Trying to decide which is the best DAW to get for accessibility..

48 views
Skip to first unread message

Michael Pyron68

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 1:30:57 PM12/3/21
to Logic-Accessibility

Hey guys,
I am new to all of this. I am trying to decide which is the best for me to get. Logic Pro, or ProTools. Any help would be very much appreciated. I am totally blind. I don’t know what would be the best choice for me. I have primarily been a Windows user. Thanking about switching to a Mac, since it is more accessible. Like I say, any help would be very much appreciated!.
Thanks very much, Michael

Daniel MacDonald

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 1:47:37 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
I’de get Logic Pro. It follows VoiceOver convention well. Pro Tools have their-party tools to install, it’s not accessible out of the box. Logic Pro has loads of samples, effects, and the like for free. I woullld however, learn VoiceOver first before getting Logic Pro. Logic Pro has a lot to it, and without learning VoiceOver first, you’ll get pretty confused. AppleVis is an excellent resource. There is a Logic Accessibility group on Google Groups. They are quite knolage and will help with any questions. 

On Dec 3, 2021, at 2:30 PM, Michael Pyron68 <michael...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hey guys,
I am new to all of this. I am trying to decide which is the best for me to get. Logic Pro, or ProTools. Any help would be very much appreciated. I am totally blind. I don’t know what would be the best choice for me. I have primarily been a Windows user. Thanking about switching to a Mac, since it is more accessible. Like I say, any help would be very much appreciated!.
Thanks very much, Michael

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Logic Accessibility" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to logic-accessibi...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/14f06982-8750-49fa-9a82-c4389d62e488%40iPhone.

Rick Bamford

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 1:54:20 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
I’ve heard that Reaper is well supported for accessibility. No experience of the software personally, but know folk who love it. I’m a Logic User. 

Sent from my iPhone

On 3 Dec 2021, at 18:47, Daniel MacDonald <daniel.angu...@gmail.com> wrote:



Michael Pyron68

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 1:57:01 PM12/3/21
to Logic-Accessibility
I know reaper is acceptable, but it seems to be very complicated. I tried to use it in windows and had no success. I’m looking for something that is pretty much quick to learn, and I’m just trying to decide between logic pro or pro tools. I’m going to get a Mac, because I think it is the best for me to use. Are you a Mac user or Windows?



Michael Pyron68

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 2:11:14 PM12/3/21
to Logic-Accessibility
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the info. I am pretty familiar with voiceover by use of the iPhone. Although, I know it is a touchscreen. The keyboard commands shouldn’t be all that. Difficult. I joined the group on Google, for that is how I found this email group. So I think I’m already a member.



On Dec 3, 2021 at 12:47 PM, <Daniel MacDonald> wrote:

I’de get Logic Pro. It follows VoiceOver convention well. Pro Tools have their-party tools to install, it’s not accessible out of the box. Logic Pro has loads of samples, effects, and the like for free. I woullld however, learn VoiceOver first before getting Logic Pro. Logic Pro has a lot to it, and without learning VoiceOver first, you’ll get pretty confused. AppleVis is an excellent resource. There is a Logic Accessibility group on Google Groups. They are quite knolage and will help with any questions. 


Hey guys,
I am new to all of this. I am trying to decide which is the best for me to get. Logic Pro, or ProTools. Any help would be very much appreciated. I am totally blind. I don’t know what would be the best choice for me. I have primarily been a Windows user. Thanking about switching to a Mac, since it is more accessible. Like I say, any help would be very much appreciated!.
Thanks very much, Michael

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Logic Accessibility" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to logic-accessibi...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/14f06982-8750-49fa-9a82-c4389d62e488%40iPhone.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Logic Accessibility" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to logic-accessibi...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/B663DC52-C325-4915-BA5D-7231C0D7B952%40gmail.com. Maybe I’m making it a little more difficult than it needs to be, but it seems like a difficult decision. Lol, if you get my meaning. Plus, thinking about the money. If I go with ProTools, can I pay a one time subscription, or do I have to pay monthly or yearly? I know with logic pro, it is just a one time purchase. Basically, trying to decide which is best. Thanks again,
Michael

Crista Earl

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 2:14:01 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com

Hi,

I’m both a mac user and a Windows user.

