Aspiring Music Producers: Looking For A Digital Audio Workstation?
So you want to get into music production, huh? Well, then you must get good at working with DAWs. This is nonnegotiable. Knowing how to navigate DAW software is a must in today's music industry. These tools are used for audio editing, mixing tracks, and pretty much anything else you need to produce music.
But, which one is the best DAW? Which ones have a free version? Do all of them include the same foundational features? We've put together a list of some of the most popular DAWs out there. Don't rush your decisions.
Consider getting good at at least one DAW software but knowing the basics in all of them in case you’re collaborating with someone in the future. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular music production software on the market. We'll give you an overview of them so that you can get an idea of which one may suit you better. But first...
So What Are DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)?
Digital audio workstations are tools that allow you to record audio and MIDI. It also has the ability for other professionals in music production, like mixers or video editors, to come together on one platform. DAWs are very important if you want to become a music producer because they allow people with different skill sets within the industry to collaborate. Ok, let’s jump onto some of the most popular ones!
Digital Audio Workstation #1: Apple Garageband
Garageband is a free DAW that is great for aspiring musicians and music producers, especially because it is free. It is used in the recording, audio editing, and mixing of audio samples. Mac users can record live instruments on their personal computers using virtual amps and stompboxes, synthesizers, and sampled sounds (or any other instrument imported).
GarageBand comes with more than 200 virtual instruments including drums, keyboards, and basses. And, it has a very simple-looking audio interface. The application is available on Mac & PC or can be purchased for iPad®, iPod® & iPhone® devices in the Apple app store. GarageBand also has a large collection of loops that users can drag to create their tracks using pre-arranged song sections called "Smart Drums". Users can set how long they want each loop to play so it's easy to create custom songs within minutes!
A great feature about this program is its ability to record up to 128 tracks at one time which means you won't have an excuse not to produce your next hit single! In addition, there is no additional equipment needed when recording live instruments making it incredibly easy to use, especially if you’re just getting started.
Digital Audio Workstation #2: Apple Logic Pro X
Apple Logic Pro X is one of the most popular digital audio workstations. This music production and audio editing software is available as an app for macOS. Logic Pro X is the latest version of the professional DAW from Apple Inc., made to be used by professionals in video and film post-production as well as musical creation such as electronic music or hip hop beats.
It features world-class synthesizers, sampled instruments, and loops, which can all be edited through one simple interface that allows users to easily mix their songs with over 30 included plug-in effects and processors like reverb, delay, and autotune. The amazing thing about it is how easy it makes creating songs – you don’t need any experience whatsoever but bear in mind that it is more complex than GarageBand!
Apple Logic Pro X, also known simply as Logic, has all the tools you need to create professional-quality songs with edits that can be easily recalled – it’s perfect if you want to record your demos or master tracks at home! Another great thing about Logic Pro X is how much it integrates with other Apple apps such as Garageband so everything stays organized in one place.
Logic Pro X was first announced at an invite-only keynote event on October 23rd, 2013 by Apple Inc. before its release later on January 16th, 2014 after over two years of development led by Chief Product Officer and SVP Craig Federici. The updated version of Logic Pro X includes a redesigned interface, new plug-ins, and instruments, an expanded library of loops and sounds as well as advanced tools for editing audio.
Logic Pro X runs natively on Mac OSX. It has also been ported to iOS which runs exclusively on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch devices. This feature is called "Project Mix I/O." However, it does not include the entire feature set found in its bigger brother. Apple's GarageBand app can be used with some projects created inside Logic Pro X via Inter-App Audio (IAA). It provides 32 instrument tracks along with 64 MIDI tracks per project as well as support for third-party virtual instruments such as those from Spectrasonics' Omnisphere.
