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Best DAW for Beginners Review & Buyer’s Guide [2022]

Best DAW for Beginners

Selecting the best DAW for beginners can be a lot a daunting task. The truckload of options on the market makes it even more confusing for these first-timers.

A DAW is likened to a centerpiece of all your musical productions and recordings. Whether electronic beats, recorded instruments, or plain audio, a decent digital station is a must-have for professional mixing and desired sound quality.

Table of Contents

Best Best DAW for Beginners Comparison Chart


Best DAW for Beginners

With the considerations above, here are our best DAW for beginners:

Best DAW for Beginners - Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition Mac/Windows

Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition Mac/Windows

Fl Studio – formerly Fruity Loops – ranks top amongst most downloaded DAWs on the market. Music connoisseurs understand better, why this product holds a spot on the world’s most popular DAWs or music production software.

Fl studio has a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for newbies to catch up with – even without experience. When it comes to workflow, Fl stands high above competitors. Its Step Sequencer makes newbies feel like pros in no time.

While you can get a similar result with other DAWs, they come without a step sequencer. So, often, you’d have to work directly with audio clips or employ third-party Vst Plugin with other DAWs.

For instance, rather than adjusting the volume of your audio samples from the mixer, Fl allows you do it on the step sequencer, directly. If you love to get things done in different ways, then this is a sure plus feature.

Again, with this program, you can obtain lifetime updates across all bundles, without any additional fee. This feature is hard to come by in competitors’ s features.

If you are a beginner who wishes to pursue a career in music product, Fl studio is a good start.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface
  • Step sequencer
  • Compatible with both Macs and PCs

Cons

  • Can be a bit complicated with complex projects

Best DAW for Beginners -Ableton Live 10 Suite Multitrack Recording Software

Ableton Live 10 Suite Multitrack Recording Software

Ableton Live is another simple-to-use DAW that fits for professionals and beginners alike.

This product offers drum sequencing, arranging, sampling, mastering, and mixing plenty of sounds, instruments, and effects. What’s more?

Interestingly, Ableton improves workflow with its ability to transfer and change clips seamlessly.

Ableton’s session view has attracted rounds of applause from top-rated producers. Session view helps users match and play around with yet unrefined ideas without any time constraint or arrangement view.

The Session View feature helps you improve on your creativity. This means you can do your midi loop recording easily and, at the same time, play with various lengths of audio loops without stops. You can then make a final overall track arrangement after transferring the sounds to arrangement view.

Honestly, growing online communities is one common plus Ableton and Fl’s has over other DAWs. You’d meet up with professionals in these communities to help you handle whatever question you may have as you work around your software.

For newbies seeking a career in music production, these pros can help you sort out features or functions that seem confusing.

Ableton Live is recommended for both beginners and professionals and compatible with Mac and PC Operating Systems.

Pros

  • Compatible with both Macs and PCs
  • Simple design

Cons

  • Not compatible with 32-bit plug-in bridging

Best DAW for Beginners - Steinberg Cubase Pro 9 Recording Software, Professional

Steinberg Cubase Pro 9 Recording Software, Professional

Steinberg is a product of those who introduced the VST format. Little wonder why Cubase has been a high-potent easy-to-use software with impressive ratings from music production professionals.

Unlike Fls Studio with unorganized project files, Cubase ensures all used files are arranged in appropriate directories project by project. This organized pattern allows users to distinguish between used and unused files, easily.

Again, users find Cubase’s use of Macros an exciting feature. Macros not only eases operations, but it also helps users save time wasted on repeating tasks.

Besides, the customized skins and shortcut keys customization gives Cubase DAW an impressive and welcoming interface.

Cubase is designed with features that help you create sounds intuitively and pretty quick– whether as a professional or just starting a career in music production. The tool offers all essentials needed to turn your raw ideas into a professional musical masterpiece.

