Comparison of Music Composing Software: Cubase 13, Ableton Live

and Logic Pro X

Lin Ji

Chengdu Experimental Foreign Languages School, Chengdu, China

Keywords: Personal Budget, User Experience, Software Compatibility.

Abstract: As a matter of fact, with the universal usage of computers and modern technologies development in the field

of computer science in recent years, using digital audio workstations (DAWs) to compose music is a common

thing to do. Over time, many DAWs occur on the internet. Some of them are of high quality, but some are not

as good as users concerned. With this in mind, this study talks about the definition of DAW, the origin and

development of computer music. To be specific, 3 common softwares are selected to compare, i.e., Cubase

13, Ableton Live and Logic Pro X in order to make a comparison between different DAWs. According to the

analysis, the basic functions, principle as well as features for the software are demonstrated. At the same time,

the current limitations for the state-of-art software are analysed and discussed. In the meantime, the future

prospects are proposed accordingly.

1 INTRODUCTION

Music can give human mental support and it plays

vital role in the development of human personality

(Madaminovich, 2023). With the development of the

technology, the way for us to make music changes

over time, from acoustic instruments to electronic

instruments. Nowadays, music can even be made on

the computer by touching the keyboard. In the 1960s,

after the world’s first computer is built, people try to

use computers to generate music and to make music

producing simpler. To achieve this, people developed

audio synthesizers and music programming language,

such as ALGOL and FORTRAN to generate sounds

and music pieces. During this period, people was still

exploring this new area. In the 1970s, people

developed more software for sound creating, such as

MAX. This software is unlike programming

languages, they make the programming progress

visible and easier to understand by using modules.

Also, the invention of midi sets a stage for the way

for people to create music patterns as it enables the

connection between computers and electronic

equipment. Later in the 1980s, with the wide use of

individual computers, some music producing

software like Cubase (released in 1989) and Pro Tools

(released in 1990) started to provide more complete

digital audio workstation (DAW) and make the

production addressable. As time goes by, DAWs have

become a must have tool for modern music

production, which is able to edit, record, mix and add

plug-ins to the audio pieces and help composers to

create music works of different styles and effects

(Yang, 2024). Based on DAW, more and more

software are developed. That software not only

improve efficiency to make music, but also broadens

the edge of music production as they add new

technologies or tools to create some strange sounds or

sound effects. The following part, this study will

introduce different software, Cubase, Ableton Live

and Logic Pro and this research will comment on their

drawbacks, advantages, prospectives and limitations.

2 DESCRIPTION OF MUSIC

COMPOSING AND DAW

So, how to produce music on computers by using

software not instruments, although instruments have

been used to create music for centuries. In the

prehistory time, fundfundamental percussion and

wind instruments is popular among human (Nadirova

& Aliyeva, 2024). These basic instruments are made

from natural resources like animals’ bones.Date back

to the days when tribes were formed, primitive man,

who lived in the tribe, started to use things like bones

Ji and L.

Comparison of Music Composing Software: Cubase 13, Ableton Live and Logic Pro X.

DOI: 10.5220/0013512600004619

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Data Analysis and Machine Learning (DAML 2024), pages 203-207

ISBN: 978-989-758-754-2

203

and pelts of the animals, woods and stones to make

some very simple musical instruments. Research

shows that Indigenous southeastern communities

produced flutes and whistles between AD 1000–1500

(Sanger et al, 2023). Recently, fast technological

progress brought in a new age of historic invention,

from electric musical instruments to digital musical

instruments and synthetic sounds (Clester & Freeman,

2023). Currently, there are a large variety of DAWs

for consumers to choose, for example Logic Pro,

Cubase and Ableton Live.

DAWs plays an outstanding part in the creative

arts (Walzer, 2020), and is relatively expensive for

decades since it is a groundbreaking product in music

composing. Fortunately, contemporary. DAWs are

cheaper (Fagnoni & Morales, 2019) and most of them

is fit with different systems. Basically, DAWs are used

to produce and record music works, but they can also

help to process recorded audio with a high quality

(Nahmani, 2020). In DAWs, notes are visualization,

which help to do some changes like aligning to the

bars, shifting note pitches or deleting the wrong notes.

In order to make the final music sounds real, plug-ins

are essential. What’s more, automation is as crucial as

using plug-ins. Automating sounds’ volume,

frequence or plug-ins used, sounds are textured.

3 SOFTWARE

3.1 Cubase 13

Cubase is a well-known DAW developed by

Steinberg. It is widely used in music composing,

audio recording and sounds mixing. The only

downside is that it is a bit costly and difficult to learn,

but if one learns it, he or she would finds it is praticle

(Vivian et al, 2023). Cubase has three basic functions.

First, it allows audio recording and editing. For audio

recording, Cubase has a high quality of audio

recording, which allows recording several audio

samples on a track. For audio editing, it provides

functions like cutting and time-stretching the audio

samples. Second, it allows MIDI recording. Cubase

provides a comprehensive MIDI editing tool like

automating the volume or something else to the MIDI

recordings. Users can use virtual instruments,

synthesizer and sampler to compose their workings.

