Studio One (formally known as Studio One Pro) is a digital audio workstation (DAW) application, used to create, record, mix and master music and other audio, with functionality also available for video. Initially developed as a successor to the KRISTAL Audio Engine, it was acquired by PreSonus and first released in 2009 for macOS and Microsoft Windows. PreSonus and Studio One were then acquired by Fender in 2021.
Since September 2024, users who purchase & register a copy of Studio One receive a permanent license for the software, alongside one year of subsequent feature updates. Studio One is also available as part of the Studio One Pro+ monthly subscription program.
History
Early development and release (2004–2011)
Studio One originally began development under the name K2, as a follow-up to the KRISTAL Audio Engine.[1] Although development for this follow-up began in 2004,[2] it transitioned in 2006 to a cooperation between PreSonus and KristalLabs Software Ltd., a start-up founded by former Steinberg employees Wolfgang Kundrus and Matthias Juwan.[3] Kundrus was one of the developers for initial versions of Cubase, and established concepts for the first version of Nuendo.[4] Juwan was the author of the original KRISTAL Audio Engine, wrote the specification for version 3 of the VSTplug-in standard, and had also worked on multiple Steinberg products, including Cubase, Nuendo, and HALion.[5]
KristalLabs then became part of PreSonus in 2009,[3] and the former KristalLabs logo was used as the basis for the logo of Studio One.[6]
The first version of Studio One was announced on 1 April 2009 at Musikmesse,[7][8] and released on 27 September 2009.[9][10] The final update for Studio One version 1 (v1.6.5) was released in July 2011.[11][12]
Versions 2 & 3 (2011–2018)
Version 2 of Studio One was announced on 17 October 2011,[13][14] and released on 31 October 2011 (alongside the 2.0.2 update).[15] This release of the software introduced multiple enhancements, including integration with Celemony Melodyne, transient detection & quantization, groove extraction, multi-track comping, folder tracks, multi-track MIDI editing, an updated browser, and new plug-ins.[16]
The integration of Studio One version 2 with Melodyne was achieved via the creation of a new plug-in extension, known as Audio Random Access (ARA). This extension, developed jointly by PreSonus and Celemony, allows an audio plug-in to appear as an integrated part of the application.[17]
Version 3 of Studio One was released on 20 May 2015.[18] The new features included an arranger track, scratchpads for idea experimentation, the ability to chain together different effects and instruments, MIDI note effects, new plug-ins, and the ability to use curves in automation.[19]
Versions 4 & 5 (2018–2022)
Following teaser images on social media websites in the preceding weeks,[20] version 4 of Studio One was announced via a YouTubelive stream event on 22 May 2018, and released simultaneously.[21][22] New features in version 4 included a chord track (with chord detection, transposition and chord substitution options), a dedicated drum editing interface, expanded drum machine & samplerplug-ins, AAF-format import/export functionality (to exchange data with other DAW applications), and support for version 2 of the ARA plug-in extension.[22]
Almost exactly a year later, on 21 May 2019, this functionality was expanded further with the live stream announcement and simultaneous release of version 4.5.[23] New functionality introduced with version 4.5 included input channel gain staging and phase/polarity options, a built-in plug-in manager, M4A (AAC/ALAC) support, video export options, new grouping options, RMS metering, pre-fader metering, CPU multi-core optimization, and expanded macro features, alongside a new add-on for batch audio conversion & processing.[24][25]
The release of version 4.6 was preceded by a launch party event, hosted by PreSonus at the Red Bull Studios building in London.[26] Its release on 10 December 2019 included a re-designed and expanded version of the 'Ampire' guitar amplifier and effects plugin (including new effects pedal options), a re-designed content browser, and new templates & macros for podcast production.[27][28]
Version 5 of Studio One, described as "ten years in the making", was announced via live-stream video on 7 July 2020. Features added in this new version included a full score editor (with features similar to that of PreSonus' notation software, Notion), a 'Show’ interface focused on supporting live performances, MIDI support enhancements (such as polyphonic expression, custom ROLI device support, and the ability to use MTC & MMC to synchronize Studio One with external clocks). Version 5 also added support for recording in 64-bitfloating-point WAV format, bringing the maximum precision for recording & processing to 64-bit/384 kHz and thereby making Studio One one of the highest-resolution audio production and mastering applications available.[29][30][31] Version 5.4 of the software, released in September 2021, added native support for Apple computers with Apple silicon chips, thereby providing improved performance on such machines (which would previously have run the application via 'Rosetta 2' emulation).[32]
Versions 6 & 7 (2022–2024)
Version 6 of the software (the first following PreSonus' acquisition by Fender in 2021) was both announced and released on 29 September 2022.[33] The new release included enhancements focused on making the application "simpler [and] more intuitive" (as previously alluded to by Fender CEO, Andy Mooney),[33] such as "smart" templates, additional UI customization, song lyric support, and cloud-based collaboration (via their PreSonus Sphere subscription service).[33] Following the launch, Evan Jones, Fender CMO, stated that the company was "fully invested in supporting the continued expansion and adoption of Studio One as the total solution for professional and committed at-home creators."[33] In addition, version 6 introduced a video track with basic editing tools.[34]
Subsequently, version 6.5, released on 26 September 2023, introduced support for spatial audio mixing and Dolby Atmos, as well as import and export support for the new open-source DAWproject file format which, at time of release, was also supported by Bitwig Studio.[35] This version also added Linux support to Studio One for the first time, in the form of a public beta.[36]
