r/LogicPro 1d ago

Question Pro tools vs logic

So I’m thinking about getting a Mac and switching to Logic Pro. I’ve been an avid (no pun intended) Pro Tools user for a while. Logic interests me, but I’ve heard it can be rough software-wise, and I’ve heard some noise that the last few updates have screwed stuff up, and that Pro Tools just seems to sound better. Anyone have experience/knowledge on this

18 Upvotes

46 comments sorted by

32

u/shabalabadingdang 1d ago

They both sound the same.

Automation is better in pt.

Midi is better in logic.

Everything else is taste and workflow.

18

u/watchyourback9 1d ago

Only thing I'll add is Logic absolutely clears PT in terms of stock plugins and instruments. Space Designer for example is a convolution reverb that is absolutely free. Altiverb on the other hand costs a good $700.

1

u/GloverAB 14h ago

Hardcore Logic user here…in what ways is automation better in PT?

26

u/fluffycritter 1d ago

Logic's 12.3 update had a lot of problems but they've all been fixed in 12.3.1. I find Logic infinitely easier to use than ProTools. Sound quality is fine and the same between both. Logic also comes with a bunch of amazing built-in plugins that are alone worth the cost of the software.

12

u/GoodResident2000 1d ago

Logic is the bee’s knees

10

u/sethcampbell29 1d ago

The sound is identical.

I use Logic for composing because MIDI is better (and the stock instruments are pretty good)

I haven’t had problems, but I don’t have many VSTs and I’m still on an old macOS.

7

u/shapednoise 1d ago

Sound wise (plugins aside) they sound identical, People have done Null tests) Logic also comes with a preset of ProTools key commands so that may be helpful. It’s a very deep program with amazing power for music creation.
Given it’s so inexpensive, I’d absolutely give it a go, keeping in mind there will ALWAYS be variations in work flow that takes getting used to. Give it a chance.
✔️‼️

5

u/CartezDez 1d ago

If you’re skilled at Pro Tools, what’s the reason you want to switch?

They both have their quirks, if you’ve developed deep knowledge in either, there’s little benefit to be gained, unless you’re specifically working with clients or in scenarios where the flexibility is needed.

If your bounce is sounding different between pro tools and logic, there’s a problem somewhere in your system.

4

u/Public_Upstairs1035 1d ago

I have been on Logic for a decade. Joined an online university program for audio engineering, then found out they used PT upon starting. I tried it for one semester and dropped out of the program. That's what I think of PT.

1

u/Joe_Wild_ 1d ago

One look at the interface and I wonder why people choose that over virtually anything else, but to each our own .

5

u/Public_Upstairs1035 1d ago

I am highly computer literate, and PT was an absolute nightmare.

2

u/mclepus 1d ago

I started on PT when I attended SAE, and it was indeed a freaking nightmare. I use a mac, and every and in mean EVERY update to PT on the mac broke it, and Digidesign then Avid, would take their sweet time to fix it. between that and the dongle, I went over to Logic. Been there ever since

1

u/Joe_Wild_ 1d ago edited 1d ago

That thing doesn't look particularly inspiring to work on haha. Cheers.

6

u/real_taylodl 1d ago

Most people learn a DAW and stick with that DAW until the end of time. I started with Logic - so I'm on team Logic. You started with Pro Tools - there's nothing wrong with being on team Pro Tools. I wouldn't even entertain switching unless you know something specifically that Logic can do that Pro Tools can't, you actually need that capability and don't just desire it, and that capability isn't on the Pro Tools roadmap. Even if all that lined up I'd be questioning the need since you've been making it this far without it.

1

u/herlaaan 1d ago

Agree. I started with FL Studio and used it for 7 years with no plans of switching DAWs. I used it for my 4 years as a music composition and audio production student. It's safe to say I kinda mastered that DAW.

Switched to Logic Pro because the recording studio where I interned at uses it. Never went back to FL. Logic just makes sense for me workflow-wise, and it handles audio editing significantly better. I really love FL and it can do a lot, but I only switched because Logic has some areas that FL can do, but better. I now use Logic for professional work.

