The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) gave birth to many new possibilities and ways to make and enjoy music.
The birth of DAWs also meant that music-making was no longer as EXCLUSIVE.
Gone are the days when professionals in the industry could only make music. Beginners like us can now dabble in the art in our own homes.
If you’ve been going back and forth on what DAW you should buy, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll cut to the chase. For us, Studio One is the better DAW.
Interested to know why? Head on to the sections below.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- FL Studio has more features (which means it is more expensive) plus free updates, but it is more difficult to use. It is also more catered to professional producers.
- Studio One is more affordable and beginner-friendly but has fewer features. However, it is still enough to produce clean music.
- Ultimately, Studio One is the better pick due to its ease of use, affordability, and more than enough features
FL Studio Overview
FL Studio is Image-Line Software’s modern take on the classic version of DAW electronic music production.
FL Studio has a reputation for being COMPLEX. But its complexity can easily be managed by spending more time getting to know this DAW model.
The Belgian company made different versions of FL studio to suit every possible user:
1. FL Studio Fruity Edition
The Fruity Edition is the “starter” model, which gets you 19 instruments and 48 different effects.
It is ideal for new users looking to make basic melodies and loops.
2. FL Studio Producer Edition
The Producer Edition gets you more features for extra customizability. A massive mix of 26 instruments and 54 effects helps you make music the way you want to.
3. FL Studio Signature Edition
The Signature Edition is similar to the producer edition, carrying only a few extra features (28 instruments, 57 effects).
4. FL Studio All Plugins Edition
The All Plugins Edition gives you the COMPLETE set of instruments, effect plugins, and synthesizers.
If you want to go ALL OUT, you should get this!
You’ll get full freedom to maximize your creativity. Just remember that the more features, the more expensive it gets.
Features
We won’t be immediately comparing FL Studio head-to-head with Studio One. Let’s first know a bit more about the CORE FEATURES of the FL Studio DAW.
FL Studio has a robust and comprehensive system complemented by flexible functionalities.
1. Robust System
FL Studio can be quite overwhelming if you compare it to any other DAW software. Many essential functions and advanced features are packed in one compact DAW.
FL Studio versions all look like they’re A LOT to take in and digest when you’re just starting.
Learning the workflow can take some time and patience.
You’ll have to browse through video tutorials and internet instructions to get through the more complicated parts of the software.
Don’t worry; you are bound to find many helpful tips and tutorials online!
But for experienced users who have tried multiple platforms, FL Studio bears many similarities to other DAWs.
2. Easy and Flexible
FL Studio lets you complete audio tracks with easy-click functions (create, mute, slice, shuffle, stretch).
Here are some features that make the process FLEXIBLE and STRAIGHTFORWARD.
- Ready-to-use chords
- Piano Roll Instrument Step Sequencer
- Unique sampler sounds
- Extended MIDI support
Additional sounds make for a creative afternoon of music-making. With the extended MIDI notes support, you can complete a piece with just the sound library samples.
3. Lifetime Updates
FL Studio versions all come with the best legal perks.
The FL Studio store offers a lifetime of free updates for all registered software owners.
Are you having difficulty deciding if you should or should not invest in it? You can be relieved that future updates won’t cost you any extra!
The cost you shell out for the VERSION you prefer from the FL Studio store will be all there is.
Pros:
- Unlimited free trial
- Free lifetime updates
- Great sound quality
- Unique VJ graphic generation suite
- Better drum editor
Cons:
- Inferior user interface; does not do phone support
- Poor recording and mixing quality
- No Mac OS version
- Can’t support AU plugins
Studio One Overview
Studio One is a MAINSTAY in the DAWs industry!
The easy-to-pick-up user process makes PreSonus’s Studio One attractive to new and seasoned musicians.
Routines are fun and organized, therefore letting your music guide you. Experienced users swear by the TESTED AND PROVEN WORKFLOW they can get with Studio One.
You can also experience your first DAW software the way you want it with the different versions available.
1. Studio One Prime
Have you ever had trouble committing to something before trying it out?
Luckily, PreSonus has just what you need!
With Studio One’s Prime, you can get a “FREE TASTE” of the DAW system. It is equipped with the basic features you’ll need to start up.
2. Studio One Artist
The Studio One Artist is the base paid version. It boasts 32 native effects, 7 GB of royalty-free loops, and 14 GB of the sample library.
3. Studio One Professional
If you’re looking for something more extensive, the unique features of the Studio One Professional can help you.
Of course, the COMPLETE set of editing tools is available if you wish.
4. PreSonus Sphere
The PreSonus Sphere gives you a full-360 audio editing experience. It has all the features and advanced tools you need.
Features
The more popular Studio One is the DAW of choice for many composers, music producers, and general users.
