The 4 Best Affordable Daws for Beginners
Whether you’re new to the game or have been eyeing it up for a while, choosing a DAW to start your music production journey can be overwhelming.
With the vast number of options, finding a daw that matches your intended budget and skill level can be difficult.
Here is a list of 4 affordable DAWs for a new producer to simplify your decision-making process.
What’s a DAW
First thing first, a DAW (digital audio workstation) is a computer software that producers like yourself use to record, edit, mix, and master music.
DAWs are some of the most accessible ways to start creating music for almost any situation.
That’s because you can use these programs on different devices, such as Mac or Windows.
Not to mention that these programs come in different prices, some being cheap and others more pricey.
FL Studio
Over the years, this DAW has become a staple in the music production community and is beloved by producers of all types.
Due to its great UI, fast-paced beat-making, and workflow, it remains one of the most popular among hip-hop and EDM producers.
Although with its hugely customizable tabs, it’s capable of much more.
Its pricing is extremely fair considering the amount of features it comes with.
The producer package (which contains all the main music production features) only costs $200.
The biggest drawback is it’s lacking in the audio editing department, and its features can be confusing to wrap your head around.
Ableton Live
If your main goal in music production is to do live performances and to have a fast, efficient workflow, then Ableton is the way to go.
Although Live has three price tiers, with standard and suite on the higher side, Intro is only $100.
Intro comes with 16 audio and MIDI tracks, four software instruments, 1500 sounds, 11 MIDI effects, and more.
The Intro package has more than enough for you to produce a fully furnished track.
Plus, once you feel like you’ve hit your peak with Intro, you can easily upgrade to standard or suite for $439 and $739.
Although the UI can be less intuitive, you can quickly accelerate your workflow once you get used to it.
BandLab
BandLab is a free music-making software that allows you to create anything, anywhere, at any time, on any device with an internet connection.
With BandLab, you can create a beat in your car on your phone while driving through the countryside.
This only becomes easier when you take advantage of BandLab’s extensive library of effects and instruments.
This software includes a mastering tool, samples and loops, a stem splitter, a bustling community, and a few business opportunities.
Its biggest drawback is that since it’s free, it lacks many features that come with other paid DAWs.
GarageBand
Like BandLab, Garage Band is free and easy for a beginner.
It’s user-friendly, with many tools and features that will aid in creating your music.
Unlike BandLab, this DAW also comes with interactive lessons for both guitar and piano.
It supports 255 audio tracks, all equipped with automation, a library of sounds and loops, guitar and bass amps, and drum tracks.
Its main drawback, other than being a free DAW and lacking a proper mixing page, is that it’s only accessible to those who use Apple products like Mac.
Conclusion
This list is only the tip of the iceberg when choosing the DAW of your dreams.
When in doubt, go with a DAW that feels right for you and forget all the statistical stuff. Also, don’t let anyone else influence what you pick too much.
You’re the one who’s gonna be using it.
If you want to make a specific genre of music, that doesn’t mean you have to use a certain kind of DAW.
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