Pros

  • Extremely powerful
  • Ideal for both newbies and professionals
  • Compatible with both Macs and PCs

Cons

  • Its unstable eLicenser dongle is a big no

Best DAW for Beginners - PreSonus Studio One 4 Professional Recording Software Suite [Online Code]

PreSonus Studio One 4 Professional Recording Software Suite

Studio one first entered the market in 2009. This late entry into the industry is thought to have served as leverage.

Impressively, PreSonus has gained massive recommendations with its power-packed music producing software. This tool can be used to create, mix, record, and master good music without much effort.

Indeed the market is flooded with DAWs options to select from. Interestingly, all these products come with their uniqueness.

One snag, however, with most DAWs is difficulty of use and complicated workflow.

With Studio One, worry less. This tool is particularly designed for enhanced workflow, which helps build music producers’ creativity and productivity.

The DAW program comes with a Chord Detection or Chord track feature. The tools allow you make a sample, detect the chords or perhaps, pick out the chord data, get notes from your piano or keyboard and automatically fix the chords for you.

Also, the Printable Notion program is a great feature for those into lead sheets.

Pros

  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • Great for both pros and newbies
  • Compatible with both Macs and PCs

Cons

  • Relatively low community

Best DAW for Beginners - Propellerhead Reason 10 Music Production Software

Propellerhead Reason 11 Music Production Software

Here’s an all-inclusive DAW developed and maintained by Propellerhead. This Reason workstation has won the hearts of many music producers. Thanks to its visual appeal and intuitiveness.

One outstanding feature of the Propellerhead Reason is in the way it manages virtual instruments. It brings a similar feel obtainable in professional studio and also allows users to connect with other online users.

Its virtual device designs come with an unusual appeal, imitating studio rack where instruments, effects, mixers and the like can be added with ease.

Even more, this feature can be controlled by a built-in Midi sequencer. It can also serve as a controller in other DAWs like Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic, Fl Studio with Rewire Protocol from Propellerhead.

If you care about visuals or wishes to have a feel of how studio rack works in a professional studio, Reason offers you replicate.

Pros

  • Visual appeal
  • Must have for studios with Rack
  • Compatible with both Mac and PCs

Cons

  • Not great for composing beats.

Best DAW for Beginners - Avid Pro Tools

Pro Tools 12

The Pro Tools come with intuitive and impressive features ideal for recording multi-live performances as well as professional mixing for large sessions.

Pro Tools allows you compose, edit, record, and mix sound either in the studio or in cloud – anywhere, any time.

Many pros have endorsed Pro Tools for a range of reasons – including well-designed layout, smooth workflow, easy editing, and mixing capability. These exciting features save time for audio engineers and music producers who seek to monitor different tracks simultaneously.

If you’ve had experience with the analog studio setup, Pro Tools should look pretty familiar to you. It mimics the analog tracking where tracks are displayed as a chain of signals, and then chains are mixed.

Also, Pro Tool comes with the Avid Cloud Collaboration with allows you work on same production with other Pro Tools users, through the internet. This feature allows you collaborate with as much as ten partners or buddies on one production

No doubt your pro tools can handle beat creation, sequences, or drum racks. But things may get somewhat messy in your attempt to achieve this since the pro tool wasn’t intended for that.

From a personal feel, Pro Tool is designed, primarily, for tracking and recording takes, mastering, and mixing.

Again, Avid Pro Tools do not come with VST support. This means you can’t use the VST plugins on the DAW. This is in the manufacturer’s bid to control the creation of third-party plugins and encourage AAX, its in-house initiative. Besides, AAX, users can only use third-party plugins acquired from Avid Market Place.

For already experienced users who seek to improve their mastering and mixing capabilities, Pro Tool is a good try.

Pros

  • Mixing large sessions seamlessly
  • Compatible with both Macs and PCs
  • Multiple takes recording

Cons

  • Not ideal for beat-making and composing

Avid Pro Tools

Amazon.com amazon.com
$599.00

Apple Logic Pro X

Apple Logic Pro X

Here’s an incredible deal from the IT giants – Apple. This Mac-only software breathes creativity into your musical ideas. The incredible DAW captures your recordings and compositions and leaves it with a professional edge.