Digital Audio Workstation #3: FL Studio
This is a very popular DAW software for Windows and OS X, mainly because of its simple-looking audio interface and a broad range of features, which includes a digital audio processor. It is used to create beats, synthesize and mix music, sing or rap vocals, and compose soundtracks. The program lets you easily drag samples from the browser into the project window where they snap automatically to the tempo grid. Music producers can use the FL Studio to create loops, effects, and other samples.
FL Studio is used by professional musicians around the world, but it's also popular with beginners because of its simple layout. The program has a huge community where users share their content for remixing or learning how to make music in FL studio. Aspiring artists can download user-generated presets - so-called 'drum kits' which contain drum sounds ready to be dragged into any project to achieve certain sounds immediately.
These drum kits have their dedicated section on YouTube where they are demonstrated by famous YouTubers who post tutorials that show people how these powerful tools work under different circumstances. This way FL Studio becomes more accessible even though there are still a lot of hidden tricks that can be discovered by using the software.
FL Studio is available for Windows and OS X in three different editions: Fruity Edition, Producer Edition, and Signature Bundle. The first one has a limited set of features whereas the second one contains all instruments, effects, etc., but lacks content such as drum kits or presets which are included in the signature bundle where users also get access to thousands of loops from Sample Magic's catalog. All these versions have discounted upgrade prices when compared to buying them separately so it might be worth trying FL studio out even if you're not sure about making music just yet - there's always time to update your version later on!
Digital Audio Workstation #4: Reaper
This is a DAW software that can be used for multitrack recording, MIDI sequencing, and even mastering audio. It makes editing audio samples very straightforward. Music producers use Reaper to create their music from scratch or edit songs already created by other artists using sound editing software like Adobe Audition, Sound Forge, etc.
I think one of the most interesting features about Reaper is its price point: it's free! This makes it accessible for people who cannot afford expensive DAWs such as Ableton Live Suite ($449) and FL Studio ($99). Although they do offer limited versions (Lite and Fruity), those aged out after 30 days meaning users would have to upgrade if they wanted more than just basic functionality available in those versions, whereas with the full version there are no limitations.
Although it's free, there are some features that Music Producers might miss out on compared to other DAWs but for beginners, this is probably not an issue as the interface is very user-friendly. Music Producers using Reaper might also find it tricky getting used to the shortcut keys instead of having a mouse or trackpad but once you learn them, this can help speed up your workflow and make things easier! If you're looking for a DAW that is powerful, free and easy-to-use I recommend checking out Reaper!
Digital Audio Workstation #5: Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a music production tool that has gained immense popularity over the years. This software is for users and producers who want to get their hands dirty and experiment with sound, effects, and instruments to create music on their computer rather than just playing it from an instrument or mixing console.
Ableton Live can be used by both hobbyist musicians as well as professional artists looking to perform live sets without having to rely too heavily on backing tracks or the assistance of other band members. Music created using Ableton Live can then be published online via Soundcloud which makes sharing your work easy! The possibilities are endless when you start experimenting with this program.
It's important not only to learn how to use existing features but also to explore the vast library of sounds and effects built into the software. Ableton Live can also be integrated into a live performance using controllers such as Push or Launchpad which makes it perfect for DJs, VJs, and artists looking to experiment with electronic instruments in new ways.
Digital Audio Workstation #6: Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools is a recording software used by many music professionals. Music producers use it to make beats, mix tracks and produce songs for artists in the studio or on tour. Unlike other audio production software programs, Pro Tools offers users an easy-to-use interface that includes all of the essential tools needed to create professional-quality mixes.
Pro Tools also offers more advanced features specifically tailored towards sound design and post-production workflows common at top Hollywood film & TV facilities around the world including automated dialogue replacement (ADR), ADR Foley stages, foley walkers, voice editing suites, report systems, etc., as well as high end mixing desks like SSL's AWS 900+ console with 56 fader control surface along with countless outboard gear racks customized for feature films & TV shows.