 

If you want the computer that is the most accessible, not just the DAW, then Windows is your best bet, IMHO.

 

If you want a DAW that is pretty simple, and not necessarily complex/powerful, Logic might be the simplest of the full-featured ones.

 

But, if you aren’t a mac user, then you have to learn a new screen reader, a new operating system, and a new piece of software…

That doesn’t sound very “simple.” But, then, you’d have a screen reader, operating system, and DAW when you got done…

 

For myself, I’m happily using Logic for music, Windows for “real life.”

 

I have ProTools, and it’s great, but it’s more complex than I need right now, and the people around me are mostly Logic users, so I have people to ask when I get stuck. And, we have this group, of course, which is full of great people.

 

Anyway, whatever you decide, it’ll be a lot of fun, and a lot of frustration for a while.
Crista


Michael Pyron68

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 2:19:44 PM12/3/21
to Logic-Accessibility
Hi Krista,
Thanks for the info. This is all so overwhelming. I am truly praying. I don’t mean that religiously, but truth. I really don’t know what to do. I’m going to have to have a new computer either way. My computer is too old to do anything with. I have played around with reaper, but couldn’t make it work on my old machine. I just don’t know whether to go with ProTools or logic pro. Unfortunately, there isn’t a demo of either of them. Because, the free version of ProTools is not accessible at all so we’re here. Still stopped, lol. Pardon my dictation errors. This iPhone doesn’t like my southern accent. Lol. I’m in the Magnolia State. 
Thanks again for the info. Michael



Crista Earl

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 2:30:54 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com

Right, getting a new computer is overwhelming by itself, I know!

And, getting a new piece of software and learning to use it is pretty big, too.

 

And, learning a new screen reader is a big job.

 

It’ll all be fun, though, and you’ll be able to make music, so, it’s all worth it.

 

One little tidbit, in case you aren’t overwhelmed enough yet: Voiceover on the mac is still pretty different from Voiceover on the iPhone. You’ll get pretty far with the commands you use all the time on the iPhone, but there will still be a lot to learn.

 

So. Eat a good breakfast and collect all your patience when you sit down to it!

 

Crista


Michael Pyron68

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 2:34:20 PM12/3/21
to Logic-Accessibility
Well, just a question.
If you were in my shoes and we’re going to have to start out now, would you get a Mac or a PC? I think the Mac overall will be easier??? What do you think?



TheOreoMonster

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 3:30:43 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
Hey Michael,

Pro Tools and Logic  are both excellent options and both are accessible out of the box. FloTools does exist as and add on for ProTools as a power user enhancement set of tools, but is is by no means required to use pro tools accessibly. 
Switching to the Mac is gonna be exciting but not without it’s challenges, as you will be learning a new OS, and a new screen reader. However if you are already familiar with iOS and VoiceOver on iOS you have somewhat of a start under your belt. I will  suggest taking the time to get familiar with VoiceOver and MacOS first as well. My YouTube channel has an ever growing list of Mac and VoiceOver tutorials in addition to all the Logic tutorials found there as well. 
As to which DAW to use, well that depends on what you want to do. If you are a composer, songwriter, want to make beats etc, Logic has a wealth of sounds and tools to get you started. If you tell us more about what sort of things you would like to do, then I can make stronger recommendation for one DAW or another..
You can check out this tutorial of producing a track in logic that I did some time ago to give you an idea of what’s possible in Logic. 

Good Luck on the journey, and if you decide to switch to the Mac, hopefully you will find some of the content on the website and YouTube channel useful. 

