Pro Tools vs Cubase

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Our analysts compared Pro Tools vs Cubase based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Audio Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Pro Tools Software Tool

Product Basics

Pro Tools is a sophisticated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software designed for recording, editing, and mixing audio. It is particularly well-suited for professionals in the music production, film, and broadcast industries due to its robust capabilities and industry-standard status. The software offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including advanced MIDI editing, high-quality virtual instruments, and seamless integration with hardware. Users benefit from its powerful features such as non-destructive editing, extensive plugin support, and high-resolution audio capabilities.

Pro Tools stands out for its reliability and precision, making it a preferred choice for audio engineers and producers who require meticulous control over their projects. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its intuitive interface and superior sound quality. Pricing varies based on the version and subscription model, with options for monthly or annual payments. For specific pricing details, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote.

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Cubase is a sophisticated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) designed for music production, recording, editing, and mixing. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to musicians, producers, and audio engineers, making it ideal for the music and entertainment industries. Its robust features include advanced MIDI sequencing, high-quality virtual instruments, and extensive audio editing capabilities. Users benefit from its intuitive interface, which streamlines the creative process, and its powerful audio engine, which ensures professional-grade sound quality.

Unique benefits of Cubase include its seamless integration with various hardware and software, extensive library of sounds and loops, and flexible workflow customization. Compared to similar products, users often praise Cubase for its stability, versatility, and depth of features. Pricing varies based on the version and features required, so it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, Cubase stands out for its reliability and comprehensive toolset in the DAW market.

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$34.99 Monthly
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$99.99 One-Time
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Product Insights

