Studio One Version History: 14 years Of Inspired Innovation

PreSonus had over a decade of other DAWs like Cubase and Pro Tools to study, and the designers definitely took notes. Studio One took all of the good parts of those DAWs, but removed a lot of the excess and bloat.

Key Features of Studio One 1.0:

• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: This innovation allowed users to drag audio clips, virtual instruments, and effects directly onto the timeline, streamlining the creative process.
• Arranger Track: The Arranger Track provided an intuitive way to experiment with song arrangements, making it easier than ever to try out different musical ideas.
• Integrated Melodyne: Studio One was the first DAW to include Melodyne integration, offering unprecedented control over pitch and timing.

Version 1.0 marked the beginning of Studio One’s journey as a DAW that prioritized user-friendly design while embracing cutting-edge technology. Copies of Studio One were included with many PreSonus interfaces and other hardware, like MIDI controllers.

This gave Studio One a “soft launch” that offered many budding home studio enthusiasts a platform to get started. To be honest, Studio One really went under the radar for most of us. I knew it existed, but like most other people at the time, it was assumed to be a “beginner” DAW.

This was the magic of Studio One, as it came pre-packaged with plenty of plugins that you would usually have to buy separately. The idea was to have everything an artist would need in one “ecosystem”. Despite all of this effort, major studios often looked past Studio One.

But when it comes to the Studio One version history, these two update editions were the most important. While the bigger studios ignored Studio One, it became hugely popular among the home studio enthusiasts. Home recording had started taking off in a big way, and Studio One took off in popularity.

Studio One 2:

• Music Notation: Version 2 introduced basic music notation features, making it a more versatile tool for composers and arrangers.
• Expanded Content: Studio One 2 included more virtual instruments and loops, enhancing its out-of-the-box creative potential.
• Audio Comping: Comping audio takes became more efficient with the introduction of folders and comping.

Studio One 3:

• Scratch Pads: Scratch Pads provided a creative space for experimenting with alternate arrangements and ideas.
• Extended Effects: Studio One 3 expanded its built-in effects, including a redesigned browser for easy navigation.
• Remote Support: Remote control capabilities were enhanced, allowing users to control Studio One using a tablet or smartphone.

The evolution of Studio One through versions 2 and 3 showcased PreSonus’s commitment to staying at the forefront of music production technology while refining its user-friendly interface. The notation features attracted a ton of commercial producers that worked from home studios.

There was a paradigm shift happening that is still taking off now with home recording. More people were investing in home equipment over going to an expensive studio. This gave Studio One the upper hand, as a free copy usually came with PreSonus hardware like interfaces, monitors, and other tools.

PreSonus took notice, and decided to cater to the audience that had been built by home studios. So when it came to the next version of Studio One, there were some major changes.

Studio One started to catch the attention of producers both large and small with these new mastering features and plugins. Again, the idea is that Studio One should be an “all in one” solution for artists and producers.

Along with the mixing and mastering additions, we also see a MIDI drum editor. Using drum plugins to create demos and finished products alike has become commonplace, and Studio One picked up on the trend. The other trend that had become popular is the use of Melodyne and Auto Tune, also incorporated in Version 4.

Key Features of Studio One 4:

• Pattern and Drum Editor: Studio One 4 introduced the Pattern and Drum Editor, making it easier to create beats and rhythms.
• Chord Track: The Chord Track simplified chord progressions and harmony, aiding songwriters and arrangers.
• Impact XT: The enhanced Impact XT drum sampler included more sample manipulation options and sound shaping capabilities.
• Ara 2 Integration: Studio One 4 improved its Melodyne integration with Ara 2, further streamlining pitch and timing editing.

Studio One 4 solidified Studio One’s position as a DAW for musicians who demand both ease of use and professional-level capabilities. In the Studio One version history, the 4th Edition is what garnered the most attention. In fact, many of the bigger DAW companies started to take notice of what PreSonus was doing.

But there was another trend in music that was picking up in 2018, all over the world, especially when it comes to home recordings and “Soundcloud Music”. Every genre moved into a more independent direction. PreSonus took notice, and offered some new tools for home studios.

In July 2020, PreSonus unveiled Studio One 5, another significant leap forward in music production technology. This was at the height of Soundcloud artists that made EDM and Trap beats at home, and Studio One had the features artists needed for that sound with new MIDI options.

But PreSonus did not forget about composers and bands, adding a Score View to see notation live. The Show Page feature offers a solution for bands and performers that needed backing tracks and arrangements programmed for live shows. This opened up a whole new world for DJs and EDM artists.