Whether tracking a live band to an instrument session or you seek the appropriate resource or tool to improve your creativity, Logos Pro X is your go-to software.

With Logos Pro X, Certified Garageband producers enjoy a seamless move to Logic, since both platforms are developed and maintained by the same company – Apple

Logic Pro X performs impressively for both Midi and audio productions. It not only offer an intuitive interface, but it also allows users to easily develop a musical idea and compose songs.

Here’s another interesting feature of the Logic Pro – payment for a single version covers the various packages or editions. The package comes with a wide range of effects, instruments, and sound library, all at an affordable rate.

If you own a Mac device and you seek to explore the world of musical production, Apple Logic Pro X is your best bet.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Easy to learn and use

Cons

  • Mac-only
  • No search functions

For More Information on the Apple Logic Pro X. CLICK HERE:

Best DAW for Beginners Buyer’s Guide

Ableton Live 9: Ableton Live 9 Beginner

Selecting a DAW for your home studio shouldn’t be all that tasking – or so you think. Perhaps you’d feel different when asked to make the best buy from a truckload of all-good-looking options.

But, here’s the catch – there’s no such thing as one single best DAW for beginners in any category.

Rather, every digital workstation is built to cater to the specific needs of different users. So, one’s strength might as well be another’s weakness.

Hence, before you settle for a digital audio workstation for your home recordings, ask yourself:

What’s my plan for a DAW?

For basics, pretty much all DAW on the market will deliver similar primary functions. However, each product comes with advanced function-specific performance.

Some perform best for selected genres – as musical scores or EDM. Others offer simplified MIDI control or multi-sound mixing on live tracks.

Summarily, all DAWs come with peculiar strengths and weaknesses.

So, logically, what works best for you is much dependent on your work capacity and goals.

That said, here are a few questions to help you figure your actual need:

  • What’s your music genre? Do you produce across genres or specialized in one?
  • In what production activity do you spend the most time? Recording, mixing, or composing? Or do you spread your time across the three, evenly?
  • What’s your experience level with DAWs and music production in general?
  • Do you need a basic program as a starter or a bit complex pro version that fits your expertise?
  • What’s your budget? A tight one? Or you’ve probably saved up enough to get any workstation that captures your interest?

Your answers to the question above will help you make a well-informed pick that not only serves a defined purpose but also worthwhile.

At first, digging around in hopes of getting a good pick may sound like a great idea.

But, the more you move back and forth, the trickier finding the best fit becomes. It can be a lot daunting experience trying to navigate through the intricacies of each program and making a choice from the confusing bunch.

Still trapped between two – or more – stools? Not which DAW to go for as a beginner? No worries.

Here are some helpful points to consider:

Personal Workflow

After stating out your primary goals, you want to define what a productive workflow means to you.

Essentially, workflow refers to how you arrange and produce your tracks.

For first-timers, it’s not strange to be lost about your workflow – you probably haven’t had enough experience to discover what works for you. However, over time – with regular studio sessions – you’d soon get cool with a particular workflow pattern. Your workflow is largely determined by your kind of music production.

Here are some handy tips when choosing a DAW:

  • Do you record vocals and instruments or electronic beats?
  • Produce sounds like hip hop or bass with heavy low ends?
  • Do you work solely with studio recordings? Or you also handle live tracks?
  • What level of control do you wish to have over manipulating and mangling audio?
  • Are you making productions for other artists or just yours?

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Consider Your Computer

If you’re good with computers, then you probably know how much of a rift can occur between PCs and Macs.

As user preferences are split between these two ‘players,’ so do the different DAW software.

A handful of DAWs programs are selective. They either work on one OS or the other.

Ideally, your best program is one compatible with Windows, MacOS and even less popular OS options like Linux.

Many think, choosing a DAW compatible with your computer is all that counts.

Fact is, a program cross-compatible with all the major operating systems promotes flexibility, as you can easily work with other music producers without any compatibility issues.

At the least, ensure your preferred DAW is compatible with your personal computer. You also want to make sure your chosen studio is one that ‘foresees’ your future plans for an upgrade.