Third, tons of plug-ins make the sounds more real.

Cubase are mainly used in music making, audio

recording, movies’ soundtracking, video games

soundtracking. Also, Cubase can be used in live

shows to help to control audio samples and

instruments’ sounds. Cubase can be seen as a good

alternative for process audio samples efficiently. Also,

by using vast plug-ins and some unique sound

designing measures, a musical work with a high-

quality can be determined.

Cubase allows online collaboration platform,

which allows users share and synchronize their

project with other music composers easily. This

function is so vital that it make collaboration across

geographic boundaries come true. The interface is

presented in Fig. 1 (Moyo & Muranda, 2021).

Figure 1: User interface of Cubase 13 (Moyo & Muranda, 2021).

DAML 2024 - International Conference on Data Analysis and Machine Learning

204

3.2 Ableton Live

Ableton Live is famous for its flexibility and ease of

using. One of its strength is that it cost-free to

download and compatible with Windows and Mac

(Smith, 2023). It is widely used for electronic music

composition. The basic functions include audio and

MIDI recording, real-time playback. In this case,

users can record any audio source and MIDI

equipment. For audio recording, Ableton Live

provides non-destructive editing functions like

adjusting volume and pitches. Also, the Warping

function makes time and rhythm easier. The same as

other DAWs, Ableton Live has many built-in virtual

instruments and effects plug-ins, also it allows

external plug-ins like VST and the AU plug-ins. Its

audio processing functions contains reverb, decay,

compressor and equalizer, which satisfy all audio

processing requirements. What’s more, Ableton Live

has two different working modes, that are session

view and arrangement view, and they are the core part

of Ableton Live. Session review is mainly used for

improvisation and live shows while arrangement

review is widely used for composing a complete

music work.

For more details, the session view allows users

use non-linear ways to arrange and trig audio and

MIDI pieces. Users can create different audio and

MIDI tracks and arrange them in the session view to

play immediately. In this case, it is mainly used for

improvisation and live shows as it provides flexible

ways to experiment and adjust musical elements. The

arrangement view provides traditional linear timeline

and therefore, it is used for composing a complete

music work. In the arrangement view, users can move

audio and MIDI pieces from the session view to the

timeline to rearrange and restructure them in detail. It

allows precise control to every part of the music,

including distribution and details editing. In general,

these two views complement each other, by allowing

switching between music composing and making, the

efficiency and creativity is fully showed. The user

interface is shown in Fig. 2 (Yang, 2024).

3.3 Logic Pro X

Logic Pro X is a DAW developed by Apple and is

popular among most Apple users. Logic Pro X costs

$199 on Apple's App Store and it is a derivative

version of GarageBand, which is a standard

equipment for Apple computers. Compared with

Cubase and Ableton Live, Logic Pro X has shown

unique advantages in many aspects, making it stand

out among many DAWs. First of all, Logic Pro X

provides a unique library of virtual instruments and

effect plug-ins, with built-in powerful tools such as

EXS24 sampler, Alchemy synthesizer and Ultrabeat

analog drum, which gives a platform for users to

create music from electronic to classical. These

virtual instruments and effect plug-ins are not only

numerous, but also comprehensive in function,

supporting users to carry out high-level sound design

and sound effect processing during the creative

Figure 2: User interface of Ableton Live (Yang, 2024).

Comparison of Music Composing Software: Cubase 13, Ableton Live and Logic Pro X

205

process, reducing dependence on third-party plug-

ins. Secondly, Logic Pro X's MIDI editing function is

also particularly famous among the DAWs. Its MIDI

editor provides powerful editing tools,

including automative quantization, Midi velocity

transformation and MIDI pitch transformation, to

help users create precise and complex MIDI data. In

addition, Logic Pro X's Session Player function is a

unique innovation, which is launched in the newly

version. It offers a virtual drummer function that

includes an interactive drum set for graphically

incorporating drums for some fun playing and a

natural sound kit (Nahmani, 2020). Besides, this

feature can replicate the performance of a real

drummer, bassist, and keyboardist, offering users the

ability to customize drum grooves, bass lines, and

keyboard patterns. This not only accelerates the

creative process but also enhances the authenticity of

the music.

Logic Pro X also excels in audio recording and

editing. Its automated editing tools provide users with

precise control over various audio elements, such as

volume, panning, and effect settings. This level of

precision renders the audio production process more

adaptable, allowing for detailed audio effects and

energetic modifications. Using the touch tool for

volume randomization produces more authentic

effects compared to mere randomization found in

other DAWs. What’s more, Logic Pro X's flex tool

allows for smooth time stretching and pitch

adjustments, greatly helping in the correcting and

rearranging of recorded sound samples.

Compared with Cubase and Ableton Live, Logic

Pro X also has a significant advantage in its deep

integration with the Apple ecosystem. As Mac-only

software, Logic Pro X can take full advantage of the

performance advantages of the macOS system and

seamlessly connect with other Apple applications

such as Final Cut Pro. This integration not only

improves overall operational efficiency, but also

ensures system stability and compatibility. The user

interface is shown in Fig. 3 (Yang, 2024).