Key Features of Studio One 5:

• Show Page: The Show Page provided a live performance and backing tracks solution, ideal for musicians and bands.
• Score View: Studio One 5 included a fully integrated Score View for composers, complete with notation tools.
• Clip Gain Envelopes: Enhanced clip gain envelopes allowed for precise volume adjustments within audio events.
• Aux Channel Inputs: Studio One 5 introduced auxiliary inputs, enhancing routing and processing flexibility.
• MPE Support: Support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) opened up new creative possibilities for electronic musicians.

While home recording had taken off in a huge way, Instagram and YouTube started taking over the Soundcloud trends. Most people used a DAW for the audio, and a different piece of software for video editing. PreSonus definitely took notice of the video trends, and the next update was an overhaul for Studio One.

Studio One 6, the latest iteration of PreSonus’s flagship digital audio workstation (DAW), builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessors while introducing several new and improved features that enhance the music production experience. Let’s explore these features and how they improve upon the previous versions of Studio One.

Streamlined Workflow for Efficiency:

Professionals thrive in environments that foster efficiency and creativity. Studio One’s single-window interface and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality streamline the production process, allowing artists to focus on the essence of their music rather than grappling with complex navigation. This cohesive design empowers professionals to move seamlessly between recording, arranging, editing, and mixing without interruption.

Robust Recording and Mixing Capabilities:

Recording and mixing lie at the core of music production, and Studio One excels in these domains. The DAW offers pristine audio quality, advanced automation options, and an array of professional-grade mixing tools. Its dynamic console and built-in effects provide the precision and sonic flexibility that professionals require to craft polished tracks.

3rd Party Software Support:

This is a key element of any studio these days, since so many professionals use plugins for guitar, bass, and MIDI instruments. Studio One plays well with most third party plugins, and this is essential for anyone working in a professional environment. Studio One’s compatibility with third-party plugins and hardware ensures a seamless integration with existing setups.

Professionals can harness their favorite virtual instruments and effects, bridging the gap between software and hardware for a personalized production experience. Additionally, the DAW’s cloud collaboration features facilitate real-time collaboration among artists, producers, and engineers, making remote teamwork a reality.

Extensive Instrument and Effect Libraries:

Professional music production often demands a diverse sonic palette. Studio One caters to this need with a rich collection of virtual instruments and effects. From realistic orchestral sounds to cutting-edge synthesizers, professionals can access an array of creative tools that enhance their sonic explorations.

Harmonic Editing and Arrangement Tools:

Studio One’s Harmonic Editing and Arrangement tools empower professionals to experiment with chords, harmonies, and arrangements effortlessly. This feature is invaluable for composers and producers aiming to craft intricate musical progressions and elevate their compositions to new heights.

Mastering and Distribution:

The Project Page within Studio One serves as a robust mastering suite, allowing professionals to refine their tracks to perfection before distribution. This integrated approach streamlines the mastering process and ensures that tracks are optimized for various platforms and formats.

Video Playback and Editing: A Multidimensional Canvas

Studio One’s video capabilities extend beyond mere playback; it offers a comprehensive suite of video editing tools. Users can import video files alongside their audio projects, allowing them to edit, synchronize, and manipulate both elements simultaneously. This multidimensional canvas fosters an immersive creative environment where sound and visuals harmonize seamlessly.

1. Video Playback and Sync:

Studio One ensures that video playback is a fluid experience. Users can import video files in various formats, and the DAW provides precise synchronization between the video timeline and the audio timeline. This feature is especially valuable for scoring to picture, where composers can align their musical compositions with specific moments in the video.

2. Visual Editing and Effects:

Studio One allows users to trim, cut, and arrange video clips with the same ease they do with audio tracks. The DAW’s intuitive drag-and-drop functionality extends to video clips, making the editing process intuitive and efficient. Users can also apply video effects and transitions, enhancing the visual storytelling aspect of their projects.

3. Audio and Video Alignment:

One of Studio One’s standout features is its ability to align audio tracks with video frames seamlessly. This precision ensures that audio events, such as dialogue or sound effects, are accurately timed with corresponding visual cues. This synchronization is invaluable for creating immersive multimedia experiences and producing professional-quality content.

4. A Unified Editing Experience:

Studio One’s design philosophy centers on providing a unified editing experience. This extends to its video features, where users can edit audio and video within the same project window. This cohesive approach eliminates the need to switch between different software, enabling creators to maintain focus and flow while working on their projects.

5. Great for Music Production and Film Scoring:

Studio One’s video capabilities cater to a wide range of creative endeavors. Musicians can compose music that perfectly complements video content, enhancing emotional impact. Film composers can score to picture with precision, ensuring that every musical element resonates with the visual narrative.

6. Perfecting Music Videos and Visual Projects:

For artists and content creators, Studio One’s video features offer a powerful platform to craft compelling music videos and visual projects. The ability to edit both audio and video within the same environment expedites the creative process, resulting in more cohesive and impactful multimedia content.