REAPER is a complete digital audio production application for computers, offering a full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing and mastering toolset. REAPER supports a vast range of hardware, digital formats and plugins, and can be comprehensively extended, scripted and modified. FilmoraPro is professional and best music production software for Mac. You can download it for free and use all the features of the software. Set a standard and create anything you want with FilmoraPro. Apart from refining your footages with precision, the FilmoraPro tool also brings perfection to your audio. Aug 01, 2020 Whether you are working on FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason, or Cubase, they will have no problem running your free plugins. More at the best music production software. However, you can always start with a free music-making app.
It is difficult, but not impossible, to determine what the best DAWs are. The digital audio workstation, or DAW, is crucial for making music. It is the main piece of music production software that a producer or musician uses to create music. It is where all the recording, mixing, and editing is done.
Some people have certain preferences when it comes to what DAW they use, and some DAWs are better for certain music genres than others. This post will help you determine what the best music production software is. Let’s take a look at some reviews of the best DAWs that are available in 2021.
The best overall DAW software
Pro Tools by Avid is probably one of the most well-known DAWs, and I would say it’s the best music production software overall. It’s an industry standard, mainly because it’s in the top music recording facilities in the world. It does not really have any fancy features that make it stand out over other DAWs, but somehow it remains the most popular.
There are three different versions of Pro Tools: Pro Tools First, Pro Tools, and Pro Tools Ultimate. Pro Tools is compatible with Windows and Mac, and will hold up to 128 audio tracks, 512 instrument tracks, and 1,024 MIDI tracks in one project.
Among Pro Tools’ features are loop recording, full mixing automation, MIDI and score editing, and cloud collaboration. Pro Tools has a bit of a learning curve but is easily navigable due to keyboard shortcuts and features like Quick Punch recording, which allows you to record with the touch of a button. It truly is top-quality music recording software.
Pro Tools also comes packed full with many virtual instruments, audio processors and plugins including EQs, reverbs, dynamics, and guitar amp emulators. The audio effects plugins are pretty good quality, but you may prefer other plugin suites like Waves or FabFilter over Pro Tools’ stock plugins.
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Pro Tools is, in my opinion, the absolute best DAW software – a total beast! – and I highly recommend it for those of you who are intermediate or seasoned producers. A learning curve can be a bit steep and the amount of plugins and virtual instruments can be overwhelming to beginners. If you are learning, I suggest getting the free version and upgrading as you adapt to the DAW.
The best DAW for Mac
Logic Pro X is Apple’s flagship DAW. Logic is actually one of the first DAWs I used when starting out, and it’s one that I still use to this day. Logic Pro X is very obviously only compatible with MacOS, sorry Windows users.
Logic features a ton of tools that are helpful for both beginners and advanced users. It offers smart tempo tools, a fair amount of plugins (including vintage EQs and reverbs, among other creative effects), Alchemy Synth, a large amount of virtual instruments and patches, an AI drummer, a large loop library, flex time/flex pitch, MIDI editing, automation, and multi touch mixing.
The editing tools in Logic Pro X are easier to use than the ones in Pro Tools, and the virtual instruments are decent sounding but it depends on the instrument as well. Logic Pro X can hold up to 1,000 tracks in one session, including stereo tracks, surround sound tracks, and instrument tracks.
Logic is good for live performance and it’s meant for creating many different genres. It is a very flexible DAW with a very small learning curve, especially if you are already familiar with Apple’s other DAW, GarageBand. If you like visual learning, Logic is a good choice as many of the plugins have a visualization so you can see how the compressors and EQs are working with your music.
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Because of the extensive loop library, rich visual plugins, and instrument patches, Logic Pro X is a great DAW for people of any skill level. The very small learning curve makes it easy for anyone to jump right in. Logic Pro X is the best DAW for Mac by far.
The best DAW for electronic music
Ableton Live is my personal favorite DAW. After using Logic Pro X and FL Studio for quite a while, I decided to give Ableton a try and now it is my main DAW. It’s compatible with Windows and Mac and allows you to have an unlimited amount of tracks in each project.
Ableton has two main screen layouts that do different things. Arrangement View is mainly meant for making songs in a studio and is going to be where you do all your editing, MIDI writing, and things like that. In Arrangement View, you will be able to organize your tracks in groups and by color and you can even save project file templates to open every time you have a new session.
