What are the best DAW software options for musicians recommended by WIREDs resident musicians and why?

The Best DAW Software Options for Musicians, According to WIRED’s Resident Musicians

WIRED’s Gear team comprises passionate musicians who have invested countless hours experimenting with various Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Whether you’re aiming to perfect a DJ set or record a full orchestra, their expert recommendations ensure you can achieve your musical goals. Here are the DAWs that stood out to WIRED’s resident musicians and why they enjoy each one.

GarageBand: The Best Free DAW for Mac Users

If you own a Mac, you already have access to GarageBand. It’s a free and surprisingly powerful tool. Unlike other budget DAWs that might restrict you to 16 tracks or limit your access to built-in effects, GarageBand offers 255 tracks and a full suite of tools for zero cost. Adding to its appeal, you can start a project on the GarageBand mobile app and transfer it to your desktop for further refinement.

One standout feature is its automatic drummer, which generates quick grooves in various styles, making it excellent for creating demos. Best of all, if you outgrow GarageBand, the transition to Logic Pro is seamless and affordable. Logic Pro costs $199 and can directly handle your GarageBand projects.

Loopy Pro: Best Free DAW for iPad

For tablet-based music production, Loopy Pro stands out. This colorful and intuitive DAW from A Tasty Pixel integrates live looping with iPad’s user-friendly interface. Users can add, reverse, and pitch-bend each loop independently or as a group, making it perfect for dynamic, real-time music creation.

Loopy Pro’s robust utility features include customizable widgets (like buttons and sliders) that simplify controlling loop parameters and effects. This makes it especially useful for gigging musicians. Its ease of use and powerful functionality make organizing and recording sessions a breeze.

Avid Pro Tools: The Industry Standard

Pro Tools by Avid remains a staple in professional studios worldwide. Known for its high-quality sound and comprehensive editing capabilities, Pro Tools has been an industry standard for decades. Its color-coded tracks and streamlined workflows make it a favorite among recording and mixing professionals.

However, Pro Tools is expensive, and its interface lacks some modern features found in newer DAWs. Despite this, its reliability and exceptional performance keep it relevant in top-tier studios.

Ableton Live: Best for DJs and Live Performers

Ableton Live was initially designed for live electronic music performance, and it retains its title as the best DAW for live use. Its unique loop-based workflow and seamless transition to arrangement view make it easy to experiment, iterate, and finalize musical ideas.

Ableton Live comes with excellent native synths and plug-ins, and its MIDI controller, the Push 3, enhances the user experience significantly. However, its comprehensive suite, Live Suite, is pricey, with a $749 price tag.

Logic Pro: Best for Apple Users

Building on GarageBand, Logic Pro is the preferred DAW for many Apple users. It offers powerful editing tools, advanced plug-ins, and intuitive creation features. Logic’s Takes feature, in particular, makes it easy to combine the best parts of multiple recordings.

Ideal for home studios, Logic Pro balances advanced capabilities with user-friendly design, making it a go-to for Apple-based music production.

Logic Pro for iPad: Best All-In-One for iPad

Logic Pro for iPad has quickly become a favorite for mobile music production. With an extensive array of built-in synths, loops, and effects, it’s ideal for both novices and seasoned users. Projects are easily transferred between desktop and iPad, providing flexibility and convenience.

This portable version offers an intuitive interface and powerful features at an affordable subscription price, making it an excellent option for on-the-go music creators.

FL Studio: Easiest Beatmaking DAW

FL Studio, formerly Fruity Loops, is renowned for its straightforward step sequencer and sample manipulation tools. Favored by many hip-hop and dance producers, it offers a simple yet powerful workflow for creating electronic and sample-based music.

FL Studio is also budget-friendly, with lifetime updates ensuring long-term value. Its versatility and affordability make it a solid choice for beatmakers.

Studio One: Best of All Worlds

From Presonus, Studio One combines features from Logic, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live. It offers drag-and-drop functionality, seamless integration with Presonus hardware, and an intuitive interface that simplifies the music creation process.

Studio One’s competitive pricing and user-requested updates make it an appealing choice for home studios and professional recordings alike.

Regardless of your chosen DAW, remember that excellent music can be created with any modern recording equipment. The key is to select the software that best suits your needs and preferences.

To dive deeper into music gear, don’t miss WIRED’s other audio guides, like the Best USB Microphones, Best Headphones, and Best Speakers. Ready to upgrade your home studio? These recommendations will help you get there.

Contributors: Pete Cottell, Terrence O’Brien, and Ryan Waniata