

Live is considered kind of “unique” among DAWs, as it can double as a tool for composing and recording, as well as a live instrument.

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People sometimes ask what I think of Ableton Live, and my answer is basically “to each his own.” There is a large user base for Live, and you can find plenty of tutorials and videos on it, so if you’re trying to learn how to use it, you should be able to find the support you’re looking for.
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Not to mention – you can download it right from their website, and new versions are regularly coming out (they’re already up to 10, and 11 is coming). It often came (and probably still does) bundled with audio interfaces and other hardware gear. Live 10 Lite By AbletonĪccess to Ableton Live Lite is quite ubiquitous. Kind of a strange workflow (I guess Adobe has done something like this), but it makes you feel a little like you’re in a walled garden where the plug could be pulled on you, so my one criticism would be to remove this and just let people use the software.ĭownload: BandLab 3. The downside, if there is one, is that you will need to download BandLab Assist and create a free user account to download Cakewalk.
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It comes with plenty of usable effects, including convolution reverb, resonant filtering, dynamic compression, EQ to tape and console emulation, peak limiting, and tube saturation.Ĭakewalk is only available for Windows, but fortunately it works with Windows 7 or higher at 64-bit (no 32-bit versions). As such, its user interface is nicely designed, if a tad outdated (not a big deal in this case – it still looks good!). Its layout is traditional, emulating the layout of analog consoles. It has an award-winning UI, allows you to create unlimited tracks (audio, MIDI, instrument, loop, and auxiliary tracks), and in BandLab’s own words it features the “best audio engine,” along with VST3, Touch, and other leading technologies. Now that BandLab owns the software, my dream has, at last, come true!Ĭakewalk gives you the ability to compose, record, edit, mix, master, and share (you can publish directly to YouTube, SoundCloud, Facebook, and more). I remember a time when I desperately wanted SONAR Platinum, because I knew everything that was included with it. Cakewalk is basically SONAR Platinum, which originally cost $499.

My advice – go and grab this DAW before BandLab decides they’re giving away too much. This is another stunning option for music producers and sound engineers. If you’ve never tried it before, Waveform is certainly worth a look it really is one of the best free DAWs right now.ĭownload: Tracktion 2. It’s nice to have a selection of built-in effects and instruments, but we all like being able to play with our favorite plugins, am I right? Waveform plays well with most VSTs, so add away! That’s probably the way it was meant to be used anyway. As a long-time user of the DAW, that’s always a nice thing to see. These are a little “basic” so far as effects are concerned, but Tracktion has been continually updating these with user-friendly graphical interfaces that make them more usable. Tracktion or Waveform has always had some built-in effects (like EQ, reverb, delay, and so on).
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That said, Waveform is somewhat customizable (if you upgrade to PRO, you can do more customization). How the controls are positioned are part of the workflow, so that’s going to come down to preference. It’s dark themed, which can make it a little easier on the eyes during long studio sessions. Waveform’s graphical user interface is attractive if simple.
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It feels like software that’s been developed to be software. Because Waveform doesn’t feel like a piece of software trying to emulate hardware. If the workflow isn’t for you, that’s okay, there are other more traditional DAWs on this list you will likely find a lot of utility in. It makes it easy for me to get started, get going, and take my project idea from start to finish quickly. What I like most about the DAW, and what some might find odd, is the workflow. Over the years, I’ve recorded acoustic duos, reggae bands, rock bands, podcasts, audiobooks, and other projects using Waveform. And while some might try to tell you that it’s best for electronic music and EDM (and it is good for that), you can honestly do anything with it. What this means is that Waveform has had plenty of time to mature. At the time, Tracktion software was owned by Mackie. Waveform was originally Tracktion, and Tracktion was a DAW all its own before it became a developer. Waveform Free is one of my personal favorites and is easily one of our top picks for this list. Waveform Free By Tracktion – Our Top Pick Can I Publish The Music I Create In A Free DAW?ġ.