Session View is meant for live sessions. In Session View you can queue different audio loops on the fly and tweak their sound. In Session View you will also find the mixer.
As for features, Ableton Live includes MIDI writing, audio recording, many audio plugins and effects (and for stock plugins, they are quite good), automation, and track freezing to free up RAM and CPU.
Ableton’s instrument plugins are electronic based, so you’ll find a lot of synthesizers and plugins that are geared towards creating electronic music. The synthesizers and operator plugins can be a bit tricky to figure out if you are new at it, but experimentation is key, and Ableton definitely promotes experimentation.
Ableton Live is definitely good for live performance and it’s good for many different genres, but definitely the best DAW for electronic music.
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I suggest Ableton Live for everyone, even beginners. Although there is a learning curve, it is such a powerful DAW and it’s really easy to use once you understand how it works. I recommend it especially for DJs and performers because it’s easily the best DAW for live performance. If you are a beginner and plan to use the synthesizers, I would suggest taking a free online course about synthesis. I would also encourage you to check out any tutorials available on YouTube.
The best DAW for hip-hop
FL Studio by Image Line is another good DAW that just keeps getting better. FL Studio is compatible with Mac and Windows and it is the best DAW for hip-hop. A lot of hip-hop and trap producers use it, especially those who you call ‘bedroom producers’.
FL Studio is quite flexible but harder to use if you need to be extremely precise when it comes to time stretching or chopping tracks, as it can get tricky, especially if you are switching between bar marker sizes in the playlist area.
FL Studio features a step sequencer (perfect for beat-making), up to 500 tracks in the playlist (main window), 125 mixer channels, 125 audio tracks, and automation, pitch shifting, time stretching, and beat chopping tools as well as a window to write in MIDI plus a window for the mixer.
It also has plugins and virtual instruments but they are honestly not very high-quality (although some of the effects plugins like Effector and GrossBeat are decent), so I would suggest that you use a third party suite for those things.
The DAW definitely has a learning curve, and it can get unorganized in the project if you don’t make organization a priority. It is a bit harder to navigate through because of the many smaller windows that open up inside the DAW, but if you have a big screen it will work best on that. If you don’t, it shouldn’t be too big of a problem as you can resize the windows and minimize them until you need to open them again.
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I would say leave FL Studio for the intermediate to advanced producers, but if you are a beginner and want to take a stab at it, make sure to watch tutorials. If you’re a hip-hop producer you will definitely want to use this DAW. A lot of bedroom producers start on FL Studio, so it’s not impossible to start out on FL, but I would personally suggest something a bit easier to navigate through first.
The best DAW software for basics
Reaper is a very simple DAW that is capable enough to be a decent DAW for music production. Reaper is what I used when I first started wondering if music production was something I would be willing to get deeper into. For as simple and low-priced as Reaper is, it has a lot of features, and it’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Reaper offers audio and MIDI routing with support for multiple channels (and supports up to 64 audio tracks in a single project file), 64-bit audio processing, and the ability to import, record, and render to a lot of different media formats at high-quality sample rates.
Reaper is compatible with MIDI hardware as well as MIDI software, and also allows you to use thousands of 3rd party effect plugins and virtual instruments. If you don’t want to use 3rd party plugins, Reaper has some fair quality effects built in.
It also features plenty of things you would find in your normal DAW, especially for live performance use, including automation, grouping, modulation, oscillators, surround sound audio processing, support for control surfaces, and macros for fine-tuning with your hardware.
Something else that is really great about Reaper is that it can be run from a flash drive because the files that comprise the software are small. This makes it portable and easy to use on any compatible computer.
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Reaper by Cockos is a great starting point for beginners, although I wouldn’t suggest staying with Reaper in the long run. It is more of a DAW to help you get from using bare-bones programs like Audacity to using something more polished like Pro Tools or Logic Pro.
The best DAW for synthesizer fans
If you are into analog synthesizers where you have to plug wires from one port to another among synths, you will enjoy Reason. Reason is a Windows and Mac compatible DAW that is really focused on graphics and keeping an old school feel with its virtual instruments.
It is a virtual rack-based DAW with a multitrack sequencer, so it definitely provides you a digital version of a throwback to tape decks and analog equipment.