In September 2024, it was announced that version 7 of Studio One would be released on October 9th.[37] The announcement also confirmed that the lower-priced 'Artist' and free 'Prime' editions of the software would no longer be offered, shifting instead to "one DAW for all," specifically called 'Studio One Pro'.[37]
PreSonus' general software manager, Arnd Kaiser, described version 7 as an iteration which "breaks down the barriers between different workflows..."[38] A number of the release's features included aspects augmented by Artificial Intelligence, including stem extraction,[39] enhanced tempo-detection,[39] and full integration with the Splice platform and it's AI-powered search features (making Studio One the first DAW to implement this integration).[40] Other features included within this version on initial release included dynamic song-wide transposition,[41] looping for both audio & MIDI events,[42] a dynamic grid of loops & patterns (known as the 'Launcher'),[38] and support for the open-source CLAP plug-in format.[39]
Time-based release model (2024–Present)
Alongside the first announcement of Studio One version 7, PreSonus also announced multiple changes to the software's release model, which were made as a "direct result of user feedback."[37]They stated that, "to deliver more major new features, faster, as soon as they’re ready," they would be moving to "a faster feature release cycle with multiple major new feature releases each year."[37] Because of this change, Studio One 7 was confirmed to be the final numbered release, with future versions using time-based naming conventions.[37]
To support the change in release schedule, it was announced that each perpetual license of Studio One Pro would "include one full year of new feature releases from the time of registration," so that users can "upgrade [their] licence on [their] schedule ... without worrying about the timing of major releases."[37]
In addition to its other functionality, Studio One includes fundamental features which are common across most digital audio workstation software, such as the functionality found in multi-track recorders and audio mixing consoles, plus additional functions not possible with analog recording (such as undoing previous actions, editing without loss of information, use of virtual instruments, etc.).[43]
Additionally, Studio One includes support for the importing & exporting of open-source DAWproject (.dawproject) files, to exchange project information with other DAW applications.[54][35]
Non-audio tracks
In addition to the traditional audio- and MIDI-focused 'tracks' found in digital audio workstations, Studio One includes additional types of track which users can place within their songs & projects, to synchronize other key information with the same timeline. These include a dedicated video track (with video export functionality),[48] a chord track (with automatic chord detection from audio or MIDI tracks, and options for chordtransposition and substitution),[22] an arranger track (for navigating song sections and re-arranging them via drag-and-drop),[19] and a lyrics track (for attaching song lyrics to notes, either word by word or syllable by syllable).[33]
Song, Project, and Show workflows
In addition to its standard 'Song' workflow, which most closely resembles a typical DAW, Studio One also provides two additional workflows and dedicated user interfaces for specific focus areas: A 'Project' interface, with tools for mastering, managing the metadata of, and exporting one or more songs simultaneously, including options for creating Red Book StandardCDs or disk images,[55][56] and a 'Show' interface, focused on performance rather than creation, for use in coordinating all aspects of live performances from a single location.[57][58] Both of these alternative interfaces support direct integration with Studio One's standard .song file format.[56][58]
Scratch Pad and Launcher panels
Studio One has several panels which function alongside the traditional, linear 'Timeline' view common across DAWs: 'Scratch Pads' allow users to experiment with different song layouts without impacting the original version,[19] whereas the 'Launcher' is a dynamic grid of audio and/or MIDI loops & patterns, with real-time editing features.[41][40] Both of these panels allow their content to be extracted back to the main timeline.
Artificial Intelligence features
Multiple aspects of Studio One functionality are supported by AI, such as audio tempo detection (including for free-tempo recordings) powered by neural network technology,[39] AI-powered 'un-mixing' to extract stems (such as vocals, bass, and drums) from a combined audio track (to allow separate processing on each),[39][59] and full integration with Splice for browsing & previewing of royalty-free samples, including via its AI-powered 'sample search'.[40]
Other features
The other core features of Studio One include the following:
In addition to perpetual licenses, the software is also available as part of the Studio One Pro+ monthly subscription program (previously known as PreSonus Sphere),[71] which also includes other PreSonus software, such as Notion, and all of its available plug-ins.[72][37]
Add-ons
Introduced with version 2.6.2 in January 2014, add-ons are optional items, developed either by PreSonus, or by third-parties, which can be acquired separately from the PreSonus store to expand the capabilities of Studio One. This can include new functionality (often known as 'extensions'), plug-ins, virtual instrument presets, loops, and other assets.[73] Example add-on functionality includes the Audio Batch Converter (released alongside version 4.5), which allows for the offline conversion and processing of multiple audio files simultaneously, including the use of both native and third-party plug-ins.[65]
Add-ons are also available to expand Studio One Artist to include other functionality from the Professional edition, including VST/AU/ReWireplug-in support, MP3 support, and Studio One Remote support.[73][45]
Studio One Remote
A mix window in Studio One Remote.
