Avid Pro Tools vs Logic Pro: What You Need To Know

The Main Differences: Avid Pro Tools Vs Logic Pro

Before diving into the details of each DAW, I want to point out some key differences between Pro Tools and Logic Pro X. Both are fantastic options, but which one works best really comes down to how you plan to use your DAW.

Cost and Updates

In terms of pricing, Pro Tools is available in different versions, including the standard Pro Tools edition and Pro Tools | Ultimate. Avid offers a subscription-based pricing model that allows you to always receive updates. You can check out the latest pricing and special offers here.

Logic Pro is available through the Apple store as a one-time purchase. This means that you purchase it once with no further commitment, but major updates may cost extra. Even with this being the case, minor version updates are typically provided at no cost.

Compatibility

Another key difference is that Pro Tools is available for use on both Mac and Windows machines, but Logic Pro X is only available for Mac. 

This may not seem like a big deal if you’re only producing on your home or studio computer, but it becomes a larger issue when you start getting into professional recording and engineering that requires you to work on different projects at various studios using Windows and MacOS.

Although MacOS is going to be the most common operating system used in studios (in my experience), there are plenty of studios running PCs. 

I only mention this because, as an audio professional, you want to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to work in as many environments as possible. 

This is where versatility is crucial, and having knowledge of only one specific DAW may hold you back from taking on more jobs.

Features

When it comes to features, both DAWs offer a lot, but again, it all comes down to how you plan to use each title. For example, Pro Tools | Ultimate provides the ability to work on up to 64 video tracks in a session. 

Logic Pro X does not provide support for cutting video. Pro Tools is not meant to be a video editor, but it has plenty of features that benefit those in the editing industry.

Pro Tools also offers different versions for different needs while Logic Pro X is only available in one edition. 

A standard Pro Tools license contains enough power for most casual users and professionals in a studio setting, including the ability to utilize up to 256 tracks. 

If you’re going to be working on complex projects involving many different people, Pro Tools | Ultimate has you covered with the ability to work on thousands of tracks when using HDX hardware.

Logic Pro excels at general recording, mixing, and editing. I like the user interface of Logic Pro X, but it takes a little bit of getting used to. 

It’s helpful if you’re coming from Apple’s GarageBand, but Pro Tools is going to provide a more straightforward experience.

Avid Pro Tools Features & Benefits

Below is a breakdown of some of the key features I find most beneficial about Pro Tools:

Pro Tools is the Industry Standard

As the industry standard, Pro Tools is the go-to DAW for recording and engineering many different genres. 

In virtually any professional studio environment, knowing Pro Tools is going to give you more opportunities to work on a wider array of projects.

Hip hop producers use Pro Tools often to import samples and loops from beat machines, and then any number of vocal tracks can be recorded from many artists at once. 

Vocals can be tracked and edited from various sources, and Pro Tools makes monitoring a breeze to ensure you get the perfect take.

Pro Tools for rock is also a common setup since Pro Tools can handle plenty of tracks for bands of all sizes. On top of that, you can easily stack compressors, EQ plugins, and other DSP effects to shape that perfect wall of sound that modern rock is known for.

Pro Tools for EDM, including synthwave, dubstep, and classic styles like drum ‘n’ bass, allows you to get into detailed edits and sequence notes using MIDI while offering plenty of power to mix down sessions that employ processor-intensive effects across hundreds and even thousands of tracks.

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Collaborating in the Cloud

Pro Tools and Pro Tools | Ultimate both give you the ability to work on sessions with other professionals in the audio industry through sophisticated networking capabilities. 

This can be done on-site by networking a Pro Tools session through different control surfaces and interfaces, including Avid’s Pro Tools | Carbon, but you can also take advantage of shared drives in the cloud that give flexibility when collaborating remotely. 

This feature is especially important as more and more audio professionals are working remotely these days and recording partners are spread out further around the globe.

HDX Hardware Gives Pro Tools a Huge Advantage

Engineers working on recording projects involving symphonic arrangements also turn to Pro Tools because Pro Tools | Ultimate can record thousands of voices using HDX hardware. 

