What is the best alternative to&#x20;Studio One?

Processing type:32-bit, 64-bit, ARM (32/64-bit, beta, Linux Only)

No session based Workflow (like Live/Bitwig), hiccups upon loading projects. See More

716 151

score 53 · Answer 3

Waveform

Top Pro

Clean interface

Top Con

Not open source

Top Pro

Very stable

Top Con

Not suited for LIve Performance

Top Pro

Linux support

Runs great on Linux(except LV2 Support). See More

Top Con

Not option to easy cut a file

There is no scissors tool or similar.... See More

Top Pro

ARM/ARM64 support

Runs on SBC (single board computer) systems like the Raspberry Pi3, Pine64, and ODroid development boards, as well as systems like the Pinebook and Chromebooks with ARM based SoC CPU's that have been reformatted with a Linux OS. See More

Top Con

Crashes a lot

Top Pro

Creative Tools

Has a Chord Track, MIDI pattern creator and great included tools. See More

Top Pro

Ideal for beginners

Self-explaining interface. See More

Top Pro

Easy to understand

Very logically structured. See More

The Sonar DAW comes with a new and improved UI with extra focus on being customizable. See More

53 8

score 113 · Answer 4

SONAR

Top Pro

Highly customizable UI

Top Con

64-bit Windows only

This DAW is not 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. See More

Top Pro

Great bundled instruments

Top Con

Lacks a separate audio editor

Top 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. See More

Top Con

Transport bar is big

Top Pro

Add effects plugins to individual audio or MIDI clips

In addition to an effects rack and ProChannel effects that you can insert into each track, SONAR also allows you to insert effects plugins on individual audio or MIDI clips. Using the non-destructive editing, you can easily cut one of those clips into smaller pieces if you'd like to apply an effect non-destructively to an individual note or musical phrase. See More

Top Con

Stability and unfinished features

Stability and tools are unfinished. As an example, AudioSnap simply does not work as it should when editing transients in the audio and staff view it does not work correctly. See More

Top Pro

Highly flexible audio routing

In SONAR Platinum you can create an unlimited number of audio tracks, patch points, aux tracks and busses. Each track can send its output or an unlimited number of aux sends to any patch point or bus. A patch point can route to any number of aux tracks. Each aux track or bus can send its output or an unlimited number of sends to any other patch point or bus. (* A patch point is a destination where audio can be sent from any output or aux send, while an aux track is a track that receives its input from a patch point. This allows the track to be used similarly to a bus, with the additional flexibility of allowing multiple aux tracks to get their input from the same source point, and the organizational convenience of having the track alongside other tracks, instead of in the separate bus area). See More

Top Con

Over-engineered GUI

Every part of the screen has tiny windows and symbols that might move, expand or disappear when you click on them. It is distracting and disorienting for new users. See More

Top Pro

Very frequent updates

The last few years they have given updates with new features and fixes nearly every month. Great support, constant innovation. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Inbuilt bridge

Includes inbuilt bridge allowing a 64-bit software to use a 32-bit plugin and vice versa without having to painstakingly use an external bridge to bridge the plugins. This will save one from bridging every new plugin that isn't compatible. See More

Top Con

Non-free software

Does not respect your freedom. Does not provide source code. See More

Top Pro

Session Templates

New projects can have the entire session defined from a template. Tracks, IO, folders routing, etc. See More

Top Con

Sound and fx routing is broken or non-intuitive

E.g. Midi instrument> change to MIDI channel, assign midi controler>click Icon on track which sometimes leaves midi control to a non desired track, and the process fails, and now you mull through the steps again, only to find it fails> contact support>They tell you to update>software update fails> Support contacts you 3 months later>Rinse&repeat. See More

Top Pro

Vocal Alignment tool

Top Con

Workflow not good

Top Pro

Track folders

Group tracks into folders to expand/collapse Solo Mute or Archive. See More

Top Pro

Touch screen support

If your computer has a touch screen, use gestures to optimize your workflow. See More

Top Pro

Integrated drum replacement

Top Pro

Easy to learn and use

Everything is very straightforward and intuitive, making it's workflow quite streamline and easy to customize. See More

Top Pro

Supports video playback

You can play video alongside your audio tracks during playback to make it easier for post-production or audio-to-video sync. See More

Top Pro

Intuitive interface

The interface is very intuitive once you learn the program. It's like working in the studio with physical components. See More

Top Pro

Includes Melodyne Essential via ARA

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

In collaboration with BandLab Technologies

Top Pro

Integrated SoundCloud and YouTube uploads

When you're done with a project, upload it straight to SoundCloud or YouTube from the Sonar DAW. See More

Top Pro

Home Studio, Platinum, Professional, and Artist subscription tiers

Lots of new features to separate them from the pack and put them in the lead again like when they were the very first DAW to go 64 bits. New model for purchasing the DAW means a purchaser can pay a monthly fee to use the DAW instead of having to buy it all upfront, so now you can try it for a month or 4 and if it does not work for you, dump it without having spent the full price to buy the whole thing. See More

Top Pro

Professional DAW

Professional, complete and very efficient DAW. It is unbelievable how BandLab does not charge a penny for it! See More

Top Pro

Laptop friendly

Also good for small screen laptops. See More

Top Pro

Better for running external MIDI devices

It comes with a lot of Hardware Instrument definition templates and you can easily build your own. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Windows

Good range of high quality synths: analog, FM, wavetable, string modulation, sampler, organ, clarinet, epiano. See More

