Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariWhen comparing Ardour vs Pro Tools, the Slant community recommends Pro Tools for most people. In the question“What are the best DAWs? ” Pro Tools is ranked 10th while Ardour is ranked 15th.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Compatible with Linux, Windows 7/8.1/10 and macOS
Ardour is cross-platform and works on Windows & macOS.
Pro Open source
Ardour is open source, so it can be downloaded and modified without restriction.
Pro Free version with minimal limitations
Unlike some other DAW's which often limit saving, exporting, or advanced features, Ardour permits you to try all the features for free, with the only limitation being ten minutes of project length maximum.
Demo.
Pro Multi-display support
Pro Linux version has JACK support
On Linux, you can use JACK to freely route audio and MIDI to and from other software as hardware.
Pro Clean linear interface
Pro Inline mixing console
You can view and edit plugins directly from the console's mixing channels.
Pro LADSPA plugins support
Pro LV2 plugins support
Pro VST3 Support in version 6+
Pro Powerful routing
Thanks to JACK support, and the inclusion of built in tools, the routing options of Ardour are limitless.
Pro Excellent support community
Pro Great stock plugins
Pro Seamless integration with UAD
Pro Industry standard
Pro Cross platform
Available both on Windows and MacOS.
Pro Frequent updates
Pro Great support
Pro Excellent UI
Especially for DAW veterans and Og's.
Pro Dark Mode
Finally Pro Tools Can be in dark mode.
Pro Wide audio format compatibility
Ease of integrating audio of different formats, sample rates; equal ease of exporting.
Pro Video editing tools and capabilities
Pro Exceptionally deep shortcuts and workflow
Pro Track freezing abilities
Pro Advanced metering options with Peak, VU (Volume Unit), and Spectrograph views
Pro Option for external DSP from Avid to help free up CPU
Pro Customizable interface
Create and save youe own workspace layouts. and change the tone of the skin dark and classic
Pro Excellent and pro mixing and recording tools
As the name tell
Pro Fast 64-bit recording and mixing engine
Pro Native integration with Avid’s control panels
Pro Optimized for multiple screens
Pro Broadest hardware compatibility
Pro Great Import / export features
Pro Excellent cloud collaboration integration
Pro Interfaces easily with HDX and Pro Tools | Carbon
Pro All languages supported
Pro Unlimited tracks, buses, inserts, sends, returns, virtual instruments
Pro Tools effects, all customizable.
Pro Automatic delay compensation
Used to fix timing issues between different tracks during mix down.
Cons
Con Too many plugins
It is hard to find good useful plugins. It looks like every developer's plugin has ended up in the list.
Con No support for VST plugins for OS X
Plugins can be used on OS X only if they are downloaded in AU format, which is supported.
Con Builds are paid
Pre-built releases are paid and the only way to get the program for free is to build it yourself.
Con Quirky UI and navigation
Con Not user friendly
Ardour can be difficult and unconventional to use.
Con Relies on JACK
The Linux version relies on JACK to function correctly, and JACK is extremely difficult to install and configure. Ardour should have JACK support, but it should also connect directly and play audio on its own by default.
Con No 'scenes'
Ardour doesn't have 'scenes' like Ableton does (would be very handy for live-preformances).
Con Subscription based
Con Random crashes
Con Quite expensive
Compared to other DAW subscription models.
Con Ilok license manager
Con CPU hungry
System usage can be excessive.
Con Very steep learning curve
Con Could benefit from more robust composition tools
Con Lack of instrument bundle, despite two new additions
Con Pro Tools isn't compatible with VST or AU plugins
Only AAX.
Con Not amateur|Beginner friendly
Con Hard and complicated shorcuts
Not easy to memorise them.
Con There is no free version
