Help deciding what DAW to get

[2Charlie]

I'm deciding between FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Cubase. I really like the layout, flexibility of FL Studio, and lifetime free upgrade; however, I'm also looking into purchasing Native Instruments KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MKII MIDI Controller. At this point I don't know, but I may be heavily invested in Native Instruments. So taking this into consideration, what is the best DAW in my situation? Thank you.

[chk071]

It doesn't look like FL Studio has support for the Komplete Kontrol keyboards, so, that's that. You have to get another DAW to make use of the advanced functionality of the keyboard.

[2Charlie]

So, actually my choice is then between Cubase and Ableton Live. Can you give me some examples of what "advanced functionality" is? Thank you.

[FakeNatty]

...

[chk071]

So, actually my choice is then between Cubase and Ableton Live. Can you give me some examples of what "advanced functionality" is? Thank you.

Stuff like the DAW's transport control, controlling the mixer volumes and effect sends, stereo panorama etc.

Check the Komplete Kontrol keyboard's manuals to see what you can do with them.

What will work with the keyboards, even if the DAW doesn't support those features I mentioned, is the stuff which works with any generic MIDI keyboard. Using MIDI learn within the DAW or virtual instruments, and, they will also work with the Komplete Kontrol plugin. So, the KK keyboards will not be unusable in DAW's which don't support them, but, you will not be able to use certain features.

[2Charlie]

Thank you, I will check it out.

[Fornicras]

So, actually my choice is then between Cubase and Ableton Live. Can you give me some examples of what "advanced functionality" is? Thank you.

Stuff like the DAW's transport control, controlling the mixer volumes and effect sends, stereo panorama etc.

Check the Komplete Kontrol keyboard's manuals to see what you can do with them.

What will work with the keyboards, even if the DAW doesn't support those features I mentioned, is the stuff which works with any generic MIDI keyboard. Using MIDI learn within the DAW or virtual instruments, and, they will also work with the Komplete Kontrol plugin. So, the KK keyboards will not be unusable in DAW's which don't support them, but, you will not be able to use certain features.

That's partially not correct. I had an M32 from NI and was using FL Studio 20.
All transport buttons etc. will work as they are standard Mackie Control or HUI.
Some functionalities like Arp, Scale, etc. in the keyboard are specific to Komplete Kontrol, so they will only work when Komplete Kontrol plugin is used.

The only thing that will not work right away (i.e. you need to map them manually) will be faders and knobs for the mixer (or additional plugins).

Also, FL Studio supports MIDI scripting and I'm sure there are scripts for NI's keyboards on FL's official forum, just check.

Regarding the DAW, I've used 3 DAWs so far in the last 8 years that I've been making music. I do R&B.
Started the journey with FL Studio as it was easy to make beats.
Then went into Ableton but its UI never caught me and I didn't need the "live" side of things anyway.
Then two years ago I completely switched to Studio One, the main reason being recording vocals on FL was disastrous.

So in short,

If you will only make beats (with mostly MIDI) and mix them, go for FL Studio.
Even though FL Studio 21 will have improvements with live recordings and audio file editing, I don't think it will be as good as S1, due to its design. However, I think FL Studio is the best DAW to create beats on thanks to its channel rack and great piano roll.

If you are interested in live-looping, Ableton (or Bitwig). Can't say too much about this one, as I didn't use it for long.

If you will mostly record live instruments and record vocals go for Studio One. (or Cubase as you mentioned)

Of course, every DAW is capable of doing everything these days, but even though recording, comping, and editing a vocal in FL Studio is possible, it's easier to do it on Studio One.

[2Charlie]

Fornicras, thank you for the detailed explanations! I do find that I really like FL Studio on its capability in easily create beats on the channel rack. And yes, I really don't like the GUI of Ableton Live and I found that Cubase is a bit clunky; however, each one does its own strengths. I don't plan on recording live instruments but am interested in live-lopping so Cubase is out. At this point, I might go with Ableton but I just found out that Pro Tools have comping for vocal recording which is a really nice feature. I'm not sure if Ableton Live have something similar to that of Pro Tools.

[BazJacuzzi]

Try them. For example Ableton Live has a 90 day unlimited trial. Make a track in each, see which one works for you.

[Lectropunk aka influx808]

I would also recommend ableton live suite 90 day trial , nothing comes close to ableton workflow for speed and really easy to learn ,
I use the intro version of ableton and I'm really happy with it as its really easy to use ,I tried every daw there is ,but settled for ableton, download the 90day trial you won't regret it.

[Fornicras]

Fornicras, thank you for the detailed explanations! I do find that I really like FL Studio on its capability in easily create beats on the channel rack. And yes, I really don't like the GUI of Ableton Live and I found that Cubase is a bit clunky; however, each one does its own strengths. I don't plan on recording live instruments but am interested in live-lopping so Cubase is out. At this point, I might go with Ableton but I just found out that Pro Tools have comping for vocal recording which is a really nice feature. I'm not sure if Ableton Live have something similar to that of Pro Tools.

You're welcome! Ableton also has comping, Pro Tools might be better at it though but I didn't use it.
Studio One and Cubase also have it. As far as I'm aware FL Studio does not have comping, it was one of the reasons I switched to Studio One. FL Studio 21 might add comping but I'm not sure about it.

[2Charlie]

Okay, thank you so much for all the help. I'll give Ableton Live standard a try. I just ordered the Komplete Kontrol S88 MKII MIDI controller. I'm very excited.

[morphex]

I think you'll really like Ableton. If you end up trying the demo, consider getting the Suite version as it has a ton of extra content and the Max For Live bundle. The Max instruments and effects are incredibly useful and it's why I personally bought Ableton Live Suite. It's also an incredible bargain for everything that's included. Definitely check it out!!

[chk071]

Okay, thank you so much for all the help. I'll give Ableton Live standard a try. I just ordered the Komplete Kontrol S88 MKII MIDI controller. I'm very excited.

Have fun.

[BazJacuzzi]

Try them all though, at least for an hour or so. What we like might not be the same as what you like.