Studio One vs Cubase performance - worth the jump?

[soulata]

So,

I jumped from Cubase to Studio One way back in the day (Cubase 5.5 to S1 v2 it was then) but now, with Cubase 11 out and with S1 offering really almost nothing in v5 (compared to v4 which I use) I'm thinking of going back.

I like S1 (in theory at least) but its performance really leaves a lot to be desired. I can't use as many plugins and instruments because its multiprocessor support is nowhere near Cubase's which means I run into trouble way too fast (and I have a relatively fast PC with 32gb of ram).

Coupled with it's shitty midi timing (from cca v3.2 or 3.3 on) I'm really thinking of jumping ship again.

Crossgrade is 226EUR + postage ATM. Not too bad.

Thoughts (and prayers)?

k

p.s.: I went with S1 then because I slighlty prefer its one window approach (and drag and drop for plugins) to Cubase's but I don't think it's such a big deal, I've goten used to it again anyway because I have to use Cubase Elements at work sometimes (an hour or so per week).

[woodsdenis]

On a Mac very similar CPU use, Cubase is much more stable CB V11 v S1 V4

[antic604]

Are you sure you're using S1 right, especially it's double buffered dropout protection settings and low-latency monitoring? My experience with Cubase vs. Studio One (on Windows, at least) was that they're similar in terms of performance, with a slight edge for S1 because I seem to have more control over it than over ASIO Guard in Cubase.

[dellboy]

I have a licence for both, but I am only upgrading to the newest Cubase version every year and have remained on Studio One 4.5 until something worth having comes out. I have both installed and use both, although I tend to favour Cubase a bit more. They have their plusses and minuses so I intend to always keep both. Of the two Studio One is defintely more intuitive and easier to use.

[thebutler]

If you've got a dongle, download a Pro Trial for 30 days..? Really give it some stick and see how you get on..?

I have and run both; I update them to the latest editions too. However, I continue to have a much easier life inside Cubase for some reason. I don't know exactly why, but using the same plugins on the same machine and the same audio WAVs from a live concert, I can still mix better/faster and get a sound I'm more happy with inside Cubase, than I can in S1. Go figure...

On the MIDI side, I dunno - they're both pretty much on a par these days for my needs. Slicing, sampling, loop mangling, and drum replacement/layering too. For vocal and guitar work (tuning/alignment, creating harmonies etc), the VariAudio tool in Cubase is quick and right to hand and I don't need to spend the price difference between Melodyne Essential and Assistant to get equivalent functionality. YMMV.

Performance.? Both are equally as stable and handle almost all that I throw at them. Average projects are around 100 tracks mind; so not really pushing things here..!

[ozinga]

Went back to Logic after 5 full versions of Studio One.I also use Cubase for occasional media work.
Stability and CPU performance for me Logic'> Cubase> Studio One. On large track counts Cubase is the best in GUI response and also in the PDC ADC department where Logic and Studio One fails.
Might be different on PC though between Cubase and Studio One where I have no experience.

[jancivil]

My experience w. C11 is it seems to perform a hair poorer than 10.5, and developed some instability that was not a thing with 10.
and that all three point updates, "maintenance updates" are significantly more unstable, perhaps by each version.
The performance is pretty good here, but I attribute a lot to my audio interface.
Catalina, either 15.6 or 15.7. I do the vast majority of plugins use in VE Pro. I don't think VEP can be blamed, because it's been the same version for 13, 14 mos, ie., the entire span of my use of 10 and 11. "Pro" versions. I don't think any plugin has anything at all to do with my issues. Some of which appear to be Apple's automatic graphics switching but I cannot very confidently state as such.

[EnGee]

I have Elements and upgraded it to Artist only (I won't sell it this time )!

Stability seems similar in both with latest versions. I haven't experienced weird midi problems in the latest S1. However, I'm making it a habit that I start on the 2nd bar recording.

Both have some advantages over the other, so it depends on your needs and priorities.

I like Cubase colours and contrast more. Groove Agent SE is miles ahead of Impact xt (both kits and features). Midi editing is also better in Cubase.

I like Studio One design and simplicity. The installation and authorization is very friendly. The assigning of parameters is made very easy and straightforward. It's also more organized than Cubase, so you feel less clutter with windows management.

Cubase had a weird problem with my nVidia settings and my one drive usage! I have no idea why or how to fix it, however, in the latest update 11.030 (I think) I don't have such problems! But that in Elements. I took the risk and upgraded to Artist however. I don't think I need the Pro features. Also, less features means less bugs

After all, I measure how fast I can be in recording my ideas and editing them. For this, Cubase is better, especially the drums which is my start point and the general shortcuts, midi editing and my experience with Cubase, all contribute to a faster workflow. But all that doesn't mean a thing if Cubase still spikes my cpu for unknown reason!