The 14 Best DAW: Softwares to Create an Awesome Soundtrack

The software tool you use to compose music is known as a DAW - Digital Audio Workstation. DAWs made music production easier than it has ever been, and they're only getting better! If you're just getting started on a song or nearing the end of the mastering process, you'll require sound recording technology.

However, how can you tell which one is the best fit for you? This quick guide will assist you in finding the ideal DAW. Simply select the attributes you want, and the best option(s) will appear. So, if you wish to stop looking for music and begin creating it, you've come to the right place!

If you want to learn more about the concept of sound and how to design it, you're in luck! We wrote an article explaining the basics of sound design.

What is a DAW?

A digital audio workstation is a piece of software that allows you to compose, produce, tape, combine, and edit audio. Multiple sound sources can be mixed on a time-based grid using DAWs.

DAWs can be as simple as a single software programme on a laptop, as sophisticated as a piece of integrated stand-alone equipment, or as simple as a complex combination of several components controlled by a central computer.

Music, songs, speech, radio, television, soundtracks, podcasts, and sound effects are produced and recorded using DAWs. In short, DAW is a piece of electronic equipment or software that allows you to record, edit, and create audio files.

How to choose the best DAW for you?

While choosing which DAW to utilize for your music, you must keep certain things in mind. Number one is that they all ultimately produce the same thing: make music – regardless of their appearances or procedures.

Your selection of DAW will appear less significant when you know the fundamental metaphors of digital music production. The key distinctions between them are primarily in terms of features and workflow.

So, before picking up the best DAW for you, you can try them all out to see which one best suits your needs. If you're searching for a quick tip, we recommend the below.

14 of the best DAW softwares

1. Ableton Live

• Versions: Intro and Standard
• Suite Interface: PC/MacSystem

Pros

• Quick and Dynamic process
• Topnotch built-in gadgets
• Numerous countless pros

Cons

• The most recent upgrade does not appear to be as significant as previous versions.
• Plugin lag adjustment continues to be an issue for a handful of the effects.
• Price: From $99/£69/€79

2. FL Studio

• Compatibility: PC/Mac
• ​​A number of new features were added in version 20.6. Meanwhile, version 20.7 provides you with the tools to create a social media-focused music video, while version 20.8 improves the software "quicker and much more accurate."

Pros

• Useful for EDM producers
• Worth money
• Free updates

Cons

• GUI is a little cluttered
• Price: From $99/£76/€99

3. Apple Logic Pro

• Versions: Standard
• System requirements (Mac): macOS 10.13.6 or later, 64-bit processor
• Feature - Ableton-style feature Live Loops allow you to play around with concepts before they're recorded on the primary sequence. A significant milestone sequencer, entirely revamped samplers, and toolkits for digital beatmakers are also included.

Pros

• Excellent value
• Tried and used workflow
• Lots of content

Cons

• Only for Mac
• Launch price: $200/£200/€230

4. Steinberg Cubase

• Price: From $100/£85/€89
• Versions: Elements, Artist
• ProCompatibility: PC/Mac
• Features - Virtual studio technology, development of a world-class audio editor (WaveLab), and survival of the software piracy era.
• The many good plugins, vast sound library, and massive functionality for new purchases

Pros

• Fantastic history and loads of development
• Refined workflow
• Good balance of features on each of the packages
• Great history and lots of development
• Refined workflow
• Good balance of features on each of the three versions

Cons

• Old design

5. PreSonus Studio One

• Price: From £100/£85/€95
• Versions: Prime (free), Artist, Professional
• Compatibility: PC/MacSystem requirements
• Features: Beginners or producers who want a simple UX without sacrificing a full-featured DAW. Quality hardware at affordable prices

Pros

• All-rounder
• Productive workflow
• Mature, stable and contemporary

Cons

• A relentlessly busy interface which can be overwhelming

6. Cockos Reaper 6

• Price:
• Compatibility:
• Features - Reaper is a remarkably affordable cross-platform DAW with a tiny footprint and sophisticated MIDI/audio routing capabilities. The demo is fully functional.

Pros

• A well-built DAW system with a wide range of features.
• Affordably priced
• It's highly configurable because of its skinnable UI and open source code.

Cons

• There aren't many plugins or add-ons included.

