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Since way back in the 90’s, when home recording first started…
And the earliest versions of the modern DAW began emerging…
People have always argued about which one is best.
And as the options continually improve, the debate rages on.
For beginners starting out, that makes for a tough decision, doesn’t it?
So to help you guys with the all-too-common problem…
For today’s post I’ve created an in-depth guide covering the best DAW’s.
But before we get to it, let me first answer the one question you’re all probably wondering…
Free vs Paid DAW’s
Are there free DAW’s out there? Yes.
Should you use them?
In my opinion…No.
But if you can’t take my word for it, try one out for yourself.
Personally, I recommend checking out Audacity, as it’s the most popular free DAW on the planet.
Now at this point, you have two choices:
- Waste 2 weeks playing with Audacity, only to decide you need something better.
- Or skip that part, and get something better now.
If you chose option 1, I’ll see you back here in 2 weeks.
If you chose option 2, let’s move on…
Limited vs. Full Versions
Rather than using a free crappy DAW…the smarter plan is to use a “limited” version of a paid DAW instead.
Many companies offer these versions specifically to accommodate smaller home studios on a budget.
Most are cheap, some are even free, yet they still include 95% of the same features of the full version.
Since only advanced engineers tend to use the “premium” features, you probably won’t even miss them.
And if you want to upgrade to a professional platform one day in the future, you can do so without having to learn an entirely new DAW from scratch.
So if you want to start off with something free (or at least cheap)…THAT’S the plan I recommend.
Moving on…
The Top DAW’s
Poll 1000 studios to ask them which DAW they prefer…and you’ll hear a pretty wide range of opinions.
But listen to enough “expert” opinions, and the same few names appear over and over. Because they are the ones that have developed a strong reputation in the industry over many years.
And since each of these DAW’s has been used on countless hit recordings, they’re ALL perfectly capable of professional results.
So here they are, in no particular order, starting with…
1. Presonus Studio One 4
Long known in the audio industry for making quality hardware at affordable prices…
Presonus recently decided to add their own DAW line as well.
So with the help of several formal developers from Steinberg Cubase…
Presonus released the first version of Studio One back in 2009.
Since then, it has quickly risen to become a serious competitor of other top DAW’s.
Click below to check out each version.
- Studio One PRIME – (free download)
- Studio One ARTIST – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Studio One PROFESSIONAL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Bedroom producers find this DAW particularly appealing, because Studio One Artist, is included free with any of the following audio interfaces:
- AudioBox USB – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- AudioBox iTwo – (Compatible with iPad) – (Amazon/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Audiobox 44VSL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
2. Cakewalk SONAR
While it’s probably my least favorite option on the list…
Cakewalk Sonar has ranked among the top DAW’s for years now…
And is definitely worthy of mention.
But here’s why I don’t care for it:
These days, virtually every top DAW is cross-compatible on both Windows and Mac…
Yet for some reason, Sonar is a Windows only program.
PC lovers might not care, yet no one can argue that a HUGE percentage of musicians are Mac users.
And if you EVER plan to collaborate with any of them…Sonar is probably NOT your best option.
Having said that, here are 2 things I like about Sonar:
- The X3 and Studio versions are insanely affordable.
- Sonar uses serial numbers to unlock their software, rather than the complicated USB dongles required by most DAW’s.
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- Cakewalk Sonar ARTIST – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Cakewalk Sonar PROFESSIONAL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Cakewalk Sonar PLATINUM – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
UPDATE: it seems the development of Sonar has now stopped — officially, but still continues as a freeware, meaning the developer is not the former one anymore. And for that reason I would no longer recommend it as one of the top DAW’s, as its development and updates might not be reliable anymore .
Up next…
3. FL Studio
Formerly known as Fruity Loops…but after a run-in with Kelloggs, who thought people may confuse it with their breakfast cereal…
Over a decade ago, Image-Line officially changed the name of their classic software to FL Studio.
