Studio One

What is Studio One?

Studio One is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by PreSonus, designed with a modern, intuitive approach to music production that eliminates the complexity that burdens many competing products. First released in 2009, Studio One was created by a team with extensive experience developing other major DAWs, giving them insight into what professionals truly needed and what legacy limitations could be eliminated. The result is a streamlined yet powerful platform that has rapidly gained market share and loyal users among both home producers and professional studios.

What distinguishes Studio One from other DAWs is its commitment to single-window workflow efficiency and drag-and-drop simplicity without sacrificing professional capabilities. The software introduced innovative features like the Project Page for integrated mastering, scratchpad areas for arrangement experimentation, and unlimited tracks and buses from the start. Studio One’s tight integration with PreSonus hardware and excellent stock plugins means users get a complete production solution without immediately needing third-party additions.

Studio One has grown from newcomer to serious contender in the professional DAW market. Major artists and producers including Boz Scaggs, Mick Fleetwood, and many Nashville professionals have adopted Studio One for its efficiency and modern workflow. The software receives regular updates with genuine innovations rather than incremental changes, and PreSonus’s acquisition by Fender has brought additional resources for development. For producers seeking a fresh approach to music creation without the baggage of decades-old interface conventions, Studio One offers a compelling modern alternative.

Key Features

• Single-Window Workflow: Streamlined interface keeps everything accessible in one window with drag-and-drop functionality throughout for efficient production.
• Project Page: Integrated mastering environment that maintains connection to songs, enabling seamless moves between mixing and final mastering.
• Scratchpad: Unique arrangement experimentation area where alternative versions can be developed without affecting the main arrangement.
• Chord Track: Intelligent chord detection and manipulation tool that analyzes and transforms harmonic content across entire arrangements.
• Melodyne Integration: Celemony Melodyne pitch correction built directly into Studio One Professional for seamless vocal and audio tuning.
• Show Page: Live performance environment with setlist management, virtual instruments, and backing track playback for stage use.
• Pattern Mode: Step sequencing and pattern-based composition for electronic production with sophisticated automation.
• Impact XT: Professional drum sampler and beat production tool with extensive sound library and programming capabilities.
• Sample One XT: Powerful sampler instrument for creating custom instruments from any audio source.
• Sound Variations: Articulation management system for orchestral and complex virtual instruments simplifying notation.

What’s New

Studio One continues to evolve with regular updates introducing innovative features that enhance creative workflows and production capabilities.

• Global Transposition: Transpose entire arrangements or individual tracks with intelligent handling of drums and other non-pitched elements.
• Enhanced Video Support: Improved video playback, sync, and markers for film scoring and video production workflows.
• Dolby Atmos Integration: Native support for immersive audio production with integrated Dolby Atmos renderer in Professional edition.
• Clip Gain Envelopes: Advanced clip-level gain automation for detailed level control before mixing stage.
• New Virtual Instruments: Additional synthesizers and sample-based instruments expanding creative possibilities.
• Apple Silicon Native: Full native support for M1, M2, and M3 Macs with excellent performance optimization.
• Smart Templates: Intelligent project templates that adapt to user preferences and workflow patterns.
• Performance Improvements: Enhanced stability, faster loading, and improved CPU efficiency for complex projects.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB or more recommended)
• Storage: 40 GB available space for full installation
• Display: 1366 x 768 minimum resolution
• Audio: Any compatible audio interface

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 or later
• Processor: Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) or Intel Core i3
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Storage: 40 GB available space for full installation
• Display: 1366 x 768 minimum resolution

How to Install Studio One

Windows Installation

1. Visit presonus.com and create a PreSonus account
2. Purchase Studio One or download free Prime version
3. Download PreSonus Hub application
4. Install PreSonus Hub and sign in
5. Download and install Studio One from your products
6. Activate license through PreSonus account
7. Download additional sound sets and content

# Download PreSonus Hub from presonus.com
# No package manager installation available

# After installation, launch from:
"C:\Program Files\PreSonus\Studio One 6\Studio One.exe"

# Check installation
dir "C:\Program Files\PreSonus"

# Content packs stored in:
"%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Studio One\Sound Sets"

macOS Installation

1. Visit presonus.com and sign into PreSonus account
2. Purchase Studio One or start with free Prime
3. Download PreSonus Hub for macOS
4. Install PreSonus Hub and authenticate
5. Download Studio One from available products
6. Run installer and follow prompts
7. Download content packages through Studio One

# Download PreSonus Hub from website
# No Homebrew installation available

# After installation
open -a "Studio One 6"

# Check installation
ls -la /Applications | grep -i studio

# Sound content location
ls ~/Documents/Studio\ One

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Modern Workflow: Fresh interface design eliminates legacy complexity, enabling faster, more intuitive production workflows.
• Single-Window Design: Everything accessible without constantly switching windows or views, streamlining creative process.
• Integrated Mastering: Project Page connects mixing and mastering seamlessly, enabling adjustments without closing projects.
• Melodyne Included: Professional version includes integrated Melodyne pitch correction, saving significant third-party cost.
• Free Prime Version: Capable free version available for beginners with no time limit or watermarks.
• Excellent Stock Plugins: High-quality included effects and instruments reduce need for immediate third-party purchases.
• Show Page: Built-in live performance mode rare in competing DAWs for stage playback and virtual instruments.

