For decades, iMacs and MacBooks have been the staple brand in Multimedia Firms, Recording Studios and Film Studios due to Apple’s superior proprietary programs. But starting 5/23, Apple brings their two most acclaimed pro apps for creatives to iPadOS, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.
Redesigned for the iPad with all touch interfaces, Apple is ready to arm the iPad with desktop-level creative tools that will almost certainly elevate their tablet to a must have in any Film or Music Studio.
First up is Final Cut Pro, a non-linear Video Editor that has been used to make some of world best video content. From Movies, Documentaries, Music Videos and more, you can create pro-level content all from your iPad.
Logic Pro, a professional music studio containing everything you can think of to create high quality music compositions and songs – is finally ready for the mobile masses. What’s so intriguing about this is, Logic Pro is the reason so many people have came to the conclusion that MacBooks and iMacs are must have staples of recording studios round the world.
Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro will be available Tuesday May 23rd – for a subscription. While the first month is free, both apps will cost $4.99 a month/$49 a year. For more details clink the link above.
Musical ideas can happen at any time. Rhythms and melodies tend to come at you while your during the most mundane tasks, like mowing the yard or cleaning your space. While memory has stood the test of time as our internal scratchpad, technology has gotten more capable, more compact, more accessible each generation.
Many people don’t know the smartphones and tablets they carry on their person everyday is several times more powerful than the most iconic 4-track recorders, drum machines and groove boxes. When an iPhone or Galaxy device is running GarageBand, Cubasis 3 or , paired with a modest MIDI controller like the ATOM SQ by PreSonus or the Akai MPK Mini – the creative abilities are on par with a recording studio that would have cost tens of thousands 15 years ago.
the Xiaomi 11T, used to create the content for this video and FL Session
To celebrate the times and plethora of tools available for creatives and musicians alike, we’re sharing a hip-hop/trap beat made in Image-Line’s FL Studio Mobile on an Android smartphone, the Xiaomi 11T. Check it out in the video:
Demonstrating the power and potential we all have within our reach at any given time with the capabilities of our smartphones alone, Tre’mendous shares one of his FL Studio Mobile sessions titled “LBFQ Theme” with aspiring creatives and allows us to follow along in the session, remix, or record your own vocals!
On its 4th version, FL Studio Mobile 4 has finally come into it’s own from under it’s desktop sibling. The linear-timeline based mobile-first DAW is not a stripped down version of FL Studio, but an companion app that stands on its own very well.
UserInterface
Whereas the x86-based FL Studio for Mac and PC can be very overwhelming by it’s multi-windowed, complex user interface – FL Studio Mobile is 100% scalable, with flat vector-friendly graphics opposed to the desktops bitmapped GUI. This makes for a very modern, if simplistic look and feel – similar to Ableton Live.
The GUI contains control aspects that slide out from the bottom (Drum Pads or Keyboard), right (selected instrument or effect) and left (Track Controls) edges of the screen. It’s a well arranged interface, with enough depth to satisfy the most demanding audio professional.
Drum PadsKeyboardMixer ViewTimeline View
Instrumentsand Effects
Many of the desktop VSTs and effects from Image-Line’s collection is present. DirectWave – allows you to use presets saved from the desktops version; Slicer, is a stripped-down version of sample chopping Slicex; Transient Bass, along with GMS (Groove Machine) are two of the newer synths included. SuperSaw and Minisynth are the two exclusives to FL Mobile, with the legendary pattern based Drum Track – (which FL Studio is popular for) rounding out the Instruments.
The list of Effects included are more extensive, with more than 20 effects included. The options are broad, ranging from the essentials like reverb, delay, EQ and compressors – to more advanced and creative ones like Autoduck, Spacer and Auto-Pitch.
Standout features
FL Studio Mobile’s standout features include a full automation for any parameters on a track’s timeline, instrument or effect. On iOS, you can use Audio Units and IAA-compatible apps within the DAW.
