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When searching for the best digital audio workstation, you should consider Pro Tools Vs. FL Studio. Both these options are quality choices, just like other audio recording software comparisons. Our guide is here to provide information about all the specifics of each DAW.
Our guide can help you weigh your options to choose the digital audio workstation that’s right for you. Remember, just because one system may be better for another person doesn’t mean it’s the right version for your needs. Here, we will look at various aspects of each system, like sound quality and price, along with capability. You can find many accessories to use with either of these workstations as well.
Let’s take a look at the various differences between Pro Tools and FL Studio and become familiar with the pros and cons of each system.
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Main Differences Between Pro Tools and FL Studio
The Main Differences Between Pro Tools and FL Studios are:
- Pro Tools was created over 30 years ago, whereas FL Studio was formed 23 years ago
- FL Studio has specialized editing and manipulation capabilities for audio, whereas Pro Tools is a simpler recording workstation.
- Pro Tools operates in 8 languages, including English, French, and Chinese, whereas FL Studio only works in 3 languages: English, Dutch, and Chinese.
- FL Studio has a beginner’s tier, whereas Pro Tools only has a professional setup.
- FL Studio has a one-time purchase option, whereas Pro Tools can only be used by subscription and membership.
Exploring Pro Tools vs FL Studio features
There are several differences between Pro Tools and FL Studios. However, both workstations provide a quality experience when it comes to features and tools. Each system provides editing and mastering digital audio.
Developers
The developers of each workstation put in time and effort to create a quality recording, editing, and production system that’s made to elevate your sound too professional standards.
Pro Tools
The original developers of Pro Tools were Peter Gotcher and Evan Brooks. However, the workstation was upgraded by Digidesign. Digidesign then became Avid Audio and Avid Design.
FL Studios
FL Studios was originally developed by Didier Dambrin. It was later procured by the Belgian Company, which was once Image-Line Software.
Release Date
Both Pro Tools and FL Studios have been around for quite some time – decades, as a matter of fact. Each system has since, upgraded and only improved in sound quality and features.
Pro Tools
For dealing with audio creation and editing challenges, Pro Tools was released for use by the public on January 20, 1989. This was over 30 years ago, making the workstation a trusted and classic system for music recording and sound manipulation. The latest version of Pro Tools was released on December 22, 2020.
FL Studios
Around 23 years ago, FL Studios was created, a newer system than its counterpart, Pro Tools. This workstation was being used after December 18, 1997. The latest version of this system was released on March 1, 2021
Operating System
Both Pro Tools and FL Studios can run on Windows and Macintosh Systems. They are both compatible and work well with modern computers.
Supported Language
Music workstations operate in various languages, some more than others. Both the FL Studios and Pro Tools use more than one language.
Pro Tools
This recording tool works with 8 different languages. These languages include English, Spanish, Chinese (both simplified and traditional), French, Japanese, Korean.
FL Studios
One three languages are supported by FL Studios. These are English, Dutch, and Chinese. In this area, FL Studios falls behind Pro Tools.
Sound Functionality
It’s pretty clear that Pro Tools and FL Studios were both designs with specialties in mind. Sound functionality for each program varies and offers different qualities depending on your objective.
Pro Tools
This workstation is truly a professional when it comes to recording. It’s the system most widely used in recording studios, aimed at capturing live performances and recordings.
FL Studio
FL Studios is geared more toward the editing aspect of audio manipulation. It was made for DJs and electronic music producers. This system strives to make editing and mixing as simple as possible.
Pro Tools vs FL Studio: Costs
It’s difficult to determine the best system depending on costs because the price models are so varied. The costs involved with either of these workstations are competitive. You can purchase either Pro Tools or FL Studio in conjunction with a subscription plan – customers can pay by the month or for the entire year.
Pro Tools Studio can be purchased for $299 a year or $31.99 a month. A free trial of the Flex plan gives you a taste of everything the software can offer and allows you to pick the best plan for your needs.
FL Studios is a one-time cost per product. There are 4 different price tiers for this audio recording and editing system. The entry-level, or ‘Fruity’ virtual studios is $99, the all in one virtual studio, the ‘Producer’ with audio creation and mic recording is $199, the ‘Signature’ version, which has all aspects of the simpler forms but with producer addition and advanced plugins is $299, and the ‘All Plugins’ addition that includes all features is $499.
Pro Tools vs FL Studio: Ease of Use
Both Pro Tools and FL Studios are used for things like recording podcasts, mastering albums, or producing sounds for animation or film. When it comes to ease of use, both workstations can be learned and utilized with a bit of practice.