Digital Audio Workstation #7: PreSonus Studio One 3
PreSonus Studio One 3 is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing. It can be used in the studio or on the go using your laptop to make beats at home, in a hotel room, or anywhere you have an internet connection. You can produce full tracks without leaving the program making it a one-stop-shop for all things audio production-related from writing lyrics with Melodyne Studio to layering synths inside of Alchemy before bouncing them down into stems that are ready for vocalists and musicians alike to add their touch next time they come back to collaborate.
Conceived by Music Producer/Engineer John Cuniberti who has worked with artists such as Joe Satriani, David Bowie & The team behind “The Matrix” Trilogy while under contract with Music Production heavyweight “Grammy Award Winner” Ken Scott. PreSonus Studio One™ has evolved into one of the industry standards for music production in recent years being used by major players such as Mike Will Made-It, Bruno Mars & The team behind Jay-Z, and Kanye West’s albums "Watch The Throne" and “The Life Of Pablo".
Digital Audio Workstation #8: Sony Acid Pro
Sony Acid Pro is an excellent music production software that allows you to create great sounding loops and beats. Music producers can use it for EDM, Hip Hop, or any other genre of their choice. Acid Pro is the industry-standard, professional-level digital audio workstation used by companies like John Lennon's son Sean Ono Lennon.
Sony Music has released a brand new version of this amazing DAW called Sony Acid Music Studio X with all kinds of new features for creating your next track! It comes packed with instruments that are compatible with VST plug-ins so you have everything you need right at hand - perfect for on-stage live sets in front of thousands of people! The user interface was also redesigned from scratch and looks stunning now: clean and intuitive workflow makes using the studio incredibly easy.
Sony Music has always been a leader in the industry and Sony Acid Music Studio X is no exception: it's going to be your best friend for all types of music production! Check out some audio demos online or just buy yourself a copy - you won't regret it.
The trial version will give you access to most features so there are no limitations during testing. However, songs created with this demo version can not be saved. Make sure that before buying the full license key that Acid Music Studio works on your computer as it doesn't currently support Mac OSX operating systems (it does work on Linux though).
With Sony Acid Pro you don't need expensive equipment like synthesizers or microphones because everything will be done with your keyboard and mouse! This program also includes tutorials that teach you how to use all of its features step by step so novices won’t learn something difficult they cannot understand easily. One more thing I'd like to mention about this product is that there are extra loop packs for musicians who want some new sounds.
Digital Audio Workstation #9: Propeller Head Reason
Propeller Head Reason digital audio workstation is a digital music production application that allows you to create and edit digital music files. The digital sound editing computer software features real-time synthesis, mixing, matching virtual instruments with samples stored in a library of sounds, which are all integrated into an easily navigated interface.
Propeller Head Reason offers musicians the ability to produce their own tracks without any limitations or specific knowledge about producing musical pieces. It can be used by beginners as well experienced producers who want more control over their compositions than regular DAWs offer while keeping things simple and easy for everyone involved.
This type of music production software provides some unique tools such as many effects processor units (reverb, delay), samplers, synthesizers, etc. All these can be integrated with each other. This DAW can be used by beginners as well experienced producers who want more control over their compositions than regular DAWs offer while keeping things simple and easy for everyone involved.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to use various digital audio workstations is crucial if you want to become a music producer and have a successful career in today's music industry. This would enable you to collaborate with other producers seamlessly regardless of whether you are in your studio or working in someone else's. It will also give you a reputation to be easy to work with, that's for sure!
There are many other digital audio workstations out there, and every now and then, a new DAW comes along. The ones in the list above provide you with a good starting point to start checking them out. That said, consider getting very good at Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and FL Studio. Those are very popular so chances are you'll be using them when you collaborate with other music producers.
If you’re an aspiring music producer, then it’s important to know your way around several digital audio workstations. There are a lot of options out there, but which one is right for you? If you're still unsure and have any questions, please drop them in the comments and we'll help you out! We hope this blog post has helped you.