Importing samples from my Sound Library from pCloud
Perhaps the most useful, is the ability to import your own sounds and samples from outside the program. This allows for more advanced beatmakers, producers and musicians the ability to create a more custom sound of their own. Connect to external storage, or even import sounds uploaded to, Google Drive or OneDrive.
Lastly , the ability to purchase the complete Preset and Sample Libraries for each of the virtual instruments is possible – from the built-in store – giving access to many exclusive sounds from desktop counterparts of the built-in instruments.
FL Studio Sound Shop
Conclusion
FL Studio is a very powerful DAW, bringing advanced desktop level music production abilities to smartphones and tablets. There are few music making apps that can match the capabilities of this program, and those who are FL Studio users on desktop platforms looking for way to make music on the go will be doing themselves a disservice to overlook this app.
One of the more low-key studio secrets, REAPER is a bare-bones DAW with so many hidden abilities it’s considered a swiss-army-knife of audio production software. It’s unassuming, bland UI may appear off-putting – but don’t judge a DAW by its color.
For those not familiar, REAPER is an acronym for Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording. And it’s one of those no-frills programs where Cuckos the company behind it doesn’t try to spellbind you with sound libraries and plug-ins hidden behind souped-up marketing talk.
REAPER splash screen on launch
Nonetheless, Reaper is a complete digital audio workstation – offering audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering. It’s used in commercial and home studios, broadcast, location recording, education, science and research, sound design, game development, etc.
While the company behind REAPER may not be prone to partnerships with other brands to bundle instruments, effects, or sound content – the DAW is compatible with all third-party plug-ins and formats.
Internally, REAPER only has three instruments available. The first and most extensive is SamplOmatic 5000, which handles samples. The second is ReaSynth – which can handle sound fonts. That’s it. If you want to use REAPER for music production/sound design – you’d want to invest in a third-party instrument and effects collection.
On the plus side, REAPER is budget-friendly – offering a simple licensing structure where you can purchase the program for $60 discounted license or $225 commercial license for companies. The only requirements there are to qualify for the discounted license is being an educational or non-profit organization, or an individual using REAPER only for your personal use. The $225 commercial license is for individuals and businesses using REAPER commercially and earning more than $20,000 annually.
SamplOmatic5000
ReaSynth
ReaSynthDr
Another plus is that REAPER is one of the few DAWs that are not only available for macOS and Windows – but Linux as well. We tested REAPER on a System76 laptop running PopOS, and it runs as smoothly as it does on Macs and Windows devices. The thing about companies like Cuckos building their DAW to be compatible with Linux, it truly opens the possibilities for recording studios to embrace open source – as DAW and music production programs is underdeveloped on Linux.
REAPER running on Linux
REAPER’s Extra Features
One thing that I consider an advantage of REAPER is the way it handles audio files. It has an Acid-engine like algorithm where audio files becomes elastic under the tempo of a project. You can set a project to the tempo of an imported audio file, if the BPM is embedded into the metadata of the file.
There is also an extensive Project Rendering Window where Metadata can be added to an export of a project and embedded into the file – including Album Art.
A few other features are the ability to use audio and MIDI within the same track. Also the ability to route audio and MIDI to any other track, allowing for some truly creative results. It also comes with a nice theme engine, and users can even customize REAPER to their own satisfaction.
Conclusion
To some things up, the closest thing that comes to mind when using REAPER – is Sony’s ACID Pro DAW. The ability to handle audio files and create loops. But the way REAPER does things is a lot more agile, flexible and powerful than the latter. It’s very stable as well, having not crashed once during our review process. While REAPER might not be the best out-of-the-box solution for an EDM or Hip-Hop producer who needs a plethora of tools in their arsenal. But for bands who want multitrack recording multiple real world instruments simultaneously, harmonizing choirs or vocal groups – you may find yourself at home.
