When it comes to music production, money is a major drawback. Whether beginner or professional, good audio production software is a necessity. But for just a minute, forget about your wallet. Because, we gathered the world’s best programs. These are some of the programs that adds professional feel.
Although, premium programs have an added advantage of freedom and a wide range of tools to work with. Nevertheless, It’s always best to start up with recommended free audio production softwares. You can switch up later as you advance up the radar into a pro music maker.
In this article, we have compiled a shortlist of free Windows digital audio workstations, editors, plugins and synths. The list also carters across platforms such as Mac, Linux and more.
Digital Audio Editor
Audacity
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Mac and more.
Audacity is the most widely used audio software. It is a free, open source, and cross-platform DAE. Not a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like FL Studio. Although it can do both, Audacity is focused on audio data manipulation. It is an easy to use, multi-track audio editor. Available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Audacity has an easy to use interface. Real-time preview and support of LV2, VST and audio units. Files can be Imported, edited and combined with ease. The recordings can be exported to MP3, Wav etc. It records live audio through a microphone, mixer. If you have an ear for high quality audio. Audacity packs in a support system for 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit. Sample rates and formats, are converted using high re-sampling and dithering.
Digital Audio Workstations
LMMS
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux.
LLMS is a cross-platform music production software. Available on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux OS. This is an easy to use beat making program.
LMMS comes bundled with a wide array of ready to use content. From instruments, effect plugins, and presets. To samples, VST and SoundFont support. LMMS is also compatible with external software. It comes with five editors for creating melodies (Song Editor). Beats (Beat+Bassline Editor). And (FX Editor) for mixes and sample rearrangements. Files can be exported into MP3, AIF, and Wave.
Download LMMS for Windows
Premium With Free Version
Tracktion T7
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Tracktion T7 is a feature-packed DAW software. Designed with simplicity in mind. Tracktion T7 features an Intuitive, single screen interface. Unlimited numbers of audio and MIDI tracks. Combined with a professional feature set. It allows you to compose, record, edit, mix and share music. The program supports and hosts multiple plugin formats. These includes VST and Audio Units.
In T7 the Tracktion team threw in some cool features. Which saves time and inspire experimentation. The T7’s automation feature. Is a fast way to apply precise movements to anything in your edit. Just choose a parameter to automate, apply pattern. it’s that easy! Other features include: LFO Modifier, Clip Layer Effect.
Download Tracktion T7 for Windows
DarkWave Studio
Compatibility: Windows
DarkWave Studio is a free Digital Audio Workstation for Windows. Featuring a modular Virtual Studio, Pattern Editor, Sequence Editor. And Multitrack Hard Disk Recorder. It has support for VST/VSTi instrument and effect plugins. It Supports Native x64 and x86 windows platforms from XP to 10. Multi Core / Multi CPU support.
Although, DarkWave is free, it comes with adware. The program can be a bit over whelming for beginners as it features a lot of options and settings in separate windows and menus.
Download DarkWave Studio for Windows
Premium With Free Version
Ableton Live 9 Lite
Compatibility: Windows, Mac.
Aleton Live 9 is a great Digital Audio Workstation. Live 9 is a free version of Ableton Live. Which packs a price tag of about $350 for standard version. Designed for live performances, remixing of songs, and music recording.
It lets you create, produce music within one intuitive interface. Live keeps everything in sync and works in real-time, so you can modify and play musical ideas without interrupting the creative process. Coupled with versatile collection of instruments, sounds, kits and loops for creating any kind of music.
Download Ableton Live 9 for Windows
BandLab Cakewalk
Compatibility: Windows
Cakewalk formerly known as Cakewalk SONAR. Is a complete Windows music production workstation. The software comes with creative songwriting tools and instruments. Easily compose and complete songs right in the workstation. Cakewalk offers effortless advanced mixing, Mastering tools. And an unlimited MIDI and audio tracks for recording. Coupled with a full suite of audio editing tools.
Whether you are a songwriter, producer, or composer. Cakewalk by BandLab has the instruments for your production.
