When comparing Non DAW vs ReNoise 3.0, the Slant community recommends ReNoise 3.0 for most people. In the question“What are the best DAWs for UNIX-like systems?” ReNoise 3.0 is ranked 4th while Non DAW is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose ReNoise 3.0 is:
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.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Modular
Non comes in 4 different modules that can be connected with JACK
Pro Very lightweight
Each module is very streamlined and light on system resources, even when they are used altogether. So it is much better than Ardour for systems that are limited in memory or processing power.
Pro Focused
You use what you need, when you need it. Need to record? Pull up the timeline. Need to edit, mix or master? Add the mixer. Doing anything with midi? Add the sequencer in. Or just use the sequencer alone if you are primarily an eMusician using VI's.
Want to instantly save and recall full sessions, including outboard apps? Use the session manager.
Ignore what you don't need rather than having to clear the clutter.
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.
Pro Very stable
DAWs are notorious for crashing, especially at the peak of a workflow. ReNoise 3 is known for its outstanding stability.
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.
Pro Uses a module tracker instead of piano roll
Module trackers are preferred by some users because they help increase productivity.
Pro Sophisticated effect modulation
ReNoise 3 offers a ridiculous amount of flexibility when it comes to automation. Instead automating by sliding points around, users can choose from an array of preloaded automation patterns in order to produce more interesting sounding patterns.
Pro 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.
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.
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.
Pro Fast yet intricate workflow
Building basic patterns (e.g. drums) from scratch is extremely fast and easy, and built-in effects commands allow for fine grain control that is difficult, time consuming or outright impossible in conventional DAWs.
Pro Vst support
Pro Program custom tools
Users can make their own instruments and effects using Lua .
Pro Advanced pattern command
The Pattern Command called "MaYbe" guesses which note will be next in a progression based on the user's habits.
Cons
Con No installable file available from the Non website
Con Unconventional
Con Not as popular
This isn't an inherent con. But this would be an AMAZING program if it had a fraction of the attention and support that Ardour enjoys. Faster paced development, greater documentation and support, etc
Con Cannot record multiple tracks simultaneously
Live musicians are limited by only being able to record on one tracks at a time.
Con Interface can be confusing to people who's not familiar with trackers
Trackers are different from sequencing (arrangement) view (most DAWs) and session view (Ableton, Bitwig).
Con Closed source
Con No PulseAudio support
Without JACK or ALSA set up as your Linux sound system, audio will play from Renoise or from other applications, but not both at the same time.