PreSonus’ flagship product, Studio One has reached its fifth version. And as an avid Studio One user (since version 1.5 to be exact) I felt the need to write, produce, and record a rap jingle – within Studio One – to commemorate this moment; To celebrate this fine achievement in music production convergence:
-Verse- Never lacking options, when it comes to software my collection known to give a newbie a run/ But when I really want to handle business, I record and mix with Studio One/ It’s a new yet established DAW by a company known as PreSonus/ It’s fully featured yet simple to use, tips and tools I’ll give you a bonus/ When you’re recording in session view, instruments and effects are drag and drop/ Project Mode you can make master add cover art and metadata tags on top. Of each track, peep the facts – Show Mode even works live/ Studio One - it's no jive/ PreSonus Sphere get version 5! And-
-Hook & Chorus- Get Right, on site, (STUDIO) Levels Right, (ONE), Mix Tight, (Oh) Don’t fight, (Yeah) see the light, (STUDIO) Dynamite, (ONE) Ignite, (Oh) Don’t fight. (Yeah) Get Right, (STUDIO) See the light, (ONE) get right, (Oh) Level lights, (Yeah) get right, (STUDIO) mix tight, (ONE) get right
If that doesn’t show my passion for this piece of software, I don’t know what will.
Studio One 5.4, is the latest version of the well-rounded Digital Audio Workstation by PreSonus – a company you may know for their Interfaces, Mixing Boards, and Studio Monitors. It’s one of the newer DAWs on the scene, but one that has been around long enough to establish its relevance in a crowded market – and it keeps getting better with each release. It comes in three tiers: Studio One Artist ($99), Professional ($399), or with PreSonus Sphere ($14.99/Monthly – $164.95/Annual) With a completely redesigned Native Effects plugin suite, Score View for traditional notation editing, the ability to perform live with Studio One’s new Shop Page and more – we will explore what’s all-new in our Studio One 5 review.
Studio One’s Home Page
When Studio One finishes loading on the Splash Screen, you’re greeted with what I’d like to call “the Launch Hub” – this is where you’re greeted with the many pathways to audial autonomy. You could Record and Mix andNew songs, Master and Release a New Project, or Rehearse and Perform for a new Show set. While you could technically accomplish most of these tasks in a few other DAWs, no other software offers these features in such a streamlined manner – each with its UI and workflows. This is where Studio One has a leg and arm up on the market.
Session View
Session View of the Studio One Theme Song 🙂
The Session View is where most of the magic happens, where producing, mixing, and recording, and even notation scoring takes place. Many of the most used tools in music production and audio editing is available within one of the visible windows on the main view: the main Transport is available on the bottom dock; Essential Track Controls occupy the left of the Interface; Quick Edit tools flank the top of the screen, along with Quantize and File Quick Buttons that present a drop-down list of options; while on the right is a navigation window that allows you to browse files on your computer by Instrument, Effect, Loop, and SDD directory.
At the bottom right of the screen, three buttons are controlling your access to the Track and Mixer views, as well as a browse button that hides or shows the Navigation Window. It’s a feature-packed UI that allows for easy access to every tool while keeping the pop-up windows down to virtual Instruments and Effects.
While Studio One has a deep selection of Instruments, Effects, and Loops – we won’t go into detail here, as we’ve covered them extensively in our review of Version 4.
Studio One Mixer View
Project View
The Project Page isn’t a feature that’s new to Studio One 5, (having been around since 2.5) – but it’s an essential and valuable feature to the program, nevertheless.
This mode allows you to import mixdowns into the desired Track Order of an Album, EP, or a single – add Cover Art and credits into each song as metadata and export your project to the desired format.
Show View
The Show Page is one of the new additions to the Music Production Suite – showing its presence in version 5. It allows for you to create and edit show sets, and more impressively- utilize virtual instruments and effects in your performances and much more. Ever dreamed of adding your favorite studio effect to your live vocals in real-time, or stacking a classic Mellotron patch over the lush sounds of your Yamaha Motif workstation as one of Beyoncé’s Tour Band members? Studio One’s new Show Page is what you need.
