FL Studio vs. Cubase

[BigRed360]

I've been using Cubase (exclusively) since the late 1800's. That's right, I powered the computer with coal and steam, and entered commands via morse code. My point is--I don't know any software but Cubase when it comes to recording and making music.

Fast forward to the early 2000's and now I've got a nephew who's getting into making music big time. He currently uses FL Studio, but has recently been checking out a demo version of Cubase LE. His dad (my brother) is wondering whether or not he should buy him Cubase. He asked me, and I couldn't make a comparison between the two. Does FL Studio even record audio? (I'm assuming it does.) Does it handle multiple tracks? Does it offer a mixer-style interface?

In other words, for basic recording and mixing functions, does FL Studio cover the fundamentals, or is Cubase a serious step up (or maybe just a different beast)?

Thanks for any insight you might be able to offer.

 

[kcearl]

FL studio handles audio, has a mixer, its even has an almost regular arrangement window

It covers the fundamentals well


depending on the music he is trying to produce, Id say cubase offers more all round, its certainly a deeper program

it wouldnt be my choice, if he was deciding to go down the route of a more traditional DAW Id get him to try out Presonus Studio One...they have a completely free version to try out...it was designed by ex-steinberg people and seems to take the best of many DAWs and implements them well

my 2 cents

 

[somegeezer]

I have to agree with kcearl. Cubase is a great programme. The first one I ever really used too. Frooty Loops is cool, but it's structured very much in a way for electronic music. It's possible to record anything with it, it's just aimed towards that side of production, so the workflow just goes with it. I also have to agree about Studio One. I use it myself, and it has just as great an ease to use as Cubase. If MIDI work is going to be a big part of it, I'd choose Cubase over it though. The MIDI editor is great on it compared. Everything else being pretty much equal. If it's purely about the MIDI and looping and sampling, Frooty Loops is a great way to go though.

Have you asked him as to which he prefers to use? FL comes with a one time payment and unlimited free upgrades from then on I believe.