A top choice for Hip-Hop, EDM musicians and DJ’s…
It’s a big hit with ‘in-the-box’ producers due to its:
- spreadsheet-like Playlist
- flexible Piano roll
- extensive automation capabilities
One of the coolest things about FL Studio is…it’s the only DAW on the list offering FREE lifetime updates.
Purchase either the Producer or Signature bundle and you’ll never have to give them money…ever again. Awesome, huh?
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- FL Studio 20 FRUITY – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
- FL Studio 20 PRODUCER – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
- FL Studio 20 SIGNATURE – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
NOTE: the Fruity Edition does not have audio recording…So avoid it unless you ONLY produce electronic music.
They also offer a cool mobile version known as FL Studio Mobile.
Up next…
4. Propellerhead Reason
Much more than just your average DAW…
Propellerhead Reason offers one HUGE feature that the others don’t.
In addition to being a solid stand-alone DAW…
It also functions as a suite of virtual instruments that can be used in combination with other DAW’s.
With Reason, electronic musicians can easily collaborate with producers working on virtually any platform.
For those who prefer the look and feel of REAL analog gear…
Its visual interface mimics the design of an actual studio rack, even allowing rear access for cable patching.
So if you like virtual instruments, Reason is definitely worth a closer look.
Click below to see prices for each version.
- Reason 10 INTRO – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Reason 10 (FULL) – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
5. Ableton Live
What makes Ableton Live so unique…
Is the fact that it was originally designed as an instrument for live performances.
And while it has since evolved into a complete recording package…
Seamless live performing is still one of its primary goals.
This fact is clearly demonstrated, first, with a visual interface that fits entirely on a single laptop screen.
And second, by the MANY 3rd party hardware controllers designed specifically for the software.
The most popular ones include:
- Ableton Push 2 (w/Live 9 Intro) – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Akai Professional APC Mini – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Novation Launchpad – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
If a live performance tool is what you need, Ableton Live is what I recommend.
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- Ableton Live 10 INTRO – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Ableton Live 10 STANDARD – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Ableton Live 10 SUITE – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
6. MOTU Digital Performer
One of the oldest DAW’s in existence…
The first version of Digital Performer appeared way back in 1990…
Originally as the front-end of a Digidesign system that would later become Pro Tools.
Earlier “MIDI only” versions of the software existed as far back as 1984.
Throughout that time, Digital Performer was known famously as the “Mac only” option.
Studio Recording Software For Mac
Which is big deal, since back then, and even more so today, the large majority of audio professionals love Apple.
Still, for that reason, they probably missed out on a lot of potential users. But no more…
Because with their latest release, they’ve finally made themselves cross-compatible with Windows as well.
I suppose it’s about damn time, huh? 🙂
- Digital Performer 9 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusicianF/Thomann)
Moving on…
7. Steinberg Cubase
The OTHER “old-timer” on this list…
The original version of Cubase was released by Steinberg back in 1989, which at the time, was MIDI only.
Not long afterward in 1992, they released TWO major advancements to the software…
Adding BOTH support for audio, and Windows compatibility.
From that point forward, they continued to refine the technology, contributing several major advancements to the music industry along the way.
Their greatest claim to fame was their introduction of VST plugins in 1996, and VST instruments in 1999, both of which became industry standards for many years after.
And even today, Cubase has managed to somehow remain just as relevant as they have been for the past several decades.
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- Steinberg Cubase Elements 10 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Steinberg Cubase Artist 10 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Steinberg Cubase Pro 10 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Next up…
8. Cockos Reaper
Founded back in 2004…
The developers from Cockos Incorporated began the process of building Reaper (Rapid Environment for Audio Prototyping and Efficient Recording)…
With a unique bootstrapping business model that quickly positioned them as the top “alternative” to the mainstream DAW’s.
With no advertising budget, Reaper was able to build its popularity almost entirely through word-of-mouth from enthusiastic users who loved in the product.
The first big selling point of Reaper is its extremely frequent update releases, which add improvements based on the feedback of users.
The second selling point is its price structure. As of now, there is only one version of Reaper, which can be downloaded for free, and offers full unrestricted use with no time limit.