113 23

score 189 · Answer 5

Logic Pro X

Top Pro

High quality instruments and effects

Top Con

Only compatible with Mac

No Windows or Linux versions are available. See More

Top Pro

Cheaper than similar programs

This program costs US$200 and must be bought from the app store. See More

Top Con

Lags or crashes often

This happens usually when there is a lot going on in the track. See More

Top Pro

Comes with 57gb content

The initial download of Logic Pro X gives users 2gb of samples, but the DAW automatically downloads 57gb of samples once the Logic Pro X DAW is installed. See More

Top Con

Poor audio editor

Audio editor is a lot less intuitive and accessible than other DAWs. See More

Top Pro

Free corresponding iPad app

In order to allow more control, the Logic Pro X DAW has added a free iPad app called Logic Remote. Logic Remote is available in several different views, and is capable of MIDI input and parameter adjustment. It comes with a full library and browser. Navigation is easy as well via the navigation bar along the top of the screen. Many interesting views are available, such as chord strips. This view allows users to play a series of preset chords that are already in the right key. Gestures are supported with this app, so loop speed and other properties can quickly be adjusted. This app connects to Logic through WiFi, so the app and program should be running on the same network. See More

Top Con

Unusable with lots of plugins: stutters and clicks

Top Pro

UI designed for ease of use

The Logic Pro X DAW has made an effort to keep clutter out of the equation so producers can focus on the music. See More

Top Con

Non-free software

Top Pro

Studio standard

If you take music production seriously then one day maybe you'll enter professional studio, where you will most likely find the Logic DAW along with Pro Tools. See More

Top Con

Rarely updated

Since Apple purchased this software, the updates are rare and none. The latest update was less than great and has forced users to look elsewhere, especially the Pro community. See More

Top Pro

Allows users to program their own tools

The Logic Pro X DAW lets users make their own effects using with javascript leveraging its Scripter API. See More

Top Con

No support for 32-bit plugins without 3rd Party Plugin 32 Lives

Top Pro

Free update from Logic

As of 1/21/2015, Apple has released an update that allows users to upgrade from Logic to Logic Pro X. See More

Top Con

It is next to impossible to organize your mixer channels

There are lots of work arounds, but a straight rearrange the mixing channel would be appreciated. See More

Top Pro

Uses minimum amount of CPU

The Logic Pro X DAW is optimized for CPU usage, which makes the DAW more stable. See More

Top Con

Too big

The app is too big! See More

Top Pro

Easy to learn, makes writing easy, and keeps technical in the background

It is easy, intuitive, and easy-to-implement. See More

Top Con

Very buggy

Top Pro

Does a lot of work for you

Switch in to Alchemy on the synth and you get an intuitive template to adjust wavetables and eq visually, plus various modes and styles. Handy tool. See More

Top Pro

Supports expressive MIDI - MPE

Works with new controllers like Seaboard Rise, Linnstrument, Continuum Board, etc. See More

Top Pro

Full external MIDI support

Poly aftertouch, sysex and two modes of controlling external midi instruments. See More

Top Pro

Many instruments

Different kinds of instruments all around. See More

Top Pro

Incorporating iOS devices, accessing Apps/Synths/Effects

A totally overlooked feature.... The Setup is as Easy as Pie. Create an aggregate audio setup and midi device incorporating your iOS devices and wham bam....Instruments / Audio / FX all accessible within logic., An AU... An Audio I/O.. Brilliant. See More

Top Pro

Many plug-ins

Top Pro

Virtual Drummer

Allows to create high quality drum tracks even if you are not a drummer. See More

Top Pro

Used by celebrities

This includes: Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (everything except guitars), John Powell - How to train your dragon, other works, and Tycho (until 2011 when he switched to Reaper to finish his album). Though , Still to this day uses Logic for composing. Lets also not forget Boris Blank that in essence is Yello, and One of the pioneers of electronic based music. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Mac

Max number of tracks:Unlimited

Processing type:64 Bit

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 consolidated into one clean looking interface. It allows users to experiment with effects and other manipulations very quickly. Because of this, Ableton is known as one of the most creative DAWs out there. See More

189 41

score 266 · Answer 6

Ableton Live

Top Pro

Great creative DAW workflow

Top Con

Expensive

At 749 USD, Ableton Live Suite (the most fully-featured edition) is more expensive than other DAWs. Ableton Live Standard can be bought for 449 USD. Ableton Live Intro can be bought for 99 USD. Rounding up, all three versions will set you back triple digits. That's before you get into additional sample and plugin packs, which also cost hundreds of dollars. Consider the price of the software before you enter the Live ecosystem. See More

Top Pro

Advanced automation

You can add curves to automation. Additionally, Ableton lets users duplicate certain automations quickly. See More

Top Con

Can't save keyboard shortcuts globally

There are no global keyboard shortcut editing mechanisms in Live. You are only able save keyboard shortcuts per project. This makes production a long-winded endeavor. To edit shortcuts on Live, use Ctrl + K, or CMD + K. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Con

No 32 bit VST support on newer

The ability to load 32 bit VST was dropped for some godawful reason. At $700 - a hefty price tag - and most of the code already in the software, you'd think they would be able to keep that functionality, but no. See More

Top Pro

Optimized for playing live music

While all DAWs are capable of playing music live, Ableton Live is the most DJ friendly DAW out there as it allows mixing and mashing various MIDI or audio clips together in real-time while still making sure that they're in sync. See More