Cons

• Smaller Ecosystem: Fewer third-party resources, tutorials, and templates compared to industry veterans like Pro Tools or Logic.
• Industry Recognition: Not yet the universal standard; some studios require other DAWs for collaboration compatibility.
• Advanced Features: Some professional features like advanced surround mixing are newer and less mature than competitors.
• Script Editing: Macro and scripting capabilities less developed than some competing DAWs.
• Score Editor: No built-in notation editor for those needing traditional music notation capabilities.

Studio One vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Studio One?

Studio One is ideal for:

• Modern Producers: Those who value efficiency and contemporary workflow design over legacy conventions from older DAWs.
• Singer-Songwriters: Artists who record, mix, and master their own music benefit from integrated Project Page mastering.
• PreSonus Hardware Owners: Users with PreSonus interfaces and controllers enjoy seamless integration and enhanced features.
• Live Performers: Musicians needing backing track playback and virtual instruments on stage can use the Show Page.
• Cross-Platform Users: Those working on both Windows and Mac who need identical experience and project compatibility.
• Budget-Conscious Professionals: Producers seeking professional features at lower cost than some competitors.

Studio One may not be ideal for:

• Industry Compatibility: Professionals who must share projects with studios using Pro Tools or other industry standards.
• Notation Needs: Composers requiring built-in score editing should consider Cubase, Logic, or specialized notation software.
• Extensive Resources: Those wanting maximum tutorials, templates, and community resources may prefer more established DAWs.
• Post-Production: Facilities focused on film/TV post-production typically require Pro Tools for industry compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Studio One Prime really free?

Yes, Studio One Prime is completely free with no time limits, watermarks, or crippled features. It provides unlimited tracks, a selection of stock effects and virtual instruments, and full audio recording capabilities. The main limitations are reduced plugin selection, no third-party plugin support, and lack of advanced features like Melodyne integration. Prime works well for learning, demos, and basic production. Many users start with Prime before upgrading to Artist or Professional as needs grow.

What’s the difference between Artist and Professional?

Studio One Artist ($99) provides core production features with unlimited tracks, most stock effects, and basic virtual instruments. Professional ($399) adds the Project Page for mastering, integrated Melodyne, Show Page for live performance, video track support, advanced automation, Sound Variations for articulations, and the complete plugin/instrument collection. Professional also includes Dolby Atmos support. For serious production work, Professional’s additional tools typically justify the price difference.

Does Studio One work with my audio interface?

Studio One works with any audio interface that has proper ASIO drivers (Windows) or Core Audio drivers (Mac). PreSonus interfaces offer additional integration with features like automatic setup and hardware control from software, but any standard interface functions correctly. The software supports standard sample rates and buffer sizes. If your interface works with other DAWs, it will work with Studio One without issues.

How does Studio One’s Melodyne integration work?

In Studio One Professional, Celemony Melodyne Essential is integrated directly into the DAW rather than running as a separate plugin. When editing audio, you can access Melodyne’s pitch editing by enabling it on any audio event. The integration provides seamless workflow where Melodyne edits appear as non-destructive event data. This approach is faster than using Melodyne as a plugin and maintains flexibility. While Melodyne Essential has limitations versus full versions, it handles most vocal correction tasks effectively.

Can I collaborate with users of other DAWs?

Studio One supports standard collaboration methods: audio file export/import, MIDI file exchange, and stem export. For Pro Tools users, Studio One can export AAF files for project transfer with timing and basic information preserved. Complex projects with specific Studio One features or plugins won’t transfer perfectly, but fundamental arrangement information does. For guaranteed compatibility, stem or track export in standard audio formats works universally with any DAW.

Final Verdict

Studio One represents the modern evolution of digital audio workstation design, proving that professional capability doesn’t require decades of legacy interface conventions. PreSonus created something genuinely fresh: a DAW that feels contemporary and efficient while delivering the depth professionals demand. The single-window workflow, integrated mastering, and included Melodyne make Studio One one of the most complete and thoughtfully designed production environments available.

The software’s greatest strengths lie in its workflow efficiency and integrated approach. The drag-and-drop philosophy, Project Page mastering, and Show Page live performance mode address real production needs that other DAWs handle clumsily or not at all. Stock plugins and instruments are genuinely useful rather than afterthoughts, and the Melodyne integration in Professional edition saves significant money versus purchasing separately. Studio One rewards users who value efficiency and modern design.

While industry momentum still favors established DAWs in professional studio environments, Studio One has earned its place among serious production software. For singer-songwriters, independent producers, and anyone frustrated with legacy DAW complexity, Studio One offers a compelling alternative that doesn’t sacrifice professional capability for accessibility. The free Prime version provides risk-free exploration, while Professional edition competes with the best at any price. Studio One deserves serious consideration from anyone choosing a DAW for modern music production.