9 best DAW-software for creating music on your computer
Music Technologies / / December 19, 2019
Choosing a software environment for recording and editing music - a complex and individual matter. Universal recommendations can not be: decent sound quality, each capable of delivering a program of collections, they all offer roughly the same features and have a similar interface. Nevertheless, they are not the same, and the search for the perfect DAW can take years. In this article, we tell, what is remarkable the program is to record music, and we hope that it will save you a little time.
For a start we will reveal the meaning of several terms that are often found in this article:
- DAW (sequencer) - a software environment in which the recording and editing music.
- VST, VSTi, AU, AAX, RTAS - plug-in formats - additional software, allows you to add new DAW virtual instruments or effects processing.
- MIDI - in the context of this article external sound sources: keyboard, pads and controllers.
- Piano roll - the edit lots of virtual instruments. On the piano roll drawn notes indicated their duration and volume.
1. Ableton Live
platforms: Windows, macOS.
cost: from 79 euros per Intro version to 599 euros for a suite Suite with a one-time purchase.
For whom: for electronics. Especially those who play live.
According to surveyConducted edition of Ask. Audio, Ableton Live in 2015, overtook all other sequencers: 23.14% of the respondents admitted that they use it as the main DAW-program.
Ableton Live combines the qualities of a classical sequencer and control station for live sets. During these two roles are two display modes: Arrangement View for the arrangements and information and Session View for improvisation and DJing.
Arrangement View interface resembles most other sequencers, but with an important advantage: in the workspace, we see only what is necessary. The panel is not overloaded with buttons and controls are well seen even on the screen 13-inch laptop, and minimal skills acquired ownership of the program intuitively.
Developers do not only Live: so they released a second version of Ableton Push controller (the creation of the first engaged Akai), and also set up a synchronization protocol Ableton Link, which many prefer obsolete MIDI Sync, tied to the relationship Master / Slave. All this is created with the expectation to use in conjunction with a sequencer: Ableton Live works seamlessly with MIDI and integrated into the live sets.
In Ableton is also easy to work with samples and loops, adjust the automation and cheat plugins. They are used by many well-known artists, such as M83, kedr livanskiy and well-known music blogger Andrew Huang (Andrew Huang).
Ableton Live →
2. Logic Pro X
platforms: MacOS.
cost: 14 990 rubles. also available some groups in included programs for the education of 13 990 rubles.
For whom: for makovodov, which closely within GarageBand.
Logic Pro X - serious "apple" sequencer, and the transition to it - a natural evolutionary step after working in GarageBand. The sequencer has a number of advantages, most important of which is an accessory to the Apple ecosystem. All that works with MacOS, and works with Logic. Additional convenience provides the use of the touch panel and iOS-device for remote control.
VST is not supported - you can only use the AU-ins. However, many say that the board Logic Pro X already have all the tools and effects that may only be needed. Receives special praise Drummer track - simulation of virtual drummer.
Of the minuses can be noted the program and the high cost of the work area, which is difficult to use on small screens. Despite the shortcomings, Logic Pro X can be found in almost any serious recording studio and use it dozens of famous artists and bands. Among them, Disclosure and Foster the People, in their love for the sequencer recognizedFor example, Anton Sevidov of Tesla Boy.
Logic Pro X →
Price: 14990 rubles
3. Avid Pro Tools 12
platforms: Windows, macOS.
cost: First Pro Tools available for free, standard Pro Tools will cost 24.92 dollars per month when you purchase an annual subscription, and the version for Pro Tools HD professionals costs $ 999 per year.
For whom: for owners of certain sound cards, which tend to make the most of its iron and know what they want.
Perhaps the most serious of the sequencer shown in the compilation. The seriousness of Pro Tools provides not only an abundance of features, but also rich in history: the first version came out in 1991, had a four-track and cost 6000 dollars. its interface is then strongly influenced by the fact, as we see today sequencers. The first song on the top lines of the charts made in DAW-program, was the work of Ricky Martin's Livin 'la Vida Loca, mixed by in Pro Tools in 1999.