This hardware has been designed by Avid to blend seamlessly with Pro Tools. In fact, the Pro Tools | Carbon interface is a perfect example of HDX tech in action as the interface features eight processor cores for latency that is almost nonexistent and enough computing power to run tons of powerful plugins at once without so much as a stutter.

Logic Pro Features & Benefits

Logic Pro X is a professional DAW option for Mac users, and I’ve outlined some details about its features below:

Logic Pro X works flawlessly with Macs

One of Logic Pro’s biggest strengths is that it is made by Apple for Mac computers exclusively. This means that, like virtually all other Apple products, Logic Pro X fits neatly into the MacOS and iOS ecosystem of products and services. 

There’s no guesswork required about driver support, and updates are handled by Apple. Of course, the downside here is that users need to rely on Apple to address issues, and since Apple is not a dedicated audio company, the brand’s focus is not solely on ensuring Logic Pro X has the latest features. 

In my experience, Apple does a fantastic job of keeping Logic Pro X updated, but it’s something to keep in mind if you want to ensure you have access to the newest in audio tech.

An easy transition if you’re used to GarageBand

In keeping with the above, I find that Logic Pro X is a wonderful move for recording enthusiasts who are ready to step up from GarageBand. 

GarageBand being another Apple product means that the transition between both programs is fairly stress-free. Both GarageBand and Logic Pro X also share some UI features, so if you’re used to the look and feel of things like GarageBand’s timeline and icons, you’re going to have an easier time learning Logic Pro X. 

Once again, this is really only beneficial for Mac users, but because both Logic Pro X and GarageBand are exclusive to MacOS, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Logic Remote provides additional flexibility (if you have an iPad)

Another key feature that works in Logic Pro X’s favor is the inclusion of Logic Remote technology. Logic Remote allows you to use an iPad or even an iPhone for a variety of functions in Logic Pro X, including a virtual mixing console, sequencer, and key command center. 

Logic Remote can be used in the studio, allowing you the ability to move around and control various aspects of Logic Pro X from a distance. I find this most helpful for monitoring mixes from various points around my mix room to check for balance. 

Another benefit to Logic Remote is that it can technically be used as a digital instrument using Remix FX. This gives you the ability to make changes to a sequenced performance as it plays. In this way, Logic Remote gives you the power to function as a virtual DJ.

Who is Avid Pro Tools Best Suited For?

Pro Tools is best suited for producers and engineers who want an all-in-one solution for producing, recording, mixing, and mastering. 

If you’re working on big projects and need to collaborate with a number of other audio professionals, you’re definitely going to get the most out of Pro Tools as opposed to other DAWs. 

With the addition of HDX hardware, Avid offers Pro Tools users an entire ecosystem that is designed from top to bottom to work seamlessly.

Who is Logic Pro Best Suited For?

I think that Logic Pro X is the right DAW for anyone coming from GarageBand due to the similarities, but I also think anyone who needs a Mac-centric DAW is going to be pleased with Logic Pro X. 

Because Logic Pro X is only available for Mac computers, as opposed to Pro Tools’ availability on both Mac and PC, it tends to be a bit more limited in its use within the industry. 

Additionally, it’s worth reiterating that Logic Pro X is maintained by Apple, and since Apple is focused on operating systems, iPhones, and other projects, the brand is obviously not exclusively dedicated to pro audio.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between Avid Pro Tools vs. Logic Pro is definitely a tough choice since they’re both phenomenal DAW options. In my experience, it’s a good idea to become proficient in as many DAW titles as possible, but by and large, Pro Tools is the standard. 

This means that you’re going to run into Pro Tools a whole lot more if you work in the capacity of a professional audio engineer.

Logic Pro X is great if you plan to stick to the Mac platform exclusively and you want a powerful DAW with a nice UI that can handle advanced recording and mixing functions. 

If you’re planning on advancing your audio career to the next level and want to take advantage of the latest in technology like Avid’s Pro Tools | Carbon interface, Pro Tools is definitely going to be the way to go. 

Additionally, I also think that Pro Tools has the advantage if you are serious about making a career out of audio since Pro Tools is going to be the DAW of choice in virtually any big studio you end up working in.

You can take advantage of Avid’s current promotional offer and save up to 50% on your next purchase. Click here to learn more. Moreover, if you’re interested in exploring other music production tools, check out this detailed RIPX review.