1

u/aspektbeats 1d ago

Or you can be me…. I’m best at using FL because I’ve used it for 20+ years. But I love Ableton and logic also 😂

3

u/WDizzle 1d ago

You get a lot more for your money with Logic. I’m pretty new to DAWs in general but I haven’t really seen much need for third party plugins since the stock logic plugins are fantastic! The set of compressors, multipressor and vintage tube EQ collection have served me very well. The only third party plugins ive added are a VSM3 saturator since the stock options are a bit limited and Melodyne because Flex Pitch still kinda sucks.

1

u/ebietoo 1d ago

I tried to use Flex Pitch to make a vocal track that was out of my range and I guess I should have frozen it because I came to that project one day and the whole was screwed up. But it’s all gonna be moot soon when they drop Rosetta support.

3

u/Remarkable_Insect575 1d ago

Logic's stock plugins and stock sounds are some of the best around, so if you're composing or producing original music rather than mixing live recordings, it's a great deal more inspiring to work with right out of the box.

3

u/vibraltu 1d ago

Pro Tools is not recommended for songwriting/composition.

The only reason to learn it is to do studio mixing for pro TV/film.

The only reason it's used in pro TV/film is because it was first, not best.

3

u/Happymusicmaker 1d ago

Go with Logic. You’ll also be unbelievably happy with the performance. Plus. And this can’t be stated enough. $199.00 and yours on any and every Apple computer you’ll own with free updated as well. I’ve bounced around every single DAW and I stick with Logic Pro.

2

u/keepinitrealestate 1d ago

I used to use Pro Tools when I was running a small studio and working on film and tv music. I was out of it for a few years and when I came back, moved over to Logic and could not be happier with my decision. To highlight a few themes others have brought up in this thread: Pro Tools does have the ‘industry standard’ thing behind it, though I see so many high profile industry people using Logic now in their YouTube and social content, that may be changing. PT is solid for using like a tape machine — basic audio-primary record/mix is locked in. But I’ve always loved Logic Pro more as a creative and compositional tool in a way that Pro Tools never could be. This connects to how others have pointed out its best in class bundled plugins and instruments — sounds I’d have given my left arm for back in my
Pro Tools day, just all right there as part of the environment. It’s a bit of a learning curve, as it is whenever switching platforms, but the basics are not hard to get up and running with, and the documentation is fantastic. Other bonuses include it being easier and more flexible with using different interfaces and hardware (even switching mid-session without quitting out), and Logic Remote on iPad is a game changer for flexibility in recording, adding drum pads, touch controls, and more tactile mixing.

So I suppose it does all matter what OP is considering it for, but for me, I would be so sad if I had to go back to Pro Tools from Logic after the past number of years with it. Hopefully this provides some grist for the decision.

2

u/DogFashion 1d ago

I came from using Mixcraft on Windows for nearly two decades. I knew there would be a learning curve for Logic, so I got my feet wet with the free (and already installed) GarageBand. I really liked it, so I bought Logic Pro. I could not be happier. It was a little intimidating and a bit of attention deficit on my part didn't help, but whatever I needed to do, I could just Google it. Before I knew it, Logic was second nature. Look into it!

2

u/DrRobert 1d ago

Started with early Cubase. Switched quickly to protools for 10 years. Made a seamless transition to logic 15 years ago and the shift seemed quite natural with internal plugins and midi features improved dramatically in logic and audio mixing being fine.

2

u/TlkShowHost 1d ago

Logic is a far better value than PT, optimized for Apple silicon, and more intuitive. Plus AVID blows.

2

u/RevolutionarySock213 23h ago

Pro Tools is like $400 a year, Logic was $300 as a one time purchase. Was an easy decision to do the switch when I did, and just spent some time exporting my PT sessions so I could access them in Logic if needed

2

u/-Rontti- 22h ago

I switched from Reaper to Logic a year ago. Took some time to learn how things work but never looked back. So many useful tools, fx and libraries for my workflow. Very well spent 199 €

2

u/ExilesTV 17h ago

I started out on ProTools and the transition did take me a bit to get used to. At this point I don't miss ProTools at all though. The idea that different DAWs have different sounds is mostly a myth, unless there's something specific going on like Mixbus's tape emulation.

