9 Best Music Production Software for Beginners 2024

Music production has come a long way over the years, from its humble beginnings with tape recordings to a multi-billion-dollar industry and workstations.

The competition among music software companies is fierce, each striving to provide the best platform for amateur and professional producers. Music making software, sometimes called Digital Audio Workstations, is a computer program that is used to record, mix, edit, and produce music.

It provides musicians with a virtual environment with a variety of tools to create and manipulate sounds, apply effects, and arrange musical ideas to create and produce high-quality music.

So today, we will be looking at the best music making software for beginners as well as experts. We have researched and tested various software options on multiple devices to ensure that we bring you only the best recommendations.

Difference Between DAW and Music Production Software

While exploring the domain of music production, it’s crucial to understand the difference between Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and Music Production Software. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a thin line between them that sets them apart.

In short, Music Production software is a broader term and DAW is a smaller unit of Music Production Software. Let’s find out more about them.

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

• DAW serves as a comprehensive platform that integrates different tools for recording, editing, mixing, as well as mastering audio tracks.
• It offers a range of features such as MIDI sequencing, audio effects, virtual instruments, and multi-track recording, offering a complete environment for music production.
• DAWs are commonly used by professionals and music enthusiasts to create, arrange, and customize audio and MIDI elements within a single software application.

Music Production Software

• This term refers to a broader category that consists of all types of software used in music creation and production. This includes:

1. Notation Software: Allows you to write down music in the format of sheet music.
2. Drum Machines or Standalone Samplers: Helps create rhythmic patterns and beats of music.
3. DAWs: Digital Audio Workstations

• Music production software includes stand-alone virtual instruments, effects plugins, audio editing software, and other tools that contribute to the overall music production.
• While DAWs are a significant component of music production software, the term “music production software” also encompasses specific tools designed for tasks such as vocal tuning, drum programming, or sound design.

9 Best Music Production Software for Beginners in 2024

• Audacity: Best free and open-source software
• Pro Tools: Overall best software
• GarageBand: Best for Apple devices
• Ableton Live: Best for DJs, Hip-hops and EDMs
• Logic Pro X: Best music production tool for Mac users
• Bitwig Studio: Best software for creating modular music
• LMMS: Best audio production software for beginners
• Reason Studios: Best for creating the latest sounds and effects
• Presonus Studio One: Best software to make music for professionals

1. Audacity

OS: Windows, macOS, Unix and Linux

Audacity is a free, widely used open-source software. It ensures superb sound quality with support for various file types and high-quality reprocessing and filtering. A variety of plug-ins, effects, and editing tools are also available, along with infinite undoes and redoes and real-time effect previews.

You can edit and merge sound files, digitize records, and record sounds live with this software. This application is particularly known for its ability to edit audio and record music.

Features of Audacity

• Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit sound quality
• Ensures easy sound editing
• Supports every type of audio file along with live recording
• Offers audio effect plugins like LV2, LADSPA, Nyquist, Audio Unit, and VST

Pros and Cons of Audacity

Pricing: Audacity is a free and open-source music production programme.

2. Pro Tools

OS: Windows and macOS

Pro Tools is one of the best music composing software by Avid. It is a top choice for musicians, producers, and audio technicians worldwide.

It offers a vast selection of instruments, plug-ins, and sounds and the exclusive monthly Sonic Drops of new samples, loops, and presets. The software allows you to easily produce, mix, and record music and audio in pristine sound quality.

Features of Pro Tools:

• Over 500 audio tracks and 1000 Midi tracks
• Dolby Atmos, Surround, and Ambisonics multi-channel mixing
• Easily handle big projects
• Industry-standard features and updates

Pros and Cons of Pro Tools

Pricing: Pro Tools paid plan starts at $9.99 per month.

3. GarageBand

OS: iOS, iPadOS and Mac

GarageBand is a cutting-edge, audio software designed by Apple. It is a music production studio with a complete library of instruments, presets, and thousands of loops from popular genres.

