Free Daw For Mac
Free Daw For Mac Rating: 3,9/5 2432 reviews
- Cakewalk by Bandlab is a free DAW that used to be a popular paid one called Sonar (by Cakewalk). This gives the DAW some great premium-grade features that were made to cost money. FREE DAWs For Mac.
- Podcast Recording Software For macOS GarageBand. GarageBand is a free DAW (digital audio workstation) if you have a Mac. This is a great choice for first-time and even experienced podcasters. You can easily create separate tracks for music, intros and outros, ad spots, and more.
- All together, it is definitely the best free DAW for beginners who have a Mac. MuTools’ trademark free DAW, Mu.Lab is relatively unknown but a true workhorse nonetheless. On its simple interface, you can easily record, edit, mix and master audio tracks.
- No surprise, it is the only DAW on this list NOT compatible with Windows. And while PC users might complain, Mac users can rejoice. And here’s why: By keeping it a “Mac only” platform, Logic users are assured that virtually any audio interface compatible with Mac OSX will work with Logic as well.
- Feb 02, 2018 Best Free DAWs for music, sound design, and anything audio. These are the best free daws for Windows (pc), Mac & Linux in 2018! There are even some free daws for.
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Tracktion T5 – a free DAW for Mac comes with a single screen interface that is easy to use, but not devoid of any great features that you might be needed when it comes to composing music or sharing it with others. Tracktion T5 comes with the simple drag and drop option for the files that are present.
When it comes to making music at your home, technology has made the life easy. The advancement of technology has eased out the work of musicians with the ample number of apps which allows them not only to create awesome music without getting a band in place but also allows them to post process and edit the music they have made so that it comes out to be more sophisticated and polished.
But, not all of us can pay a premium price for the utilization of this awesome software. Thankfully, the web also has a number of “freemium” apps which are premium in their workings but are available for free hence, the users don’t have to pay some hefty fees but can utilize all the great features at the same time.
If you are using a Mac device, then you must check out the following best free Mac digital audio workstations or DAW to work on your music with.
All these best free Mac digital audio workstations or DAW are best in the industry and our team has reviewed thoroughly to present this list for you.
1. MuLab
When it comes to best free Mac digital audio workstations, you can blindly trust MuLab. Developed by a small company called MuTools which is based in Denmark. MuLab is basically used for the educational purposes and it specializes in the electronic genre of music yet it can be utilized for the making of other genres too. You can also use Audials Music Rocket 2017 to download free and legal music to use with the software. MuLab has multiple utility options which include the creation and editing of multiple tracks at once and also allows the inclusion of sub-tracks, modular routing, REX support and much more for the users to select from.
2. GarageBand
If you are mad about creating music, then you must have heard about GarageBand as it is one of the coolest digital audio workstation for Mac which is a product of none other than Apple. GarageBand has a complete inventory of music, which includes the likes of guitar and voice presets. GarageBand also allows you to enter your drummers and percussionists as and when you see it to be fit. The Touch Bar of the Mac book allows you to not only create awesome music on GarageBand but also share it worldwide to gain a proper fan following for your work.
3. Studio One 4
When you are a music fanatic and you are working on your Mac device, you have a lot of apps to choose from, which will provide you with some of the most awesome music creation facilities. One such best Mac digital audio workstation is the Presonus Studio One Free. When you are looking for a music app which gives you everything starting from the digital audio house to flow oriented smooth interface, then you must use Presonus Studio One Free. All this along with an easy interface and much more is packed into this free digital audio workstation for Mac.
4. Tracktion T5
The website of Tracktion T5 says “PERFECT APP TO START RECORDING YOUR MUSIC” and it lives up to it. Tracktion T5 – a free DAW for Mac comes with a single screen interface that is easy to use, but not devoid of any great features that you might be needed when it comes to composing music or sharing it with others. Tracktion T5 comes with the simple drag and drop option for the files that are present. You can edit the unlimited number of tracks and MIDI and it also comes with a professional set that allows recording, mixing, editing and sharing of the music you’ve made.
5. Ardour
Next on our list of best Mac free digital audio workstations comes Ardour. You can choose from the various audio interfaces present, although the free of cost might be a limited number. However, Ardour is a very flexible kind of audio workstation app that allows the users to work with master records and an innumerable number of tracks at ease by taking control of various buttons present on the monitor. You can bring in your choice of audio and edit it frame by frame, export it and also lock the MIDI for better results.
