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Jan 4, 2024 · Having trouble sorting out which digital audio workstation is right for your music or sound project? We've tested the most popular options to help you choose the best audio editing software.
- Jamie Lendino
- Editor-In-Chief, Extremetech
- Read the Ableton Live 11 Suite review. Originally launched as FruityLoops, Image-Line's DAW holds near-iconic status for a certain generation of producers, particularly in the hip-hop and EDM realms.
- Read the FL Studio 21 review. It’s been a while since we had a ‘full’ new version of Logic Pro - version X was released way back in 2013 - but numbers can be deceiving.
- Read the Apple Logic Pro 10.7 review.
- Read the Apple Logic Pro for iPad review. Steinberg has spearheaded music software development for over 30 years, and through Cubase, which started as a MIDI sequencer, introduced a whole generation to the block-based arrange screen now used in the majority of today’s DAWs.
- Best Free DAW for Windows: Cakewalk by BandLab. “The most popular free digital audio workstation for the Windows platform.” Cakewalk by BandLab is a comprehensive music production software with everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix tracks.
- Best DAW for Beginners: GarageBand. “A free ticket to learn the guitar, piano, and the basics of audio production.” You already own GarageBand if you have an Apple computer or iOS device.
- Best Online DAW: Soundation. “This online music maker is a handy companion to sketch ideas for FL or Ableton.” An online DAW can be very useful for making music on the go or jotting down ideas when creativity strikes.
- Best Budget DAW: Cockos REAPER. “This spartan DAW is powerful, adaptable, slightly nerdy, and going for a song.” How much would you pay for a customizable DAW with top-notch functionality, an active community, and constant updates?
- Cubase. An excellent option for audio producers that want a DAW that operates as simply or sophisticated as desired. Versions: Elements, Artist, Pro, AI, LE.
- Image-Line FL Studio. A great DAW for beginners or intermediate audio producers alike. Versions: Fruity, Producer, Signature, All Plugins Bundle.
- Reason. Dip your toe in with a Reason+ subscription or go the whole hog with the full-blown Reason 12. Versions: Reason+ and Reason 12. Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later.
- Reaper. Vastly compatible with all major operating systems and has unlimited potential. Versions: On version 6.51. Operating System: Windows XP or later, macOS 10.5 or later, Linux (requires GTK+3 and ALSA)
- Pro Tools. Best for Professional Use. Compatibility: PC and Mac / AAX plugins. Windows 10 & 11 64-bit / macOS 10.14.6 or higher.
- PreSonus Studio One. Best for Working Quickly. Compatibility: PC and Mac / VST and AU plugins. Windows 10 & 11 64-bit / macOS 10.13 or higher.
- Ableton Live. Best for Loop-Based Projects. Compatibility: PC and Mac / VST and AU plugins. Windows 10 (Build 1909 and later) / macOS High Sierra 10.13 to Monterey 12.
- REAPER. Most Customizable. Compatibility: PC and Mac / VST and AU plugins. Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 (32 or 64-bit, Intel only) / macOS 10.5 – 12.x.
Apr 4, 2022 · With just a laptop and the best DAW, you’ve got the digital audio workstation to turn creativity into content. Click here for more info.
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.