Its Drummer tool is great for creating beats, and its Smart Controls simplify sound editing. It also integrates with the Logic Remote iPad app and is also compatible with Logic Pro. Apart from creating music, one can use this application to make podcasts.

Features of GarageBand

• Offers 3000+ loops & 400+ audio effects
• Creates music with or without an instrument
• Consists of 28 drummers & 3 percussionists
• Helps sesign your own bass

Pros and Cons of GarageBand

Pricing: GarageBand is free music generating software for macOS users

4. Ableton Live

OS: macOS and Windows

Ableton Live 11 is the best software for making music that has become the standard for creating music like EDM, and hip-hop beats. It allows you to easily organize multiple takes of audio or MIDI performances and create your perfect take by combining the best moments.

With its linked-track editing feature, you can edit multiple tracks simultaneously and keep everything on time across tracks. Additionally, it allows you to approach sound design in a new way by splicing together random samples from your library.

Ableton Live Features

• Multi-track music recording at 32-bit/192 kHz
• Advanced warping and time-stretching
• Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks with each song
• 70+ GB (5000+) soundtracks

Pros and Cons of Ableton Live

Pricing: Ableton Live paid plan starts at $99 (One-time payment), also it offers a 90-day free trial.

5. Logic Pro X

OS: macOS

Logic Pro X is another music software for and by Apple. It is an all-in-one professional audio editing and generating software that offers integrated Dolby Atmos tools to create fully immersive spatial audio mixes.

Its expanded surround mixer, 3D Object Panner, and enhanced plug-ins optimized for audio provide all the tools needed to create professional-sounding mixes.

The software offers industry-leading tools such as Flex Time to manipulate timing and tempo, group-related tracks, and multiple comps takes, making it the ultimate way to record and produce music.

Features of Logic Pro X

• Professional music or audio production software
• Beat making and drum production
• Huge sound library
• You can create your own bass or guitar rig with Amp Designer

Pros and Cons of Logic Pro X

Pricing: Logic Pro X costs you $199 (One-time payment).

6. Bitwig Studio

OS: Windows, macOS and Linux.

Bitwig Studio is a linear & non-linear modular music production programm that offers countless creative possibilities. The software includes exclusive hardware integration capabilities such as MIDI handling, pitch timing, and latency adjustment.

Bitwig Studio, used by well-known musicians such as Hany Manja and DJ Zinc, offers a modular sound creation framework called The Grid and a robust Sampler with flexible note-based modulations. This software for music is popularly known for composing, mixing, and arranging live performances.

Features of Bitwig Studio

• A comprehensive collection of over 90 instruments and effects
• 10 GB (and rising) of high-quality audio content
• Offers a robust multi-sample editor
• A vast library of loops presets, and sounds

Pros and Cons of Bitwig Studio

Pricing: Bitwig Studio costs you $99 (One-time payment)

7. LMMS

OS: Windows, Linux and macOS

LMMS, formerly known as Linux Multimedia Studio, is the best program to make music that is now available on multiple platforms. It features multiple windows for editing melodies, rhythm sections, song structure, mixing, and automation.

With various instrument synthesizers and compatibility with third-party apps, LMMS is a great option for beginners looking to make music for free using MIDI controllers. The program also allows you to export your project in various formats, such as MP3, WAV, etc.

Features of LMMS

• Creates melodies and beats with Piano Roll and Beat+Bassline Editor
• Integrates with third-party apps using LADSPA and VST plug-ins
• Offers ready-to-use content such as instruments and effects
• User-friendly interface with typing and MIDI keyboard support

Pros and Cons of LMMS

Pricing: LMMS is free music production software.

8. Reason Studios

OS: Windows and macOS

Reason Studio is a music production software offering an integrated platform with diverse sound sources, including subtractive synths, wavetable, and granular machines. It offers a variety of instruments, MIDI FX, Player effects, and utilities for music production.

