Ableton Live Vs Studio One: Which Is The Best DAW For You? 2024

If you're a music producer, then you know how important it is to have the right DAW.

But with so many options out there, how do you decide which one is best for your needs?

Today we'll be comparing two of the top DAWs on the market: Ableton Live and Studio One.

We'll look at their features, pricing plans and more to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your production workflow.

So let's get started!

Ableton Live Vs Studio One: Which Is The Best DAW For You? 2024
Table Of Contents
  1. What We Know About Ableton Live
  2. What We Know About Studio One
  3. Ableton Live vs Studio One: What's The Difference?

What We Know About Ableton Live

ableton

Ableton Live is a popular DAW (digital audio workstation) amongst musicians and sound engineers.

Popular in the fields of electronic music production, live performance, and audio recording due to its user-friendly interface and robust features.

Ableton Live's non-linear arrangement view is a great tool for making creative arrangements and edits to MIDI and audio clips.

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With this, it's simple to try out new configurations and test out new ideas.

Ableton Live also includes numerous virtual instruments and effects that can be used to modify and improve your audio creations.

Instruments and effects such as equalisers, compressors, reverbs, and delays are included in this category, as are drum machines, samplers, and synthesisers.

There are a number of features in Ableton Live that make it ideal for use in a live setting. Some examples are MIDI control and the ability to play back clips and loops in real time.

All things considered, Ableton Live is a robust and flexible digital audio workstation that can handle a variety of music production needs. Ableton Live is a powerful digital audio workstation that deserves serious consideration by any music producer or engineer.

Ableton Live Price: $99-$749

Ableton Live Specs: 

Supported operating systems: Windows (7 or later) and macOS (10.13 or later)
Processor: Intel® or AMD multicore processor
RAM: 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended)
Display: 1024×768 or higher
Storage: 3 GB free disk space
Internet connection: Required for activation, account setup, and updates

Ableton Live comes in three different editions: Intro, Standard, and Suite. The main differences between the editions are the number of audio and MIDI tracks, effects, and virtual instruments included.

Here is a summary of the main features and differences between the editions:

  • Ableton Live Intro: This edition is the most basic and affordable option, and is suitable for beginners or those on a budget. It includes 16 audio and MIDI tracks, 8 effects, and 6 virtual instruments.
  • Ableton Live Standard: This edition is suitable for more advanced users who need more tracks and effects. It includes an unlimited number of audio and MIDI tracks, 45 effects, and 15 virtual instruments.
  • Ableton Live Suite: This is the most feature-rich edition, and is suitable for professional users who need the most powerful tools. It includes everything in the Standard edition, as well as an additional suite of virtual instruments, effects, and sounds.

Ableton Live Official Site / Where To Download:  Ableton Live Official Website

They have many useful tutorials over on the  Ableton Live Official Youtube Channel

What We Know About Studio One

STUDIO ONE

Studio One was developed and is maintained by PreSonus, a company that specializes in music production software and hardware.

Features and Functionality

Studio One is known for being easy to use and having a lot of features. This makes it a popular choice for both new producers and experienced ones.

It has many virtual instruments and effects, as well as more advanced tools for mixing and editing. Studio One also comes with a number of templates and project templates that help users get started quickly and easily on their music projects.

Suitable for a Variety of Users

Studio One is suitable for a wide range of users, including electronic music producers, recording musicians, and podcast creators.

It is also used by music educators and students, making it a great option for anyone looking to get into music production or improve their skills.

Overall, Studio One is a powerful and flexible DAW that can be used by beginners and professionals alike. It is a popular choice for people who want to create and produce music because it is easy to use and has a lot of features.

Studio One is a DAW that was made and is kept up to date by PreSonus, a company that makes software and hardware for making music.

Features and Functionality

Studio One is known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of features, making it a popular choice for both beginners and professional producers.

It offers a variety of virtual instruments and effects, as well as advanced mixing and editing tools. Studio One also has a range of built-in templates and project templates to help users get started on their music projects quickly and efficiently.

Suitable for a Variety of Users

Studio One is suitable for a wide range of users, including electronic music producers, recording musicians, and podcast creators.

It is also used by music educators and students, making it a great option for anyone looking to get into music production or improve their skills.

Overall, Studio One is a powerful and versatile DAW that is suitable for a variety of users, from beginners to professionals. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of features make it a popular choice for anyone looking to create and produce music.

Studio One Price: $99-$499

Specs: 

  • Studio One works on Windows and macOS
  • Offers audio recording, editing, mixing, and virtual instruments/effects
  • Supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, and MIDI
  • Includes virtual instruments such as Impact XT and Sample One XT
  • Features a range of audio and MIDI editing tools, including the Scratch Pad for quickly trying out ideas
  • Includes the VST2 and VST3 plug-in formats for use with third-party virtual instruments and effects
  • Integrates with PreSonus' Notion software for scoring and notation
  • Available in several versions: Studio One Free, Studio One Prime, Studio One Artist, and Studio One Professional
  • Minimum system requirements for Studio One on Windows:
    • Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher
    • 4 GB RAM
    • 30 GB free hard drive space
    • Windows 7 64-bit or higher
    • ASIO-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card
  • Minimum system requirements for Studio One on macOS:
    • Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher
    • 4 GB RAM
    • 30 GB free hard drive space
    • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher
    • Core Audio-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card

Studio One Official Site / Where To Download:  Studio One Official Website

Ableton Live vs Studio One: What's The Difference?

Two of the most popular music production programmes available today are Ableton Live and Studio One. Both have a plethora of features that allow producers to easily create stunning tracks. But which is best for you? Let us now see how they compare.

When it comes to feature sets, both Ableton Live and Studio One have plenty to offer. Ableton Live's audio-editing capabilities are extensive, with tools such as MIDI sequencing and automation making it simple to create complex sounds.

Studio One has some great audio manipulation options as well, but it has fewer editing tools than Ableton Live.

Ableton Live's user interface is sleek and modern, which some users may find more intuitive and easier to navigate.

Studio One, on the other hand, has a more traditional interface that may be more familiar to those who have previously used music production software.

Studio One's integration with other software and hardware is one area where it shines. It supports a wide range of hardware controllers and integrates seamlessly with other software such as Notion for score editing and Melodyne for pitch correction.

Ableton Live also supports integration with third-party software and hardware, though it may not be as extensive as Studio One's.

Finally, the decision between Ableton Live and Studio One will come down to your personal preferences and production workflow. Ableton Live may be a better choice if you want a programme with a modern interface and extensive audio editing capabilities.

Studio One may be the right choice if you require a programme that integrates well with other software and hardware. It is critical to test both programmes to determine which one feels more comfortable and intuitive for your specific requirements.

If you found this comparison useful, but are still undecided on what tool is best for you, you might want to check out my other Ableton Live comparison articles. A DAW isn't a small investment, so take your time and make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck!

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle