Logic Pro better than . . .?

[Essex Boi]

It’s a question that’s been asked and answered many times - is Logic Pro better than DAW X? I’m not repeating that general question to which I’ll get as many answers as there are fans of each bit of software.

What I’m curious to know is - does Logic Pro make better (i.e. more efficient?) use of Apple hardware (specifically Apple Silicon) and system architecture than other DAWs? I know very little about what goes on inside that lump of aluminium on my desk (M1 Mini if it’s relevant) but intuitively I’d have thought software designed to run on only one operating system will suffer fewer compromises. Bonus points for links to actual tests and facts.

Finally if it’s relevant, I’m interested mainly in system performance as 1) a multitrack recorder for ‘real’ instruments and 2) ITB mixing and mastering.

[muzines]

If you're interested comparing Logic's performance to whatever DAW you are currently using, Apple offer a 90-day free trial of Logic, that you can download and run on your specific system, and create your own tests with your plugins so you can see how things perform for you.

Generally, performance is very system, project, and third-party dependent, so running your own tests on your system is the best way to assess whatever gains, or not, you may see.

Let us know what you find!

[Essex Boi]

If you're interested comparing Logic's performance to whatever DAW you are currently using, Apple offer a 90-day free trial of Logic, that you can download and run on your specific system, and create your own tests with your plugins so you can see how things perform for you.

Generally, performance is very system, project, and third-party dependent, so running your own tests on your system is the best way to assess whatever gains, or not, you may see.

Let us know what you find!

That’s good advice. Thanks. I have a week off soon. It’ll give me a purposeful challenge. Assuming I don’t get distracted creating ‘beats’ with Apple Loops or seeing if I can outfox the AI Drummer.

[RichardT]

My guess is that an M1 machine will be powerful enough to run most DAWs very successfully - unless you are running very high track counts.

[sonics]

I have noticed differences in efficiency when using different DAWs. Performance will also be linked to the sorts of plugins and instruments you're running, and what format(s) you use.

With so many variables, running a heavy session of your own is probably the only good way to gauge the results.

Personally, I am more interested in features and use than actual performance, and stability is at the very top of my list.

For other perspectives, take a look at what professionals use. If there are differences of note, you'll find them being talked about.

[fatbenelton]

One area in which Logic is way better than most is that the upgrades are free.

Since I upgraded from Logic 9 to 10 in 2013 I haven’t paid anything for the constant updates - some significant. On the other hand my journey from Cubase 7 to 12 has cost me £100’s! Even if they eventually charge for a future Logic 11 I have already had 10 years of free updates.

So over the last 10 years - Logic £179 ( I think that was the original price??)
Cubase - over£600? Original price of c£250 for C7 and at least £79 for each increment...some of which I missed but you get the idea!

Other than Reaper (which is free) DP, PT, Studio One 7 Cubase all charge you for updates. £50-80 might not seem much but every year/18months for 10 years....

[Essex Boi]

One area in which Logic is way better than most is that the upgrades are free.

Since I upgraded from Logic 9 to 10 in 2013 I haven’t paid anything for the constant updates - some significant. On the other hand my journey from Cubase 7 to 12 has cost me £100’s! Even if they eventually charge for a future Logic 11 I have already had 10 years of free updates.

So over the last 10 years - Logic £179 ( I think that was the original price??)
Cubase - over£600? Original price of c£250 for C7 and at least £79 for each increment...some of which I missed but you get the idea!

Other than Reaper (which is free) DP, PT, Studio One 7 Cubase all charge you for updates. £50-80 might not seem much but every year/18months for 10 years....

Another good point. I moved to Reaper when my arthritic old Mac became incompatible with Logic (from 9 to 10 if I recall). I cannot remember exactly what went on, but I think the move to 64Bit caused compatibility issues. I now realise I could’ve just stopped upgrading but I didn’t know better back then.

[Essex Boi]

I have noticed differences in efficiency when using different DAWs. Performance will also be linked to the sorts of plugins and instruments you're running, and what format(s) you use.

With so many variables, running a heavy session of your own is probably the only good way to gauge the results.

Personally, I am more interested in features and use than actual performance, and stability is at the very top of my list.

For other perspectives, take a look at what professionals use. If there are differences of note, you'll find them being talked about.

Thanks sonics. I hadn’t even considered the complexities and the specifics of each session. Not as straightforward as I’d imagined.

[Wonks]

Other than Reaper (which is free)

Reaper isn't free, though it is low cost ($60 for a non-commercial license, $225 for a commercial license). 60-day evaluation is free.

License covers all updates in the current version, and to the end of the next full version; e.g. it's currently V6.80 and license will run until V7.99. V8 will require a new license.

[Dave Rowles]

One area in which Logic is way better than most is that the upgrades are free.

Regrettably, I get the feeling Logic might be subscription come version 11...

[fatbenelton]

One area in which Logic is way better than most is that the upgrades are free.

Regrettably, I get the feeling Logic might be subscription come version 11...

You may be right but I really hope not.

[ConcertinaChap]

Regrettably

A kinder word than I would use.

CC