Conclusion
While there are many more features to explore – namely Real-time Chord Display, which works with the Piano Roll, or Multi-Format Mixdown Exporting – both of which are self-explanatory with the names alone; These features were newly added in the 5.4 incremental update – which speaks as a testament to the companies’ long-term dedication to the development of the DAW.
PreSonus has managed to keep adding thoughtful, innovative features that bridge the gap between Studio One’s many broad strong points – while managing to stay running lean and agile.
Berlin is known as the EDM capital of the world, where the rave scene, drum machines, samplers, and digital audio workstations all originated and electronic workflows are innovated. Along comes another music software company, aiming for your ears and wallet. But wait for a sec…before you write this DAW off as just another cookie-cutter app in an already convoluted market- you might want to give Bigwig Studio a look…
Check our Bitwig Studio Listening Session Above
Bitwig Studio is a professional Digital Audio Workstation for Windows, macOS, and Linux (impressively). At version 4, it’s possibly the youngest of the big-time DAWs, so while it is maturing into a complete package with 80+ instruments and effects – it’s 10GB sound library is a bit narrow in genre scope. I do have confidence that it will expand as new versions of Bitwig are released, if the excellent instruments kits and effect presets are any indication.
Workflow
The flexible, panel-based interface allows for quick access to Bigwig’s three main layout’s: Arrange, Edit, and Mix – with various display settings that will allow you to add external monitors. There is also a Touch Layout – making Bitwig Studio ‘s interface 100% compatible with touchscreen displays.
The Arrangement View
You can record and edit you takes in this section.
Mixer View
Apply audio FX, route tracks to Bus/Aux tracks
All aspects of the User Interface are accessible from within one screen, bringing the most relevant window view to the forefront – depending on the tasks you set out to accomplish. All instruments, effects, loops and one-shot sounds are available within the right panel – drag-and-drop capable. The selected track and its corresponding mixer channel are available in the left panel – with the instrument, effect, or audio details available in the bottom center panel.
Sound Devices
While we won’t cover every instrument and effect that comes with Bitwig, we will take a look at a few to give you an idea of the look, feel,
Phase 4
Bitwig’s Phase Manipulation Synthesizer. Has four-oscillators that can be manipulated by modulation and distortion.
The Grid, a modular creative space that allows you to truly create your own unique sound connecting over 160 different modules to your heart’s desire. This section might invoke a familiarity with tools like Native Instrument’s Reaktor, Max for Live, which offers similar tools – but Bitwig’s grid platform feels more integrated than the former.
The Poly Grid is the area where you build your creations that generate sound. Step Arpeggiators, Sound-Warping, filtered-out Samplers, polyphonic synthesizers are all just a few modules away in the signal chain.
Bigwig’s Poly Grid signal chain view
The FX Grid allows you to create truly unique sounding effects, taking your sound to new levels of individuality and gets you closer to crafting an original sound. This takes Bitwig to new levels other music production apps can’t quite go, shaking the pre-conceived notion to avoid a DAWs ‘stock sounds’ – you can make variations of a kick or snare from just one quite easily.
Bigwig’s FX Grid signal chain view
Conclusion
If you love the idea of music production software that offers a sound synthesis palette of modules that connect along a signal chain to create custom synths, samplers, and effects; A broad selection of sound designer tools, as well as compatibility with Linux, macOS, and Windows – Bitwig Studio, might be the DAW for you. The included 10GB of loops, drum kits, and instrument presets isn’t as large as the competition, or even some standalone virtual instruments – but when you factor in the expansive sound designing tools on offer it really doesn’t matter. The versatile collection of sounds (which the majority are one-shot samples and loops) gives a solid foundation to build upon. This is a music-making program to keep an eye on.