Pro Tools advantage - interaction with the audio interfaces of a list of certified devices privately. This allows you to achieve maximum performance. This turns to advantage drawback: the use of HD-Pro Tools version with uncertified iron fraught with additional bugs and lags. Pro Tools creates the impression of a modular workstation: the program requires a certain iron and some users are recommended to allocate a separate computer DAW.
The program sewn decent set of tools and effects, it works well with MIDI and live sound. The range of possibilities is wide of the DAW, and on the analysis of all functions can take a long time even in a confident user sequencers. Avid is offering free beginners First-version with the ability to record 16 tracks.
In sequencer there are problems with the integration of VST, but it works well with AAX- and RTAS-ins. As Logic Pro X, the program Pro Tools sound engineers use many professional studios.
Avid Pro Tools →
4. Image-Line FL Studio 12
platforms: while only Windows. MacOS version is in test mode, but run the program, you can use Boot Camp. There are apps for iOS- and Android-devices.
cost: from 99 dollars in one-time purchase.
For whom: for electronics and beatmaker working on Windows.
Image-Line FL Studio 12 - one of the most popular sequencers for those who like to combine samples and tools party, but do not want to bother to deep dive into the mechanics of DAW-programs. The path from the inclusion of a sequencer to save the project in FL Studio, perhaps the shortest and easiest bit to fill, it is possible not to have some skills.
FL Studio interface is really different from the appearance of the other sequencers, but the program has all the necessary functions. FL Studio is used by many famous artists, including Martin Garrix, Avicii, Tyler, The Creator or musician videobloger Enjoykin.
There is very inconvenient to carry out a live record, but it is easy to work with the track composition, samples, MIDI, VST and fill the notes in piano roll. Complete with a full version of the program are instruments and effects, some of which deserve special attention. For example, Gross Beat, via which it is possible to wind and tremolo crazy glitches or saturant and sealing mix Soundgoodizer, become meme among FL Studio members.
An important advantage for those who prefer to use legal software: for FL Studio will have to pay only once, and then all updates will be available free of charge.
Image-Line has developed a mobile version of the sequencer for iOS- and Android-devices. Projects can be exported from there to a full-scale FL Studio.
Image-Line FL Studio →
Price: 1090 rubles
Price: 499,00 ₽
5. Steinberg Cubase Pro 9
platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS (iPad only).
cost: purchase process on the official website is very inconvenient. You must first buy a younger version of Cubase Elements of the program, and then pay for an upgrade. Cubase easier to buy from the Russian distributor of "out of the box", the value in this case starts from about 5000 rubles for Cubase Elements 9 and ends on 27 000 rubles for Cubase Pro 9.
For whom: for those who are looking for a decent and smart sequencer without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Even some veterans Recording - Cubase and Nuendo from Steinberg. Programs written in one engine, and similar to each other, but the first - so historically - are very popular with musicians. That Steinberg pioneered the technology, without which it is difficult to imagine modern sequencer: varping time (ability to stretch sound fragments tonality persistence), VST- and VSTi-ins.
Cubase for many years has been on the leading position in the list of popular DAW-programs. Products from Steinberg are Chvrches, Dub FX, New Order, and even Hans Zimmer Igor Matvienko.
Cubase important plus is that the shell is not slow even on slower computers. The rest of the program is similar to the classic sequencer with a set of tools, effects and intuitive controls. However, many find it uncomfortable because of the many workspaces open at the same time.
In addition to the full-fledged version, there are abridged version of the sequencer for the iPad.
Steinberg Cubase →
Price: Free
Price: 3790 rubles
6. PreSonus Studio One 3
platforms: Windows, macOS.
cost: Prime version is free, Artist worth 6240 rubles, Professional - 25 151 rubles.
For whom: for those who make music more fun than poking around in the programs.
One of the youngest DAW-programs and my personal favorite - Studio One. The sequencer interface - the logic and convenience. Good built-in effects, the ability to concentrate all the controls on a single screen (and leave some tracks) correct work with MIDI and convenient recording of live instruments - it is implemented in Studio One so that they enjoy use. Distracted by technical troubles in almost do not have enough to include Studio One and begin to create.
