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Add to SafariWhen comparing Audacity vs Non DAW, the Slant community recommends Audacity for most people. In the question“What are the best DAWs for UNIX-like systems?” Audacity is ranked 6th while Non DAW is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose Audacity is:
Audacity is available for free on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux with source code available [here](http://audacityteam.org/download/source).
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Free, open source and cross-platform
Audacity is available for free on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux with source code available here.
Pro Well maintained
Audacity is constantly updated.
Pro Great community backing it
Pro Great for vocal track editing
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.
Cons
Con Not seen as a full DAW
Audacity doesn't have the capabilities of popular DAWs and generally isn't considered to be good option.
Con Doesn't retain audio integrity
Audacity uses destructive editing, meaning applying effects, cutting, etc is non-reversable after you've saved a project.
Con No real time effects
Users are unable to change effects in real time with Audacity. If effects are to be changed, no sound can be playing or recording.
Con Unable to use Synthesizers / virtual instruments
You can only use effect plugins or record live with this DAW.
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.
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