Top Con

Not very stable

Live has been known for its hilariously bad stability on weaker systems. But this is only when it is under enormous strain. It will be under enormous strain, too. Most people that work in this software love to fill their projects up with tons of cool ideas. Ableton should bear this in mind when continuing to update Live. See More

Top Pro

Advanced content browser

The browser lets users choose from live Sets, tracks, clips, devices, presets, samples, etc. There is also an auto-play function for audio clips that enables users to browse samples quickly. The search function is also handy, but only for clips that are labeled appropriately. See More

Top Con

No SF2 support

Soundfonts need to be imported as samples, and they don't work as intended since the zoning is lost. See More

Top Pro

Many software specific controllers

Many MIDI controllers have been developed for the exclusive purpose of being used with Ableton. Some popular Live controllers include Push, APC40, and Launchpad. See More

Top 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 hardware. During loading the levels (bars) will fluctuate by extreme amounts and typically will produce errors once the Ableton session is loaded. After the session is loaded, UAD plugins that should be running are disabled because there wasn't enough DSP available during load. The user then has to open and look at each UAD plug in to see if they are disabled and turn them off and on again to enable them. This illustrates there is enough room for the DSP load for unfrozen plugins, but that the loading process was at fault. See More

Top Pro

Minimum skeuomorphism

Skeuomorphism is described as retaining antiquated aesthetic features on an updated version of a device. For DAWs, this happens when an interface is littered with analog nobs, wires, and other things that are reminiscent of older technology. While this can be considered a stylistic choice for some DAWs, it tends to block progress towards better practices in music production. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Outstanding EQ

Ableton's new EQ includes an integrated spectrum analyzer so users can see exactly which frequencies need to be adjusted. Additionally, this EQ cuts by 48 db. Up until Ableton Live 9, the EQ only cut by 12 db. See More

Top Con

Sound library sounds really bad

Top Pro

Comes with 70GB included sounds

15 software instruments, 55 audio effects and 17 midi effects. See More

Top Con

Max makes startup longer

Top Pro

Endless creativity

After some training this daw can be used for doing anything. There are basically no limits. See More

Top Con

No LV2 support

Does not support the LV2 plugin standard. See More

Top Pro

Exemplary time stretching facilities

Not only can the time stretching can be done in real-time, there are about a dozen of TC/E algorithms to choose from. See More

Top Con

Non-Free Software

It's not free. Worse yet, there's no source code. This can be a privacy concern for some. See More

Top Pro

Max for Live lets users build custom tools

With Max for Live, users can create custom synthesizers, audio effects, sequencers, samplers, and more. Max for Live is a feature that is available starting with Live 9 Suite. See More

Top Con

Sometimes very slow reaction

If you switch from one track to another with APC- or Push-Controller. See More

Top Pro

Dual monitor support

Starting with Live 9, users can see session and arrangement views at the same time with dual monitor support. See More

Top Pro

Multiple "workflows" or ways of achieving an outcome

Not everyone realizes this, but anything can be done in multiple ways in Live. Multiple ways of playing samples, multiple ways of slicing samples, multiple ways of sequencing MIDI, etc. See More

Top Pro

MIDI notes can be forced to a scale

With a simple plugin, Ableton allows the user to pick from a wide variety of scales when triggering notes. See More

Top Pro

Widespread Online Support

The amount of well-versed tutorials and guides online can help you master Live in a few hours. Secret tips and tricks are also widespread. Forums are filled to the brim with support for any issue you can think of. See More

Top Pro

Can play a midi note from the middle

In Live V10, you can trigger MIDI notes without having to do so from the start. See More

Top Pro

VST3 support as of Ableton 10.1

VST3s now run smoothly in Ableton 10.1 and up. However, be careful when loading in CPU-heavy plugins. See More

Top Pro

Able to to download own skin/theme

You can make your own skin/themes online and use it in "preferences" tab! See More

Top Pro

It is very stable

Maybe not on certain systems, but when used in an normal system its very stable. See More

Specs

Controller Support:Yes

Max number of tracks:unlimited (8 in lite)(16 in Intro)

Processing type:64-bit

LMMS works on Linux, Windows and OSX. See More

266 55

score 264 · Answer 7

LMMS

Top Pro

Cross-platform

Top Con

No merging or splicing options

There is no feature that allows you to merge or splice tracks in LMMS. See More

Top Pro

Is a great open-source alternative to FL Studio

Interface look like FL Studio interface. Has many of the same windows such as step-sequencer, piano roll, playlist, mixer, etc. See More

Top Con

Pitch bending could be more native

Sometimes you can pitch bend with the Piano Roll Editor but with many instruments you cannot and are limited to the pitch knob in the main plugin interface. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Con

Program crashes a lot

This happens more frequently when loading VST files. See More

Top Pro

VST Support

Uses VeSTige as the VST plugin. It has some bugs but most VSTs work with it. See More

Top Con

Limited mixer rack

You can only add Virtual Instrument tracks into the mixing console/rack. See More

Top Pro

Portable

LMMS is lightweight enough to be run off of a flash drive. See More

Top Con

GUI is ugly

Top Pro

JACK Audio Connection Kit support

Top Con

Limited effect plugin support

A lot of 3rd-party effect plugins don't work. See More

Top Pro

MIDI controllers support

Just plug in and play. Plug in the MIDI keyboard before opening LMMS and it'll automatically pick up that you've connected the keyboard. See More