Introduced alongside Studio One version 3 in 2015, Studio One Remote is an app for wirelessly controlling Studio One via a tablet device connected to the same network.[74] Whilst originally released for the Apple iPad, Remote was subsequently released for Microsoft Windows & Surface tablets (February 2016),[75] and for Android tablets (June 2017).[76] It uses PreSonus' own UCNET protocol, which is used for network connectivity and remote control across multiple PreSonus products.[74]
Aspects of Studio One functionality which can be controlled via Remote include:[74]
The mixing console, including inserts, sends, inputs, outputs, and cue mixes.
The transport bar and timeline ruler, including markers and arranger sections.
Studio One Exchange (previously known as PreSonus Exchange when it was first released in January 2012, alongside version 2.0.4[77][78]) is a service which allows registered Studio One users to exchange plug-in presets, MIDI files and other resources from directly within the application.[79] The Studio One Browser allows users to explore, preview, download, and review items uploaded to this service by other users, as well as upload their own.[80]
A re-designed version of Exchange, referred to as 'Exchange 2.0' was released as part of Studio One v4.6 on 10 December 2019.[27]
Reception
Studio One has received mostly positive reviews since its initial release. Common areas of praise include rapid workflow, cost-effectiveness, and usability.[19][81][82][83][84][85]
Studio One won the Japanese V.G.P. (Visual Grand Prix) 'Gold' award for three consecutive years, in 2011, 2012, and 2013.[86]
In 2012, readers of Resolution Magazine named Studio One (version 2) as the Resolution Award winner in the 'DAW' category.[87][88]
In 2013, Studio One (version 2.5) won a M.I.P.A. (Musikmesse International Press Awards) award in the 'Best Recording Software' category.[89][90] Other awards received in 2013 included the Visual Grand Prix Audio Excellence award (in the 'DAW' category), the ProSoundWeb & Live Sound International, Readers’ Choice Award, and Audio Media's 'Gear of the Year' award, and the C.I.F. (Customers in Focus) award from the music studio website DAWfreak.se.[91][92][93][94][95][96]
In 2016, Studio One (version 3) won Music and Sound Retailer's award for 'Best Multitrack Recorder/Recording & Mixing Software of 2015' at NAMM.[97][98]
Integration with StudioLive AI-series mixing consoles, integration with Nimbit, updated start page, Fat Channel plug-in, updated MIDI engine, displays for CD time and relative song position on the Project page.[126][127]
FaderPort 8 integration, ability to copy automation via copy/paste of events, ability to access QWERTY keyboard software device via Caps Lock key.[146]
PreSonus Studio 1810 & 1824 support, PreSonus StudioLive III DAW remote support, macro option for channel renaming.[158][159]
Version 4
22 May
4.0.0
Chord track, chord detection/transposition/substitution, drum & pattern editors, expanded drum machine (Impact XT) & sampler (SampleOne XT) plug-ins, AAF-format import/export, import from existing songs, ARA version 2 support, new GUI customization options.[22]
10 July
4.0.1
Usability improvements & bug fixes, Studio One Prime version 4.[160]
13 September
4.1.0
Support for PreSonus ATOM Pad Controller, new Pipeline XT routing plug-in, tempoautomation, new 'Time Scale' tool for manual tempo mapping, expanded note repeat feature, expanded AAF export options.[161][162]
30 October
4.1.1
Usability improvements (including new features for the ATOM controller) & bug fixes.[163][164]
2019
15 January
4.1.2
New incremental version save option, support for volume/gain automation in AAF export, bug fixes.[165][166]
22 January
4.1.3
Support for PreSonus' USB-C audio interfaces, bug fixes.[167][168]
26 March
4.1.4
Support for PreSonus' StudioLive S-Series mixing consoles, bug fixes.[169][170]
21 May
4.5.0
Input channel gain staging & polarity, plug-in manager, M4A (AAC/ALAC) support, video export, RMS metering, pre-fader metering, CPU multi-core optimization, macro expansions, batch audio conversion/processing add-on.[24][25]
Support for PreSonus Revelator microphone. Usability improvements & bug fixes.[183]
2021
19 January
5.1.2
Improved ARA integration for VocAlign, bug fixes.[184]
9 March
5.2.0
"Sound Variations" articulation management. "Sound Variation API" for communication between 3rd-party instruments and Studio One (in cooperation with Vienna Symphonic Library). Revised score view with drum notation and tabulature. New Studio One Remote features. Usability improvements.[185][186][187][188]
Automation, gain envelopes, and listening bus for mastering projects. Target peak and loudness settings. Chord extraction from MIDI data. Bulk export for digital formats. MIDI strum patterns.[193][194]
"Smart" templates, UI customization, video track, lyrics track, cloud-based collaboration (via PreSonus Sphere), new plugins including de-esser and vocoder.[33]