-T.O.M
Join the mailing list at  https://logic.band/ and get a free “Getting Started With Logic" Course!
Interested in One On One Training? Visit 
https://logic.band/training
Check Out LogicBand on Youtube!
Stay up to date with Logic.band on Social Media


Keith Reedy

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 4:04:32 PM12/3/21
to Accessibility Logic
Well either way you will need to learn the mac and voiceover. And the mac does have garage band which is free and the little brother to Logic. but learn the mac and voiceover first.
IMHO.
Keith Reedy
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/a32213aa-67d5-4939-8b70-3cc61f4ed85b%40iPhone.

Keith Reedy

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 4:06:17 PM12/3/21
to Accessibility Logic
Hi Christa. Didn’t know you were on this list.
Good to hear your fingers, smile.
Keith Reedy
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/CAGyxncr5yE4tkH71vCL9O-_KUM-zf%3D4-NQ9e_Bx42Mn27OF2QQ%40mail.gmail.com.

Crista Earl

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 4:12:51 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com

Hi, Keith!

 

Good to hear from you!

I see you here sometimes, keeping everybody going with your good advice.


I'm mostly just here, soaking up the knowledge.


Crista


Faithville

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 4:39:53 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
if you were on windows, reaper would be your best bet, for accessibility for the Mac, you could use reaper, Pro Tools, or logic pro, as he stated, before hand, reaper on is the only one, that has ability to try it out before you purchase. Pro Tools, and logic pro do not, but, from my experience with logic pro, and reaper they are two of the best ones that I know of, I have not really gotten a chance to try Pro Tools as of yet. Myself.

A smile on your face, shows God‘s grace!

> On Dec 3, 2021, at 4:06 PM, Keith Reedy <wa9...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Christa. Didn’t know you were on this list.
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/51AB77AD-7FF3-4B9A-8BDB-B4C73F326051%40gmail.com.

TheOreoMonster

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 5:48:33 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
Logic Pro Does have a 90 day free trial
Pro tools also has pro tools first which is a free version of Pro Tools, but not sure how much you can do with VoiceOver in that version. 

If you grab the Logic Pro free trial, you can join the Logic.Band Mailing list and get a free getting started with Logic course 

-T.O.M
Join the mailing list at  https://logic.band/ and get a free “Getting Started With Logic" Course!
Interested in One On One Training? Visit 
https://logic.band/training
Check Out LogicBand on Youtube!
Stay up to date with Logic.band on Social Media

John Gunn

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 10:45:13 PM12/3/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
Now there’s a name from the past, Miss Window-Eyes herself. Who gave wonderful tech support as well recording good tutorials. smile

Whether you are choosing a platform or DAW it depends how far or much you want to learn. Each I mentioned above is like an onion, you take off 1 layer and another greets you. Just my thoughts and good to see you Crista active.
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/CAGyxnco_GVOtxoccLePBHdJ34XoaBxV%2BUVRtu_kUkDtE6AH54A%40mail.gmail.com.

Michael Pyron68

unread,
Dec 3, 2021, 10:50:19 PM12/3/21
to Logic-Accessibility
Hi Tom,
Man, I find this so interesting. I just started listening to that tutorial that you just posted in this email. I think I’m almost sold on logic pro. It sounds like it is more accessible out of the box. I think I’m going to go with a Mac, because I’m going to have to get a new computer anyway. The Mac is so much more accessible. I don’t think I will have any problem since I have to some degree, iOS under my belt. I am a guitarist and vocalist. I have a few questions about interface, but we can talk about that a little bit later. Would love to talk to you sometime personally. I think that would be so awesome. I don’t mind sending emails, however I’d rather talk in voice if you get my meaning. Lol.
Take care bud,
Thanks again, Michael



Rollin Hippler

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 10:52:55 AM12/4/21
to 'Faithville' via Logic Accessibility
Is this link out of date?

https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/trial/

Ronald

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 11:02:00 AM12/4/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
I would also love to talk to you as well, personally, could this be possible as well, I would love to get to know you all if you want to talk.