Here are the different features you can expect from Studio One.
1. Streamlined Software
In an age where everything is instant and automated, there is nothing more irritating than a complicated DAW.
Studio One is everything BUT complicated. You get clean, sleek, and simple software!
Using this DAW feels like second nature even on the first time that you’ve tried it. It’s both natural and innovative.
Because of its convenience, you can have FUN with this DAW software. Studio One is organized even with the myriad of advanced features it carries.
2. Intuitive Process
We all love the pleasure of getting as many features and advanced tools as there are in a DAW. But, the choice of tools and features can be overwhelming.
That is why choosing the best daw is important to choose one that feels most natural to your workflow.
Studio One is a DAW software that many users swear by. Why?
The INTUITIVE PROCESS hidden in every action makes all the difference.
- Hover activation feature
- Drag & Drop feature
- Intuitive chord track, channel strips, and virtual instrument patches
- Automatic mix-downs
- Pattern Mode (for melodies and beats)
These features, when used wisely, make for a live instruments production.
3. Extra Features
PreSonus’ Studio One has a one-window interface that can be cluttered. But, the extra features make up for it.
Advanced tools to create, edit, and monitor your track are packed in Studio One.
Beginner and intermediate users can make the most out of chord track and harmonic editing to carry out the MIDI chord progression.
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive user interface
- Extensive organization
- Automatically integrated Melodyne
- Advanced Chord Track
- Harmonic editing feature
- App support for remote editing
- Plugin compatibility (VST, VST2, VST3, VSTi)
Cons:
- Lacks a notation editor
- It can be lacking for some professionals
- One window interface can get cluttered
- Difficult to tie notes
- Lacks extensive MIDI controls
Differences Between FL Studio vs. Studio One
We have now reached the biggest question of this article: Image-Line’s FL Studio vs. Studio One by PreSonus. Which is the best?
Let’s tackle it piece by piece.
1. Highlight Features
FL Studio and Studio One are products of extensive research and production of a great DAW. As such, they share many more features than we can list.
In this section, we highlighted the top features of both DAWs and weighed them down.
Studio one stands out for its chord track, a new addition that lets you automatically edit and rearrange entire batches of sounds.
Chord track gives you instant feedback at a convenience unique to Studio One.
Studio One’s directly integrated Melodyne is also a great feature. Combine it with the pattern function, and you can easily map out beats and decorate them as you see fit.
On the other hand, FL Studio DAW stands out for its MASSIVE sound library. It has all the samples you can think of.
Making use of the extra plugins and samples makes a big difference in terms of creativity and style.
WINNER: FL Studio
2. Updates
Regarding Studio One vs. FL Studio, both provide great after-sales service.
Once you purchase a DAW from any of the two, you’ll get a LIFETIME’S worth of good services.
Still, they’re simply not the same.
On the one hand, Studio One provides its users with FREE BUG FIXES to guarantee that their product works the best it could for you.
If you want to upgrade your DAW, Studio One also gets you higher product versions for discounted prices. It’s a pretty good offer!
But!
If you look at what FL Studio can offer, you might just think twice. Once you purchase an FL Studio DAW, you will be guaranteed FREE LIFETIME UPDATES.
WINNER: FL Studio
3) Technical Requirements
All the tools, features, and plug-ins that FL Studio offers are extremely attractive from a consumer point of view.
However, DON’T JUST JUMP SHIP and decide to get it because it has the most perks. FL Studio is VERY demanding on your computer.
Are you sure your computer is well-equipped to handle the computing work that FL Studio needs?
If not, you might be wasting your time and money on it. Your computer has to reach the following FL Studio technical requirements:
- At least 16 GB RAM
- 3840 x 2160 display resolution
On the other hand, Studio One is lightweight and does not need as much computing power. Even a tablet can run Studio One!
Simply secure the following specs for your Studio One DAW:
- At least 2 GB RAM (4 GB is recommended)
- Full HD display
The good news, however, is that both DAW systems offer Windows, macOS, and phone support (iOS/Android).
WINNER: Studio One
4) Market
Both Studio One and FL Studio offer different versions for different niches. They have a tier-like system to accommodate every user type at the right cost.
But which of the two is more likely to suit more users?
We’ll have to give it to Studio One in the market category.
Studio One lacks some features that experienced consumers might need. However, its ease of use has always made consumers comfortable using it as their main DAW.
FL Studio, the complete DAW option, is geared towards professionals. FL Studio is usually under-utilized by beginner and intermediate users.
Some testimonies in a user forum detail how users try FL Studio only to switch to a different DAW weeks later.
WINNER: Studio One
5) Price Range
The price range is a bit more complicated to compare since there are a lot of tiers involved in each product.