Sequencer rises to the top positions DAW-ratings, but not yet ready to compete with mastodons nor in popularity, nor in the number of proposed innovations. But his dignity mark composers, DJs and music writers for film and advertising, as a guitarist On-the-go Maxim Makarychev admitted that he believes Studio One far more good than Logic.
Apart from the fact that Studio One all works as it should, especially benefits sequencer has not. It may be noted Track Management function or Scratch Pad. The first allows you to customize the display of data on the track and keep to your liking, and the second - to create a quick draft on the second screen to find out how certain changes affect the track.
Of the minuses can be noted sequencer not the most comfortable piano roll and the need to utilize the program big enough screen - otherwise the whole tirade about Studio One comfort is meaningless.
PreSonus Studio One →
7. Propellerhead Reason 9.5
platforms: Windows, macOS.
cost: 369 Euros for the first purchase, or 129 euros for an upgrade to version 9.0.
For whom: for those in whom it lives not only a musician, but also an engineer who loves to understand complex systems.
Reason always stood alone: a sequencer interface looks much more difficult than the usual set of tracks, and the program does not support plug-ins and audio recording.
Now everything has changed. Propellerhead product introduced in all the key skills of modern sequencers, while retaining the advantages of previous programs. Reason The main difference from other stations - is that it does not hide the mechanics of the processes and settings. Synthesizers, samplers, processors and mixers are chosen on the panel, a rack-like (in other words, equipment cabinet) and interconnected virtual cables.
Previous versions of the software used in conjunction with other DAW and VST, in which it was possible to apply the settings Reason rack-rack. The newest version of the sequencer - a self-contained product suitable for music recording and supports work with Ableton Link protocol.
This makes Reason a little strange, the most difficult, but perhaps the most interesting of the presented sequencers.
Propellerhead Reason →
8. GarageBand
platforms: macOS, iOS.
cost: is free.
For whom: for owners of Apple computers, preferring not to bother to search, purchase and study of complex programs.
GarageBand - a simplified version of Logic Pro X, which should not be underestimated. Perhaps sequencer behind the flagship station for the specifications, but the emergence of GarageBand - an important event in the world of amateur music. Now high-quality music can create any owner of "apple" gadget, irrespective of the skills of working with DAW-programs and the availability of knowledge about sound engineering.
Should not be compared with GarageBand software to create amateurish handicrafts from eJay: here it is necessary to write, and not ready to be combined magnifying glass. Ease sequencer impact on cross-platform: iPhone and iPad application is enough functional, to make them something worthwhile, and projects can be exported into GarageBand or Logic Pro X on MacOS.
If your computer is showing off the apple and you think, with a DAW-start the program, the best candidate to be a simple, effective and free GarageBand. She has built-in tools and effects to virtual guitar pedal board, amp simulators, virtual drummer Drummer and the ability to set AU-ins.
Also GarageBand (of course, not as the main DAW-program) used by many famous performers, such Rihanna, Nine Inch Nails and Noel Gallagher.
GarageBand →
Price: Free
Price: Free
9. Cakewalk Sonar
platforms: Windows.
cost: annual subscription costs from $ 99 per Sonar Artist to 499 dollars per Sonar Platinum. There are discounts for students. So, for the platinum version of the program students will have to pay 349 dollars a year.
For whom: for those who for whatever reason do not like other sequencers, and those who have especially a lot of work with the parties in the piano roll.
This powerful and easy to use sequencer sometimes called Logic Pro X for Windows. By Sonar benefits include an elegant and highly customizable interface, Addictive Drums drums and samples from Cakewalk complete and easy piano roll.
You may notice that no numbers Cakewalk version of its stations. This is due to the fact that it has moved to a system of subscriptions with a monthly payment. In addition to the three main editions of Sonar, the developers offer Sonar Home Studio for half the price, which has many limitations, but perfectly suitable for the development of skills in working with a sequencer.
Of the non-obvious advantages Sonar can be noted feature Pattern Tool - is an extra brush in the piano roll, allows you to quickly copy music fragments.
Cakewalk Sonar →
Layfhaker already spent a brief educational program on creation home recording studio. The choice of the DAW, perhaps, the most difficult step towards this goal. And what sequencer you use? Share answer in the comments.