Top Pro

LADSPA plugins support

Top Pro

Multiple languages support

Top Pro

VST plugins support

Top Pro

Works with many VSTs and effects

Top Pro

Preloaded with basic VST instrument plugins and modifiers

LMMS comes with a triple oscillator, Gameboy sound emu, NES sound emu added into the software, which makes it easier to create sounds without the inclusion of external plugins. It is very accessible for beginners. See More

Top Pro

Computer Keyboard to MIDI

You can use your computer keyboard as a MIDI controller. See More

Top Pro

Easy to use

LMMS is ideal for beginners, as it is easy to use and comes with tons of ready to use instruments and samples. See More

Top Pro

Sandbox layout

All windows in the DAW can be moved around freely and are not attached to a grid. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Linux, Windows, Mac

Processing type:32-bit, 64-bit

Included sounds:Yes

Plugin Compatibility:VST, LADSPA

It has an integrated Channel Strip on every track/bus with excellent and easy to use Audio FX: EQ, Comp, Reverbs, Saturation, Console Emulators etc.In addition to saving presets of the entire ProChannel chain (all modules), you can also save and load presets of individual modules. The per module preset controls are located on the left side of each module header bar. See More

264 58

score 146 · Answer 8

Cakewalk by Bandlab

Top Pro

ProChannel

Top Con

Windows only

Cakewalk by BandLab is currently available exclusively for 64 bit versions of Windows 7, 8, and 10. There are no current plans for availability on other operating systems. See More

Top Pro

SONAR Platinum without the 3rd parties like Melodyne, etc.

It is basically SONAR for free after they shut down. See More

Top Con

Uses middleware for installation

It's a con for those who don't like having to use a program to install and update another program. The Bandlab's installer doesn't even have the courtesy to stop and ask you where you want the middleware installed. See More

Top Pro

Best plugins

There are a variety of tools available, including the fantastic reverb plugin from Overloud, Breverb2. See More

Top Con

Non-free software

Does not respect your freedom. Does not provide source code.also if it were really free, there wouldn't be any need for the Bandlab Assistant and signing up, and having to reauthorize every 6 months or drop into 'Demo' mode (get that? Demo mode in a FREE product :lol: :clap:), you would just download, install, done . . . there is a price to pay. See More

Top Pro

32/64 bits plugin

The program itself is only 64 bits but it runs 32 and 64 bits plugin. If you still have a great plugin that never got to 64 bits this comes in handy. See More

Top Con

Unfinished features

Cakewalk has some buggy and unfinished features, probably due to marketing decisions and the changes of ownerships: Staff view, Matrix View, Audiosnap etc. See More

Top Pro

Unlimited tracks

No track and busses limitation. See More

Top Con

Crashes too often

For a complete and free package it is amazing what Bandlab is offering here. But crashes on startup or audio engine failures happen too often. See More

Top Pro

Basic set of instruments

Cakewalk comes with a basic set of VST instruments: A general MIDI synth, drums, e-piano, bass and a string section. See More

Top Con

Doesn't always ask for or respect your drive assignment choices during installation

If you are squished for space on your boot drive, don't install this. It automatically sets up the Bandlab Assistant on C without giving you the opportunity to put it elsewhere. If you choose to use certain Cakewalkfeatures like the Drum replacer, it just starts installing all the drum samples onto drive C regardless of the fact that you've already set up a Cakewalk Content directory on D. See More

Top Pro

Intuitive workflow

Cakewalk comes with friendly defaults and it has a similar workflow to analog studio gear. See More

Top Con

Incompatible hardware

If you like to work with external hardware, this software is not compatible with most software: when inserting an external effect on a track or bus, the DAW will crash and send you an error message. This is because Cakewalk has not fixed in years the problem with external insertions, which puts it behind the competition. See More

Top Pro

ARA 2 integration

This feature makes working with Celemony Melodyne and other ARA compatible plug-ins a breeze. See More

Top Con

Stability and unfinished features

Stability and tools are unfinished. As an example, AudioSnap simply does not work as it should when editing transients in the audio and staff view it does not work correctly. See More

Top Pro

Much improved stability of late, especially recent releases such as 2019.07

Top Con

Obsolete VST

Unfortunately Cakewalk has a kind of philosophy of recycling old plugins under the DX and DXi code such as the sonitus fx and the newly added Classic Creative Suite audio effects (which were included in old versions of previously known SONAR) in its new update, which requires to new users or beginners to look for free or paid plugins, since these plugins are once again surpassed by the best vst in the market in addition to that they often sometimes block the software and disappear strangely, which is sad since most Of the DAW's on the market, both paid and free, include their own factory plugins so that the user does not have to spend any penny on third-party plugins. See More

Top Pro

Updated frequently

Top Con

No future

Cakewalk by Bandlab does not have a promising future since the company that acquired it does not even market it. For example, Cakewalk's social media platforms are practically dead, the user base seems small and, in general, it seems past for high. The Bandlab pages are live, but without even minimal mentions of Cakewalk on your website or social media, it will one day die quietly. See More

Top Pro

Advanced comping workflow with Audio and MIDI Take Lanes and Automation Lanes

Easily create a final comp of all your recorded takes with simple drag and select gestures using the smart tool. See More

Top Con

Old code

Cakewalk is based on old code, that is why you see errors randomly. Since more than a decade ago no function has been improved - they were more concerned in the past with buzzwords and packaging third party software than in improving their own tools. The result is that it is now a decade behind developing competitors. There are better DAWs on the market that outperform Cakewalk. Free doesn't mean having the latest and greatest in technology - Cakewalk has never had it, there are important components of that DAW that haven't been touched for almost two decades, and they will likely never get the upgrade they need. See More

Top Pro

Compatible with touchscreens

Top Con

Frequent crashes

Cakewalk has constant errors such as engine crashing when working with songs with more than 100 tracks, it loses saved settings, BSOD, it randomly stops recognizing your midi controller and disconnects, do not try to disconnect it, the software goes crazy, your tracks are exchanged for other vst or midi clips known bug years ago. See More

Top Pro

Laptop-friendly interface

Good for people with a small-screened laptop. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Arranger Track

The Arranger track is an arrangement tool that provides several workflow benefits .For example, instantly swap the positions of the first and second chorus for all tracks, or copy the first verse in order to double its duration.Experiment with different song structures in a non-destructive and non-linear manner. You can Create arbitrary song sections anywhere on the project timeline and then stitch them together for seamless playback, sections provide an additional way to make time-based project selections and edits. You can also create an unlimited number of arrangements per project, which can all be exported simultaneously. See More

Top Con

Does not offer sampling instrument

Cakewalk does not have a sampling instrument for multisample playback and import. Third-party plug-ins exist but they often crash the DAW it is strange that cakewalk does not have a sampler for the modern musician See More

Top Pro

Highly customizable user interface

The Cakewalk By Bandlab DAW comes with a new and improved user interface with an additional focus on being customizable. See More

Top Con

Too laggy

It doesn't matter if you have a decent enough PC or solid and robust cakewalk is too laggy when one navigates between the mixing console the PRV. It is not optimized for windows 10 See More

Top Pro

Edit MIDI Automation on Instrument Tracks

Top Con

Does not have a Drum sampler

In the same way, Cakewalk does not have a drum sampler for playing and creating beats from jazz musicians to EDM producers. See More

Top Pro

Export to Standard MIDI File

Top Con

Unusable Pro-Channel

Unusable third party Pro-Channel modules such as Softube (Mix Bundle) and Overloud (BREVERB and REMATRIX) will not work properly when trying to open a project with them will cause Cakewalk to crash on the desktop. See More

Top Pro

In-app updater

You can now download and install future updates directly from Cakewalk instead of using BandLab Assistant. See More

Top Pro

VST3 Support

Top Pro

In-app activation

You can now activate Cakewalk directly from within the app, without requiring BandLab Assistant. Cakewalk must be activate once every 6 months. See More

Top Pro

Articulation Maps

Cakewalk by Bandlab recently added Articulation Maps If you work with sample libraries and virtual instruments, articulation maps are sure to improve your MIDI and articulation / keyswitch workflow Articulation maps provide a much easier way to change articulation, without having to manually edit events MIDI on the track. See More

Top Pro

Step Sequencer

The Step Sequencer makes it easy to compose patterns using a grid, where each cell (step) represents a note. You create patterns by clicking the cells in the grid to turn notes on or off, or by using step recording. See More

Top Pro

Mix Recall

Mix Recall allows you to save and recall multiple mixes for the same project, without having to save multiple copies of the project file. A mix can be saved as a Mix Scene within the project, and each project can store multiple Mix Scenes. A Mix Scene contains all track, bus, hardware output, ProChannel and plug-in static and automation mix settings. See More

Top Pro

Cakewalk Theme Editor

Cakewalk Theme Editor allows you to easily customize the look of Cakewalk by editing existing UI themes or creating your own UI themes. You can change colors directly and you can even customize images when used in combination with an external image editor such as Adobe Photoshop. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Only Windows

Max number of tracks:Unlimited

Included plugins:Yes

Plugin Compatibility:VST, VST2, VST3, VSTi,DX,DXi

You have to press the play button with the mouse. See More

146 47

score 10 · Answer 9

Mixcraft 8

Top Pro

Same feel to Mixcraft as Logic Pro - if you're a migrant from Mac to Windows 10, this would be a good program to start with.

Top Con

No autoplay in online or local sample navigation

Top Pro

Direct access to gigantic sound (loop) online databases - direct drag and drop in editor

Top Con

Some of the effects are a bit too basic

fx, you can't set the delay by sync and BPM. See More

Top Pro

Alternative instruments and effects

Top Pro

Easy MIDI and sample editing

Top Pro

Melodyne included

Top Pro

Easy to use

Top Pro

Intuitive to use and does the job well

Top Pro

Comes with VSTs and synths

Most DAWs suffer from software bloat, with constant updates adding unnecessary features. Not Podium. This makes it easier to focus on making music. See More

10 1

score 25 · Answer 10

Zynewave Podium

Top Con

non-free software

Top Pro

Uncluttered

Top Con

No VST3

No VST3 support. See More

Top Pro

MIDI editing

The piano roll is excellent. See More

Top Con

Low compatibility

Podium is for Windows only. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Works with advanced mice

Mice with 4-way scroll wheels are compatible with Podium. See More

Top 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. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Windows

You need to install the right version of the DAW (32 or 64 bit) depending on what plugins you use. See More

25 3

score 7 · Answer 11

SoundBridge (previously Lumit)

Top Con

No plugin bridging

Top Pro

Surface compatible

All functionality is accessible on the Microsoft Surface. See More

Top Con

No typing keyboard to piano

You need to use a MIDI keyboard or manually press notes with the mouse. See More

Top Pro

Very quick and easy to learn

You can get a good understanding of this DAW in a few hours (faster if used tutorials). See More

Top Con

Copy protection still gives error

Top Pro

Free to use

A powerful, full-featured DAW that is free. See More

Top Con

No instruments

Comes with audio FX but no instruments. See More

Top Pro

Clutter-free interface

Little chance of getting lost or clicking the wrong button. See More

Top Con

No audio unit support

Top Pro

Fast

Incredibly responsive and quick. See More

Top Con

No video player

Specs

MIDI?:YES

Processing type:32-bit & 64-bit

Supported Plugins:VST

MuLab includes MUX Modular, a modular synth and effect engine, that can be used to create and edito own synths and effects patches. See More

7 1

score 42 · Answer 12

MuTools MuLab

Top Pro

Allows creating own synths and effects patches

Top Con

non-free software

Top Pro

Free version and affordable full version

MuLab is available in a free version and the full version is highly affordable at only 69 euro all in. See More

Top Pro

Portable

Can be installed and run on a portable device such as a USB stick. See More

Top Pro

Comes with high-quality synths, samplers and effects

Having a variety of integrated synths, samplers and effects removes the need for new user to search for and buy extra VST plug-ins in order to make sound. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Low system requirements

In addition to having generally low resource consumption, MuLab is capable of taking advantage of multi-core CPUs and relieving the strain on machines even further that way. See More

Top Pro

Integrated multi-functional browser

Top Pro

REX file support

Top Pro

Multi-screen support

Top Pro

Cross-platform

Works on OSX and Windows. See More

Top Pro

Capable oscillators

MuLab includes oscillators with 300 selected waveforms and support for user waveforms. See More

Specs

Controller Support:Only Midi. No Mackie control

Features:Mixer GUI very limited

Unlike many Linux DAWs, Zrythm comes in one coherent program. See More

42 8

score 22 · Answer 13

Zrythm

Top Pro

Monolithic

Top Con

Only free if you compile the source code

Top Pro

Free software

AGPLv3 licensed with source code available. See More

Top Pro

Cross-platform

Installers can be bought for Linux, MacOS and Windows. Or you can compile the source code for free on any platform. See More

Top Pro

Intuitive U.I.

Ability to add MIDI notes, Automate, & Modulate with ease alongside chord assistance. See More

Top Pro

Looks visually good and the performance is also amazing

Specs

Compatibility:GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, Mac

Plugin Compatibility:LV2, VST2, VST3, AU, LADSPA, DSSI

Not unlike Pro Tools, you have to have a dongle containing your license plugged into your computer or you can't use the software. See More

22 5

score 167 · Answer 14

Cubase 10.5

Top Pro

Powerful range of audio editing tools

Top Con

Annoying dongle

Top Pro

Supports chord tracks

Top Con

Quite expensive

This costs significantly more compared to other DAWs. See More

Top Pro

Large selection of time stretching methods

The Cubase DAW offers 11 different kinds of time stretching methods. See More

Top Con

Confusing pages

The Cubase DAW displays pages that tend to confuse users. See More

Top Pro

Great MIDI editing options

Top Con

Not the most stable of DAWs; crashes relatively often

I have worked with Cubase since Version 5, and I have found the software to be relatively unstable. It is quite temperamental and can crash at times, especially when you're working on big projects. See More

Top Pro

All takes can be shown in a single track

When in stacked mode, all of your takes can be shown in a single track side by side. You can then select what parts of which take you need. If you are recording MIDI, the Cubase DAW allows creating a pattern that can overlap and be re-used as many times as needed. See More

Top Con

Installs third-party software on your computer (e-licenser)

Top 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. See More

Top Con

Non-free software

Top Pro

Quantize can automatically tighten MIDI inputs

Automatically tightens your MIDI inputs to be on time. Quantize has two modes. Hard Quantize will adjust based on strict settings (precisely on beat by default) and Iterative Quantize will adjust in increments. Excellent for keeping the human element in recordings. See More

Top Con

Poor sample editing

The sample editor isn't too great and there's no option to launch external sample editors. See More

Top Pro

Batch export

You can pick separate tracks to export in one pass. You can even have them open up a new project or drop in the same project automatically. Huge time saver and DSP Saver. See More

Top Con

Not what it used to be

The new updates kind of ruin the old classy feel. See More

Top Pro

Powerful, time-saving Logical Editor

Logical Editor allows customizing MIDI data according, in order to set rules to save time. See More

Top Con

Runs poorly

Top Pro

Pro edition is exellent for audio mixing also.

It provides all the industry requirements and features an optimized workflow for mixing See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Incredible and well integrated EQ

Top Con

No sampler

To many producers, sampler is one of the most important tools in a DAW. Cubase does not come with a sampler tool. See More

Top Pro

Recent updates have added some great features

Top Con

Not the DAW for tech savvy users

Top Pro

The industry standard for MIDI sequencing and arranging

Top Pro

Sampler Track

Has an awesome and easy to use sampler. See More

Top Pro

Allows changing a pattern in one place to effect each instance of it

Using Parts, the Cubase DAW allows creating patterns that can be re-used as many times as needed, and can be edited in a single place. See More

Top Pro

Superior sample editing

Lot's of options to edit samples on the fly with direct offline processing you can apply effects without sacrificing performance. You can even use Wavelab as an external wave editor. See More

Top Pro

ARA2 implementation of plugins

Plugins that use the ARA2 technology can be implemented into the DAW for seamless and "native" like editing. See More

Top Pro

More features than any other DAW

Specs

Max number of tracks:Unlimited MIDI and Audio Tracks (Pro), 128 MIDI and 64 Audio tracks (Artist), 48 Audio and 64 MIDI tracks (Elements)

Processing type:32-bit, 64-bit

As of version 9.5, Reason now supports VSTs. See More

167 26

score 60 · Answer 15

Reason

Top Pro

Now supports VST

Top Con

Dated low resolution graphics (GUI/UX does not scale for 4K displays or higher)

Rack and mixer are still low resolution, designed for displays in the "pre-4K" era. Even on 1080p HD displays, the rack and mixer can be difficult to see and work with. See More

Top Pro

Modular enviroment

Synths, effects, and utilities can be modularly wired via audio and CV. See More

Top Con

GUI not for everyone and complicated

Top Pro

Easy and intuitive while being feature rich

You can go really deep into creating sound and routing. Find possibilities you cant do with any other DAW. See More

Top Con

non-free software

Top Pro

Great built in instruments and effects

Mulitple high quality built in synthesisers, drum loops, samplers and effects with plenty of pre-built patches to explore plus the ability to create your own unique sounds. See More

Top Con

Mix only by ear

You can not type in a value in the mixer. See More

Top Pro

Mimics true hardware through a skeuomorphic GUI/UX

Reason's rack and mixer visually emulate real studio hardware through a skeuomorphic GUI/UX, allowing you to route audio cables and CV very intuitively. Hit "tab" on your computer keyboard, and you can see the rear of the rack, making routing very easy to understand. See More

Top Con

Still not performing well using VST's

Everything seems to work fine for VSTs now, works like a charm with my akai mpk mini and rstouch reason studios controller on my ipad, which was just updated for reason 11. See More

Top Pro

Easy to learn

Reason may look intimidating at first, but it is just as easy to learn as any DAW, if not more so, yet has incredible depth once you delve deeper, with some options that are just not possible in other DAWs. See More

Top Pro

Multi FX presets

The multi fx are very nice. Great for transitions and complete sound management. See More

Top Pro

Offers an easy way to quantize and slice audio

Reason makes it easy to stretch audio or slice it up for glitchy sound effects. When audio is loaded, it is analyzed so slice markers can be placed at the beginning and end of each note. Slice markers appear when the audio sample is double clicked. See More

Top Pro

Massive free video tutorials content

Professionally produced tutorial videos often released by Propellerhead that show you how to use the software. Reason also has a thriving user base that offers video tutorials showing you how to do almost anything you need. See More

Top Pro

Amazing automation arrangement

Using clips makes it very easy to automate precisely. See More

Top Pro

Can convert audio to REX files

REX files record effects and slices on top of the original file, and will play audio at the tempo of a project. REX files provide many uses and are a great addition to Reason. See More

Top Pro

Built in Audio Pitch Editor

Reason's Audio Pitch Editor easily can hold its own to Melodyne Essentials. Makes editing vocals and other monophonic sound very easy. See More

Top Pro

Supports MIDI out

MIDI out is a new addition in Reason, allowing feedback to MIDI devices. See More

Top Pro

Loop, convert and overdub on the fly

Top Pro

Great for live peformances

Specs

Compatibility:Mac, Windows, Linux

Max number of tracks:UNLIMITED

60 14

score 299 · Answer 16

Audacity

Top Pro

Free, open source and cross-platform

Audacity is available for free on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux with source code available here. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Well maintained

Audacity is constantly updated. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Great community backing it

Top Con

Doesn't retain audio integrity

Audacity uses destructive editing, meaning applying effects, cutting, etc is non-reversable after you've saved a project. See More

Top Pro

Great for vocal track editing

Top Con

Unable to use Synthesizers / virtual instruments

You can only use effect plugins or record live with this DAW. See More

Top Con

No native 64-bit version, therefore does not support 64-bit VST plugins

Audacity is available only as a 32-bit application, therefore even when running on 64-bit machines, it only supports 32-bit VST plugins unless they are converted to 32-bit using an application such as JBridge. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Mac, Linux, Windows

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. See More

299 53

score 298 · Answer 17

FL Studio

Top Pro

Excellent for visual learners

Top Con

Not intuitive for track based recording approach

Top Pro

Free lifetime updates

With the producer or signature bundle, updates are free forever. See More

Top Con

Audio recording not as good as the other DAWs

Recording audio is always a problem in FL Studio. See More

Top Pro

Easy to install

No complex activation shenanigans. No dongle and such. See More

Top Con

Lack of other midi keyboard brands

Top Pro

Easy to learn DAW

The FL Studio DAW utilizes drag and drop, and can generally be learned quickly without any prior knowledge. There are also a lot of resources to help begginers and experienced users learn. See More

Top Con

The Browser is archaic

Every time it has to refresh, it closes the entire menu. So if you just navigated several dropdowns to find an automation parameter of a third party plugin and you want to automate a second parameter, you have to navigate back to that dropdown all over again. Searching within the browser is a slapped on feature that only shows you a single result at a time, and you have to press a hotkey to cycle through them one by one. Really, your browser in FL is the Windows File Explorer, or Finder in OS I assume. The FL Browser is workflow molasses and should be avoided at all costs except to find samples you already know the location of. See More

Top Pro

Scalable interface

The interface adapts to the screen size it's used on. See More

Top Con

The GUI is very difficult to see

The color scheme of GUI is terrible. They use a lot of dark and similar color for the GUI. And not skinnable without special knowledge of hack. See More

Top Pro

Intuitive piano roll

Piano roll is a FL Studio's instrument step sequencer. It is considered to be among the most intuitive and flexible tools for quickly creating patterns and manipulating all aspects of each note. A single left click inserts a note, while a right click deletes it. It's possible to mute notes, splice them, stretch them, add shuffle, etc quickly. The Piano Roll caters for those new to Music Theory as well, containing an array of chords from which to choose, be it a Major, Minor, Minor 5th, Minor 9th, what have you. See More

Top Con

Shortcuts are weird

And non-reconfigurable. See More

Top Pro

Sampler

FL Studio has a very unique sampler which allows all kinds of sounds to be experimented with, be it a siren, a water drop, or more commonly, the infamous "Progressive House" Kick. The Sampler also allows the user to retune a sample to any key he/she desires. See More

Top Con

The soundfont player will trash your projects, no 64-bit version available

Remember that nice project with a soundfont in it ? Yeeeah, load it again and prepare to face stuck MIDI notes and a trashed project. See More

Top Pro

Each update is major

When Image Line releases an update, it's safe to assume that there are major improvements in there. See More

Top Con

Everything.

It is more like a Fisher Price My First Daw than a real, truly professional DAW. See More

Top Pro

Very comprehensive plugin suite included

You have basic and advanced plugins right out the box. See More

Top Con

Has a slight tendency to crash

Always save before loading a new VST or doing something important: FL is prone to crashes. See More

Top Pro

Fully open: accepts a variety of formats

Accepts VST/VSTi (v2,v3) Wav, Aiff, Rex, Acid, Apple Loop, Ogg, Mp3 as well as almost every video format including Mov and Mp4. See More

Top Con

Bad sound for expensive piano plugin

Rendered using the same MIDI note and compared it to the render on other daws, it's really bad. See More

Top Pro

Smooth UI

Compared to other DAWs, FL's UI moves at full monitor refresh rates while others are somehow laggy. See More

Top Con

Most controls are hidden

In the mixing console, mid, bass, and treble are not explicitly stated as they should be. See More

Top Pro

Supports resampling

Supports resampling (non stretch) which is something some DAWs don't support. See More

Top Con

Non-free software

Top Pro

Inbuilt cross 32/64bit plugin bridge

You don't need to install/configure a third party bridge. See More

Top Con

Not great for Mixing

Every channel should have input gain controller and extra plugins should be added for more creativity. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Con

Can not customize the GUI

Can not change the UI as I Like and Altering UI is See More

Top Pro

Fully vectorial UI that will scale to virtually every screen

Because most DAWs don't scale well yet. See More

Top Pro

Sample/MIDI Manipulation in the Playlist Mode

The Playlist mode comes with various tools for cutting out sections of a sample, midi arrangement, or otherwise. One can also clone, mute, solo out, and stretch a sample by any degree, although the sample's key will change. See More

Top Pro

Can import/export 32bit audio

Just as the internal engine bit depth, there's no loss in quality. See More

Top Pro

Good for the studio

Some DAWs are good for live shows, some DAWs are good for production, but the FL Studio DAW has carved its niche in the studio recording arena. See More

Top Pro

Unlimited creativity

With tools in the piano roll like the "Riff Machine", and the "Randomize" tool, you can literally let the computer automate the production if you want. In addition to plugins like "Gross Beat", Slicex, DirectWave, the ideas can be limitless. See More

Top Pro

The only DAW with a VJ graphic generation suite (ZG Editor Visualizer)

No other DAW has that. See More

Top Pro

It comes as VSTi and Rewire

So you can use it inside another DAW. There's no other DAW capable of doing that. See More

Top Pro

Non-invasive DRM

Forget copy protection USB-dongles and phone-home activation. Just import a reg key file and your license is activated. See More

Top Pro

Patcher: Modular environment

Top Pro

It is the only DAW where you can program real scratching sequences (Turntablism)

You can make your own scratches with the "Fruity Scratcher" or "Wave traveller". See More

Top Pro

Flexible internal linking engine

Its linking engine and controller plugins are very flexible and useful all across the software. For mixing and also for performance mode. See More

Top Pro

Imports video for scoring

You can open several video players. See More

Top Pro

Powerful Sound Editor

Edison is a great way to record and edit samples, sound effects and is a very easy way to create sample packs and sound libraries. See More

Top Pro

Reasonable and liberal license

Buy once, and you're allowed to use it on every computer you own. See More

Top Pro

Amazing sequencer to input midi

Top Pro

Has the best startup sound

Top Pro

It's possible to run FL Studio on Linux via Wine without a noticeable performance impact

Version 12 of FL Studio includes a new Generic ASIO driver that's capable of achieving same low latency performance as the native Windows version. Instructions on how to set up the DAW to run on Linux via Wine can be found here. See More

Top Pro

Complete control over multiple Launchpad Pro animation lightshow projects

Live can, but working with more LPs is a pain. See More

Top Pro

Shows other instrument notes in background if needed

Top Pro

Very flexible timeline

Top Pro

Best stretching algorithms in the market

Top Pro

Developed by a team of friends

Specs

Max number of tracks:500

Processing type:32-bit, 64-bit