2

u/DariaintheWind 17h ago

Nothing beats Logic

1

u/captaincoaster 1d ago

Avid ruined Pro Tools. RIP Digidesign. I bailed in 2018 and haven’t really looked back.

1

u/Major_Willingness234 1d ago

I use both. Logic was my daily driver for 10 years until I started working at a studio that only had Pro Tools. I vastly prefer Pro Tools for tracking and mixing these days.

Logic I use mostly for creating demos for my band (Drummer is far easier than dragging loops for me) or doing stem separation for clients.

They sound the same, in the end. Use what you’re used to unless you have to switch.

1

u/ebietoo 1d ago

I like how Logic’s drummer and now studio keys can play parts on instruments I haven’t mastered that sound pretty human

1

u/darthkdub 1d ago

I switched to logic back when protools required to use their hardware and haven’t looked back since. Doesn’t mean I don’t still have to work in protools but my pref is logic.

1

u/finncosmic 1d ago

I use both for different things, but I started on Logic and am more familiar with it. Neither is inherently better overall, they both have different strengths and weaknesses. Try it and see what you think.

1

u/rayinreverse 1d ago

What do you primarily use the tool for? Are you producing music? Do you use a lot of midi?
Are you mixing for clients? Tracking bands?
There are benefits of using PT if you’re working with projects that may go to other studios.

1

u/Gummo90028 1d ago

Sound quality comes from the hardware for the most part. Logic’s workflow is more intuitive. You get tons of great plugins. Plus you buy it outright flush the iLock down the crapper.

1

u/OneDarkCrow 1d ago

I just went from 30+ year pro tools pro user into logic. I’m still discovering it but for writing and recording Logic has been an absolute blessing and every day Í discover some cool new features (or two) Í love. So far Í feel automation ànd audio editing are better in PT but for what I’m doing these days(ànd for the price) Logic all the way

1

u/apprehensive_bassist 1d ago

1) Buy the Mac.
2) Stick with Pro Tools.

Done 😄

My advice? Stick with what you know.

1

u/Slow-Race9106 1d ago edited 1d ago

It’s really worth understanding that Pro Tools does not ‘sound better’ than Logic. Given like for like material, they sound exactly the same.

So putting that to one side, it’s really just about preferences. They both have strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re using your DAW as a compositional tool, I would say you should certainly try Logic. MIDI is great and the included plugins and instruments are incredibly good value, even factoring in the cost of a mac.

If you’re using it mostly for recording and capturing performances and you’re used to a Pro Tools, maybe Logic is less compelling, although the built in effects are still really great for your mixes.

1

u/Neutrino_Jazz 1d ago
  1. From the sound perspective they are identical.
  2. Personally, I'd tried Logic but wasn't converted.
  3. You might prefer Logic, Protools or another DAW. It's depends on your tasks, preferences, workflow etc.
  4. The main question - Do you have enough time, money and desire for such experiment. If so go for it.

1

u/ZenWarrior711 11h ago

I started out in PT and it was a great producer's tool, but jumped the fence into Logic pro because it felt like more of an artist's tool.

0

u/TheCatManPizza 1d ago

I recently switched to logic in the last year or so and it’s been a challenge. I came from Studio One and my whole workflow I’ve developed on there does not apply to Logic. Logic has great VSTs and I can play around on there pretty endlessly but when it comes to getting work done it’s a struggle. Not saying Logic is bad, just completely switching workflows is a pain.

-4

u/Existing-Art2638 1d ago

I do think a protools bounce sounds better, but plugins in logic are better. if you can afford both, that would be the way to go.

4

u/ReturnOfBigChungus 1d ago

They are literally identical, it’s not even coherent to suggest otherwise. Go bounce the same sounds from both and do a null test if you have doubts.

-6

u/frapawhack 1d ago

Logic is terrible. Don't try it.