Best Software For Music Production (Mac & Windows)
When it’s about recording songs, the best software for music production is a must-have tool.
With the development of new and advanced tools, there are many choices for musically inclined people.
There are many tools available now so anyone planning to make music can select the right one according to their requirements and preferences.
Music production software helps musicians in recording, mixing, editing, polishing, and producing music.
Since the software has all the essential features, creating music becomes quite simple.
Not only can you produce excellent music but it saves plenty of time as well. So, the final result is often spectacular.
Which is The Best Music Production Software?
There is a large amount of software for music production. However, it doesn’t mean that all are exceptional.
It’s not wise to simply choose the first tool that comes your way. Several factors determine the best music production software.
You have to consider the user interface, features, cost, ease of use, and compatibility.
It also depends on an individual’s preference. There may be several tools with the same features, price, and compatibility aspects.
However, you may like a particular product more than the other as it may be more suitable for your needs.
What is a Good Free Music Making Software?
You’ll find many free music-making software online but as discussed earlier, not all are great.
But some stand out from the rest. In this short write-up, we selected three of them that are most popular with users.
01. Ableton Live Lite
If you’re looking for a free tool then Ableton Live Lite is an efficient music production software that offers multiple services.
You can create, edit, record, and produce music with it easily. It has some cool features like the ones mentioned below
- 8 Mono audio output and input channels
- Multi-recording up to 32-bit/192 kHz
- Nondestructive editing with unlimited undo
- Tuning systems
- Note Compatibility
- Multiple automation lanes
- Multicore/multiprocessor support
- Capture MIDI
- Instrument racks
02. Waveform Free
The next free music production software on the list is Waveform Free.
It’s an efficient tool that you can use to produce music and perform various tasks in the process. The main features of Waveform Free includes
- New browser
- 6 useful utility plugins
- Rewritten fresh audio engine
- Fresh look
- 15 Improved audio effects
- Combined properties and dedicated actions panel
03. Audacity
Have you heard of Audacity? If not then you’re missing something. It’s one of the most popular music production software that you can use for free.
You can use it to create brilliant music with the help of all the features available with it.
Since it’s open source, you can also modify it if necessary. The following are some of the key features of Audacity.
- Supports multiple operating systems
- Plugin support
- Supports all audio formats
- Deep audio evaluation
Best Software For Music Production
Earlier, we learned about the best free software for music production. Besides those, there are many others.
Some of these are great for Windows while others are ideal for Mac.
In this section, we’ll learn about the best music production software for Mac and Windows.
Best Music Production Software For Mac
01. Logic Pro
If you have a Mac and are looking for the best software for music production, Logic Pro is one of the top products.
It’s developed by Apple Inc. for Mac and comes with several features. You can create, edit, record, and mix music smoothly and in a short while.
Key Features
- Multiple enhanced plugins
- Logic remote
- Improved and expanded surround mixer and 3D Object Panner
- A huge number of Sound Packs
- Live loops
- Automation
Pros
- Excellent tool and compatible with Mac
- Frequent updates
- Smooth and stable
- Onetime payment, lifetime ownership
- Finely documented
Cons
- Only for macOS
- May feel a bit slower if you’re familiar with other DAWs
- Score editing isn’t that great
For more info visit: official page of Logic Pro
02. GarageBand
If you don’t like Logic Pro, GarageBand is another option for Mac. It’s also a product by Apple Inc. and designed for macOS.
It comes with a sound library that includes multiple features.
You can learn, create, play record, and share your music with friends, family, followers, and fans worldwide.
Key Features
- Learn and create music
- Smart control
- Software musical instruments including drums
- Record, mix, and edit music
- Create multiple audio tracks
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great sound quality
- Compatible with external devices
- Easy to edit
- Built-in with all Mac devices
Cons
- Only for macOS
- Not for professionals
- Storage space fills up quickly
Find out more about: GarageBand
03. Steinberg Cubase
Cubase by Steinberg is another DAW (digital audio workstation) suitable for Mac. It’s a popular software with many exciting features.
You can use it to compose, mix, record edit, and produce music from the comforts of your home. It has numerous tools so it’s suitable for artists of all genres.
