List of Popular Music Making Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software
List of Popular Music Making Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software
Filed Under:
7 December 2009
This list is an additional extra to go along with our post called 'Choosing DAW Software That is Right for You' which is good to read if you are going to be choosing one of these pieces of software. All of these DAWs are a good choice which can be used to create an entire song. This list should help people who are choosing their first piece of DAW software and give a good idea on the vast array of DAW products that are on offer.
As I stated in that previous post, I use the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) term loosely to mean any piece of software which could be used to edit and record a track from start to finish so there might be software on here which whether it is a DAW or not is up for discussion, but all software listed below has and can be been used to produce professional sounding tracks.
Remember to try each one out before you buy by finding the demo, I have linked to many of the demos below. If no demo is available also try watching video tutorials on YouTube and you will be able to see the interface and techniques being used. Most of these also have a forum where you could go and ask to make sure that they can achieve what you require and also any necessary features. I have included icons to show which operating system the DAW software supports (Windows, Linux, Mac OS).
Good luck in finding the perfect DAW to create your music.
Imageline FruityLoops Studio
I hear a lot of people talk about Fruityloops being good for beginners and it is good for some beginners and not so much for others. As the name suggests FruityLoops is a little loop orientated but as newer versions have come out the software has become more and more like a virtual studio. It still isn't for everybody and is not the way to go if you are going to be doing a lot of recording of audio, but if you are looking for software to program in beats and tracks then it is going to be a great piece of software for you.
Propellerheads Reason
Reason is software which tries to emulate the hardware environment within software. You have samplers, synthesizers, effect and more in a rack which can wired to each other and then add in a sequencer and you have a full electronic music workstation on your computer. Lack of VST support and audio recording abilities have been one of the common aggravations I have heard from Reason users but you can 'Rewire' (connect) the software to another DAWs which has rewire support. Great piece of software for those who want that hardware feel but has a steeper learning curve than others.
Propellerhead Record
Record is Propellehead software's audio based software aiming more towards the recording of audio rather than the electronic sound editing of Reason. There is a great mixer included to emulate a real studio and also a rack like in Reason to add devices. Record is great for musicians who want to get their ideas down and recorded quickly and then have that hardware feel of studio in the software environment especially if you are already a Reason user as the software will integrate with each other allowing you to have the best of both.
Cockos Reaper
Reaper is made by a small number of people and is very inexpensive compared to others DAWs on the market, yet it still manages to include all the necessary requirements for most people. The evaluation version is 'complete and uncrippled' so is worth trying out at only a 4 megabyte download. Most people will fall into the bracket of getting the discounted license too which costs just '$60'. Reaper supports many plug-in types including VSTi's and to beef Reaper up you will probably want to either invest in some plug-ins or find some great free plug-ins to get the most out of the software.
Wikipedia Article 
Official Site
Demo Download
Apple Garageband
Garageband comes with the Apple Mac software pack called iLife. It is an entry-level DAW and simply allows you to record, edit and mix. It is like the stepping stone application to going on to use Logic (see below) as Logic can open Garageband files. Can be extended with various 'Jam Packs' to add new instruments. Not for PC and no support for VST plug-ins.
Apple Logic
Windows is no longer supported by Logic, so you're going to need a Mac to run. Logic is the DAW of choice for many Mac users.
Logic comes complete with many plug-ins and effects. AU plug-ins are only supported and no VST support meaning many use a VST to AU wrapper.
Ableton Live
Ableton attempts to give the ability to be able to play live electronic music and achieves this quite well by using a system of creating clips of music and giving control to change and edit them live. The suite version comes with additional synthesizers, drum machines. The vast array of effect plug-ins mean you will rarely will you feel the need to go for external effects.
Wikipedia Article Official SiteDemo Download
Buy
Sony ACID Pro
DAW software that is started out as a loop system. Many loop sample packs can be bought as acidized loop files which contain information to quickly edit them within software such as ACID which support these loops. There is also a free version called ACID Xpress which contains some limitations such as a 10 track limit.
Wikipedia Article Official SiteDemo DownloadBuy
DigiDesign Pro Tools
Some people say this is the ultimate DAW, the main feature is that it has superb hardware support which works with the DigiDesign mixing desks meaning that it bridges the gap between the hardware gear and software gear environments.
Steinberg Cubase
One of the oldest DAWs available and has gone through many changes and redesigns over the years. This was the DAW that first introduced VST/VSTis a long time ago which are still used today. Obviously it is one of the best DAWs out the due to its heritage and that means there are a lot which swear by it.
Steinberg Nuendo
This product is similar to Cubase but has more features that make it more about media production such as video sequencing, 5.1 surround sound etc. For music it is good but unless you need these extras you will probably want to stick with Steinberg's Cubase instead.
Renoise
Hopefully I have managed to list all the decent and usable DAWs that are out there, I might've missed one so please leave a comment if you think it deserves to be here.