For instance, it will be pretty absurd to opt for a Windows-only DAW if you’d be swapping out your windows OS for a Mac in only a couple of months.

Rather, in the above context, you’d either go for a DAW compatible with Mac or one cross-compatible with both your present OS and the one you look to acquire.

Read our reviews forBest PC for Music Production Review & Buyer’s Guide and Best Laptops for Music Production & Buyer’s Guide.

DAW Purchase Options

Basically, DAW comes in 3 versions:

Digital Download

This is arguably the best pick for newbies. It allows you download and begin your productions right away

Included

Here, the software is infused in the case with specific interfaces and gears. If you look to save money, this option is your best bet. You can obtain a virtual workstation and an interface at the cost of one.

Boxed

Here, the DAW is mailed to your address.

Daw Software Installation

Installing DAW software is no brainer – except for programs with a dongle.

However, this step can be a bit challenging for some newbies. To unlock your software, download the program license and save in a USB dongle. Then, plug your dongle into your computer to use the software.

Everything may seem good until you misplace or leave your dongle behind in a hotel room.

So, while the dongle seems to help the industry fight against piracy, handling can be risky –particularly for users of mobile computers.

AudioCity

Free Vs. Licensed

Many enthusiastic newbies dream of getting an A-class DAW program for their music studio. While it may be well-intended – obviously, to hit top of their career in no time with high-sophisticated tools – it is most beneficial to start with the most basic DAW.

Interestingly, you’d easily find these basic programs free. In fact, most A-list producers today started with such free software – and, of course, it paid off.

Starting with a basic version workstation helps you slide smoothly from the simpler to a more complex world of music production.

As expected, however, free versions, promise limited functionalities.

That said, practically all DAWs come with a no-cost version to enable prospective users test drive and choose a more suitable among available software.

Alternatively, you may take advantage of limited versions of some top quality premium DAW programs. The idea behind these limited versions is so that mini home studios can as well enjoy the luxury that comes with such first-class DAWs.

While the limited versions are sold at far less the cost of premiums, the limited editions still spot features pretty close to those obtainable in the licensed editions.

In most cases, the restricted features are required by advanced sounds gurus – not learners.

As time goes on – where those advanced keys become relevant to your current expertise level – you can upgrade and unlock the pro features.

Nevertheless, you can as well jump start with a fully licensed premium-grade DAW. This is however recommended for experienced producers, and those who already have their professional path worked out.

Lifetime Access

Common with most software, DAWs are dynamic – they change faster than you can move with. As technology grows, many companies move fast with the tide.

While some change to put up with the changing software, others look to provide for the ever-changing need of music producers, in a bid to satisfy a target market.

While it sounds good to be on top of your music game by acquiring the lastest software, changing your DAW yearly is considered imprudent. This makes a DAW with lifetime access a thoughtful pick.

To attract customer loyalty, some DAW manufacturers now offer lifetime access. This means, when you purchase the initial software, you’d be given all future upgrades and updates at no extra charge.

Although you may need to add some extra bucks to acquire such software, in the long run, you will be saving a lot.


Final Thoughts

Selecting a DAW  is a key decision for new studio owners, producers, musicians, composers or songwriters had to make at a point along their career path.

Indeed, selecting the Best DAW for Beginners can be puzzling –particularly for first-time buyers.

You may need to spend time to find out what works best for you.

Take advantage of their demos –just play around the features – until you see something befitting.

Your digital audio workstation – as a wife – would stick with you for years. If you’d be doing life together, then why the rush?

It’s a big decision – Take time to compare products and invest in the most rewarding.

About the Author

Michael-B
Michael-B

Michael-B is a Music Producer, Musician, and Formally Trained (and was Certified by the Recording Institute of Detroit in 1986) Recording Engineer. As of to date, He's built 3 home recording studios go back to 1987, where he wrote, played all the instruments, and recorded his music. Michael B is also a Writer, Chief Editor and SEO of TrackinSolo.com