Are you looking for the perfect music production software to bring your musical ideas to life?
Do you find yourself stuck between FL Studio and Cubase, not sure which one is right for you? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll be exploring both of these popular pieces of music production software so that you can make an informed decision on which program will suit your needs.
We’ll look at user-friendliness, features, sound quality, and more - so read on to get started!
What We Know About FL Studio
FL Studio is a DAW that is used by music producers and DJs to create, record, and edit music. It is available for Windows and Mac and offers a wide range of features for creating and manipulating audio.
What can you do with FL Studio?
FL Studio is a powerful tool for creating music, and it can be used for a variety of purposes. Some of the things you can do with FL Studio include:
- Record and edit audio tracks
- Create and edit MIDI tracks
- Mix and master audio tracks
- Add effects and processing to audio tracks
- Create and edit loops
- Create and edit drum patterns
- Create and edit music notation
Is FL Studio easy to use?
FL Studio has a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of tutorials and resources to help new users get started.
However, it is a complex and powerful tool, and it may take some time to learn all of its features and functions.
Don't Have It Yet? Get FL Studio
What are the different versions of FL Studio?
FL Studio comes in several different versions, ranging from the basic Fruity Edition to the more advanced Producer Edition.
The Fruity Edition is the entry-level version and is suitable for beginners. The Producer Edition includes more advanced features and is suitable for more experienced users.
How much does FL Studio cost?
The cost of FL Studio depends on which version you choose. The Fruity Edition costs $99, while the Producer Edition costs $199. There are also subscription options available, starting at $9.99 per month.
FL Studio is a powerful and popular DAW that is used by music producers and DJs around the world. It offers a wide range of features and is suitable for a variety of music production tasks.
If you are considering purchasing FL Studio, it is important to consider which version is right for you and whether the cost is worth it for your needs.
FL Studio Price: $99-$899
FL Studio Specs:
- Operating system: Windows
- Processor: 2 GHz or higher
- Minimum RAM: 1 GB
- Recommended RAM: 4 GB or more
- Disk space: 1 GB
- Minimum screen resolution: 1024 x 600
- Supported file formats: Audio: WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC; MIDI: MIDI, SMF
FL Studio Official Site / Where To Download: FL Studio Official Website
What We Know About Cubase
Cubase is a DAW used by music producers, audio engineers, and DJs to create, record, and edit music. It is available for Windows and Mac and has a range of features for creating and manipulating audio.
What can you do with Cubase?
Cubase is a powerful tool for music creation, and can be used for various purposes such as:
- recording and editing audio tracks,
- creating and editing MIDI tracks,
- mixing and mastering audio,
- adding effects and processing to audio,
- creating and editing loops and drum patterns,
- and creating and editing music notation.
Is Cubase easy to use?
Cubase has a user-friendly interface and provides a range of tutorials and resources to assist new users.
However, it is a complex and powerful tool, and may take time to learn all its features and functions.
What are the different versions of Cubase?
Cubase has various versions, ranging from the basic Elements version to the more advanced Pro version.
The Elements version is suitable for beginners, while the Pro version is suitable for more experienced users and includes advanced features.
How much does Cubase cost?
The cost of Cubase depends on the version chosen. The Elements version costs $99, while the Pro version costs $599. Subscription options are also available starting at $19.99 per month.
When considering purchasing Cubase, it is important to consider which version is right for you and whether the cost is worth it for your needs.
Cubase Price: $99-$599
Specs:
- Cubase 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 HALion Sonic SE and Groove Agent SE
- Features a variety of audio and MIDI editing tools, including the Score Editor for creating sheet music
- Includes the VST3 plug-in format for use with third-party virtual instruments and effects
- Integrates with Steinberg's Nuendo software for post-production work
- Available in several versions: Cubase Elements, Cubase Artist, and Cubase Pro
- Minimum system requirements for Cubase on Windows:
- Intel Core i5 processor or higher
- 8 GB RAM
- 40 GB free hard drive space
- Windows 10 64-bit
- ASIO-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card
- Minimum system requirements for Cubase on macOS:
- Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher
- 8 GB RAM
- 40 GB free hard drive space
- macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or higher
- Core Audio-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card
Cubase Official Site / Where To Download: Cubase Official Website
They have many useful tutorials over on the Cubase Official Youtube Channel
FL Studio vs Cubase: What's The Difference?
| Feature | FL Studio | Cubase |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 - $899 | $99 - $599 |
| Operating System | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Audio Interface | Up to 256 inputs/outputs | Up to 64 inputs/outputs |
| MIDI Interface | Up to 512 inputs/outputs | Up to 32 inputs/outputs |
| Audio Editing | Multi-track with effects, EQ, etc. | Multi-track with effects, EQ, etc. |
| MIDI Editing | Multi-track editing, sequencing, quantizing | Multi-track editing, sequencing, quantizing |
| Automation | Audio and MIDI automation | Audio and MIDI automation |
| Plug-ins | Third-party VST | Third-party VST, AU, VST3 |
| Online Support | Online forum and video tutorials | Online forum, video tutorials, online help documentation |
| Loop Recording | Unlimited overdubs | Up to 32 overdubs |
| Audio Compression | Yes | Yes, and audio normalization |
| Score Editing | Yes | Yes, and notation |
| Mixer | Channel and master levels, panning, effects | Channel and master levels, panning, sends, effects |
| VST Synths | Wide range of built-in VST synths | Wide range of built-in VST synths and instruments |
| Sampler | Built-in sampler and drum machine | Built-in sample editor and drum machine |
| Export Options | Audio, MIDI, video | Audio, MIDI, video, audio CD |
FL Studio and Cubase are two popular tools used for recording, editing, and producing music by music producers, singers, and audio engineers.