Key Features
- Latest audio engine
- Advanced audio export
- MIDI remote
- Scale assistant
- Virtual instruments
- MIDI effects
Pros
- Multi-platform compatibility
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable
- No glitches
Cons
- Shortcut keys are tricky
- Clunky automation
- Customer support
For more info visit: Cubase Homepage
Best Music Production Software For Windows
01. FL Studio
If you use Windows then FL Studio is a top-notch DAW for music production.
It’s an all-in-one product from the Belgian studio Image-Line which you can use to produce, edit, mix, and record music comfortably at home.
FL comes with many features including AI-powered mastering.
Key Features
- Audio Editors
- Instruments and effects
- Playlist features
- MIDI support & scripting
Pros
- Easy to use
- Music creation
- Great interface for beginners and professionals
- Affordable
Cons
- The auto-saving feature isn’t that efficient
- Some steps may be a bit confusing
Find out more on FL Studio
02. Ableton Live
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner exploring options regarding DAWs, Ableton Live offers multiple services.
It’s one of the best music production software from Ableton, a company based in Berlin, Germany.
The DAW has many features and is suitable for Windows as well as Mac.
Key Features
- Nondestructive editing with unlimited undo
- Multitrack recording
- Powerful MIDI sequencing (hardware and software instruments)
- Audio and MIDI effects
- MIDI remote control
- Multicore/Multiprocessor support
- Video import/export
- Live core library
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Fast workflow
- Detailed automation
- Shortcuts
- MIDI
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Lessons could be better
- VST plugin management is tricky
For more info visit: Ableton Live Homepage
03. REAPER
Finally, we have REAPER (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) on the list.
It’s a product from Cockos, a company based in the US. REAPER is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
This DAW comes with many features that help in creating, recording, mixing, and editing music.
Key Features
- Multiple audio formats supported
- MIDI effects
- Multiple stock plugins
- Audio and video editor
Pros
- Ease of use
- Customizable
- Versatile
- Superb sound quality
- Multi-platform enabled
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- The user interface may be tricky at first
What is The Best Music Production Software For Windows?
Since all the DAWs compatible with Windows have great features, there isn’t a clear favorite to be the winner. Everyone prefers and uses different software.
But Ableton Live and FL Studio make it to the top of the podium as artists and producers mostly use them.
What is The Best Music Production Software For Beginners?
If you’re just starting as an artist and are looking for good music production software, you may be confused as to what to choose.
But you don’t have to stress too much because we did the hard work for you.
GarageBand is perhaps the best DAW for beginners followed by Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and FL Studio.
What is The Best Music Production Software For Mac?
Though all the other DAWs give tough competition, Logic Pro is a top choice for Mac when it comes to music production software.
Its many features are efficient and they enable artists and producers to create music according to their requirements and preferences.
Which is The Best DAW For Guitar?
When it’s about guitar recording and players, Logic Pro receives a high recommendation.
However, it’s compatible only with macOS. FL Studio and Ableton Live are great too and they’re both compatible with Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Most Music Producers Use For Software?
There isn’t only one answer because everyone has a separate preference. But Ableton Live and FL Studio happen to be quite popular with music producers.
Is FL Studio The Best DAW?
FL Studio is an excellent DAW but it can’t be called the best because everyone has different needs and they have their favorite.
Is Ableton Better Than FL?
Ableton and FL Studio are both brilliant DAWs. They have unique features of their own and while some users like the former, others like the latter.
Which is The Best Music Mixing Software?
There is stiff competition for this because experts and artists all have an opinion. But Audacity seems to be a favorite with many people.
What is The Best Software To Make a Song?
Ableton Live and Cubase are pretty popular with singer-songwriters and producers.
Which DAW is Most Popular?
With all the DAWs having great features of their own, it can be tricky to select one. However, Ableton Live appears to be the most popular software for music production followed by Logic Pro.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an artist looking for the best software for music production, you have plenty of choices.
Logic Pro, Ableton Live, GarageBand, Reaper, or Audacity could be your ideal DAW.
Everyone has different requirements so you can select the one that’s right for you.