4 LIMITATIONS AND

PROSPECTS

Although DAWs provide powerful features, there are

some limitations. First of all, the systematic

requirements of DAWs would be surprisingly high.

This is because complex projects and high-quality

plug-ins will rise the frequency of using CPU and

occupy more storage, which would further influence

systematic performance. Secondly, compatibility is

another drawback. When changing project between

DAWs, as different DAWs support different forms of

plug-ins like VST, AU, AAX, problems may occur

since some plug-ins cannot be used in some particular

Figure 3: User interface of Logic Pro X (Yang, 2024).

DAML 2024 - International Conference on Data Analysis and Machine Learning

206

DAWs. Also, Logic Pro X can only be used on

macOS, if your patterner uses Windows, it may be

difficult to share your project to the patterner. Thirdly,

complex functions and user interface would confuse

the green hand. They might spend tons of time and

vigour to learn what the functions do they possess.

Fourthly, the size of a full big project could be

extremely big, for example, scoring for the film will

generate massive audio files and resources. It is a

challenge to manage and store these files. Fifthly,

stability seems to be better improved. When

composing a huge project, DAWs cannot cope with it,

and therefore it would cause data loss. Besides, third

party plug-ins or sound resource may conflict with the

DAWs’ and further lead to system crash. The last

point is about cost. DAWs and high-quality plug-ins

and sound resources are expensive. It can be a burden

for those who’s budget is limited.

The prospect of DAWs in the field of music

composing and audio recording is very bright. With

the development of technology and change in demand

of the market, DAWs have a lot to do. Here are some

prospects. Firstly, developers can combine their

software with artificial intelligence (AI). It can help

composers mix their sounds, analyse and fix corrupt

audio. Meanwhile, AI can give some inspiration to

composers when they stuck to continue finishing their

work. Secondly, DAWs should improve their

compatibility. They should allow project transferring

between different system. Thirdly, the algorithm

needs to be improved. If a better algorithm is released,

files of a huge project can be compressed, and help to

release storage. Also, DAWs can cope with huge

projects properly, therefore, it is not that easy to face

the break-down problem. Fourthly, the development

of DAW will be more integrated with other fields and

mediums, such as combining virtual reality and

augmented reality technology to provide a more

immersive and innovative environment for music

production and performance, combining social

networks and gaming platforms to provide a more

interactive and fun way to learn and entertain music

(Hallas, 2022).

5 CONCLUSIONS

To sum up, this study discusses about the

development of computer music, functions of the

current mainstream software and tells the importance

of DAWs in the modern music composing. By

analyzing Cubase 13, Ableton Live and Logic Pro X,

this passage mentions the uniqueness of each

software and their basic functions. Although DAWs

have made a great progress in their functions and

users’ experience, problems still exist. There is still a

long way to go. With the development of AI

technology and machine learning, the intelligence and

flexibility of DAWs can be better developed.

REFERENCES

Clester, I. J., Freeman, J, 2023. Composing with Generative

Systems in the Digital Audio Workstation. Joint

Proceedings of the ACM IUI Workshops.

Fagnoni, F., Morales, J, 2019. Digital Audio Workstations:

The Infrastructure of Music Production. Springer.

Hallas, T, 2022. Mixing it up. Music Teacher, 101(2), 42-

43.

Madaminovich, F. Q, 2023. History Of The Science Of

Music Theory And Modern Innovative Technologies In

The Teaching Of Science. Journal of Positive School

Psychology, 1042-1050.

Moyo, K. F., Muranda, R. A 2021 Comparative Exploration

of Cubase 13 and Wavelab 12 as Mastering Suites.

Research Gate.

Nadirova, M., Aliyeva, H, 2024. Evolution of musical

instruments: from ancient times to modern innovations.

Agricultural Sciences, 135, 12.

Nahmani D 2020 Logic Pro X 10.5-Apple Pro Training

Series: Professional Music Production. Peachpit Press

London.

Sanger, M. C., Cajigas, R., Blair, E. H., Semon, A, 2023.

Air and sound: Indigenous wind instruments made of

bone in the Southeast United States. Southeastern

Archaeology, 42(4), 311-321.

Smith, B, 2023. Break beats, not budgets–affordable music

technology. Music Teacher, 102(9), 62-63.

Vivian, Y. I., Arifin, M. B., Wahyuni, I., Aprazaq, F. Y,

2023. Pengajaran Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Cubase kepada Sanggar Tari Runtiq Bulau. Pelita:

Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 3(1), 5-12.

Walzer, D, 2020. Blurred lines: Practical and theoretical

implications of a DAW-based pedagogy. Journal of

Music Technology & Education, 13(1), 79-94.

Yang, Y, 2024. Analysis Of Different Types of Digital

Audio Workstations. Highlights in Science,

Engineering and Technology, 85, 563-569.

Comparison of Music Composing Software: Cubase 13, Ableton Live and Logic Pro X

207