Reason was the first music production DAW that I ever installed on a computer of mine, it came bundled as Reason Adapted (an LE version) with an M-Audio MIDI controller back in 2004 – when the program was just 4 years old and company behind it was known as Propellerhead. It was a comprehensive program, one that was visually presented as an virtual studio rack of stacked gear – including everything from drum machines, sound modules,synthesizers,samplers and effect racks. I eventually updated to the full version of the program, Reason 2.5. 16 years later, it has evolved to a full-fledged DAW in it’s own right with version 11, (a DAW that gives you access to all of it’s rack gear inside other DAWs might I add.) Check out our listening session video above, or keep scrolling for more about Reason 11 by Reason Studios…
What is Reason?
Reason is music production software, that offers a collection of instruments and effects – which are presented as virtual emulations of analog sound modules. These synthesizers, samplers drum machines, sampled instruments, along with audio and MIDI effects stack up in your virtual studio rack as you add them to your project. They can also be routed to and through one another before their output is sent to an Solid State Logic styled Mixer that is as complete as DAW mixers come.
Reason’s SSL 9000k analog modeled mixer
Reason can also be expanded with more devices through Rack Extensions, where you can find tons of unique gadgets and popular VSTs in RE format alike in the Reason Shop
It seems the guys formally known as “Propellerheads” shook off the slumber and got a new attitude along with a new brand and look. Check out the new logo to go along with the name change from Propellerhead to Reason Studios:
What’s New in Reason 12?
The Reason Rack plug in is clearly the highlight of the Reason 11 update , which makes it possible to use any of Reasons’ devices in your preferred DAW of choice. Yes, ALL of Reason’s 17 instruments and 29 effects are available within Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, FL Studio or even Pro Tools…”if your Nasty.”
The Reason Rack inside of Bitwig Studio
There’s also five new effects that comes with the standard version of Reason 11: The Quartet Chorus Ensemble, Channel EQ, Channel Dynamics, Master Bus Compressor andthe Sweeper Modulation Effect.
While there weren’t any new instruments added in Standard version 11, there are already 17 to date. Greats like Thor and Kong are on deck,as well as the newer devices like the Europa synthesizer and Complex-1 (Reason Suite only)
Conclusion
Reason 12 costs $399 for new users, and $599 for Reason Suite – which comes with a slew of extra goodies, instruments, effects, rack extensions and Refills. And while the Digital Audio Workstation space has been crowded for quite a while – in a clever Zen Buddhist type maneuver, someone in the idea room at Reason Studios decided to open up the Reason ecosystem to be used with all competing products. And that’s how you control the narrative, ladies and gentlemen.
Cheers to the team formally known as Propellerhead , way to play the long game. I say that because what seemed like a program that was becoming a bit dusty in the crate and headed to a vintage niche like the analog equipment that it emulates, has actually evolved into a major factor. In one fell swoop, making all of Reason VST compatible makes what seemed like years of dull uninspired updates – now look like a 15 year/11 move Chessmaster strategy.
Reason Rack running in Bitwig Studio as a VST plug-in
Regardless if you’d rather use Ableton Live, but you wish you could easily incorporate the Thor synthesizer or Korg Drum Designer into your Live compositions; Or you desire to use Reason’s MClass suite to mix and master a client’s stems that you imported into Reaper – say no more. This opens up TONS of possibilities in studios around the world that make use of the latest version of Reason, and puts it in a new category of all in one plug in suite that I would say is a worthy alternative to Native Instruments’ Komplete. And dare I even say the Waves Plug-In Bundles on the effect side. Especially when you consider the many tools included with Reason Suite 11and expandability that Rack Extensions bring to the table.
The flexibility, depth, and versatility that blossoms from Reason in version 11 makes for what could be it’s biggest update ever and elevates the software from an acquired taste to must-have for any music production studio.
