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Ideal DAW Software for New Music Producers
If you’re starting out in music production, you’re likely searching for the right software (perhaps a free option). But first, consider this:
It’s important to remember that you can create high-quality music with any DAW. The key is your creativity and how you apply it.
That said, some DAWs might better suit your needs and style.
Important term: DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation.
Creativity should always come first when making music, but a DAW helps turn your ideas into a finished product.
Cost might be a concern, but think of your DAW as an investment – and be cautious about using cracked software, as it often comes with viruses.
Ableton Live 11 / 12
The impact of Ableton Live on the music software market is hard to overstate. When its first version was released in 2001, it revolutionized traditional production methods, becoming not just a recording tool but also a standalone live performance instrument.
Since then, Ableton has become extremely popular, influencing the development of many other applications for both desktop and mobile devices.
Live 11 introduced many long-awaited features, such as a sleek comping system and MPE support. New devices were added, and existing ones updated. Further updates included native support for Apple’s M1 and M2 Macs and compatibility with AUv3 plugins, allowing users to run some iOS synths and effects in Live.
Recently, Ableton Live 12 was released, bringing significant new features like the Meld synthesizer, the Roar color/saturation effect, and a new set of MIDI tools designed to inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas.
Many EDM and hip-hop producers, like Skrillex, use Ableton as their primary DAW. So, if these genres are your focus, Ableton could be a great choice! Of course, it’s versatile enough for many other music styles as well.
Logic Pro X
It’s been a while since a completely new version of Logic Pro was released – Logic Pro X debuted back in 2013.
In practice, version 10.5 is essentially Logic Pro 11 in all but name, making Logic truly modern software.
A key element of this overhaul was the introduction of Ableton-style Live Loops, allowing for easy improvisation with ideas before committing them to the main timeline. A new step sequencer, completely revamped samplers, and new tools for electronic beat producers were also introduced.
Since the debut of Logic Pro 10.7, Apple’s DAW allows for the creation of spatial audio tracks powered by Dolby Atmos. New mixer and panning controls were added, and 12 other Logic Pro plugins now support spatial audio.
Additionally, there’s a fantastic version of Logic Pro for iPad, which, while not a direct replacement for the desktop version, is an excellent standalone music production app. Interestingly, some of its best features, like Sample Alchemy and Beat Breaker plugins, have been added to the Mac version in Logic Pro 10.8, alongside a new automatic Mastering Assistant.
Moreover, Logic Pro continues to offer incredible value for its price. Mac users won’t find a more comprehensive music production toolset at such an attractive price.
Logic Pro X excels at:
- Mixing tracks
- Production
- Vocal recording
Compared to Ableton, Logic has a wide range of virtual instruments that sound quite natural.
Many producers who use Ableton rely on external VSTs, whereas Logic Pro X users often utilize the built-in instruments.
FL Studio
Initially released as FruityLoops, Image-Line’s DAW enjoys a nearly cult-like status among certain producer communities, particularly in hip-hop and EDM.
Image-Line offers lifetime free updates for FL Studio users, meaning all current software users can download new versions on both platforms at no additional cost – a truly unique approach.
Updates continue to roll in: FL Studio 21 was released at the end of 2022, introducing new features like sound modules, themes, and plugins.
Version 21.2 added the Roland Juno-6 synth emulation and even built-in track separation, a feature many other DAWs lack.
With its unique interface, FL Studio provides a great entry point into music production. However, to call it “only for beginners” would be a significant understatement.
Avid’s Pro Tools
Since its inception as Sound Designer in the 80s, Avid’s Pro Tools has been a staple for sound engineers.
According to Sweetwater, Pro Tools is “The world standard platform for audio production.”
Pro Tools’ excellent features include:
- Professional mixing meters and automation
- Tools for recording, MIDI, and score editing
- Offering 128 audio tracks, 512 instrument tracks, and 512 MIDI tracks
- Professional plugins, from reverb and guitar amp emulators to equalizers and more
Notable and successful musicians who proudly use Avid’s Pro Tools include Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Alicia Keys.
Free Alternatives
GarageBand
Over two decades after young John Mayer helped promote it at Macworld, GarageBand has evolved into a fairly complex DAW. It’s great for beginners, but delving deeper reveals some advanced features.
Unfortunately, it’s only available on Apple devices.
Even non-musicians can easily arrange supplied audio loops, but the program also offers a decent collection of musical instruments, multitrack recording options, and a rich selection of virtual guitar amps and stompbox effects.
The Drummer feature generates excellent drum parts, and Smart Controls simplify sound editing.
You can even use the iPad app – Logic Remote – to control the software.
Another advantage is project compatibility with Logic Pro and the iOS version, allowing users to record on their phones.
Our only real complaint is the lack of major software updates lately; if Apple were to bring new features from the latest Logic Pro version (as it has in the past), GarageBand users wouldn’t need to look elsewhere.
Waveform Free
Waveform Free is a fully-featured, free audio production software. It’s the free version of Tracktion Corporation’s flagship DAW, Waveform Pro.
This free program is available on all major operating systems and offers full support for VST plugins and compatibility with ReWire.
While Waveform Free doesn’t have all the features available in the paid version, it includes all the basics.
You can record, mix, and master your music projects from scratch.
Moreover, the flexible Waveform Free even allows for loading video files, enabling synchronization of your audio project with film or animation.
If you’re making electronic music, Waveform Free is an excellent free tool for audio production. It allows for loading virtual instruments and offers all necessary MIDI features for sequencing VST plugins.
Waveform Free is designed to be intuitive even for beginners who have never used a DAW before.
It includes a comprehensive manual explaining all aspects of music production on a computer.
If you’re not keen on reading the manual, you can always check out the training videos on Tracktion’s official website.
There you’ll find instructional videos covering all essential topics, from basic setup and plugin installation to advanced sound editing and automation techniques.
Tracktion recently released Waveform 12.5 Free, the latest version of its free DAW. This update brings a new audio engine, improved interface, new sound effects, and many other enhancements.
Which One to Choose?
Experiment!
Choosing the right DAW is a matter of personal preference, needs, and workflow.
If you’re unfamiliar with any software, pick the one that seems most interesting to you.
Before making a decision, it’s worth trying out different options using the available demo versions and considering which features are most important to you.
Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, the key is to choose a tool that allows you to express your creativity in the most intuitive and effective way.
Test, test, test. Learn one first!
