In Short
When it comes to selecting music software, it's easy to get swept away by flashy advertisements and enticing promises of revolutionary features. However, beneath the marketing hype, what truly matters is whether the software can deliver when put to the test on a real project. In this article, we discuss the importance of conducting real project tests to determine the true value of music software for you. By evaluating performance in real-world projects, we can separate the contenders from the pretenders and make informed decisions that meet our professional creative needs.
In Depth
I recently wrote about my decision to move from Final Cut Pro to DaVinci Resolve for my video editing needs. I won’t repeat the story, suffice to say it came after 10 years with my previous NLE. Anyway, the real test came this week when a client gave me a project with a tight deadline. Now Resolve had to put up or shut up and show me it was as good as the adverts and advocates had promised.
It reminded me that often we make decisions about DAWs and software in less than real scenarios. We undertake some tests that don’t always match the rigour of a real-world project. If we are staking a client job and ultimately our reputation on a new purchase, it had better work when it really matters.
Adverts Have One Purpose
Music software developers invest considerable effort in creating compelling advertisements to capture the attention of potential users. Impressive demos, sexy skeuomorphic visuals, and long lists of features may make some software seem like the ultimate solution.
However, it's crucial to remember that advertisements are designed to sell the product, not necessarily provide an accurate representation of its real-world performance. There are plenty of honest marketing people working in the pro audio industry, more than you may think, but there’s also some less-than-honest people making claims that don’t add up.
Many music software companies highlight their product's potential benefits, promising seamless integration, groundbreaking sound libraries, and intuitive interfaces. While these claims may be true, they often lack context. Only through engaging in a real project can we truly assess whether the software lives up to these grand promises.
The Real Test
By undertaking a real project we gain firsthand experience of its capabilities, limitations, and overall usability. A real project test involves considering various factors, including:
Workflow compatibility: Does the software align with your creative process? Does it integrate smoothly with your existing setup? Assessing workflow compatibility is essential to ensure smooth collaboration between the software and your workflow.
Performance under pressure: How does the software handle larger projects with multiple tracks, effects, and virtual instruments? Evaluating its performance when pushed to its limits will give you insight into its stability and reliability.
Flexibility and customization: Can the software adapt to your specific needs and preferences? Does it allow for any customisation you may wish to do?
Sound quality: Ultimately, the software must deliver on sound quality. The real project test allows you to evaluate whether it meets your expectations in terms of audio fidelity. In reality, the chances of two DAWs having a different sound is unlikely, however, plugins may differ in audio performance.
The Benefits Of The Real Project Test
Conducting a real project test offers several advantages:
Practical insights: By working with the software on a real project, you can uncover its strengths and weaknesses that may not be evident from the marketing materials. This knowledge is crucial in making an informed decision and to ensure you can continue to rely on it.
Creative exploration: Engaging in a real project enables you to explore the software's creative potential fully. You can experiment with different features, effects, and instruments to see how if they are useful for your work.
Confidence in investment: Investing in music and audio software is often a significant financial decision. By conducting a real project test, you can be more confident that your investment will yield the desired results, minimizing the risk of buyer's remorse. How many plugins do you have in your folder that you never use?
If You’re Replacing Existing Software
If you're considering replacing your current DAW or a criticial piece of software with a new one, the real project test becomes even more critical. By comparing the performance of the new software with your existing solution, you can make a more informed decision about whether the switch is worthwhile. Here's what to consider:
Feature parity: Compare the features and functionalities of the new software with your current one. Does the new software offer the same or improved capabilities? Are there any features you frequently use in your existing software that are missing or less effective in the new option?
Learning curve: Take into account the learning curve associated with adopting the new software. How quickly can you adapt to its interface and workflow? Consider the time and effort required to migrate your projects and settings from the old software to the new one.
Performance and stability: Assess whether the new software offers better performance and stability compared to your existing solution. Does it handle resource-intensive tasks more efficiently? Does it crash less frequently or exhibit fewer bugs?
Workflow integration: Evaluate how well the new software integrates with your current workflow. Will it seamlessly fit into your existing setup, such as hardware controllers, or will it require significant adjustments and workarounds? Consider the impact on your productivity and efficiency.
Advancements and innovation: Take note of any significant advancements or innovative features offered by the new software that your existing solution lacks. Will these additions enhance your creative process or provide new opportunities for experimentation and exploration?
This comparison will enable you to decide if it's time to jump to the new software or stick with what you already have. There’s an old saying, there’s nothing more attractive than something you don’t own. There’s a lot of truth on that. Once the Honeymoon is over, will the new software still be as attractive?
Should I Stick Or Play?
While advertisements may entice us with impressive features and benefits, the only real way to test software is by undertaking a real project. This practical approach allows us to gauge its compatibility, performance, flexibility, and sound quality, ensuring that it meets our creative needs. Whether you choose to replace your current software or stick with it, the real project test ensures that you prioritize your creative needs and make the most suitable choice for your needs.
Some of you are probably wondering if DaVinci Resolve delivered. With some minor caveats, which are more about learning curve than features, then the answer is yes. This product passed the project test!