There are several reasons why people choose to use free DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) to create music instead of paid ones. Cost and features are considerations. What are the Top 8 Free DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation) to Create Music?
- GarageBand: GarageBand is a free DAW that comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. It offers a range of powerful features for recording, editing, and mixing audio, and comes with a variety of virtual instruments and effects. Garageband is an entry-level DAW based on the workflow of Apple’s flagship audio production app Logic Pro. It features a simplified set of options and controls meant to make recording music easy for anyone. This is the best free platforms to use for Mac or iPad/iPhone. Information: https://www.apple.com/ios/garageband/
- Cakewalk by BandLab: Cakewalk by BandLab is a free DAW for Windows that offers a range of powerful features, including unlimited tracks, MIDI and audio editing, and a variety of virtual instruments and effects. If the name sounds familiar to you, this was once a “paid” DAW called Sonar but when Bandlab bought Cakewalk they decided on a new approach. Cakewalk by Bandlab is a full-fledged professional DAW that you can use now, for free. Information: https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk?lang=en
- LMMS: LMMS (formerly Linux MultiMedia Studio) is a free, open-source DAW that offers a range of features for producing music, including a built-in step sequencer, a piano roll editor, and a range of virtual instruments and effects. Information: https://lmms.io/
- Ardour: Ardour is a free, open-source DAW that offers a range of features for recording, editing, and mixing audio. It supports a range of plugins and virtual instruments and is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Information: https://ardour.org/
- Waveform Free: Formerly called Tracktion, Waveform is a free, cross-platform DAW that offers a range of features for recording, editing, and mixing audio. It includes a variety of virtual instruments and effects, as well as support for third-party plugins. Information: https://www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free
6. Audacity: Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that can be used as a basic DAW for recording and mixing audio. It offers a range of powerful editing tools, including noise reduction; pitch correction, and time-stretching. Audacity is still the go-to choice for quick-and-dirty audio work. Information: https://www.audacityteam.org/
- Zynewave Podium Free: Zynewave Podium Free is a free, Windows-only DAW that offers a range of powerful features, including unlimited tracks, MIDI and audio editing, and a variety of virtual instruments and effects. Information: https://zynewave.com/podium-free/
- Ohm Studio: Ohm Studio is a free, cloud-based DAW that allows you to collaborate with other musicians in real-time. It offers a range of powerful features for recording, editing, and mixing audio, as well as a variety of virtual instruments and effects. Information: https://store.steampowered.com/app/241660/Ohm_Studio/
Overall, while paid DAWs may offer additional features and support, free DAWs are a great option for musicians and producers who are just starting out or who need to work within a tight budget. They offer many of the same features and functionality as paid DAWs, and can be a great way to develop your skills and create high-quality music without breaking the bank.
Enter the 20th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), see: https://www.inacoustic.com
