What is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)?
Are you Interested in making music? You must have come across the term DAW. A DAW or Digital Audio Workstation is an application software or an electronic device that can be used to record, edit and produce audio files. They come handy for the recording and production of audio across various formats like speech, songs, television, soundtracks, and many more.
Every DAW can record audio, notate Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), organize music data, and export in multiple audio formats. Every DAW includes default plugins for mixing, such as reverb, compressors, and equalizers (EQ). Some DAWs include default sample instruments, notation software integration, and film scoring capabilities. Beef up your free DAW with our picks for the best free drum VSTs and the best free VST instruments! Conclusion Cakewalk by Bandlab is a full-on, pro-level DAW with a ton of capability but with a slightly cluttered design that can put some users off.
DAWs can be divided into various types depending on the complexity users are looking for. They can be a single software program or a stand alone unit. The most complicated ones comprise of various components which are centrally controlled by a machine. In this article, we will inform you about various 100% free DAWs available in the market. To make it easier for you, we have also added their platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux, and APP)
Tracktion 7
Compatible Platforms – Windows, Mac OS and Linux
Built by The Tracktion Corporation, Tracktion 7 is considered to be one of the best full-fledged DAWs all around the world. It has no ‘Lite’ version which comes free for users, instead it is completely free. It is known for its smooth and easy-to-use interface and unlike most other free software, you get support for unlimited MIDI and audio tracks. It also provides VST plugin support and ReWire Compatibility.
How is this app free in spite of being full-fledged? The catch is that it is an older version which will receive no future updates and no bug fixes. If you want to experience that latest, you will have to buy Waveform. But not taking away anything from it, it provides a great workflow and you will have a great time fiddling with it.
To make your experience better, they have also included an in-depth manual. It explains everything about the software in the simplest possible manner to make you feel at home.
Pros
- Cross Platform support
- VST Plugin support
- Unlimited MIDI and audio tracks
- Easy and intuitive UI
Cons
- Those who are coming from another DAW may find it cumbersome initially
- No future support
- Traditional Mixer View is missing
Cakewalk by BandLab
Compatible Platform – Windows (64-bit)
Previously known as SONAR, Cakewalk by BandLab is essentially the same software without the bundled third-party software. All the Microsoft 64-bit users can utilize this app for free and the company is also co-working with Microsoft to improve its performance on the Surface Line of supercomputers.
Cakewalk by BandLab comes with ARA support for integrated Melodyne Pitch Correction and has a 64-bit audio engine. It also has support for VST3, DirectX and virtual instruments. Like in T7, it also has support for unlimited MIDI and audio tracks. You can also use the Professional Channel to bring studio-quality editing at your fingertips.
Cakewalk by BandLab has won several awards for its interface and we don’t need to explain how good it is. But, like with most DAWs, you may not feel at home when you first use it. If you ask us to choose the best DAW of 2019, this will have a higher chance of taking the cake.
Pros
- Unlimited MIDI and audio tracks support
- VST Plugin support
- Professional grade tools
- VST3 is industry’s best audio engine
Cons
- Supports only Windows 64-bit
- Free BandLab Assistant software must be downloaded
LMMS (Linux Multimedia Studio)
Compatible Platforms – Windows, Mac OS and Linux
LMMS is an open-source software which gives it a bonus point before we start talking about it. Being driven by a community of enthusiasts, users are always assured of a software that is constantly evolving for the better. Not only that, it is cross platform, which ensures that it is compatible for various users irrespective of what they use. It is the biggest advantage of this software.
LMMS supports Giga, Ultrasound and Soundfonts and also has support for VST plugins. It also has support for unlimited MIDI and audio tracks along with the regular stuff that you will require. The community has contributed in a massive way by developing 16 synthesizers, which includes Roland, Nintendo and GameBoy, Yamaha, Commodore and many more.