6. Audacity
Looking for an awesome free Mac audio digital workstation which will come for free, but won’t compromise on the various features of the same? Try out Audacity. It is an open source software and produces awesome end results when it comes to creating or editing music. Not only does it help in recording audio, but Audacity also helps in post processing of music so that you can deliver an awesome track to your listeners. Audio spectrum analysis, multi-track mixing, digital plug-ins, voice isolation, pitch reduction are just some of the features that you will get from Audacity apart from a lot more.
7. LMMS
LMMS is yet another best free Mac audio workstation which is available for Mac users and when used with the right kind of software it creates magic with music. You have to feed in soundtracks in the form of GUS and SF2 patches which the app can recognize and work on. You can create, mix, synthesize, playback, insert music from an assortment of instruments and do much more in LMMS. LMMS also allows you to create a whole track by simply arranging sample in places one after the other. It is an app which is made by musicians for other musicians to use.
8. Zynewave Podium Free
If you are looking for a best free Mac audio workstation that will engross you with its fluid working features and the simplicity or ease with which you have to deal with the machine, then Zynewave Podium Free is probably one of your best choices when it comes to free audio workstations for Mac. When it comes to a classic tool that helps in writing MIDI with linear arrangements, then there are a few apps that can beat the expertise of Zynewave Podium Free. The automation delivers which is Spline based moves like a dancer to the music that you are composing on Zynewave Podium Free.
We hope that you find the app of your choice from our given list of best free Mac digital audio workstations (DAW) which will cater to your needs perfectly and allow you to produce awesome music. If you are using any free software other than this and feel that it should be in the list of our best free Mac audio digital workstations, do let us know in the comments section below.
Since way back in the 90’s, when home recording first started…
And the earliest versions of the modern DAW began emerging…
People have always argued about which one is best.
And as the options continually improve, the debate rages on.
For beginners starting out, that makes for a tough decision, doesn’t it?
So to help you guys with the all-too-common problem…
For today’s post I’ve created an in-depth guide covering the best DAW’s.
But before we get to it, let me first answer the one question you’re all probably wondering…
Free vs Paid DAW’s
Are there free DAW’s out there? Yes.
Should you use them?
In my opinion…No.
But if you can’t take my word for it, try one out for yourself.
Personally, I recommend checking out Audacity, as it’s the most popular free DAW on the planet.
Now at this point, you have two choices:
- Waste 2 weeks playing with Audacity, only to decide you need something better.
- Or skip that part, and get something better now.
Macbook video editing app. If you chose option 1, I’ll see you back here in 2 weeks.
If you chose option 2, let’s move on…
Limited vs. Full Versions
Rather than using a free crappy DAW…the smarter plan is to use a “limited” version of a paid DAW instead.
Many companies offer these versions specifically to accommodate smaller home studios on a budget.
Most are cheap, some are even free, yet they still include 95% of the same features of the full version.
Since only advanced engineers tend to use the “premium” features, you probably won’t even miss them.
And if you want to upgrade to a professional platform one day in the future, you can do so without having to learn an entirely new DAW from scratch.
So if you want to start off with something free (or at least cheap)…THAT’S the plan I recommend.
Moving on…
The Top DAW’s
Poll 1000 studios to ask them which DAW they prefer…and you’ll hear a pretty wide range of opinions.
But listen to enough “expert” opinions, and the same few names appear over and over. Because they are the ones that have developed a strong reputation in the industry over many years.
And since each of these DAW’s has been used on countless hit recordings, they’re ALL perfectly capable of professional results.
So here they are, in no particular order, starting with…
1. Presonus Studio One 4
Long known in the audio industry for making quality hardware at affordable prices…
Presonus recently decided to add their own DAW line as well.
So with the help of several formal developers from Steinberg Cubase…
Presonus released the first version of Studio One back in 2009.
Since then, it has quickly risen to become a serious competitor of other top DAW’s.
Click below to check out each version.
- Studio One PRIME – (free download)
- Studio One ARTIST – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Studio One PROFESSIONAL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Bedroom producers find this DAW particularly appealing, because Studio One Artist, is included free with any of the following audio interfaces:
- AudioBox USB – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- AudioBox iTwo – (Compatible with iPad) – (Amazon/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Audiobox 44VSL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
2. Cakewalk SONAR
While it’s probably my least favorite option on the list…
Cakewalk Sonar has ranked among the top DAW’s for years now…
And is definitely worthy of mention.
But here’s why I don’t care for it:
These days, virtually every top DAW is cross-compatible on both Windows and Mac…
Yet for some reason, Sonar is a Windows only program.
PC lovers might not care, yet no one can argue that a HUGE percentage of musicians are Mac users.
And if you EVER plan to collaborate with any of them…Sonar is probably NOT your best option.
Having said that, here are 2 things I like about Sonar:
- The X3 and Studio versions are insanely affordable.
- Sonar uses serial numbers to unlock their software, rather than the complicated USB dongles required by most DAW’s.
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- Cakewalk Sonar ARTIST – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Cakewalk Sonar PROFESSIONAL – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Cakewalk Sonar PLATINUM – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
UPDATE: it seems the development of Sonar has now stopped — officially, but still continues as a freeware, meaning the developer is not the former one anymore. And for that reason I would no longer recommend it as one of the top DAW’s, as its development and updates might not be reliable anymore .
Up next…
3. FL Studio
Formerly known as Fruity Loops…but after a run-in with Kelloggs, who thought people may confuse it with their breakfast cereal…
Over a decade ago, Image-Line officially changed the name of their classic software to FL Studio.
A top choice for Hip-Hop, EDM musicians and DJ’s…
It’s a big hit with ‘in-the-box’ producers due to its:
- spreadsheet-like Playlist
- flexible Piano roll
- extensive automation capabilities
One of the coolest things about FL Studio is…it’s the only DAW on the list offering FREE lifetime updates.
Purchase either the Producer or Signature bundle and you’ll never have to give them money…ever again. Awesome, huh?
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- FL Studio 20 FRUITY – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
- FL Studio 20 PRODUCER – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF)
- FL Studio 20 SIGNATURE – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
NOTE: the Fruity Edition does not have audio recording…So avoid it unless you ONLY produce electronic music.
They also offer a cool mobile version known as FL Studio Mobile.
Up next…
4. Propellerhead Reason
Much more than just your average DAW…
Propellerhead Reason offers one HUGE feature that the others don’t.
In addition to being a solid stand-alone DAW…
It also functions as a suite of virtual instruments that can be used in combination with other DAW’s.
With Reason, electronic musicians can easily collaborate with producers working on virtually any platform.
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For those who prefer the look and feel of REAL analog gear…
Its visual interface mimics the design of an actual studio rack, even allowing rear access for cable patching.
So if you like virtual instruments, Reason is definitely worth a closer look.
Click below to see prices for each version.
- Reason 10 INTRO – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Reason 10 (FULL) – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
5. Ableton Live
What makes Ableton Live so unique…
Is the fact that it was originally designed as an instrument for live performances.
And while it has since evolved into a complete recording package…
Seamless live performing is still one of its primary goals.
This fact is clearly demonstrated, first, with a visual interface that fits entirely on a single laptop screen.
And second, by the MANY 3rd party hardware controllers designed specifically for the software.
The most popular ones include:
- Ableton Push 2 (w/Live 9 Intro) – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Akai Professional APC Mini – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Novation Launchpad – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
If a live performance tool is what you need, Ableton Live is what I recommend.
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- Ableton Live 10 INTRO – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Ableton Live 10 STANDARD – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Ableton Live 10 SUITE – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Up next…
6. MOTU Digital Performer
One of the oldest DAW’s in existence…
The first version of Digital Performer appeared way back in 1990…
Originally as the front-end of a Digidesign system that would later become Pro Tools.
Earlier “MIDI only” versions of the software existed as far back as 1984.
Throughout that time, Digital Performer was known famously as the “Mac only” option.
Which is big deal, since back then, and even more so today, the large majority of audio professionals love Apple.
Still, for that reason, they probably missed out on a lot of potential users. But no more…
Because with their latest release, they’ve finally made themselves cross-compatible with Windows as well.
I suppose it’s about damn time, huh? 🙂
- Digital Performer 9 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusicianF/Thomann)
Moving on…
7. Steinberg Cubase
The OTHER “old-timer” on this list…
The original version of Cubase was released by Steinberg back in 1989, which at the time, was MIDI only.
Not long afterward in 1992, they released TWO major advancements to the software…
Adding BOTH support for audio, and Windows compatibility.
From that point forward, they continued to refine the technology, contributing several major advancements to the music industry along the way.
Their greatest claim to fame was their introduction of VST plugins in 1996, and VST instruments in 1999, both of which became industry standards for many years after.
And even today, Cubase has managed to somehow remain just as relevant as they have been for the past several decades.
Click below to see prices/reviews for each version.
- Steinberg Cubase Elements 10 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Steinberg Cubase Artist 10 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
- Steinberg Cubase Pro 10 – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusiciansF/Thomann)
Next up…
8. Cockos Reaper
Founded back in 2004…
The developers from Cockos Incorporated began the process of building Reaper (Rapid Environment for Audio Prototyping and Efficient Recording)…
With a unique bootstrapping business model that quickly positioned them as the top “alternative” to the mainstream DAW’s.
With no advertising budget, Reaper was able to build its popularity almost entirely through word-of-mouth from enthusiastic users who loved in the product.
The first big selling point of Reaper is its extremely frequent update releases, which add improvements based on the feedback of users.
The second selling point is its price structure. As of now, there is only one version of Reaper, which can be downloaded for free, and offers full unrestricted use with no time limit.
Their only request, is that after 60 days of using their software…you purchase either a $60 discounted license for private use, or a $225 commercial license if your business is making money.
And yes…I said “request“. Their entire business model is based on the honor system of their customers. Yet somehow, Reaper is still far cheaper than virtually any other DAW on this list.
To download the free trial, or purchase a license, click here.
Up next…
9. Apple Logic Pro X
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Back in 2002, a small company known as Emagic built the first version of Logic…
Which must have looked promising to Apple…
Because they bought it soon afterward.
And it turned out to be a great investment, because since then Logic has grown to become one of the top DAW’s in the world.
No surprise, it is the only DAW on this list NOT compatible with Windows.
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And while PC users might complain, Mac users can rejoice. And here’s why:
By keeping it a “Mac only” platform, Logic users are assured that virtually any audio interface compatible with Mac OSX will work with Logic as well.
And since these days Macs are so damn popular with musicians…
Audio interface makers know that OSX compatibility is a MUST. Ultimately this means a TON of interface options for the end users.
For the latest version of Logic Pro X, you need to visit the App Store and purchase the digital download.
Up last on the list, the king of all DAW’s…
10. Avid Pro Tools
In this day and age, Pro Tools has practically become a household name.
Because for many years now…
It has been the industry standard in music recording.
Everyone uses it…in pro studios, and home studios alike.
And that alone, is a strong argument why you might want to use it as well.
Be aware though, that Pro Tools also has more haters than any of the DAW’s on this list (and some of them may even have valid points).
But all this really means is that no DAW is perfect, and each one has both its stronger and weaker points.
So is Pro Tools right for everyone? Of course not. But if you’re a complete beginner, and you really have no idea what to start with, I’d strongly recommend it as a good default option.
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Currently, there are 3 versions of Pro Tools available:
- Pro Tools First – the beginner version, which is totally free, and can be downloaded here.
- Pro Tools – the intermediate version, ideal for independant musicians
- Pro Tools Ultimate – the professional version, which offers much more features then the regular version and is ideal for professional recording studios.
I recommend starting with the regular version of Pro Tools if you can afford it. And if not, use Pro Tools First instead.
Anyways so that’s the list, hope you enjoyed it. 🙂
What’s Next?
Once you’ve chosen a DAW for your studio, next comes the difficult process of actually installing it.
And when I say difficult, I mean DIFFICULT!
My first time took me a full two days of work before finally getting things working. Ask any old-timer what his first time was like, and he’ll probably have a horror story for you as well.
Just know that a little frustration here is typical, and it does NOT mean your DAW sucks. That’s just how they are.
Be patient, and know that you only have to do this once.
Then again, it’s been years since I’ve had to do it myself, so maybe it’s no longer as hard as it once was.
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Good luck 🙂