Michael Holmes

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 11:13:18 AM12/4/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
Hi fellow Michael,

You’ll be able to pick up on Mac VoiceOver since you know JAWS. It’s closer than, say, moving between Android OS and iOS.

You’ll want a Mac for both of these DAWs. Pro Tools’ accessibility is built for VoiceOver, and they do well listening to and working with our community on the Mac side. In my experience, Logic is harder to work in, but I started my blind DAW days with Pro Tools, so the workflow isn’t really set in my mind.

If cost and/or installation ease is priority, start with Logic. If you have the extra money and time, go Pro Tools. If you wanna test them, I believe Pro Tools First works for us on Mac, and Garage Band is like Logic Super Light, and they’re both free.

The only certain thing I can say is, Mac is king for creativity software. A MacMini is a great starter for low cost if you don’t need a monitor for sighted assistance while learning. Put the most money into the processor if you order a new one, and if you have a tech savvy sighted person available, get the cheapest RAM, and buy OWC aftermarket 32+32 GB RAM for MacMini and have your help put it in. Saves several hundred dollars, and exceeds Pro Tools suggested specs 🤓

On Dec 3, 2021, at 13:30, Michael Pyron68 <michael...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hey guys,
I am new to all of this. I am trying to decide which is the best for me to get. Logic Pro, or ProTools. Any help would be very much appreciated. I am totally blind. I don’t know what would be the best choice for me. I have primarily been a Windows user. Thanking about switching to a Mac, since it is more accessible. Like I say, any help would be very much appreciated!.
Thanks very much, Michael

--

Daniel MacDonald

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 2:13:36 PM12/4/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com


On Dec 3, 2021, at 3:11 PM, Michael Pyron68 <michael...@gmail.com> wrote:


To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/f1da959f-cc7f-4b8a-a5f9-862a8914e68a%40iPhone.VoiceOver on the Mac is quite different to iOS. What I would recamend is to switch your navigation style to ‘Grouped’. Interaction is what most people have trouble when learning VoiceOver on macOS. The same keyboard commands used for interaction on ios in grouped navigation is the same as well on a Mac. Also I’d get a Bluetooth Keyboard for your phone as lots of commands translate to macOS as well.
Good luck,
Daniel

Steve Martin

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 3:28:11 PM12/4/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
Hey Michael,

Glad to hear you are finding the content useful. Yeah Pro Tools and Logic are the two most accessible out of the box, and once you get the hang of the Mac and VoiceOver Logic should be a Natrual progression. Once you get your Mac and get set up shoot me an email off list to chat. As you are new to the platform, I’d get the M1 Mac that best suits your budget, as for your use case even the least expensive one will run circles around an intel model at this point. If you have any questions about what you are considering, again shoot me an email. 

Best of luck with the transition, 

-T.O.M
Join the mailing list at  https://logic.band/ and get a free “Getting Started With Logic" Course!
Interested in One On One Training? Visit 
https://logic.band/training
Check Out LogicBand on Youtube!
Stay up to date with Logic.band on Social Media

Steve Sparrow

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 8:09:38 PM12/4/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
yeah. it really comes down to what you want to run. If you are comfortable with windows. and want to do mainly audio work. Then Reaper is very accessible on both windows and mac. Reaper has a 60 day free trial so worth checking out if you have windows already.
Logic and protools are great on mac, It really comes down to your work flow as to whether you would go windows or mac. I bought a mac because I wanted to go protools.
Steve
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/3BD62029-3DCA-40C8-89B5-6BE690EA59DE%40gmail.com.

Steve Sparrow

unread,
Dec 4, 2021, 8:11:02 PM12/4/21
to logic-acc...@googlegroups.com
you can do midi stuff in reaper too. you just need to use better synths. Native instruments and others.


> On 4 Dec 2021, at 7:04 am, Keith Reedy <wa9...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/logic-accessibility/3BD62029-3DCA-40C8-89B5-6BE690EA59DE%40gmail.com.

Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages