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

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

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

457 99

score 162 · Answer 2

Ableton Live

Top Pro

Great creative DAW workflow

Top Con

Expensive

At around $749, the Ableton Live Suite DAW is more expensive than other DAWs. Ableton Live Standard can be bought for $449, and Ableton Live Intro can be bought for $99. See More

Top Pro

Advanced automation

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

Top Con

No comping / playlist feature when tracking

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

Interface looks terrible

It really looks shoddy. The fonts are much too small to be comfortable and there is no return to beginning button included in the navigation controls. (But font size can be increased) 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

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

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

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

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 Con

Not very stable

Plug-ins can crash the whole process. 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

Can't save keyboard shortcuts globally

Shortcut keys have to be set per project, for every project (Cmd-K on Mac) and shortcuts can't be exported to other projects unless you set it up in one and save that as a template, but if you ever add another key, you have to add that individually to all hundreds of your other projects. 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

No VST3 Support

VST3 is now supported in 10.1 and later 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

Sometimes very slow reaction, if you switch from one track to another with APC- or Push-Controller

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

Max makes startup longer

Top Pro

Comes with 70GB included sounds, 15 software instruments, 55 audio effects and 17 midi effects.

Top Con

Worst punch-in ever

You can't start recording other than where you start playing. This absurdity causes everyone to use the work around of making extra tracks just to punch in a part. Huge waste of time and design flaw. Do Ableton designers use their own product? 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 Pro

Endless creativity

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

Top Pro

Supports "scales" plugin

If you want to write in a specific scale, choose it from the scale plugin and your music will automatically be configured to be that key. 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

Multitude of tutorial videos online

For any question there are many videos on youtube that will tell you how to do it. See More

Top Pro

Can play a midi note from the middle

Since Live 10, you can play a midi note without having to play it from the start. See More

Top Pro

VST3 support as of Ableton 10.1

Specs

Audacity doesn't have the capabilities of popular DAWs and generally isn't considered to be good option. See More

162 41

score 176 · Answer 3

Audacity

Top Con

Not seen as a full DAW

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

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

Well maintained

Audacity is constantly updated. See More

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 community backing it

Top Con

Unable to use Synthesizers / virtual instruments

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

Top Pro

Great for vocal track editing

Specs

Compatibility:Mac, Linux, Windows

LMMS works on Linux, Windows and OSX. See More

176 36

score 177 · Answer 4

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

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

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

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

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 effect plugin support

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

Top Pro

Portable

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

Top Con

Limited mixer rack

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

Top Pro

LADSPA plugins support

Top Con

GUI is ugly

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

JACK Audio Connection Kit support

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

Works with many VSTs and effects

Top Pro

Multiple languages support

Top Pro

VST plugins support

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

Plugin Compatibility:VST, LADSPA

Included sounds:Yes

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

177 37

score 193 · Answer 5

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

Most controls are hidden

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

Top Pro

Easy to install

No complex activation shenanigans. No dongle and such. 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

Easy to learn DAW

The FL Studio DAW utilizes drag and drop, and can generally be learned quickly without any prior knowledge. See More

Top Con

Audio Recording not good as the other DAWs

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

Top Pro

Scalable interface

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

Top Con

Lack of other midi keyboard brands

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

Not great for Mixing

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

Top Pro

Very comprehensive plugin suite included

You have basic and advanced plugins right out the box. 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

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 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 Pro

Inbuilt cross 32/64bit plugin bridge

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

Top Pro

Supports resampling

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

Fully vectorial UI that will scale to virtually every screen

Because most DAWs don't scale well yet. 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 Pro

Can import/export 32bit audio

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

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

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

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

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

Imports video for scoring

You can open several video players. See More

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

Patcher: Modular environment

Top Pro

Reasonable and liberal license

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

Complete control over multiple Launchpad Pro animation lightshow projects

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

Top Pro

Very flexible timeline

Top Pro

Best stretching algorithms in the market

Specs

Max number of tracks:500

Ardour is open source, so it can be downloaded and modified without restriction. See More

193 40

score 263 · Answer 6

Ardour

Top Pro

Open source

Top Con

Too many plugins

It is hard to find good useful plugins. It looks like every developer's plugin has ended up in the list. See More

Top Pro

Compatible with Linux, Windows 7/8.1/10 and macOS

Ardour is cross-platform and works on Windows & macOS. See More

Top Con

Clunky, quirky UI and navigation; dead-end restrictive and obsolete core

Top Pro

LV2 plugins support

Top Con

Not user friendly

Ardour is very difficult to install and use. See More

Top Pro

Clean linear interface

Top Con

Builds are paid

Pre-built releases are paid and the only way to get the program for free is to build it yourself. See More

Top Pro

Multi-display support

Top Con

No support for VST plugins for OS X

Plugins can be used on OS X only if they are downloaded in AU format, which is supported. See More

Top Pro

Inline mixing console

You can view and edit plugins directly from the console's mixing channels. See More

Top Con

No 'scenes'

Ardour doesn't have 'scenes' like Ableton does (would be very handy for live-preformances). See More

Top Pro

Linux version has JACK support

On Linux, you can use JACK to freely route audio and MIDI to and from other software as hardware. See More

Top Pro

Free version with minimal limitations

Unlike some other DAW's which often limit saving, exporting, or advanced features, Ardour permits you to try all the features for free, with the only limitation being ten minutes of project length maximum. Demo. See More

Top Pro

Excellent support community.

Top Pro

LADSPA plugins support

Specs

Price:0

Compatibility:Linux, Mac, Windows

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. See More

263 65

score 78 · Answer 7

Cakewalk

Top Pro

ProChannel

Top Con

Windows only

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

I've come to really dislike having to use a program to install and update another program. The Bandlabs installer didn't even have the courtesy to stop and ask me where I wanted 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

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

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

Crashes too often

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

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

Unlimited tracks

No track and busses limitation. 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 Pro

Intuitive workflow

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

Top Pro

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

Top Pro

Updated frequently

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 Pro

Compatible with touchscreens

Specs

Engine:64-bit

VST3:Yes

Touch compatibility:Yes

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

78 4

score 27 · Answer 8

MuTools MuLab

Top Pro

Allows creating own synths and effects patches

Top Pro

Portable

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

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

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

Capable oscillators

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

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

Specs

Controller Support:Only Midi. No Mackie control

Features:Mixer GUI very limited

Very logically structured. See More

27 2

score 22 · Answer 9

Tracktion Waveform

Top Pro

Clean interface

Top Con

Not open source

Top Pro

Easy to understand

Top Con

Crashes a lot

Top Pro

Very stable

Top Pro

Creative Tools

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

Ideal for beginners

Self-explaining interface. See More

The Pro Tools DAW is know for making clip manipulation a fun and productive experience. See More

22 2

score 30 · Answer 10

Pro Tools 2018.7

Top Con

Too damn expensive

Top Pro

Very fast precision editing

Top Con

No RTAS or VST plugin support

The Pro Tools 11 DAW dropped RTAS support in favor of their own AAX (Avid Audio eXtension) format. Without AAX availability, a VST wrapper is required. See More

Top Pro

Mature editing and mixing facilities

As the Pro Tools DAW was originally developed to be an audio-only system with recording, editing and mixing in mind, these core features have been the most developed over time. It can be argued that the Pro Tools DAW has the best editing and mixing capabilities of any DAW, and for these reasons is considered by many to be an industry standard. As such it is an excellent DAW for multi-track mixing and recording. See More

Top Con

MIDI and composition tools are a bit dated

Top Pro

64 Bit

This long awaited feature has finally been added. See More

Top Con

No built-in pitch correction

While some other DAWs are equipped with pitch correction, the Pro Tools DAW is missing this feature. In order to use pitch correction, it must be added as a plugin. See More

Top Pro

Extremely clean DAW interface

The Pro Tools DAW is known for being simple and easy to use. The UI is straightforward and isn't weighed down with useless features. See More

Top Con

No batch export

You can not pick separate tracks to export in one pass that gives you separated files. See More

Top Pro

Clean, Uncluttered Interface

The UI is very clean and uncluttered so there's not too much going on onscreen to have to try to focus on, do wish they would implement a theme system though, so you could change the colors of the UI, I prefer a dark theme as they are easier on the eyes See More

Top Con

Slow, old, outdated

Highest processor usage of any DAW, poor software optimization and patching of outdated code has left a slow bloated husk of a DAW that struggles to run smoothly on even the highest end modern computers. See More

Top Pro

Free version available

The new version of Pro Tools is called Pro Tools First. It is free with some limited features. Pro Tools First allows four track inputs and three projects. See More

Top Con

Audio Drivers and ASIO

You cannot change the audio outs in ASIO on the fly, like in some other software, without having to save and restart the entire program, plus it's very finicky about audio drivers See More

Top Pro

Comes with 8GB of included sounds and 55 included effects

Top Con

Prone to crashes

While it might be the "Industry Standard" for recording award winning albums, Avid has focused more on anti piracy and security while sacrificing stability, it seems to me they just change their plugin standard and slap a new version number on it and rush it to market. See More

Top Pro

Much faster than Pro Tools 10

The improvement from the Pro Tools 10 DAW to the Pro Tools 11 DAW is highly noticeable. See More

Top Pro

If you're an audio engineer, you already know how to use it

Top Pro

Easy to understand file system

Top Pro

Designed with proper session organization habits in mind

Top Pro

Constantly updated software to accommodate Post/Film industry requirements

Top Pro

A signal flow that makes sense when working with a hybrid setup

Specs

VST:AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite

MIDI?:512

Max number of tracks:256

DAWs are notorious for crashing, especially at the peak of a workflow. ReNoise 3 is known for its outstanding stability. See More

30 23

score 44 · Answer 11

ReNoise 3.0

Top Pro

Very stable

Top 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). See More

Top Pro

Program custom tools

Users can make their own instruments and effects using Lua . See More

Top Con

Cannot record multiple tracks simultaneously

Live musicians are limited by only being able to record on one tracks at a time. See More

Top Pro

Optimized for dual monitors

Users who have more than one monitor can view the sampler, plugins, and MIDI controls in the instrument editor, which can be moved to a second monitor. See More

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Uses a module tracker instead of piano roll

Module trackers are preferred by some users because they help increase productivity. See More

Top Pro

Unique grid based tracker

ReNoise 3 replaces the typical piano roll with a tracker, which is claimed to be "the most powerful tracker in existence". The difference between piano roll and tracker is that piano roll moves horizontally, while trackers move vertically. Users may find this confusing at first, but trackers make it simple to customize every individual note. See More

Top Pro

Highly customizeable effect chains

Effects can be applied to samples in Instrument Editor in addition to being sent through track input. This is highly useful when dealing with multi-sample instruments, as each sample can have one or more effect chains. See More

Top Pro

Limitless sampler

The sampler is deeply embedded in the way the whole DAW works, and it allows the user to build complex synth sounds with ease. See More

Top Pro

Advanced pattern command

The Pattern Command called "MaYbe" guesses which note will be next in a progression based on the user's habits. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Mac, Windows, Linux

Everything that is needed is within easy reach, no deep diving in menus or pop up windows. See More

44 5

score 45 · Answer 12

Tracktion 7

Top Pro

Single screen interface

Top Con

Cluttered interface, not user friendly

Top Pro

Very compatible

Tracktion 5 is now compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. See More

Top Con

Lack of drivers for Linux

There are no official drivers for any multi-channel audio interfaces, putting Linux users at a disadvantage. See More

Top Pro

Racks

Self contained modular environment for hooking up processing chains of plugins or instruments in any way you want. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Multi-channel MIDI support

Multiple MIDI instruments can be recorded in different tracks at the same time. See More

Top Pro

MIDI to audio feature

Traktion 5 now has a MIDI to audio function so users can quickly freeze MIDI notes and manipulate them as audio clips. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Mac, Linux, Windows

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

45 7

score 59 · Answer 13

Cakewalk by Bandlab (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

Transport bar is big

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

Lacks a separate audio editor

Top Pro

Touch screen support

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

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 Con

Workflow not good

Top Pro

Includes Melodyne Essential via ARA

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 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

Track folders

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

Top Pro

Vocal Alignment tool

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 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 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 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

Integrated drum replacement

Top Pro

Session Templates

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

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

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

In collaboration with BandLab Technologies

Specs

Seq24 can be used and edited by anyone for free. See More

59 10

score 4 · Answer 14

Seq24

Top Pro

Open source

Top Con

MIDI only

Seq24 only has MIDI capability, no audio clips allowed. See More

Top Con

Low compatibility

Seq24 only runs on Linux and win32. See More

Specs

Compatibility:Windows, Mac

4 1

score 137 · Answer 15

Logic Pro X

Top Pro

High quality instruments and effects

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lags or crashes often

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

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

Unusable with lots of plugins: stutters and clicks

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

Too big

The app is too big! 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

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

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

Poor audio editor

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

Very buggy

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 Pro

Supports expressive MIDI - MPE

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

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

Full external MIDI support

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

Top Pro

Many plug-ins

Top Pro

Many instrument

Different kind of instrument all around. 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). See More

Specs

Compatibility:Mac

Processing type:64 Bit

Supports VST and VSTi plugins. See More

137 28

score 9 · Answer 16

Stagelight

Top Pro

Extendable

Top Pro

Affordable

The most affordable DAW solution out there. See More

Top Pro

Simple

Anyone can pick up and use this DAW to create music. See More

Top Pro

Cross-platform

Android, Windows, iOS, macOS and Chromebook. See More

Top Pro

Touch support

Works well with touch-enabled devices. See More

Top Pro

Built-in lessons

Top Pro

In-app store

Top Pro

Social media integration

Specs

Compatibility:Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Acid Pro 7 is 32-bit only and cannot use 64-bit plugins. This also limits the size of a project. See More

9 5

score 10 · Answer 17

Acid Pro 7

Top Con

32-bit only

Top 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. See More

Top Con

Soon to be discontinued, no updates, MAGIX doesn't seem to care

Top Pro

Ideal for LOOP or SAMPLE based music

Top Con

PC only

Acid Pro 7 is not compatible with Mac. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

It does not get any easier than this if you're an absolute beginner

Top Pro

Freezes MIDI to WAV and can revert WAV to MIDI

In order to reduce CPU load, Acid Pro 7 offers the ability to bounce clips to WAV. This DAW stands out by letting users revert back to MIDI if further editing is required. See More

Specs

Built using Google WebAssembly Threads. See More

10 0

score 7 · Answer 18

Soundation

Top Pro

Performance

Top Pro

Free

Free version available (registration required). See More

Top Pro

Share music

Music can be shared as links: Example by HONESTandBLUNT. See More

Top Pro

Sound library

Extensive library with ready to use sounds. See More

7 0

score 53 · Answer 19

Acoustica Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio

Top Pro

Great value for the price

It's one of the cheapest DAWs you can get for its many features. See More

Top Con

Ease of use makes it look less professional which, it is not.

Top Pro

High capacity tracks

Each track can receive an unlimited number of VST, aux, and audio inputs. See More

Top Con

No autoplay while using the arrow keys in the local and online - in DAW - media browser

You have to press the Play button with your mouse. See More

Top Pro

Easy to use, yet professional

Top Con

Some of the effects are a too basic

fx delay, can't use sync and beats as measurement - only milliseconds. See More

Top Pro

Good for emulating real instruments

This DAW comes with the Acoustica Instruments collection, which is packed full of realistic sounding MIDI instruments like organs, pianos, drums, and orchestral instruments. See More

Top Con

Crashes a lot

Top Pro

Lightweight

Lightest DAW with minimal loading time. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Best Daw for Vocal Comping.

When it comes to retakes and combining different pieces of vocals all in one, Mixcraft beats every daw out there. it is the best, PERIOD. See More

Top Con

Not very customizable. Needs more key shortcuts.

Top 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. See More

Top 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. See More

Top Pro

Excellent Mono and Stereo support

Top Pro

Auto 64bit and 32bit VST bridging

the 64bit version can also use 32bit VSTs See More

Top Pro

Automation is really easy and intuitive to use

Top Pro

Dual monitor support

You can unlock the docker and easily do multiple tasks such as editing, applying E.Q and Compression, with its dual monitor support. See More

Top Pro

Includes Melodyne Essentials (the ProStudio version does anyway)

Top Pro

Doesn't crash a lot

Top Pro

You get a lot for your money with MixCraft 8

Access to a vast library of sounds and loops, plus diverse instruments. Interesting effects, though some of the effects could be a bit more advanced. See More

Top Pro

Vast online sample and loop libraries easy accessable - via drag and drop

Top Pro

Good choice if you move from Mac to Windows - Have a similar feel as Logic Pro

Top Pro

Really easy to learn with their videos tutorials

https://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/v7/help/video-tutorials.htm See More

Top Pro

New performance panel is good for live applications

Top Pro

Video editing

The Mixcraft DAW supports basic drag and drop video editing. See More

Top Pro

Excellent sample creation & customization

It includes a big variety of samples, which can be highly customized for your own music projects with its built-in midi creation tool. See More

Top Pro

Easiest DAW

Put simply it is the easiest DAW to use by far. Most users pick it up in a couple of hours. See More

Specs

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

53 3

score 14 · Answer 20

Zynewave Podium

Top Pro

Excellent navigation

Top Con

Low compatibility

Podium is for Windows only. 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