Nerd alert

It's always been a hot forum debate if a DAW sounds different than another. This guy does some tests and measurements and to me proves that they don't. You'll likely be surprised what he tests...

You can start with the 2.nd video but each are only around 5 min. ;

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLefN...x_ycwXDbww_yTE_

Note; Friend of mine replicated the tests and concurred with the results. He also tested Samplitude which to us expectedly was the overall best but cause its pc only not discussed in the video's.

This is an interesting video and I think that this makes sense. When I was studying at the University, one of the works that we did was to compare how different EQ plugins processed a file using the same settings.

The results were surprisingly VERY different.

This post has been edited by Gabriel Leopardi: May 30 2021, 03:54 PM

Sometime ago eq null testing (with minimum phase eq's) was a popular thing on the forums. When you set the values exact most didn't match, but when you slightly change values looking at the meters you get closer and closer to null'ing them.

It's a pretty narrow set of tests imho. I've tried all the major daws and LOGIC X still beats em all hands down imho. It just comes with so much stuff built in that you can use it without needing to install any plugins. not to mention the tons of loops, midi, samples, synths, virtual instruments, etc. It's just amazing. I do tend to trust my ears more than my eyes and while I like pro tools, I have always hated that it really requires proprietary hardware to perform at it's best.

Here is another vid where the guy comes to the conclusion that they are basically the same.


Here is a quick run through of some of the various features that make logic the most flexible and full featured daw around especially at it's price point. But I am a LOGIC fan so there's that





This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: May 31 2021, 12:09 AM

It's more about the core audio engine and gives tips on what to be careful of and how to deal with imperfections.

This post has been edited by Mertay: May 31 2021, 12:50 AM

I appreciate the info I'm just a logic x super fan. Despite it's imperfections I just love that daw. maybe I've been using it so long I've just developed a relationship with it.

He doesn't recommend switching DAW's if thats your concern. Like, you could automate volume/fade using a plug-in for example if his given tests show smoother responses. I remember more than once when trying to make a musical fade or critical automation can drive one nuts at times, this may be helpful.

I know this is not the discussion, but I used to use Cubase and then I went to Reaper and I haven't looked back. There's so much info on Reaper, it can do exactly what I want it to do. It's pretty light weight for the computer etc. It doesn't come with a whole lot of things, but that's fine with me, as I like to use Superior Drummer, Omnisphere etc. And Reaper is pretty customizable.

I did try Studio One and also Pro Tools, but I didn't like any of them. I know workflow can change and there are learning curves with all programs, but Reaper came pretty natural to me.

If you're on PC, save reaper projects as EDL and samplitude can open them for audio editing (you might need to freeze midi channels). Click a wave in the project then click "object, object menu" and your imagination will start to run wild

It more popular in mastering houses, classical music recording so not really a famous daw but this makes it the best kept secret.

I think that if we use our ears instead of our eyes to produce music, this "imperfections" are not a problem at all.

Aside intermodulation distortion by placing early or late yeah automation problems can be solved (annoying though you can't trust the waveform visually).

But keep in mind if you change buffer size with Cubase in the middle of the project, always give a second listen as the article proves automations slide.

PS; I remember liking the waves SSL bus comp.s fade-out's to be very pleasing, now realizing this might have to do with it.

This post has been edited by Mertay: May 31 2021, 05:38 PM

Great topic btw mertay. Some great discussion!