Their only request, is that after 60 days of using their software…you purchase either a $60 discounted license for private use, or a $225 commercial license if your business is making money.
And yes…I said “request“. Their entire business model is based on the honor system of their customers. Yet somehow, Reaper is still far cheaper than virtually any other DAW on this list.
To download the free trial, or purchase a license, click here.
Up next…
9. Apple Logic Pro X
Back in 2002, a small company known as Emagic built the first version of Logic…
Which must have looked promising to Apple…
Because they bought it soon afterward.
And it turned out to be a great investment, because since then Logic has grown to become one of the top DAW’s in the world.
No surprise, it is the only DAW on this list NOT compatible with Windows.
And while PC users might complain, Mac users can rejoice. And here’s why:
By keeping it a “Mac only” platform, Logic users are assured that virtually any audio interface compatible with Mac OSX will work with Logic as well.
And since these days Macs are so damn popular with musicians…
Audio interface makers know that OSX compatibility is a MUST. Ultimately this means a TON of interface options for the end users.
For the latest version of Logic Pro X, you need to visit the App Store and purchase the digital download.
Up last on the list, the king of all DAW’s…
10. Avid Pro Tools
In this day and age, Pro Tools has practically become a household name.
Because for many years now…
It has been the industry standard in music recording.
Everyone uses it…in pro studios, and home studios alike.
And that alone, is a strong argument why you might want to use it as well.
Be aware though, that Pro Tools also has more haters than any of the DAW’s on this list (and some of them may even have valid points).
But all this really means is that no DAW is perfect, and each one has both its stronger and weaker points.
So is Pro Tools right for everyone? Of course not. But if you’re a complete beginner, and you really have no idea what to start with, I’d strongly recommend it as a good default option.
Currently, there are 3 versions of Pro Tools available:
- Pro Tools First – the beginner version, which is totally free, and can be downloaded here.
- Pro Tools – the intermediate version, ideal for independant musicians
- Pro Tools Ultimate – the professional version, which offers much more features then the regular version and is ideal for professional recording studios.
I recommend starting with the regular version of Pro Tools if you can afford it. And if not, use Pro Tools First instead.
Anyways so that’s the list, hope you enjoyed it. 🙂
What’s Next?
Once you’ve chosen a DAW for your studio, next comes the difficult process of actually installing it.
And when I say difficult, I mean DIFFICULT!
My first time took me a full two days of work before finally getting things working. Ask any old-timer what his first time was like, and he’ll probably have a horror story for you as well.
Just know that a little frustration here is typical, and it does NOT mean your DAW sucks. That’s just how they are.
Be patient, and know that you only have to do this once.
Then again, it’s been years since I’ve had to do it myself, so maybe it’s no longer as hard as it once was.
Good luck 🙂
When you’re first starting out…
It’s fair to say that not many guys will commit to the expense of a pro DAW….
Without first “getting their feet wet” with some free stuff…
To see if home recording is something they’ll actually enjoy.
And if that sound like you right now…perfect.
Because in today’s post, I’m going to show several great ways to help get you started…
With my list of the Top FREE Recording Software Options of 2017.
Let’s begin…
The 3 Best Options…
After days of in-depth research on this subject, what I discovered is that newbies basically have 3 FREE options to choose from:
- Online Recording Sites
- Free Downloadable DAW’s
- Included DAW’s that come with an audio interface
And while all of these are technically free, truth is…NONE of them are 100% free.
Because while the software itself may be free…to use it, you still have to spend some money elsewhere. If not now, then eventually.
So the new question I began asking was:
Which of these solutions offers the best features for the lowest OVERALL price?
And here’s what I discovered:
Option 1: Online Recording Sites
At first glance, the benefits of online recording sites seem promising…
- All files get stored in the cloud.
- Social sharing is built-in.
- You don’t need to bother with software licenses or downloads.
But once you look a little deeper, it’s also not hard to see the many downsides:
- Unreliable Internet – All internet connections drop out occasionally, which could easily rob you of good recording takes.
