Best suited for: podcasting, film audio & soundtrack editing, live recording, post production
Experience level: all
Available operating systems: Mac OS, Windows
Part of Adobe's Creative Cloud suite, Audition is a workhorse DAW optimized for video and podcast editors. With a large kit of restorative and post-production tools, it is also excellent for users who want to explore live music recording. Audition is available to all Temple University students and staff via Adobe Creative Cloud.
Best suited for: an introduction to podcasting, composition, and recording
Experience level: beginner
Available operating systems: Mac OS
GarageBand is an entry-level DAW based on the workflow from Apple's flagship Logic Pro DAW. It comes standard on every MacBook sold, with a light version on every iOS device (iPhone & iPad). Pre-loaded with MIDI instrument presets, loops, and production templates, GarageBand is a great starting point for users wanting to explore electronic music production, live recording, or podcasting.
Best suited for: music composition, beat-making, live recording and podcasting
Experience level: all
Available operating systems: Mac OS
Logic Pro is a popular DAW that can be used for many applications. With a similar look and workflow to GarageBand, many GarageBand users scale up to Logic Pro as they take on more advanced projects. That being said, Logic Pro is very user-friendly and can be approached by both beginners and advanced users alike.
Best suited for: an introduction to podcasting and recording
Experience level: beginner
Available operating systems: Mac OS, Windows
Audacity is a free, open-source DAW that is available for most platforms, including Linux and other Unix-based systems. Audacity is a great way to start with many different audio projects, and because it is open-source there are new effects, extensions, and plug-ins available regularly. Audacity does not have the MIDI support for creating most kinds of electronic music, but otherwise it is a very capable (and free) DAW.
Best suited for: recording traditional musicians and instruments in a professional setting
Experience level: advanced
Available operating systems: Mac OS, Windows
Pro Tools is the industry standard DAW, used in countless studios around the world. It is also the DAW that convinced many engineers and studios to move to a computer-based workflow. While it can be daunting to learn, Pro Tools is a great resource for users who are interested in professional studio recording.
Best suited for: an introduction to beat-making, sampling, and electronic composition
Experience level: Beginner
Available operating systems: Mac OS, Windows
FL Studio is a straightforward, loop-based DAW that has long been a favorite amongst beat makers and electronic music producers. FL Studio's minimal, no-nonsense interface allows users to create beats, samples, and loops with minimal experience.
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