This 2020 comparison examines six major digital audio workstations (DAWs): FL Studio, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. It compares exports of the same song, prepared under matching conditions at 48 kHz/24-bit, to explore a frequently debated question: are perceived differences between DAWs down to placebo, personal preference, or the audio itself? Listen to the supplied files to assess the results of this test and consider them alongside your own production needs when choosing a DAW.
Comparing the Sound of Major DAWs
This time, we tackle a question that readers often ask: how the sound of different DAWs compares. Placebo? An urban myth? Simply a matter of taste? There is plenty of speculation, so we set up the tracks under matching conditions and examine the exported audio files from several angles.
The samples below come from the six highest-ranked products in our January 2020 DAW survey.
- Audio file format: 48 kHz/24-bit
FL Studio
Logic
Cubase
Studio One
Ableton Live
Pro Tools
Which sample did you prefer?
Investigating DAW Sound
The Test Song — Composed and Arranged by Tomoki Miyakawa
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do different DAWs really sound different?
This article compares exported files of the same song produced in several DAWs. Differences are sometimes attributed to placebo, but the actual audio samples let you listen for yourself and compare the results of this particular test.
Q2. How should I choose the right DAW for me?
Listen to the samples supplied here and consider which sound you prefer. Alongside sound, weigh up usability, features, and price when choosing a DAW.
Q3. What are the specifications of the audio files used here?
All of the song files were produced and exported at the same 48 kHz/24-bit specification, using matching conditions for comparison.
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