7. Reason Studios

• Price: From $99/£69/€79
• Versions: Intro, Standard, Suite
• Compatibility: PC/MacSystem requirements

Pros

• A fantastic SSL-style mixer.
• As a plugin, you can utilize its devices.

Cons

• The hardware-inspired style will not appeal to everyone.

8. Audacity

• Audacity is downloadable and runs on all OS systems. It provides everything you need for audio input on a timeline without any additional features.
• It can't use instruments like VST synths because it can't capture MIDI, and plugin modifications must be performed dangerously offsite. Hence, Audacity might not be the best choice for a full mix.
• On the other hand, Audacity may be the most incredible place to start if you're just learning the basics of imaging technology.
• Price: Free

Pros

• A free audio editing and creating tool with a lot of capabilities.

Cons

• Following MuseScore's takeover, there are concerns regarding privacy and malware.

9. Bitwig studio

• Versions: 16-trackStandard
• Compatibility: PC/Mac/Linux
• System requirements (PC): Windows 7 or later (64-bit),
• Bitwig lets you mix the clippings launchers and the traditional organizer for a unique and significantly quicker workflow.
• Bitwig is still the only DAW that offers full modulation. Modulation allows you to generate unusual movement and colour to any sounds with extraordinarily high degrees of design.

Pros

• Flexible modulation mechanism
• Built-in modular environment
• Truly innovative feature set

Cons

• Ableton Live continues to throw a shadow.

10. Apple Garageband

• Launch price: Free
• Compatibility: PC/Mac
• System requirements: macOS 10.13.6 or later
• Beginners and non-music can just arrange the included audio loops. Still, there's also a good number of software devices, digital sound recordings and a solid number of digital guitars amplifiers and stompboxes.
• Drummer is extraordinary for automatic generation beats, Smart Controls make sound editing more enjoyable, and that you can even manage the software with the Logic Remote iPad app.
• Free with all Macs

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Ready-made upgrade path

Cons

• Non-compatible with PC

11. Avid Pro Tools

• Price: From $30/£25/€28 a month
• Versions: First, standard and Ultimate
• Compatibility: PC/Mac
• You may now modify tracks and timeline sections while the music is playing, allowing you to play around with effects, presets, loop points, and other features without having to stop the song.
• There's also Avid Cloud Collaboration for cloud-based work storing, as well as the Avid Marketplace for connecting with other sound professionals.

Pros

• A true industry benchmark
• A free version is available to get you started.
• Has a more modern workflow now.

Cons

• Suited for linear recording.

12. Cakewalk by BandLab

• Price - Free of charge
• Version - Standard
• Compatibility - PC
• Free software accessible and no third-party material in the premium version. The package includes the Skylight user interface, ProChannel components, and a 64-bit mix engine.

Pros

• Flexible
• ProChannel modules
• Customizable Skylight interface

Cons

• There isn't a Mac version.

13. Acoustica Mixcraft

• Price: From $99
• Versions: Recording Studio, Pro Studio
• Compatibility: PC
• More computerized systems, audio processing files, new effects and sounds, and the ability to translate audio files are all included in Mixcraft 9.

Pros

• It is simple to use.
• Will not quickly outgrow.
• A good library of content

Cons

• There isn't a clear upgrading path.

14. Harrison Mixbus 32c

• Price : From $115 to $447
• Compatibility - PC
• Mixbus is the perfect DAW for analogue enthusiasts looking for a less priced digital alternative to bulky controllers. Harrison has refined the method of making inline combining consoles.
• From Herbie Hancock to the Smashing Pumpkins, Harrison's equipment has been used to create a slew of hits. On your PC, Mixbus recreates the unique sound and functionality of its consoles. If you prefer the layout of a console to that of a traditional DAW, check out Mixbus.

Pros

• It sounds excellent
• It's excellent for recording and editing

Cons

• Not for beginners (especially those who have never worked with analogue equipment)
• The quality of life for MIDI Features may have been better.

What's next?

The best DAW for you is the one that creates music simply, so try out demos of all the programmes you're exploring. Consider your work process and the features that are essential to you in digital audio processors.

Before making a purchase, make sure your desired DAW is suitable with your gadgets and any plugins you consider necessary to your workflow.

If this article made you want to learn sound design, you could be working on making sound for films in the future. Consider learning about filmmaking in general, to understand the role of sound in film better.

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