Comments on: Best Free DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

By: Jonny

Jonny — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:54:43 +0000

This is such a great article, such a hot topic. The number of threads and even forums dedicated to superlatives on super DAWs, and any other software…inevitable, perhaps, given our propensity and yearning for progress, ever increasing power, and love of shiny, new things. Clickbait for the curious beat-making tech-slaves.

Digression accomplished, is there an update?
I’m thinking this warrants and update, with format revisions. Tabular, anyone?

I don’t think projects on github (kanban) is versioned like code commits, but I have a few ideas, including custom-weighting, and criteria-filtering, so if it’s subjective, the candidates can be proposed. I may then compare this to suggestions elsewhere, from both silicon and carbon-based individuals.

By: Mario

Mario — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:15:19 +0000

In reply to Ike. This is a useful list. Have you considered extending it for Chromebook too?

By: Ada

Ada — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:40:57 +0000

Using MAGIX music Maker for many years (currently 32.1.0.13) and have a lot of VST instruments (free and paid) and effects, connected to the MIDI AKAI MPK 261 through MIA MIDI card – works perfectly and is not only for beginners.

By: Cristian

Cristian — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 02:33:18 +0000

Cakewalk is still available and probably the closest to a full DAW that is also free.
Waveform Free is the second most capable free DAW out there. If you are willing to seek missing plugins/functionality otherwise included in the Pro version, its a good alternative.
Studio One Artist now supports VST plugins, so less of a need to move to Pro right away.
Soundbridge is now limited to 10 tracks for the free version.
Helio is yet another free, open source sequencer with VST support.
Magix Music Maker still has issues with random crashes unfortunately, but does a better job of restoring whatever you were working on.

By: Wojciech

Wojciech — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 23:20:34 +0000

Unfortunately, my version still does not support plugins . I have Audacity version 3.1.3 When one year as a test I added a new plugin, I lost 12 plugins from the desktop at the same time and Audacity did not work anyway added plugin.

By: Cremo

Cremo — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:44:03 +0000

Great article. Thanks.

By: random commenter

random commenter — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:45:17 +0000

Cakewalk still can’t be run without regular activation via Bandlab, so AKAI MPC Beats is probably the next best thing worth considering. The included effects are about the same for both (= production quality) and 8 instrument tracks should not be a limiting factor unless you are lazy or don’t know basic techniques.

By: Curtis

Curtis — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 01:02:28 +0000

In reply to William J. Dager.

Dear Mr. Dager,

I bought a blueberry iMac in 1998 for full price ($1300.00) That was the last time I paid full price for one. Good usable workhorse macs are available on eBay for crazy low $$. Two years ago my wife got me an 8Gig mini 2.3 Ghz Intel f or xmas that cost here about $70 including the shipping. A 24″ TV and an old keyboard and it works just fine. Garageband for older macs are available in various places around the web and if you aren’t trying to be Bob Ludwig folks justs tarting out will find it very easy to use. Bonus! When you finally find LOGIC X 10.4 somewhere you can drag your garagband files directly into it.

Harrison Mixbus was offered a few years ago for $19 for a full version. I found it too complicated but it does come with a great Hammond organ plug-in and some nice effects. If one were to contact them they would probably cut a deal

You don’t have to have a lot of money to work with macs but if you are going to have an aneurysm because you can’t do 96 tracks for your new project maybe bedroom producer’s page isn’t for you.

Have a nice holiday season

By: Anson F-Clef

Anson F-Clef — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 14:10:11 +0000

Hello dear music arrangers! I last heard an update from Soundbridge going TOTALLY COMMERCIAL since October 9, 2023 so I don’t quite think that there’s any more FULL-FLEDGED FREEBIE VERSION of Soundbridge but instead, the ‘free’ version of Soundbridge is gonna be somewhat like Pro Tools Intro (limited audio and MIDI tracks)

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:37:15 +0000

In reply to Ike. There is nothing difficult about. Anyone who's serious about "getting anything done" has already tried most of the DAWs on the market because finding a DAW that suits you requires trying different DAWs yourself. Your comment is one of the most idiotic things I've ever heard.

By: MultipliedCow

MultipliedCow — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 21:01:41 +0000

Hey Tomislav- When are we getting that free BPB DAW?

By: wesley hayden

wesley hayden — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 23:05:24 +0000

Jeskola Buzz Tracker software.

It’s real limitations are set by the users own creativity imho.

The more time you invest, the greater the returns, musically speaking.

Considering it is 2023 and this has been out there since the 90s for free makes it pretty unique as well.

PeerChord….
Maltide Tracker…
x-delay….
Polac VST VSTi support
Midi control….
32bit Wave-out…
ChordWizard….
….
…