.3 version anyway. I want to learn it for live performance use and DJing, but I also like messing around with it as far as recording your arrangements on the fly and playing around with it. I'm still learning it but hope to get a really good grasp of it in the next couple of months. I'm not a big fan of the piano roll though...FL Studio piano roll imo trumps it!

computer chaos

04-24-2012, 01:12 AM

Ableton here. Main reasons are the abundance of native plug ins audio and midi, his quick workflow and bis session view.
Logic has some great sound generator and some great effects too. For quick audio tasks i'll suggest to give Reaper a chance, as i did with satisfaction.