What is the best alternative to Logic Pro X?
Pro Free, open source and cross-platform
Audacity is available for free on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux with source code available here.
Pro Well maintained
Audacity is constantly updated.
Con Not seen as a full DAW
Audacity doesn't have the capabilities of popular DAWs and generally isn't considered to be good option.
Con No real time effects
Users are unable to change effects in real time with Audacity. If effects are to be changed, no sound can be playing or recording.
Con Doesn't retain audio integrity
Audacity uses destructive editing, meaning applying effects, cutting, etc is non-reversable after you've saved a project.
Pro Highly customizable
Reaper lets users change to different themes, supports the use of a wealth of (free) extensions and has a lot of options when it comes to rendering.
Pro Constantly updated
Alongside generally quick pace of updates, Reaper developers pay very close attention to user feedback and are constantly adding features based on their requests so much so that some even consider it somewhat of a crowdsourced DAW.
Pro Supports unlimited number of tracks with unlimited number of effects
There are no limits on amount of tracks and effects that those tracks can be equipped with.
Con Long drop down menus
There are many features that you'll find nested deep in the menu system, but it's really clunky. Everything is there but it's difficult to find. It's also really easy to accidentally click an option that you didn't intend.
Con Lacks VSTis
Doesn't come with a wealth of VSTis. Plugins for things like piano, cello, guitar have to be found elsewhere. But is highly compatible with other providers of those products.
Con No PFL metering
If you want to meter your input levels before your FX and volume fader, you'll need to insert a metering plugin as the first part of the chain, since there is no option for PFL metering.
Pro Has the possibility to become a great open-source alternative to FL Studio
-interface look like FL Studio interface -main workspace for composing and editing melodies and harmonies is piano roll
Pro Free and open source
LMMS is available for free with source code licensed under GPL and available on GitHub allowing anyone to edit and extend the software as they see fit.
Pro Cross-platform
LMMS works on Linux, Windows and OSX.
Con Program crashes a lot
This happens more frequently when loading VST files.
Con No merging or splicing options
There is no feature that allows you to merge or splice tracks in LMMS.
Pro Easy to add new sounds
If you're not happy with the default sounds (a good, but aging set from Roland), you can import any .sf2 and .sf3 soundfonts and easily use them. You can even have multiple soundfonts running simultaneously.
Pro MusicXML import and export ensures a degree of compatibility with other programs
If you are submitting files to a publisher, MusicXML format can be read by the big engraving programs: Sibelius, Finale, MuseScore, etc. Often there are some display issues that will need to be tweaked when using MusicXML between different programs, but publishers will spend a lot of time tweaking...
Pro Lightweight
Contrary to most of its commercial counterparts, MuseScore is lightweight (less than 100MB) and can run acceptably on aging computers.
Con No real-time transcription tool
If you are looking to play your MIDI keyboard and have the computer attempt to transcribe and print out your latest masterwork as you play, MuseScore is not the tool for you. It does, however, have a "semi-realtime" note input mode, which is kind of the same thing as a transcription tool.
Con Bad sounds
Although its ok for basic composing, the default sounds can sound inferior to other more polished sounds. In fact, it will remind you of old mario games with midi music; because that is pretty much what it is.
Pro Excellent navigation
Using the navigator at the top of the screen, Podium users can click and zoom, adjust the edges of the viewed area, or click a programmable button to the left of the navigator that jumps to a selected view.
Pro Works with advanced mice
Mice with 4-way scroll wheels are compatible with Podium.
Pro Embedded editor
Zynewave plugins use custom editors that are built in to the inspector's rack panel, allowing users to adjust settings without having to open a new window.
Con Low compatibility
Podium is for Windows only.
Pro Allows creating own synths and effects patches
MuLab includes MUX Modular, a modular synth and effect engine, that can be used to create and edito own synths and effects patches.
Pro No-clutter interface
MuLab has a clean, minimalistic interface that uses highly distinct icons sparingly making it easy to overview. Much of the functionality can be found in right-click menus.
Pro Portable
Can be installed and run on a portable device such as a USB stick.
Pro Supports multi-track recording
Multi-track recording is an option provided by Acid Pro 7 that can be especially beneficial for live performances. Each instrument can be recorded live with its own effects and input monitoring.
Pro Zoom function changes the size of all tracks simultaneously
Resizing is easy with Acid Pro 7, and can be done to every track at the same time with one master slider.