With its various tiers of purchase, FL Studios offers a simple version as one of the options. This beginner’s version makes using the system much easier. With the tiers, you can start with the beginner’s option and then move up to something a bit more involved. With the various options, you can regularly upgrade as you learn how to use the workstation.
Pro Tools is a bit more complicated to use, and it has fewer versions with a subscription option. So while you can certainly practice and learn over time, you start with the basic version that doesn’t cater to beginners.
Pros and Cons
Pro Tools
Pros
- Operates in 8 different languages including, Chinese, English, Spanish, Korean, and French
- Pro Tools is an older system, updated regularly with improvements
Cons
- Pro Tools mostly focuses on straight recording
- More complicated to use
- Subscription-based, unless you purchase a much higher version that has a perpetual license. However, after the first year of support, there are no free upgrades.
FL Studio
Pros
- This studio is a bit more advanced, utilizing more editing and manipulation to sounds; it’s impressive when it comes to music creation
- It has a beginners option for purchase
- It can be purchased one time with options for additional upgrades
Cons:
- Only operates in three languages, English, Dutch, and Chinese
- FL Studios is a younger company, but only by 6 years or so.
Are There Any Alternatives?
There are several alternatives to choose from. Here are two other options for audio workstations designed to record, edit, and produce quality sounds.
Logic Pro
Logic Pro only operates on the Mac OS 10 or later, which is a drawback when it comes to DAWs. However, this program was never meant for beginners either and is an obvious perfect choice for mac owners. If you can make the most of Logic Pro features, your sounds can go to the next level in quality.
To run Logic Pro on your Mac computer, you’ll need 6GB of hard drive space for the basic version or 72GB of space if you want to install the music library. Accessing or removing the library, adding or removing music tracks, and recording audio is easy but can be done with keyboard shortcuts like many other workstations.
The reliability and quality of sounds depend on the monitors, headphones, and microphones that you use. There is no subscription required for this DAW. The cost for this system is $199. However, you can try the workstation for free for a limited time.
Garageband
This DAW has one of the best-looking interfaces of all workstations. Everything you need to use to produce sounds and complete audio editing is easy to find with the aesthetics of this system. Garageband has professional effects, allowing you to create distortions, reverb, and echo sounds.
Garageband comes with music lessons, like guitar and piano lessons given by musical artists themselves. Mainstage 2 gives you dozens of built-in instruments, and add-ons, like Jam Packs, are also available. If you buy a mac computer, Garageband comes free, already installed on the machine. There are many features, both for the beginner and the professional recording artist.
This DAW works well with Apple products. It has fast performance, and you can use the Apple device’s internal microphone to do any recording you like. Unfortunately, the Garageband program takes up lots of space on your iPhone or iPad, and there is no way to delete some of the instrument recordings and loops to make more space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What’s better with music creation and editing, FL Studio or Pro Tools?
Answer: While both DAWs are good systems for recording and editing, most people agree that FL Studio stands out when it comes to music creation. It’s easier to use and produces quality results in the process.
QuestionL Is Pro Tools Complicated?
Answer: It’s unrealistic to think you can open this system and expect to start working right away if you’ve never used an audio workstation before. This system does not have a beginner’s learning curve like some other DAWs. With Pro Tools, it takes patience, dedication, and time to learn how to use the various options of this system.
Question: Why do so many producers use FL Studio?
Answer: So many producers use FL Studio because of the compositional tools, the price tag, and the synths. It also has visual automation that makes it easier to use audio files. MIDI creation is also easy because of loops and patterns. It also has a good selection of plugins that are quite effective. This DAW is easy to utilize for those who want to learn more about music production at the entry-level.
Question: Can you own Pro Tools or just subscribe from year to year?
Answer: With most versions of Pro Tools, there is only subscription service. However, if you really want perpetual DAW capabilities, in other words, if you want to own Pro Tools, the costs are much higher but doable. The short answer is yes. You can own a version of Pro Tools. The downside is that there are no other upgrades after the first year of support unless you purchase them.
Verdict: Choose FL Studio for Ease of Use for Everyone
When it comes to Pro Tools Vs. FL Studio, the digital audio workstation, should be compatible with most devices and easy to learn. Not everyone is a professional, and a system that can be appreciated and affordable for all is the best choice. Like other DAW, namely Garageband, you can even learn how to play musical instruments.
Our pick between Pro Tools and FL Studio would have to be FL Studio due to its ease of use. FL Studio has various tiers for purchase, including a beginners package all the way to the Complete Access version. Both amateurs and professionals can take advantage of a quality recording, editing, and producing audio for music, animation, and film.
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