- Questionable Content Rights – Even if current “Terms and Conditions” give ownership to the creator, as Facebook and other big sites have shown, those rules are always subject to change.
- Freemium Business Models – Many top sites bait you with a free signup…but ultimately charge monthly fees for full use of the product. And over time, those fees add up to more than the cost of a professional DAW. And that’s absurd.
So while it does have its advantages, online recording clearly isn’t good enough to pay for.
And while I’m sure there are some musicians who have had success with online recording…I’ve honestly never met any of them personally.
So personally, I would avoid these sites in general. And I would especially avoid any sites that charge you anything.
Of the truly free sites though, here are two that look pretty promising:
NOTE: If you want to try online recording, but you don’t have a laptop yet, check out a Chromebook.
If you aren’t familiar with them yet, Chromebooks are the laptops designed by Google that work solely as an internet browser.
Because the stripped-down design uses no native applications, their price point is significantly cheaper than standard laptops.
And since you only need a browser for online recording, these two options compliment each other nicely.
Here’s an example: Acer Chromebook – (Amazon).
Up next…
Option 2: Free Native DAW’s
While they’re slightly harder to learn, at first…
Native DAW apps avoid ALL the major problems associated with online recording…
While offering far more in functionality.
In my opinion, the extra time invested in learning them is well-worth it.
Free Studio Recording Software For Mac
And I definitely recommend them over online recording sites.
The top 4 DAW’s I recommend are:
- Audacity – the most popular 100% free open-source DAW software on the planet for many years now.
- Garageband – the super-cheap, (though not technically free) DAW for Mac OSX, which many folks say is easier to learn than Audacity.
- Presonus Studio One 3 Prime – the first totally-free DAW based on professional software.
- Pro Tools First – the newest beginner version of Pro Tools 12.
Of the 3, Studio One and Pro Tools are my top picks. Because once you outgrow the free version (and you will)…
It’s far easier to upgrade to a paid version of the same DAW, rather than start over with an entirely new platform.
Since Studio One 3 comes in 2 paid versions:
…it’s super easy to upgrade from the FREE version if and when you ever need to.
And you can upgrade to Pro Tools 12 (paid) here.
Now finally…for the best option of all…
Option 3: Free DAW w/ Purchase of Audio Interface
Earlier I mentioned how no recording software is ever truly free.
And that’s mostly because, you still need either:
- an audio interface, or…
- a USB microphone
…to actually get sound in and out of the computer.
So here’s a thought:
Since you need one anyway, why not buy one that includes a free DAW superior to any of the earlier ones we covered?
Not many companies offer this deal…so the only one I can really recommend is Presonus.
(Avid does this as is well, but their interfaces are a little too pricey for most beginners).
With the following interfaces, Presonus includes Studio One Artist as part of the package:
- PreSonus AudioBox USB – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
- Presonus AudioBox 22VSL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
- Presonus Audiobox 44VSL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
Because the both hardware and software is built by one company, you’re ALWAYS guaranteed full-compatibility and tech-support…which you DON’T get when you buy them separately.
That’s why I believe the “DAW/interface combo” is the absolute-best-option for anyone starting out with home recording.
Further Resources
To wrap up this post, here are a few useful articles to help you find the other tools you’ll eventually need to start your studio:
1. Cheap Studio Mics
To record sound into your audio interface, you obviously need a mic.
And even though some pro microphones can be insanely expensive, there are plenty of cheap options as well.
In this post, I show you several of the best:
2. USB Mics
As I mentioned earlier, USB mics offer a cheap and simple shortcut to record sound directly into your computer…
Because they eliminate the need for ALL other hardware, including audio interfaces, mic preamps, and headphone amps…
Which gives you way more free DAW options as well.
If this sounds like a good fit for you at the moment, check out this article to see which ones I recommend:
3. Monitoring
Now that you can get sound IN to the computer, next you’ll need a way to get it OUT.
The tools you need are: studio monitors and headphones.
And in these next two articles, I reveal some good cheap options for both:
4. Accessories
And finally, here are the two essential accessories you’ll need to complete your setup:
After that, you’re all set to start making music.