Con 32-bit only
Acid Pro 7 is 32-bit only and cannot use 64-bit plugins. This also limits the size of a project.
Con PC only
Acid Pro 7 is not compatible with Mac.
Pro High capacity tracks
Each track can receive an unlimited number of VST, aux, and audio inputs.
Pro Great value for the price
It's one of the cheapest DAWs you can get for its many features.
Pro Good for mastering projects
The Mixcraft Pro Studio DAW comes with a dedicated mastering section, complete with proprietary mastering tools and the iZotope Mastering Essentials plugin.
Con More expensive than standard version
The Pro version of the Mixcraft DAW comes with more plugins, but many of these plugins can allegedly be download from other sources for free.
Con Comes with unnecessary software
The Mixcraft DAW comes with a video maker which comes across as unnecessary for an audio editor. While some see this as free software, others don't see the point, as it won't come close to the quality of true video editing software.
Pro Sophisticated effect modulation
ReNoise 3 offers a ridiculous amount of flexibility when it comes to automation. Instead automating by sliding points around, users can choose from an array of preloaded automation patterns in order to produce more interesting sounding patterns.
Pro Uses a module tracker instead of piano roll
Module trackers are preferred by some users because they help increase productivity.
Pro Requires minimum mouse input
Shortcuts and other methods are used in order to minimize the amount of work that users must do with a mouse. This can greatly increase the efficiency of a workflow.
Con Interface can be confusing to people who's not familiar with trackers
Trackers are different from sequencing (arrangement) view (most DAWs) and session view (Ableton, Bitwig).
Con Cannot record multiple tracks simultaneously
Live musicians are limited by only being able to record on one tracks at a time.
Pro VST support
VST is supported via a special plugin.
Pro Lots of plugins
It supports its own plugin format, and there are a lot of community-created plugins.
Pro It is free
You get the full functionality for free
Con Windows only
Rumors are, it can be launched with wine on Linux
Con Not a complete DAW solution
It lacks some typical DAW functionality, although with some trickery you can do anything.
Pro Good amount of VST plugins to choose from
Supplied with many cheap and cheerful VSTs and VSTIs.
Con Latency problems
Tends to favor Windows waveRT over asio. Latency should be fine if PC sufficiently powerful - say core i3 or above.
Con Buggy
Currently the software is glitchy, especially the 64-bit version.
Pro Racks
Self contained modular environment for hooking up processing chains of plugins or instruments in any way you want.
Pro Very compatible
Tracktion 5 is now compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pro Bundles with Melodyne for no cost
Melodyne is a pitch correction software that now comes free with Tracktion 5. At $60, Tracktion 5 with Melodyne costs about half as much as the standalone version of Melodyne.
Con Lack of drivers for Linux
There are no official drivers for any multi-channel audio interfaces, putting Linux users at a disadvantage.
Pro Easy to use DAW interface
All components are laid out in an understandable fashion and almost everything is drag and drop.
Pro Efficient DAW workflow
The Studio One DAW doesn't expect users to deal with a lot of windows, answer questions, or use the mouse excessively. This DAW is known for lettings users be creative without getting in the way.
Pro Automatic delay compensation
When a plugin takes time to process a sound, the Studio One DAW detects the gap and compensates.
Con No real support for synth hardware
SO3 cannot control your synth. You cannot see/control or access patches, their names, or SysEx. It seems that everything is centered around use of virtual instruments, and not hardware synth.
Con No snap to zero crossing
Snap to zero crossing lines up audio's waveform at the optimum position so it won't sound glitchy. The Studio One DAW does not directly offer this feature.
Pro Powerful mixing including ProChannel
A Pro Channel ensures that you have all the necessary plugins in a really good mixing rack with console emulation for all busses and channels. This feels and sounds like a real mixing console.
Pro Built in vocal comping and pitch correction
The Sonar DAW has some of the best pitch correction available, and it comes with the DAW.
Con Windows only
This DAW isn't available on any operating system except for Windows. However, many Mac users operate the Sonar DAW in a dual boot environment. A version for Mac is in the works. You can learn more about it here.
Con Gibson owned (they're almost Bankrupt, $500,000.00 in Debt)
Many feel with the "Lifetime" subscription, really hurt Cakewalk as there is no more monthly/yearly income. Most likely the IP will be sold as Gibson is in a bad financial situation (they owe about half a Billion $ due early next year) They are one of the all time "Great" guitar...