Reason features 5 synths, 3 beat instruments, 3 players, 7 sample-based instruments, and more than 20 plugins, effects, and rack extension devices. Reason also comes with over 3 GB of drum loops and samples if you are not interested in creating your own drum patterns. It also is compatible with 3rd party plugins and has plenty of factory soundbanks and patches.
Reason also allows you to have an unlimited amount of audio and instrument channels in a project. As for editing tools, it is capable of stretching audio in real-time as well as transposing, which makes it good for live performance use. It’s suitable for any genre but I’d say it’s the best DAW for EDM and electronic music.
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Reason by Reason Studios (formerly known as Propellerhead Software) is a really fun DAW that is best suited for intermediate and advanced producers and musicians who like to use analog synthesis, as well as hip-hop producers. As per usual, if you want to start learning music production with using it, watch tutorials. If you want a change of pace while still keeping things digital, try Reason.
The best DAW for Windows
Cubase by Steinberg is one of the best DAWs for Windows computers on the market. It is also compatible with Mac, is good for live performances, and you will easily be able to make any genre with it. Cubase is a great piece of software when it comes to recording audio, as it has some features geared especially towards recording.
Lane track comping allows you to choose the best parts from all your takes, so you can have a polished sound. There is a channel strip feature that integrates analog pre-amp emulators for tracks as well. Cubase also features some visual-rich plugins like a spectral comparison EQ and a multi tap delay, as well as a drum sequencer.
Other features include a MIDI composition window (with Retrospective MIDI Record), plenty of virtual instruments (analog emulators too), and Control Room that allows you to monitor your mix during live performances. Cubase allows you to have unlimited tracks in your project file so you can make big productions.
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If you are looking for the best DAW for PC, then I highly recommend that you check out Cubase by Steinberg. It has everything you need whether you are a beginner or a pro, and the selection of plugins and instruments is balanced quite well. Anyone should be able to get the hang of Cubase quite easily.
The best DAW for song development
Studio One by PreSonus is one of the best-rated DAWs for PC out there. It is compatible with Windows and Mac and is good for all genres of music but not good for live performance use. The newest version of the software, Studio One 4, has a lot of high-quality features that assist with making your production efficient and fast, as well as help with developing chord progressions.
Studio One has similar page views to Ableton Live, a ‘project’ page and a ‘song’ page. The project page is where you do your arranging and mastering, and the song page is where you do your composing, editing, and mixing tracks. With the touch of a button you can switch between the pages so you can mix effortlessly.
Studio One also features Scratchpads, which allows you to A/B different arrangements of your song and rearrange its sections easily. Another top feature is Harmonic Editing, which enables you to test out and come up with interesting chord progressions as you compose.
Among other features of Studio One are MIDI composition, an easy to use mixer, the ability to group tracks, an unlimited amount of tracks in the project files, and several virtual instruments and audio effects plugins. The Pipeline XT plugin, for example, allows producers to use classic analog signal processors to change tonality of instruments.
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Studio One by PreSonus is a great piece of music making software. If you are a producer who struggles to arrange songs or come up with good chord progressions and melodies, I would most definitely recommend that you try Studio One.
With all the different options for DAWs and how feature-packed they are, it can get overwhelming to choose one. I encourage you to experiment with multiple DAWs as they usually have a free trial period or a free, limited version for the ones you have to pay for. Make sure to test them out until finding one that best fits your needs and that you are able to work the most comfortably and efficiently in.
Please do not be afraid to use multiple DAWs as well. You can never use too many, and through trial and error, you may find that the set of music production software features you require are most effective across multiple DAWs.
Jordan is a music producer, content creator, writer, and session musician. He has been producing music and engineering live performances for over 7 years. He is an experienced guitarist and enjoys listening to and playing many different genres of music.
In a time where everything runs on technology, the music industry has also found a virtual platform. For aspiring musicians, beginner-level artists, making music on their computers is now possible. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are essentials tools that provide musicians a virtual studio to make music from the comforts of their homes.
Here we will be discussing 10 best DAW (digital audio workstations) that have been considered as the best by users:
The first one up is a very powerful DAW that comes at a bargain price. Cockos Reaper 6 is one software with amazingly complex MIDI/audio routing abilities. With a miniature storage trail, this DAW does not have too many plugins. Cockos Reaper 6 is regarded as one of the most customizable and affordable DAWs available today. Moreover, it is very active. With features that include scrolling, zooming, fading moves, and item editing, the software runs with a fluid-like swiftness.