With built-in compressor, limiter, delay, reverb and so many other convenient facilities, LMMS has been a great support for innumerable composers who cannot afford premium stuff. It has been designed by musicians, for musicians and this ensures a smooth and comfortable UI which makes music making a whole lot easier.
Pros
- Designed by musicians, for musicians
- Cross Platform support
- Unlimited MIDI and audio tracks
- Packed with features
- VST support
Cons
- The interface feels stale
- Being open source, there can be conflicts
BandLab
Compatible Platform – Android, Cloud-Based
BandLab is a software that was developed to make collaboration easier. Being cloud-based, you can use it across various platforms and devices and collaborate with musicians all over the world. If you think that it has a limited feature-set due to it being free, we will ask you to think again. It allows you access to more than 6000 royalty free loop triggering, MIDI sequencing, loops and so much more which are professionally recorded.
It also has support for more than 120 virtual instruments and cross-platform customizable presets, bass, guitar and vocal FX. To add to all of it, you get unlimited projects, storage which is secure, downloads, and Algorithmic Mastering. You can invite professionals to contribute to your vision and allow them to make changes as required.
Since it is connected to the cloud, you may come across occasional issues in terms of connectivity. Also you may not feel completely at home due to lack of physical instruments. These hindrances never make BandLab a bad experience and you will always enjoy this collaborative atmosphere.
Pros
- Doesn’t depend on Platforms
- Collaborative
- Brings different taste to music by mixing various communities
- Accessible from anywhere and anytime
Cons
- Weak internet may cause issues
- No real software for monitoring
SoundBridge
Compatible Platforms – Windows and Mac OS
SoundBridge has been developed while keeping simplicity in mind. To download and access this software, you must log in into your SoundBridge account every time. You get access to unlimited MIDI and audio tracks and it also has VST support for the added convenience. It allows users to collaborate via the skytracks.io interface and you can also access various SoundBridge Academy Courses.
It comes with a touch interface, which makes working on it a tad easier. It also supports RitMix: Drum Machine which is a mixture of MPC Pad Section and 16-step Sequencer. The MPC Pad Section can be made larger with the help of multiple touchscreens and this allows for more breathing space. In addition to all of these, it also boasts of huge variety built-in FX and Advanced Mixer.
Pros
- Very intuitive UI
- Lack of any unnecessary clutter
- Fast and smooth
- Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit
Cons
- Lack of instruments
- No audio unit support
- Missing keyboard support for piano
- Plugin Bridging is not available
GarageBand
Compatible Platforms – Mac OS and iOS
GarageBand has been developed by Apple and it includes a complete music creation studio inside your Apple device. Most of the music makers start off with this DAW as it comes bundled with all Macs. It has been developed by the developers of Logic Pro and this adds a heft to it. It makes everything so much easier, be it sampling, recording, writing songs, or playing with instruments.
You just need to connect your keyboard or any other compatible device with your Mac and you are good to go. In addition to this, you also get access to live synthesizers instruments and samplers. And being compatible on several devices, it makes music on-the-go a whole lot easier. You are always ready to publish your new track on SoundCloud or YouTube.
Very few pre-installed applications provide so much utility as GarageBand and we are glad that Apple has continued to support this app and kept it free for all the users out there. Even though it is limited to 32 tracks, but we get support for AU plugins and makes music making feel inherent.
Pros
- Supports MIDI and audio recordings
- A wide range of instruments are available
- Makes on-the-go music making a reality
Cons
- Not compatible for Windows
- Track Count could have been more generous
Stagelight by OpenLabs
Compatible Platform – Android, Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Chromebook
Stagelight is not completely free and OpenLabs charge an amount for the Full Version, but it deserves a mention for what it offers in the Free version. This is a cross platform software which can help you juggle between various devices, if required. It allows support for unlimited tracks in both the Loopbuilder and Traditional Timeline modes.
Not only that, you get access to Drum Trucks, 9 instruments, Key Lock and 14 instruments. But the choice in the free version is limited. This app is more intuitive for hip-hop makers and has a DJ-oriented session view. It is also known to be very touch friendly, but if you need VST support, you must eke out some cash from your pocket.
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Pros
- Loopbuilder
- Cross Platform compatibility is unmatched
- Easy and smooth UI
Cons
- Not a great range of plugins
- VST support is unavailable for free version
Pro Tools First
Compatible Platforms – Android, Windows (32-bit), and Mac OS
Pro Tools First is a software for the younger generation who are beginners and have just come by to test the water. These people can save their hard earned dollars by getting a free DAW that gets the job done, but if you want more functionality, you must pay the price. The free version comes with 1 GB of cloud storage and you can only save your ongoing projects there.
It also limits the current projects to 3 which can make the users furious but there are no two ways about it. The sampling rate tops up at 96 kHz but you are rarely going to care about it. To ensure ease for its users, it includes 20 plugins and Xpand2 which is considered very powerful. To add to all of these, you get a taste of Avid’s industry leading technology.
If you want to make great music, this is the place to start off. It also has support for collaboration which makes it easier if you plan to start a band. Avid says that more than 70% of commercial music is created using their pro software, Pro Tools. Pro Tools First thereby takes you closer to how the industry behaves.
Pros
- Xpand2 support
- Playback up to 16 tracks
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- No VST support
- Limited Plugins
- Mixes must be stored on the cloud
Studio One 4 Prime
Compatible Platforms – Windows and Mac OS, both 64-bit
Studio One 4 Prime is a free version of its elder sibling and still comes with features that you are happy to pay money for. It works great on touchscreens and high DPI screens and has been curated to give you utmost convenience. Along with support for unlimited MIDI and audio tracks, Version 4 has included a new drum editor and instrument for pattern-based arrangement.
Being the free version, it also misses out on a lot. It has no VST support and comes with only a single workstation sampler, Presence XT. It is not compatible with the other instruments that you possess and this makes it hard to recommend. If you want to get a taste of the premium version before paying for it, you will have a great time using this software.
In spite of having some new features in its kitty, Studio One 4 Prime feels very much at home. It provides some significant advantages over its predecessor without charging a penny for the same.
Pros
- Comes with several mixing and editing tools
- Full MIDI and audio tracks support
- Intuitive UI
- Patterns are available
Cons
- No VST support
- It doesn’t feel enough
Conclusion
This guide will help you to choose amongst various free DAWs available in the market. There are several others which have missed out like Audacity, but we find those in the list superior to the others. Tracktion 7 and Cakewalk by BandLab are certainly the most powerful and feature-rich, but if you are a beginner, GarageBand and Pro Tools First won’t disappoint you as well.
Summary :
To edit audio, you can try MiniTool software. If you want to make a piece of professional music, you can try DAW software. Here are the top 10 DAW software, and each of them has its pros as well as cons.
Quick Navigation :
To make a music, you need a DAW software. To help you find the best free DAW software to turn your ideas into music as quickly and painlessly as possible, we have collected 10 different DAWs on the market. Each of these tools has its advantages and disadvantages.
What Is A DAW
DAW, digital audio workstation, can help you compose, record, edit and produce audio files. DAWs are good at mixing of multiple sound sources on a time-based grid.
The Best Simple DAW Software for Editing Audio
If you are a beginner, you can try a simple and free DAW software to edit audio. MiniTool MovieMaker, a free video editing software, lets you create and edit videos easily. This free tool is recommended here because it offers simple and straightforward interfaces, and contains some basic features. More importantly, it is a free, no ads, no bundle tool.
By using this easy to use tool, you can do the following things to your music file:
- Extract audio from video.
- Remove background music from video.
- Trim, split, merge music file.
- Add music to video.
- Make video with photos and music files.
- Fade in or fade out music files.
- Change music volume.
- Convert video to MP3.
- …
Let’s take fade music for example to show how to edit music files with the best simple and few DAW tool.
How to Edit Audio Easily with MiniTool MovieMaker
Step 1. Download and install MiniTool MovieMaker on PC.
Step 2. Launch this simple and free DAW to gets its main interface, and import your files.
Step 3. Add videos or pictures to the timeline, and add music files to the music track.
Step 4. Split, trim or merge music files according to actual needs.
Related article: combine videos
Step 5. Double click the music file you want to edit, and fade in/out music or change its volume.
Step 6. Save the project into an MP3 format on your PC.
Tip: This free tool lets you save your masterpiece into MP3 and other video formats, like MP4, WAV, etc. To know more details, you can read this post: change video format.
See! It is very easy to edit music with the simple, free, no ads, no bundle video editor – MiniTool MovieMaker. Of course, this free tool has many powerful functions like video transitions, animated text, and others to help you create a video.
In a word, MinTool MovieMaker is a powerful and free video editor without watermark, and it can be used as a simple DAW software for beginners. Download this tool and have a try.
What should you do if you want to record audio, mixing editing audio, etc? It is time to look for a professional DAW software.
Top 10 DAW Software
- Audacity
- Pro Tools
- Presonus Studio One
- Ableton Live
- Steinberg Cubase
- Apple Logic Pro X
- Garageband
- Stagelight
- Bandlab
- LMMS
Best Free DAW Software
Now that you have a basic knowledge about editing audio, let's see some professional DAW software.
#1. Audacity
Audacity is a completely free recording software and is the most widely used free DAW software across the globe. It is one of the best DAW for beginners because the simple recording and editing process does not require any sort of training. And, it is compatible with all operating systems.
Best Free Daw Software Windows
Unfortunately, you cannot use VST synths or other virtual instruments since this free DAW cannot record MIDI. Therefore, if you are looking for a full mix, you need to choose another DAW software. However, if you only need to record audio, you can safely use it.
Features:
- It is a cross-platform DAW software.
- The beat analyzer makes the beat slow or fast.
- It creates and edits the podcasts or rough song demo.
- It can export audio files to MP3 and WAV (Note: Exporting files needs LAMEC encoder).
If you want to export video files to MP3, you can try MiniTool MovieMaker. This free tool lets you easily extract audio from MP4 or other video formats.
#2. Pro Tools
Pro Tools is the industry-standard DAW that allows you to record and edit music. Professionals like this tool for the speed of editing and the high-quality mixing environment. If you want to work in a professional studio, you need to spend time learning this tool. Before purchasing this standard DAW, you can try the free edition Pro Tools first which is limited to 16 tracks.
Features:
- It contains up to 16 virtual instrument tracks, 2 high-quality loop and sample libraries.
- It includes beats and loops to power chords and more cowbells, drums, keys, bass, and guitar.
- It allows loop recording to nail the perfect guitar solo or vocal run and provides 23 effects and utility plugins.
Related article: loop YouTube video
#3. Presonus Studio One
After several years of development, Presonus Studio One has become a DAW of real power and maturity. It provides smoother parameter changes in MIDI parts because of its proprietary high-resolution internal MIDI protocol. You can easily use the outboard gear as the dedicated hardware interfacing plugin. You can use this DAW software in a 30-days free trial to mix sounds and music.
Features:
- You can create without any restriction, and export work without any worries.
- It supports all plugin formats, any style of music, effects, instruments, and melodyne.
#4. Ableton Live
Ableton Live is popular among electronic produces because of its inspiring workflow and intuitive “session view”. This DAW software offers extremely high-quality sound-design tools including built-in sampling and synthesis plugins. With the best DAW software, you can quickly make your masterpiece.
In Live, you can write automation directly to clips, and everything can be turned into MIDI, including melodies, harmonies, sampled beats, and more. Also, you can take pieces from existing sample libraries and recordings, and change them to some completely different things.
Features:
- It has inspirational clip-based live performance, fast and creative workflow.
- The suit version contains plenty of sample material to work with.
- It includes excellent built-in devices as well as powerful automation.
#5.Steinberg Cubase
As one of the first commercially available DAWs, Steinberg Cubase still has a strong following. This DAW software includes all the features you need to create a pro-quality track. Cubase is compatible with free VST plugins, especially on Windows as this free DAW software pioneered the popular VST plugin format. If you are searching for the best free DAW, you can try this tool because it has a lot of great features.
Features:
- This DAW software has a great history and lots of development.
- It supports comprehensive editing and automation, and refined workflow.
- It has a robust plug-in bundle and is a powerful mixer.
#6. Apple Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is Apple’s pro DAW software. To help you create great recordings right away, Apple has been focusing on creating fantastic built-in plugins. This DAW software includes intuitive MIDI, audio editing and a powerful sample editor, striking a perfect balance between functionality and ease of use.
More importantly, Apple Logic Pro X contains pitch, timing correction, convincing guitar amp emulation plugins natively in-app and other pro-level features. Unfortunately, you can only use this tool free for 90 days.
Features
- It has a tried and tested workflow.
- It comes with loads of content.
- It has a stunning array of bundled instruments and effects.
#7.Garageband
Best Free Daw Software Downloads
Garageband is a free DAW software for democratizing music production. This free program comes with all versions of Mac OS X, and lets you easily sequence the supplied audio loops.
The best free DAW software for Mac includes a decent collection of software instruments, multitrack recording functionality and a good selection of virtual guitar amps and stompboxes. You can control the software by using the logic remote iPad app.
All helpful tips in this free DAW software are written in simple language, making all people can understand it. In a word, Garageband is a simple and effective DAW software for Mac users to edit music.
Features:
- This easy to use DAW software makes it easy to record and mix music.
- This free DAW software supports 24-bit recording and third-party plug-ins.
#8. Stagelight
It is a cross-platform free DAW software for music education from teaching, learning, creating to sharing music. By using this tool, you can mix loops and create complete multi-track songs with various instruments.
Features:
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- It includes customize and create in-app lessons.
- It lets you save the project to Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
#9.Bandlab
Cakewalk By Bandlab is a full-fledged professional and free DAW software for Windows. To build in better support for the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, Bandlab is working with Microsoft. This DAW software has a 64bit audio engine with plug-in support for VST3 effects, DirectX and virtual instruments, and it contains ARA which is used to correct integrated Melodyne pitch.
Features:
- It contains unlimited track counts.
- It has full VST format plug-in support.
- It is a perfect choice for people who are using touch-enabled Windows computers, hybrids and tablets.
#10. LMMS
LMMS, Linux Multimedia Studio, is free DAW software and offers unlimited audio and MIDI tracks. It has developed 16 synthesizers and tons of effects that come with it. Besides, the interface is clean and inviting. With this free DAW software, you can arrange sample, synthesize sound, play MIDI keyboard, combine sequencer, etc. And, you can move projects between Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Features:
- It has a modern as well as user-friendly interface.
- It allows you to import and export MIDI files.
- It provides unlimited FX channels, an FX mixer, and a random number of effects.
Bottom Line
There are top 10 free DAW software. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. You can choose a suitable free DAW to create music. In fact, each of them requires some time to get accustomed. For beginners, it is recommended to try using MiniTool MovieMaker. Once you have some basic knowledge, you can easily manage these DAW software tools with ease.
If you have any questions on how to use MiniTool MovieMaker, please feel free to contact us!
Free DAW Software FAQ
Yes. Ableton Live is a professional DAW. Many professional musicians and DJs use this tool for live performances, and you can use it to compose music, record music, arrange music, mix music, etc.
Of course, there are many free DAW tools, including Audacity, Protools, etc. If you are a beginner, you can try MiniTool MovieMaker. This free DAW software offers some simple features to help you edit music.
Audacity is an easy-to-use, free, open source, multi-track DAW software for Windows, Mac OS X, and GNU/Linux.