Con Steep Learning Curve
This DAW has a bit of a learning curve, if you're new to DAW software, this may not be recommended for a beginner.
Pro Great summing engine
The summing engine is responsible for processing tracks and combining them into the correct output. In comparison to other DAWs, Cubase's summing engine is excellent.
Con Annoying Dongle
Not unlike Pro Tools, you have to have a dongle containing your license plugged into your computer or you can't use the software.
Con Poor sample editing
The sample editor isn't too great and there's no option to launch external sample editors.
Con Lack of built-in noise reduction
There's no built-in noise reduction FFT profiler like you might see in some other DAWs. There's noise gate but it's not the same. If you're on Windows, then you can get around this by downloading ReaFir.
Pro Easy to use browser
The new browser in Numerology 4 utilizes drag and drop for samples, and has an auto play mode for quick browsing.
Pro Great compatibility with controllers
Numerology 4 has made it possible for users to use several grid controllers at once. This can be useful when one controller is set up specifically for FX and the other is specifically for note input.
Con Mac only
Numerology 4 is only compatible with Mac OS.
Pro Surface compatible
All functionality is accessible on the Microsoft Surface.
Pro Clutter-free interface
Little chance of getting lost or clicking the wrong button.
Pro Fast
Incredibly responsive and quick.
Con No instruments
Comes with audio FX but no instruments.
Pro Optimized for multiple screens
With a dual monitor setup, Pyramix fills the main monitor with the Project Window, and the secondary monitor with secondary editing tools, VSTs, or any other features that are run separately from the main interface.
Pro Easier to undo edits
Pyramix keeps a log if which actions have taken place, so instead of seeing "undo action", users can see exactly which edits they are modifying.
Pro Great for editing fades
The fade editor and cross-fade editor is a feature in Pyramix that is difficult to find in other DAWs. This editor lets users apply different envelopes to fades. This creates interesting effects for ambient sounds or clips that have been split and should fade in/out slowly.
Con Difficult to learn
Pyramix is feature rich and versatile, but this comes at the cost of a very steep learning curve.
Pro Great creative DAW workflow
Ableton's session view gives a much quicker, more flexible way of experimenting with ideas than a typical linear interface. In session view, each instrument part is a separate entity that can be mixed and matched with other parts without having to rearrange anything. Any and every effect is con...
Pro Advanced automation
You can add curves to automation. Additionally, Ableton lets users duplicate certain automations quickly.
Pro Great for sampling
The Ableton DAW offers a great sampling experience, which can be approached in many different ways. Audio can be directly chopped, quantized, warped, and even chopped into MIDI clips. Ableton's built in sampler also allows clean pitching along with useful loop functions.
Con Expensive
At around $749, the Ableton Live 9 Suite DAW is more expensive than other DAWs. Ableton live 9 standard can be bought for $449, and Ableton Live 9 Intro can be bought for $99.
Con Limited routing
Tracks can go into groups and sub-groups (as of Live 10), and sends are available, but that's the extent of routing.
Con Plugins on frozen tracks are loaded and unloaded as the session opens slowing down opening and creating DSP limitations.
For example: If you freeze more than the allowed number of plugins on a UAD DSP device, when you open your session, Ableton will open and close all the frozen plugins on every channel even though they are not active in the session. The UAD control panel application displays the DSP usage of the har...
Pro Excellent for visual learners
All the stock plugins look really nice and really show users what is being done, it's a great way to learn mixing theory for a beginner. This approach makes FL Studio easy to learn compared to other DAWs.
Pro Perfect for engineering because of the production style workflow
The workflow for creating beats in FL Studio is among the fastest which make mixing and mastering a breeze inserting plug-ins and routing on the mixer.
Pro Free lifetime updates
With the producer or signature bundle, updates are free forever.
Con Native Mac version is in beta
FL Studio for Mac is still in beta. It doesn't even yet support Yosemite or El Capitan.
Con No native Linux version
No native Linux version available. It's possible to run it using WINE with native performance. Instructions on how to set it up can be found here.
Help millions of people make better decisions.
Each month, over 1.7 million people use Slant to find the best products and share their knowledge. Pick the tags you’re passionate about to get a personalized feed and begin contributing your knowledge.