  • Professional-Grade Audio Quality: Pro Tools delivers pristine sound quality, ensuring that your recordings and mixes meet the highest industry standards.
  • Seamless Collaboration: The software supports cloud collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
  • Extensive Plugin Support: Pro Tools is compatible with a wide range of third-party plugins, giving you the flexibility to enhance your audio projects with various effects and instruments.
  • Advanced Editing Capabilities: With features like non-destructive editing and elastic audio, you can make precise adjustments to your tracks without compromising the original recordings.
  • Comprehensive Mixing Tools: The software includes a robust set of mixing tools, such as automation, bus routing, and advanced metering, to help you achieve a polished final mix.
  • High Track Count: Pro Tools supports a high number of audio and MIDI tracks, enabling complex arrangements and large-scale productions.
  • Integrated MIDI Sequencing: The built-in MIDI editor allows for detailed sequencing and manipulation of MIDI data, making it easier to create intricate compositions.
  • Customizable Interface: The user interface is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the workspace to your specific workflow and preferences.
  • Reliable Performance: Pro Tools is known for its stability and reliability, minimizing the risk of crashes and data loss during critical sessions.
  • Industry Standard: As the go-to DAW for many professionals, Pro Tools ensures compatibility and ease of collaboration with other industry-standard tools and workflows.
  • Comprehensive Support and Resources: Users have access to extensive documentation, tutorials, and a supportive community, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and learn new techniques.
  • Regular Updates: Avid, the developer of Pro Tools, frequently releases updates that introduce new features and improvements, ensuring the software remains cutting-edge.
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  • Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: Cubase offers customizable workspaces and key commands, allowing users to streamline their production process and focus more on creativity.
  • High-Quality Audio Engine: The software provides a 64-bit floating-point audio engine, ensuring pristine sound quality and accurate audio reproduction.
  • Comprehensive MIDI Editing: With advanced MIDI editing tools, users can easily manipulate and perfect their MIDI performances, enhancing the overall musicality of their projects.
  • Extensive Plugin Support: Cubase supports VST3 plugins, giving users access to a wide range of virtual instruments and effects to expand their sonic palette.
  • Integrated Score Editor: The built-in score editor allows for detailed notation and printing, making it easier for composers to create professional sheet music directly within the DAW.
  • Advanced Audio Editing: Features like VariAudio provide precise pitch correction and harmonization, enabling users to fine-tune vocal performances with ease.
  • Robust Mixing Capabilities: The MixConsole offers a professional mixing environment with flexible routing, automation, and a comprehensive set of mixing tools.
  • Collaborative Tools: With VST Connect, users can collaborate with other musicians and producers in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
  • Extensive Sound Library: Cubase includes a vast library of sounds and loops, providing users with a rich resource for inspiration and production.
  • Scalability: The software is suitable for various types of projects, from small demos to full-scale professional productions, making it a versatile choice for different users.
  • Regular Updates: Steinberg frequently updates Cubase, ensuring users have access to the latest features and improvements, keeping their workflow current and efficient.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Cubase is available for both Windows and macOS, allowing users to work on their preferred operating system without compromise.
  • Comprehensive Support and Community: Users benefit from extensive online resources, tutorials, and a vibrant community, facilitating learning and troubleshooting.
  • Flexible Licensing Options: Various licensing options, including perpetual licenses and subscriptions, provide users with flexibility in how they choose to invest in the software.
  • Professional Integration: Cubase integrates seamlessly with other professional audio and video software, enhancing its utility in complex production environments.
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  • Advanced Editing Tools: Pro Tools offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools, including non-destructive editing, time-stretching, and pitch-shifting capabilities.
  • High-Quality Audio Engine: The software supports up to 32-bit/192 kHz audio resolution, ensuring pristine sound quality for professional projects.
  • Extensive Plugin Support: Pro Tools is compatible with a wide range of AAX, VST, and AU plugins, allowing for extensive customization and enhancement of audio tracks.
  • Track Freeze and Commit: These features enable users to free up system resources by rendering tracks with all effects applied, while still allowing for future edits.
  • Elastic Audio: This feature allows for real-time manipulation of audio timing and pitch, making it easier to correct timing issues or create unique sound effects.
  • Comprehensive MIDI Capabilities: Pro Tools includes robust MIDI editing tools, such as MIDI Real-Time Properties and MIDI Editor, for precise control over virtual instruments and external hardware.
  • Integrated Score Editor: The built-in score editor allows users to create and edit musical scores directly within the DAW, streamlining the composition process.
  • Collaboration Tools: Cloud collaboration features enable multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, regardless of their physical location.
  • Video Integration: Pro Tools supports video playback and editing, making it an ideal choice for post-production work in film and television.
  • Advanced Automation: The software offers detailed automation features, including touch, latch, and write modes, for precise control over volume, panning, and plugin parameters.
  • Track Comping: This feature simplifies the process of creating the perfect take by allowing users to compile multiple takes into a single, seamless track.
  • Surround Sound Mixing: Pro Tools supports up to 7.1 surround sound mixing, making it suitable for immersive audio projects in gaming, film, and virtual reality.
  • Customizable Workspace: Users can tailor the interface to their workflow with customizable toolbars, window configurations, and keyboard shortcuts.
  • Extensive File Compatibility: The DAW supports a wide range of audio file formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, and more, ensuring compatibility with various industry standards.
  • Powerful Mixing Console: The built-in mixing console offers a range of features, such as VCA faders, aux tracks, and bus routing, for complex mixing tasks.
  • Comprehensive Metering: Pro Tools includes a variety of metering options, such as peak, RMS, and loudness meters, to ensure accurate monitoring of audio levels.
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  • Audio Warp: Allows for precise time-stretching and pitch-shifting of audio tracks, enabling seamless tempo adjustments and pitch corrections.
  • VariAudio: Provides advanced pitch correction and vocal editing capabilities, similar to Auto-Tune, but integrated directly into the DAW.
  • MixConsole: A comprehensive mixing environment with a high-resolution interface, offering features like channel strip modules, VCA faders, and direct routing.
  • Chord Pads: Facilitates easy chord creation and manipulation, allowing users to experiment with chord progressions and harmonies in real-time.
  • Sampler Track: Enables users to turn any audio file into a playable instrument, complete with pitch and filter controls.
  • Groove Agent SE: A powerful drum sampler and virtual drum machine that includes a wide range of drum kits and patterns.
  • Score Editor: Offers a full-featured notation environment for composing and arranging music using traditional music notation.
  • MediaBay: A comprehensive media management system that helps users organize and access their audio files, loops, and samples efficiently.
  • Control Room: Provides advanced monitoring and cue mix capabilities, allowing for multiple monitor setups and headphone mixes.
  • VST Expression: Facilitates detailed articulation and expression control for virtual instruments, enhancing the realism of MIDI performances.
  • Audio Alignment: Automatically aligns multiple audio tracks to a reference track, simplifying the process of synchronizing vocal takes or instrument layers.
  • Direct Offline Processing: Allows for non-destructive, real-time processing of audio clips with effects and plugins, streamlining the editing workflow.
  • ARA Support: Integrates seamlessly with ARA-compatible plugins like Melodyne, enabling advanced audio editing and manipulation.
  • TrackVersions: Offers the ability to create and manage multiple versions of a track, making it easy to experiment with different arrangements and edits.
  • Expression Maps: Provides a way to manage and switch between different articulations and playing techniques for virtual instruments within a single track.
  • VST Transit: Facilitates cloud-based collaboration, allowing users to share projects and work together remotely in real-time.
  • Retrologue: A virtual analog synthesizer that emulates classic analog synth sounds, offering a wide range of presets and sound design options.
  • Padshop: A granular synthesizer that allows for complex sound design and texture creation, ideal for ambient and experimental music.
  • Channel Strip: Includes a suite of built-in processing tools like EQ, compression, and saturation, available directly on each mixer channel.
  • Automation: Provides comprehensive automation capabilities for virtually every parameter, enabling detailed control over mix dynamics and effects.
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Product Ranking