Both applications contain a wide range of capabilities and tools for composing and editing music, but there are some major distinctions that may make one more ideal for a specific user or use situation.
Pricing:
FL Studio is often thought to be less expensive than Cubase. FL Studio includes several pricing options, including a free demo version and three paid versions: Fruity Edition, Producer Edition, and Signature Bundle.
The Fruity Edition is the most basic and cost-effective edition, whereas the Signature Bundle includes all features and tools.
Cubase has a wider price range, with four different versions available: Cubase Elements, Cubase Artist, Cubase Pro, and Cubase Ultimate.
Cubase Elements is the most basic and cost-effective edition, whereas Cubase Ultimate includes all features and tools.
Ease of use:
FL Studio and Cubase are both strong DAWs with a wide range of capabilities and tools; yet, they may be rather sophisticated and may necessitate a learning curve for new users.
However, some users, particularly those new to music production, may find FL Studio to be more intuitive and easier to learn.
FL Studio offers an easier-to-use interface and contains tutorials and tips to assist users get started.
Cubase, on the other hand, may be more powerful and professional, but also more complex and difficult to learn for some users.
Cubase offers a more traditional DAW interface, and mastering all of its features and capabilities may take more time and effort.
Tools and features:
FL Studio and Cubase both include a comprehensive set of features and tools for recording, editing, and producing music.
FL Studio comes with a variety of virtual instruments, effects, and editing tools, as well as a robust sequencer for music arrangement and composition.
It also has audio warping, time stretching, and pitch shifting capabilities, as well as support for VST and AU plugins.
Cubase also features a comprehensive set of virtual instruments, effects, and editing tools, as well as a robust sequencer for music arrangement and composition.
It also has audio warping, time stretching, and pitch shifting capabilities, as well as support for VST and AU plugins.
Furthermore, Cubase includes certain advanced capabilities that FL Studio does not have, such as score editing, a mixing console, and surround sound capability.
Ideal for:
FL Studio and Cubase are both suited for music producers, singers, and audio engineers, as well as classroom use.
FL Studio may be better suited to beginners or those searching for a low-cost DAW with a user-friendly interface and tutorials.
Cubase might be better suited to expert users or those seeking a more sophisticated and professional DAW with advanced features and capabilities.
Finally, the choice between FL Studio and Cubase will be determined by the user's specific demands and tastes. Both are capable DAWs with a vast range of capabilities and tools, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Try out the demo versions of both applications to discover which one feels more intuitive and matches your personal needs.
mo versions of both applications to discover which one feels more intuitive and matches your personal needs.
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 FL Studio 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!
- Pro Tools vs FL Studio
- Logic Pro vs FL Studio
- Ableton Live vs FL Studio
- FL Studio vs Cubase
- FL Studio vs Studio One
- FL Studio vs Reaper
- FL Studio vs Bitwig Studio
- FL Studio vs Reason
- FL Studio vs Audacity
FL Studio Vs Cubase FAQs
Is Cubase better than FL Studio?
Both Cubase and FL Studio are popular digital audio workstation (DAW) programs, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
It's difficult to say whether one is definitively better than the other, as the best DAW for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Some people may prefer Cubase for its advanced mixing and editing features, while others may prefer FL Studio for its intuitive user interface and wide range of virtual instruments and effects.
Which DAW is better than FL Studio?
It's difficult to say which DAW (digital audio workstation) is better than FL Studio, as the best DAW for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Some popular alternatives to FL Studio include: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and GarageBand.
Do professionals use FL Studio?
Yes, many professional musicians and producers use FL Studio for creating and producing music. Some well-known artists and producers who use FL Studio include Martin Garrix, Deadmau5, and Avicii.
Why is Cubase the best?
Cubase has a long history and a large community of users, which may contribute to its reputation as one of the best DAWs available.
Comparing FL Studio & Cubase To Other DAWs
I cannot stress enough, that when it comes to choosing a DAW, in this day and age prettty much any of the top DAWs on the market are going to be high-quality, professional standard.
And, if you head over to a few music studios, you will see they each have multiple DAWs installed with engineers having their preference of one or two.
That being said, depending on what you hope to accomplish on your chosen DAW, some will be better suited than others.
I have put together another table below that outlines which DAW might be more appropriate for whom.
| Who | Best DAW | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Rappers recording vocals | Pro Tools | Pro Tools offers extensive editing capabilities and a wide range of plugins for vocal production. |
| Singers recording vocals | Logic Pro | Logic Pro has an intuitive user interface and offers a great selection of sounds for vocal production. |
| Music producers | FL Studio | FL Studio offers a comprehensive suite of tools for creating and producing music, and is suitable for beginners. |
| Engineers | Cubase | Cubase has a powerful mixing console and a wide range of audio effects and plugins for mixing and mastering. |
| Live bands | Ableton Live | Ableton Live is ideal for live performance, with its flexible routing, real-time effects, and intuitive interface. |
| Beginners | FL Studio | FL Studio offers an easy-to-use interface and a comprehensive set of tools for producing music. |
Get A Head Start - Learn Music Production From The Best
Whichever DAW you choose, be sure to watch all of the tutorials they provide free of charge - make the most of that knowledge so you can reduce the learning curve and get straight into doing what you want to do - recording and making beats
If you want to kickstart your DAW learning and skills even further; I highly recommend Timbaland's Masterclass! It is like being mentored by the best in the industry and having him right there in the room with you as your personal producer!
You will learn everything from how he uses different types of software, to advanced mixing techniques, sound selection, and more. I cannot recommend it enough!
Recommended Sample Packs & Plugins
