Top 5 DAWs
Getting started in Music Production can be overwhelming, they are many choices to make and one of the first decisions to make is determining which Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) you’ll be primarily using.
We’ve consolidated a list of notable DAWs.
Pro Tools
The most popular used DAW in Professional Studios. Works on macOS and Windows, and uses the AAX Plugin format, which allows cross platform collaboration of sessions. Most recording engineers go-to DAW, and a beat maker/producers usual least favourited. Monthly or Yearly subscription is recommended to use more than 8 tracks. ReezyMedia’s DAW of Choice for Mixing & Mastering.
Studio One
One of the best alternative to Pro Tools that works on both Windows & Mac, available as a one-time purchase. Cross platform collaboration works, as long as the Mac User uses the VST plugin format and not the AU plugin format. ReezyMedia’s 2nd Favorited DAW.
Ableton Live
One of the most popular DAW for producing electronic and pop music. Ableton is well known for it’s Session view which allows for loop-based productions. works on both Mac and Windows and just like Studio One, as long as the Mac User uses the VST plugin format and not the AU plugin format, collaboration should be a breeze. ReezyMedia’s DAW of Choice for Composing/Producing.
Logic
Best option for Mac Users. Has the most virtual instruments and great sounding plugins and is available as a one-time purchase. Not available on Windows machines. ReezyMedia’s First DAW when starting out in Music Production.
FL Studio
If Ableton isn’t your style, you’ll most likely end up in FL Studio. FL is well known for making Hip-Hop and other modern genre beats. FL Studio has a steep learning curve and is the least intuitive out of the top 5 DAWs if you’re born in the 90s or earlier, this is the millennial’s DAW of choice and has the most content on YouTube. Similar to Ableton and Studio One, if a Mac User uses the VST plugin format you can collaborating on projects.
NOTE: If you or your collaborator do not have the same plugins used in a session, It’s advisable to “Bounce”, “Render”, or “Print” the effects. Email support@reezymedia.com to schedule a free Zoom Call for help bouncing your sessions if you are unfamiliar with how to do so! We’re always happy to help.
Hidden Gem: Universal Audio’s LUNA Recording System
LUNA is Free but requires a Universal Audio Apollo Interface and a Mac, ReezyMedia’s DAW of choice when working on Mac Machines
Other Notable Options:
These DAWs ReezyMedia has not used and cannot provide detailed insights on.