The last update to PreSonus’ DAW introduces further support for surround and immersive channel formats, along with an array of improvements to its existing features. The newly released Studio One 6.6 expands on the new immersive capabilities as well as adding a new virtual instrument, implementing TuneCore integration, and offering an alternative licensing model.
What’s New?
Following the arrival of surround and immersive support in version 6.5, Studio One’s integrated Dolby Atmos Renderer now makes it possible to audition mixes with Apple’s Spatial Audio processing enabled. Thanks to the new setting, users are able to hear what their Atmos mix will sound like on Apple Music without needing to leave their DAW, something which has previously required fairly cumbersome workarounds. In addition, all native Studio One plug-ins have been updated to work in immersive mix environments, highlights being OpenAIR2 and Surround Delay, plus ProEQ3
...users are able to hear what their Atmos mix will sound like on Apple Music without needing to leave their DAW...
Studio One+ subscribers will also benefit from the addition of a new virtual instrument in the form of Lead Architect. The most welcome new hybrid instrument combines sampling and synthesis, comes loaded with a collection of built-in effects, and boasts an intuitive user interface that promises to help users create powerful lead and solo sounds.
With the new TuneCore integration, content created in Studio One can now be uploaded directly to the popular digital distribution service from within a session, making quick work of publishing to major streaming and social media platforms. The feature can be accessed via a new option in the Publishing drop-down menu within the DAW’s Export Mixdown window.
Perpetual vs Subscription
The topic of perpetual versus subscription-based licenses causes much debate, and with the latest version of Studio One, PreSonus have introduced a new option which they say offers the best of both worlds. Along with the existing Studio One Pro and Studio One+ options, users are now presented with a third choice: Studio One+Hybrid.
The new option pairs a Studio One Pro perpetual license with 12-month access to all of the features and add-ones provided by a Studio One+ subscription, but with the current version of the DAW and its core content remaining permanently active once the subscription lapses. The company say that when the plan ends, users will still receive minor updates that address maintenance issues and and bug fixes.
Compatibility
Studio One 6.6 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above.
Pricing & Availability
PreSonus Studio One 6.6 is available now, and is a free update for all existing Studio One 6 Pro owners and active Studio One+ subscription members. Prices for new customers are as follows:
- Studio One+ Hybrid: $179.99
- Studio One+ Monthly: $19.99
- Studio One Pro Perpetual: $399.99
