ORIGINAL STORY: The other day I got a look at "Rock Band Network," the new initiative which will allow folks to upload their own songs into "Rock Band." I was curious what Harmonix thought of the song creation tools in "Guitar Hero," but apparently they're of the mind that the two products offer widely different features. Harmonix views GH Studio as more of a composition tool, since it doesn't allow you to upload music directly, instead forcing you to use in-game assets.
To get a response, I reached out to Activision to see how they view GH Studio and how it compares to "Rock Band Network." What I got back was a laundry list of features. Like a politician, they don't directly refer to their opponent, instead opting to focus on certain leading aspects.
Anyway, here's what Project Director, Brian Bright, had to say about GH Studio:
"[GH Studio] Includes GHMix, a full midi production studio with software samplers, dual Line6 effects processors, multi-buss mixing, assignable drum kits, a patttern sequencer with over 400 patters and much more. Essentially GHMix is a 5 track professional studio included with GH5. GHMix has been completely re engineered with higher quality guitar samples, new expressive guitar controls, and a redesigned user interface focused on ease of use.
"Also included is GHJam which allows 4 people to play live music together in a band using guitar or drum controllers. GHJam is perfect for live improvisation and replaces the need for midi drums, guitar, bass, keyboards and digital recording software.
"GHTunes allows people to create their album art and upload their songs to share with the world. GHTunes is a free service for both content creators and GH fans hungry for new music."
A little press release-y, to be sure, but his point about it being free is valid. Songs on "Rock Band Network" won't be free, and in order to test songs you'll need to be a member of XNA. On the flip side, you are somewhat limited to whatever samples the designers stuck into the game, so you're kinda forced to make a GH Studio-analog of your band's song.
So, in the end, they are vastly different products. Only time will tell which one becomes the chosen rhythm game music creator...