In this pilot study we compare two mixes of a song done with GarageBand on iOS and Logic Pro X in a professional studio environment. The audio tracks are recorded and mastered in the same controlled environment by the same engineer. A blind listening survey was given to 10 laypersons and 10 professional studio engineers who have at least 10 years of related experience. 80% lay persons and 60% professional studio engineers reported a higher preference for the Logic Pro X version. To further compare these two productions, we look at (1) short-term perceptual loudness to quantify dynamic range and (2) power spectral densities in different frequency bands to quantify EQ. The analysis provides evidence to back the survey results. The purpose of this study is to examine how, in a real-life scenario, a professional studio engineer can produce the best results using the best plugins, effects, and tools available in GarageBand on iOS and Logic Pro X environment, and how these two results are comparatively perceived by both the general audience and professional audio experts.
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