But, the short answer is that Studio One is the winner.
Although both DAWs offer great products at a great price, the more AFFORDABLE Studio One offers the real bang-for-buck.
WINNER: Studio One
Alternatives You Can Try
Studio One and FL Studio are both great DAWs. But it doesn’t mean that any of the two suits you and your workflow.
If you’re looking for more options, there are still many other DAWs you can try.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a DAW software applicable for both Windows and Apple systems.
The German company created Ableton to support creating beats, composing, recording, arranging, and mixing.
DJs and audio engineers also find it a good DAW for beat-matching and cross-fading. The standard version of this DAW features the following virtual instruments:
- Impulse, Simper, Drum rack
- Instrument rack, Analog, Bass
- Collision, Drum synths, Electric
- Operator, Poli, Sampler
- Tension, Wavetable
An intro version with fewer instruments is also offered, along with an extended version with add-on sample packs.
FL Studio has more features and plugins, but for a more curated experience, Ableton might be a better choice.
Audacity
Like Ableton Live, you can use Audacity for Windows and Apple systems. In addition, you are free to use this DAW on GNU/Linux and other operating systems.
Audacity is one of the MOST DOWNLOADED among the other DAWs. For a long time, it has been used to record, edit, adjust pitch, reduce noise, and more!
Audacity, however, DOES NOT support VST plugins.
FL Studio and Studio One are more full-pledged DAWs than Audacity.
But, if you only need to accomplish simple tasks, Audacity may be a better fit. The simpler interface and functions can make way for more creativity and fewer complications.
Cubase
Cubase is a DAW software initially created as a MIDI sequencer. It eventually evolved into a full DAW that supports the following features:
- Chord tracks
- Expression maps
- Note expression
- Key editor inspector
- Audio warp quantize
- Piano roll, drum editor
- Score editor
Cubase is more comprehensive and advanced than Studio One and FL Studio. But, there are compromises you’ll have to make if you want the more complex Cubase.
- Higher technical demands
- Longer learning time
- More money investment
Logic Pro
Logic Pro is one DAW EXCLUSIVE to the Apple systems. This DAW can make your macOS a music-making powerhouse.
How different is it from FL Studio?
- No mobile version
- Limited compatibility
- 64-bit exclusive
- Centered around arrangement view
- Preset-based
It doesn’t have as many upgrades as other DAWs. But it can offer your macOS a better range and pro tools for a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’d like some extra guidance on the Studio One vs. FL Studio debate, these question-and-answer sections might help.
Which Is More Beginner-Friendly Between FL Studio and Studio One?
Studio One is more beginner-friendly.
The clean interface makes exploration less stressful and more laid back. The user-friendly software makes it easier to navigate around the different editing tools.
The downside is that there are a bit fewer features you can expect from Studio One.
Meanwhile, the more extensive FL Studio is less friendly for beginners. It is marketed more towards professionals, EDM producers, and expert users.
Is FL Studio Free for a Lifetime?
The FL Studio DAW offers a free trial to let you experience its features before paying.
However, the free trial is limited.
Once the time is up and the trial expires, you’ll have to purchase a full pro version to continue your work. The good news is that you no longer have to pay again after the initial purchase.
All updates, plugins, and additions after your purchase will be free.
Can You Use Studio One for Live Performances?
Yes, Studio One is an excellent choice for live performances!
One of Studio One’s strengths over other DAWs is its performance in live productions. You can complete a whole production in just one computer, one sound library, and one DAW.
All the instrument sounds, drum sequencing, and program beats can all be accomplished with a few key commands.
Final Verdict: Which is the Best DAW?
Studio One and FL Studio are both amazing DAW systems.
Whichever DAW you choose, the other DAW will always have features that your choice does not. That is why you always have to match the feature list with your needs.
When is FL Studio the better choice?
- For hip-hop and EDM production
- If you want the most features and stock plugins
- For drum sequencing needs
- For pattern mode mixing
- If you’re a highly-experienced musician or producer
However, our choice would have to be Studio One.
Studio One is a fully-equipped DAW that is compatible with most systems. The more INTUITIVE nature of Studio One makes it an ultimate joy to use!
You no longer need to watch clips on a Youtube channel to use it fully.
Studio one has all the tools you will need to complete your track at a price that makes your investment worth it.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our Studio One vs. FL Studio review!
It is hard to choose the right DAW for you.
They’re NOT CHEAP, so making the right choice is all the more important. Setting the prices aside, learning more than one DAW might be a waste of time.
When you are stuck, remember that only you can tell which one is best for you.
Consider the following:
- How much can you spend
- How fast can you learn
- How much patience you have
- What type of music do you want to produce
That’s all!Good luck with choosing, and most of all, happy mixing!
