Ableton Live ($700) doomed? Now Logic ($200) got huge update.

[Yorrrrrr]

I’m on a Mac and I own logic (there’s no way to sell it) and I’m not going back to logic... so with that n = 1...

Yes, same here. Apple is trying to catch up wit LPX. But nope, it's still no Ableton.

What sets Ableton apart?

To me? From the top of my head: a Session View that is beyond the scope of LPX Live Loops (f.e, follow actions, etc). It has Max for Live, which opens a universe of possibilities. The Racks. A faster browser. The deep integration with hardware, specially my Push 2. Live feels like a sleek, consistent, solid (LPX is buggy and unstable) and mature DAW. But more importantly: the workflow is quicker and simpler, and I feel creative with it, for the music I make. YMMV, of course...

I still have Logic Pro X installed and I use it from time to time, mainly for comping and mixing (and I love toying with the new step sequencer!). What's better than using both Live 10 and Logic Pro X? It's a great combo. If Ableton added easy comping and a dedicated mixer window, I don't think I'll ever leave Live. But it's not a huge deal, as Live still can do those, just not as easy.

[fuzzlightyear]

What's better than using bot Live 10 and Logic Pro X? It's a great combo.

Most financially disciplined hobbyists probably don't really see having two DAWs as a necessary advantage, especially having to keep both of them up to date and current with all the upgrade costs and maintenance. Throw in some O/S changes and it just might have you pulling out your hair.

If you're getting paid and making money from your musical endeavors, then I see no problem forking out several hundred dollars in upgrade costs every couple of years to keep things current.

But, someday some people may realize that it's not the car you drive, but who's driving and where they're going? Because the ultimate destination for musical success is the finished project or song not the mass storage and collection of digital toys and prototype music.

[Yorrrrrr]

Well, if financial discipline is a thing, then LPX at $200 makes all the sense. It's a complete and cost-effective DAW. But Live is certainly not "doomed" because of it.

[rezoneight]

What's better than using bot Live 10 and Logic Pro X? It's a great combo.

Most financially disciplined hobbyists probably don't really see having two DAWs as a necessary advantage, especially having to keep both of them up to date and current with all the upgrade costs and maintenance. Throw in some O/S changes and it just might have you pulling out your hair.

If you're getting paid and making money from your musical endeavors, then I see no problem forking out several hundred dollars in upgrade costs every couple of years to keep things current.

But, someday some people may realize that it's not the car you drive, but who's driving and where they're going? Because the ultimate destination for musical success is the finished project or song not the mass storage and collection of digital toys and prototype music.

Given that Apple hasn't charged an upgrade fee in years for Logic and Ableton charges what...every 4 years or so when they do a major upgrade?...not sure there really is any disadvantage to using both. Most are probably going to stick to one as their main thing anyhow.

And if one looks for sales even the cost of entry for Live isn't that bad. I just bought Lite -> Suite upgrade for $340 from Thomann. Thats a phenomenal value. When I bought Logic Pro X years ago it was $199, but actually cheaper because I bought some $100 itunes gift cards during the black friday sales that ended up being $85 each.

[Local Man]

You thread title and poll ask two very different questions so I accidentally voted wrong.

Will 10.5 bring back former Logic users? YES!

Is Ableton doomed? NO!

Ableton is looking a little passed its prime though.
I remember when Ableton was the hot shot new kid in town. I was a Reason user at the time and I was shocked at how quickly Ableton eclipsed Reason in terms of popularity.

[dupont]

The answer is in your question. Of course it is.

[antic604]

...financially disciplined hobbyists...

That's an oxymoron

If music is your business / occupation, then you'll look at it via the lens of cost vs. return, i.e. do I need those VSTs, sample/presets pack, DAWs, hardware, etc. A hobbyist just makes sure it fits his/her budget and that it will increase their joy & happiness when using it. There's obviously an element of financial discipline in there (the budget), but that's completely different from what you're saying.

Unless your definition of "hobbyist" is a failed, aspiring (professional) artist, then perhaps.

[antic604]

But, someday some people may realize that it's not the car you drive, but who's driving and where they're going? Because the ultimate destination for musical success is the finished project or song not the mass storage and collection of digital toys and prototype music.

You have a very narrow view of why people are in "music production". Not all of us here strive for "musical success is the finished project or song", but rather for the fun of the ride in that potential direction, not necessarily in reaching it. I make enough money in my day job to entertain myself buying music hardware, DAWs & plugins just to play with & learn them, compare them, discuss & complain about them on forums, help people who got stuck using them, make clumsy tutorials, etc.

Perhaps you think it's wrong approach, but it doesn't make it any less the case that there's lots of people like that.

[fuzzlightyear]

What you're looking for is a bigger car with a bigger fuel tank so you can buy more G.A.S.

[machinesworking]

• Top 1-50 DAW percentage in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs is, Logic 36.4%, Live 36.4%, FL 15.9%, S1 6.8%, Reason 2.3%, Cubase 2.3%.

*EDIT* Release note link added, added 1-50 daw percentage of DJ Mag top 100.

Yeah, DJ mag is not going to tell you which DAWs are selling the most, that most people use. What makes people think popular means better? It's obvious that Logic and Live aren't in any danger of going away any time soon, so what's the point?

[FalcoreM]

Apple is in the business of selling hardware. And Logic is the bait, in case you've ever wondered why it's so cheap. If you already own a Mac then Logic is a good choice. But, I'd rather support a developer who depends on software sales.

[jonljacobi]

If you just go by Google Trends, FL Studio garners by far the most inquiries. Doesn't necessarily correlate to sales, but... The problem with Reaper on there is that as a search term, it could have other meanings. Regardless, as far as features are concerned, Logic has just about everything. For me, far too much and some of the stuff feels kudgly even after all these years. I always run back to Live to get work done quickly.

[SLiC]

FL Studio seems to come out as the most prolific and most populous DAW in most surveys I have seen...You have to wonder how FL survives with free updates for life...surely some point almost everybody who wants a copy of FL Studio has one!

[PeterP_swe]

If you just go by Google Trends, FL Studio garners by far the most inquiries. Doesn't necessarily correlate to sales, but... The problem with Reaper on there is that as a search term, it could have other meanings.

Wouldn't that apply just as well to 'logic', 'live', 'reason'? They are all common words.

[Kongru]

FL Studio seems to come out as the most prolific and most populous DAW in most surveys I have seen...You have to wonder how FL survives with free updates for life...surely some point almost everybody who wants a copy of FL Studio has one!

Do they not make their money from selling the plugins?