#6

among all
Audio Editing Software

#9

among all
Audio Editing Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Audio Recording
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Advanced Editing Tools
Platform Capabilities
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Audio Formats and Conversion
Audio Recording
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Advanced Editing Tools
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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Pro Tools
Cubase
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Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats And Conversion Audio Recording Basic Editing Tools Effects And Processing Platform Capabilities 94 85 100 100 88 91 98 100 100 97 99 93 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Cubase and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Audio Editing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities and Integrations.

Analysts' Pick Award
Platform Capabilities Award
Integrations Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Industry Standard: Pro Tools is widely used in professional studios, making it a familiar platform for many audio engineers and collaborators.
Hardware Compatibility: Pro Tools boasts extensive compatibility with a wide range of audio interfaces and controllers, providing flexibility and integration with existing studio setups.
Efficient Workflow: The software is designed for professional workflows, offering features and tools that streamline recording, editing, and mixing processes.
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Comprehensive Feature Set: Cubase is well-equipped for music production, boasting advanced MIDI tools, a wide selection of virtual instruments, and numerous effects plug-ins.
Powerful MIDI Editing: Musicians, particularly piano players, will appreciate Cubase's robust MIDI editing capabilities, allowing for intricate and detailed compositions.
Customizable Workflow: Users can tailor their experience with touch screen integration and customizable controls, enhancing workflow efficiency for specific needs.
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Steep Learning Curve: Pro Tools is known for being less intuitive than some other DAWs, potentially requiring more time for users to become proficient.
Subscription Model: The paid versions of Pro Tools operate on a subscription basis, which can be a drawback for users who prefer to own their software outright.
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Latency Issues: Some users have reported experiencing high latency with certain plugins, such as Ozone 11, which can disrupt workflow and timing accuracy.
Project File Management: Cubase Elements 13, in particular, has received criticism for its project file management system, which some users find cumbersome.
Perception of Slow Innovation: A segment of the user base feels that Steinberg's pace of innovation has slowed, leading to a perception that Cubase might not be as cutting-edge as some competitors.
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Is Pro Tools truly a "pro" tool for audio production, or does it fall flat? User reviews from the last year reveal a mix of admiration and frustration with this industry-standard DAW. Pro Tools shines in its comprehensive recording, mixing, and editing features, boasting compatibility with a wide array of audio formats and hardware like UAD devices. Its customizable interface and deep set of shortcuts are particularly appreciated by seasoned users, who praise its efficient workflow and granular control over audio clips. Some users even hail it as the "best DAW available," highlighting its low latency and high-quality output as key advantages. However, the software's steep learning curve and hefty annual subscription fee are recurring pain points. While experienced users find the investment justified by its professional-grade capabilities, newcomers often find the initial learning process daunting. The software's complexity, while offering extensive control, can be overwhelming for beginners, who might benefit from starting with the free version, Pro Tools First, and utilizing available learning resources. Overall, Pro Tools emerges as a powerful tool best suited for seasoned audio professionals and serious hobbyists who require its advanced features and are willing to invest the time and money. For beginners or those on a budget, more user-friendly and affordable alternatives might be a better fit.

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Is Cubase music to your ears, or is it just noise? User reviews from the last year reveal a somewhat complex melody. While Cubase is praised for its powerful MIDI editing capabilities, making it a dream for piano virtuosos and meticulous MIDI surgeons, it also faces some sour notes. For instance, users have reported performance hiccups, like latency issues with plugins such as Ozone 11, and project file management headaches in Cubase Elements 13, leading to storage bloat and frustrating crashes. Despite these issues, Cubase shines as a versatile DAW with a deep well of features, including a rich palette of virtual instruments and effects plugins. Its user interface and workflow generally receive positive feedback, though the integration of third-party hardware and software, like the iCON P1-M control surface, has been met with mixed reviews due to software glitches and hardware inconsistencies. Compared to competitors like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, Cubase seems less popular, perhaps due to its steeper learning curve or the fierce competition in the DAW arena. Overall, Cubase is best suited for serious music producers willing to invest time in mastering its comprehensive features and navigating occasional performance hurdles. It's a powerful tool for those who demand intricate MIDI control and a vast sonic playground, but those seeking a more straightforward or budget-friendly option might want to explore other avenues.

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