I get asked a lot about the different software options that are out there for mixing and which are the best. To me the answer is whatever software you feel most comfortable with. For the most part they are all able to accomplish the same things its just more about the softwares workflow and what works best for you. There are an incredible amount of options out there. These pieces of software can be known as DAW’s, audio editors, mixing software, music editors, music mixing software ect… It can get confusing so I figure id give a quick overview of the three I feel are most relevant.
- Pro Tools -
Avid
This is by far the most famous and well respected DAW in the audio engineering community and is known as the “industry standard”. If you are just starting out I would highly recommend Pro Tools over all the others options out there. Personally Pro Tools is my favorite piece of software and the one I use for all my mixing projects. I would say about 90% of my clients send me their sessions to be mixed in Pro Tools. Pro Tools is usually what most studios operate with so in turn it is what most audio engineering schools teach their students on. By using Pro Tools you are basically guaranteeing your projects will be compatible with most studios as well as giving you the option to work in any studio if you so desire.
Pro Tools has really upped its game with the release of Pro Tools 9. I go into more detail about in my post about Pro Tools 9 if you’re interested. Pro Tools 9 now has Automatic Delay Compensation, 96 audio tracks, virtually unlimited busses plus support for RTAS, AU, TDM and VST (through a wrapper) plugins. The 10 inserts and sends per channel is absolutely great for guys like me who use tons of plugins. With Pro Tools 9 you can use any interface you like and have up to 32ins and outs for those guys who like to sum out huge mixes. Its available for both Windows and Mac and is updated regularly. Another great feature is the import session data option. Lets say you recorded a few songs. Once you finish mixing one you can import all the settings from the mix right into the next song and just tweak from there. It saves a ton of time. A lot of the other software I mention have a similar feature but nothing thats as quick and easy as Pro Tools. Pro Tools also offers in my opinion the most quality control surfaces which is a big must for me. I really can’t say enough good things about Pro Tools, but if you are looking to start out or are thinking of switching definitely get on board with Pro Tools.
- Logic -
Apple
I know a lot of people who love Logic. In my experience Logic is geared a bit more towards composers then it is for mixers. Don’t get me wrong, Logic can be an incredibly powerful piece of software for mixing. It has tons of great features and in my opinion includes a slightly better caliber of plugins with the software then Pro Tools. For me I find the workflow of Logic a little slower as far as mixing goes. Logic does offer virtually unlimited tracks and busses, automatic Delay Compensation and the use of any audio interface just like Pro Tools. One big difference though is Logic is only available for Mac which basically counts out all you Windows guys. As far as the industry is concerned, Logic is probably respected the most behind Pro Tools and is still used in many studios throughout the world.
Logic Studio Software
- Cubase/Nuendo -
Steinberg
Cubase and Nuendo are the same program the only difference is Nuendo offers video options as well. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Cubase as it was the first program I ever learned on. Cubase is very popular in Europe. It is still hugely popular in the United States but probably sits 3rd behind Pro Tools and Logic.
Just like Logic, Cubase offers virtually unlimited tracks and busses, automatic delay compensation and the use of any audio interface. It also has incredible stock plugins that definitely rival the ones included with Logic. What ive always liked about Cubase is the way the workflow is setup. Pro Tools and Logic were setup based on an analog workflow. This way the veteran studio guys could learn and understand how to use the software very quickly and were enticed to switch over from tap and big analog boards. What ive found about Cubase is that it seems to be setup more for ease of use then for worrying about staying true to analog routing and what not. It names busses differently depending if you’re grouping tracks or using them as sends which makes understanding whats going on very easy. I won’t go in to all the other reasons I like Cubase’s workflow but if you’re looking for a good easy to learn mixing software Cubase might be your best bet.
Heres a list of other DAW’s that are great for mixing music which may be of interest and worth looking in to.
Sonar
Buy Sonar at the lowest price available!
Abelton
Digital Performer
Reaper
Garage Band (Very basic, not for professionals)