Determinant in some budget for the sound-ware of your preference and Reaper makes for a top-class music production setting.
One of the oldest and the most extensively used DAW is Steinberg Cubase. As an age-old software, Cubase has only brought new editions with a large variety of plugins. With fast processing and a better user-interface, Cubase Pro 10 and 10.5 are two latest versions that an enjoyable experience. Even today, a lot of users prefer Cubase.
With great performance, as an even better value for money choice, Apple has produced Apple Logic Pro for its users. For those who own a Touch Bar-enabled MacBook Pro, version 10.3 is appropriate. Moreover, the other versions, like 10.4, created the ‘smart’ tempo detection technology, while 10.4.2 had the benefit of transferring Logic’s heavy-sized content library to any of the external drives. Other than this, the Logic Pro remains the best among the lot and a complete value for money buy. This is the most comprehensive set of tools for music production that Mac users could have asked for.
This digital audio workstation is a rack-based software that can double-up as a plugin. Recently, the Reason Rack Plugin was launched. This plugin has facilitated the digital studio’s main tools, and could now be accepted as a VST 3 or AU plugin with a different DAW.
Another add-on to Reason 11 is that it enables the usage of its major elements i.e., SSL-modelled mixer, as standalone devices. The addition of its stock instruments and effects available for free use makes up for this engaging software.
Another amazing DAW is Image-Line’s FL Studio has maintained an iconic status among a generation of music producers, specifically in genres like hip-hop and EDM. The most crucial feature in version 20 has been a native 64-bit version for Mac. Hence, version 20 of FL Studio can now be used on macOS as well. Also, all existing FL Studio users get free lifetime upgrades on the latest versions.
Newer updates like Flex in version 20.5 and more additional features in the version 20.6 are now available.
Known as a powerful and professional DAW, Studio One is moving beyond its competing software. The version 4 of Studio One has added Harmonic Editing of the monophonic and polyphonic audio, MIDI tracks. This feature allows a track or its elements to be moved to a user-defined key and chord sequence directly. Version 4 also has new MIDI editors for drums and some good assortment of workflow enhancement functions. Another upgrade, version 4.5, has almost 70 new features.
Studio One is genuinely a DAW that can change the way you create music.
This is one such out-of-the-ordinary software. Unlike the other digital studios, Ableton Live does not only work as a recording tool but also a performance instrument too. The updated version, Live 10.1, had some more significant add-ons and support for VST3 plugin options.
GarageBand is one of the most advance and intelligent virtual studios today. Although it is regarded as best for beginner-level musicians, a lot of successful artists have been associated with GarageBand and have made some of the best music using it. It has a vast range of plugins which helps in creating music.
With its super-easy features, one can sequence the pre-installed loops, produce multi-track recordings, and use it from a great set of virtual guitars and stompboxes. Also, its drummer option is renowned for creating automated beats, and the Smart Controls work well in editing audios.
What’s even more interesting is that the projects created on this software are compatible also with Logic Pro. Last but not least, GarageBand comes as a free app in all macOS devices.
Known to have set the standard for music recording apps, Pro Tools has been updated to make its workflow better. Now, updating tracks as well as timeline sections during the playback is possible, all the while using different effects and presets. All of this is possible without having to stop the music midway. Moreover, for cloud-based storage, Avid has its Avid Cloud Collaboration. Pro Tools has a loyal fan base, irrespective of the awaited-possible upgrades.
This is, in a way, an anti-GarageBand. A rival that offers services to the Windows users, Mixcraft has expanded its tool packages from the basic-level apps into an amazing digital studio for the professionals. With a sleek-interface, the latest version, Mixcraft 9 has detachable panels and several new automation features, new effects, and instruments.
Mixcraft is a well-supported music composition solution that comes at a great price and is very approachable for newcomers.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, most of the above DAWs are easy-to-use and considered to have great user-interface. It is very essential to recognize the major components of any DAW before utilizing it. Depending upon the necessity like recording, editing or mixing, you can choose, and use a DAW.
It is very critical that you are aware of the compatibility of any prospective DAW with your system. If the same does not support a specific operating system or hardware that you are using, you need to look for another option.