Best DAW for music production

I was hesitant to start the list thing like bunch of other bloggers do. I finally gave up and decided that it is actually a good idea to tell you all about this list. So here I go.

ProTools

The reason I chose this one is because it is widely used by top professionals. That alone is a huge plus in my book. I mean, i’s not a determining factor, but think of the benefits of using software that is widely used. You may for example share exchange ideas more efficiently. Also, the tutorial material available is huge because more producers are using it.Another advantage is the fact that you don’t have to pay the full amount. As of this posting of this article, Protools is still available in subscription mode (no musical pun intended), and there are several option as far features and payment levels. Their main page is https://www.avid.com/pro-tools. The purchase comparison page is https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/comparison.

Abelton

Abelton is so easy to use. In my opinion it is more intuitive than Protools (you be the judge.) Like its competitors, it included great plugins. It is also widely used in the music production industry and some instruments like the ones sold by native Instruments are now including a lite version of Ableton. By the way, they also include a payment plan, so you don’t have to pay the full amount. Their introductory offer is great. The first level includes so many features and goodies is difficult to resist.

Their comparison site is https://www.ableton.com/en/shop/live/ Like Protools, Ableton offers discounts for students.

Fl Studio

Well, what can I say? for the price you get tons of goodies with FL studio. I have to say, I’ve used it for a quite some time. It is light and very easy to use. I am actually surprised that the lite version can do so much. Unlike, Protooks and Ableton, as of this posting, FL studio is not offering a payment plan or subscription. I am afraid you have to pay the full version. The advantage is that you get upgrades for life. Yes, FOR LIFE, I almost feel like saying that with echo effect. Visit their product page https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/. Go here to compare the edititions: https://www.image-line.com/flstudio-feature-comparison/

Apple Logic Pro

Ok, I am not an Apple user, but I’ve watched other producers make music with this software and even have gotten hands on experience on this. First of all, it inexpensive. To me, that a huge advantage. You can make professional tracks paying only 199. Not sure how they will keep this price. I just checked their site.

It is pretty stable and it offers great connectivity to ipad, iphone via logic remote. I have to say that their drum beat creation is extremely simple to use and requires almost no lessons.

Of course, you have to an Apple user. Check out the product https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/. The also have a page of plugins you may want to check out: https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/plugins-and-sounds/

Steinberg Cubebase

This is another one of those widely used DAW’s. I’ve heard many people say that they find it a not as intuitive as FL studio and Logic pro. I think this is a great DAW and they are here to stay. In fact these are the guys who started it all with the creation of the first VST. Check out their page. https://www.steinberg.net/en/shop/cubase.html

Please read

I am not in any way endorsing any of these products. I believe all of these vendors have created stellar products and continue to evolve. In order to evaluate software, you have use them all for at least a few months and actually create. What I’ve found over the years is that people have a tendency to like certain look and feel. There are easily more than 50 decent DAW’s in the market, and some are even free. Most of them will export a wave or MP3 file. The point of this article is to get you started with the influential DAW’s. Cheers!

#beginner #daw