Their latest addition, Chord Sequencer, helps musicians discover new chords quickly. With Sound Packs created by renowned sound designers, fresh soundtracks are available every week.

Features of Reason Studios

• The latest Reason Studio version works in offline mode also
• Supports VST3, AU, and AAX plug-ins
• 30+ virtual instruments and musical effects
• In-built chord builder

Pros and Cons of Reason Studios

Pricing: Reason Studio’s pricing plan starts at $19.99 per month.

9. Presonus Studio One

OS: Windows and macOS

PreSonus Studio One is a music engineering software that uses a simple drag-and-drop workflow, a customizable interface, and built-in tools to record, compose, blend, master, and showcase music.

It offers smart templates for quick starts, a video track for easy audio-to-video syncing, and powerful production tools such as a built-in beat maker, chord track, lightning-fast comping, and more. PreSonus Studio is a flexible and efficient tool that can help music producers bring their inspirations to life.

Features of PreSonus One

• Built-in lyrics tracker and beat maker
• 100+ virtual instruments and sounds
• Export in multiple formats with 1 click
• Supports both modern and traditional sequencing

Pros and Cons of PreSonus One

Pricing: PreSonus paid plan is available on request.

Must-Have Features of a Music Production Software

When it comes to music making software, there are a few essential features that every musician or producer should look for.

• Firstly, the software should have a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation and efficient workflow.
• Secondly, it should offer a variety of virtual instruments and audio effects to help create unique sounds and styles.
• Thirdly, it should have a robust mixing and mastering capability to help achieve a polished final product. Fourthly, the software should offer the ability to collaborate and share projects with others.
• Lastly, it should be regularly updated and have good technical support to ensure optimal performance and troubleshooting.

By keeping these features in mind, you can ensure that you are selecting the best music production software that meets all your creative needs.

Additional Tips to Ace Music Production

Once you’ve picked your preferred software, it’s time to start creating music. Here are some additional tips to help you get started with music producting software and improve your skills:

• Regular practice will help develop your music production talents
• Experiment with several genres to broaden your knowledge and talents
• Learn more about music-producing software by using tutorials and resources
• To improve your compositions, learn the fundamentals of music theory
• Collaborate with other musicians to learn new methods and perspectives
• To avoid burnout and remain productive, take breaks and keep focused
• Invest in high-quality equipment to improve the audio quality of your recordings

Considerations Before Purchasing Music Production Software

When evaluating any software for music production, it is essential to consider various factors to ensure compatibility and efficiency.

• Compatibility: Compatibility of the software with your current hardware and operating system is one crucial consideration. For instance, Logic Pro is limited to Apple devices, making it unsuitable for users on other platforms.
• Customizability: The ability to customize keyboard shortcuts and the interface is important for seamlessly transitioning between different digital audio workstations (DAWs). The efficiency of the software majorly depends on how well it can be customized according to your needs and workflow preferences.
• Plugins: Compatibility with third-party plugins is a critical aspect to consider. These plugins, ranging from effects to virtual instruments, significantly enhance the capabilities of the software. Ensuring compatibility with the desired plugins and operating system is important for seamless music production.
• Latency and Buffering: With the increasing track counts, the software’s capability to manage latency and buffer size becomes important. The flexibility to adjust buffer sizes to accommodate longer sessions and plugins optimizes the music production workflow.
• Mixing and Mastering Tools: The software should offer powerful mixing and mastering tools, including quality EQs, compressors, limiters, and effects. Additionally, the ability to control automation becomes important for generating professional-quality mixes.
• Audio Export Formats: The ability to export audio in different file formats becomes essential. Look for the feature of a configurable render queue. This will allow you to streamline the export process, allowing for exporting projects in different formats.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select music production software that aligns with your hardware, workflow, and production requirements. This will ultimately maximize your creativity and productivity in music-making.

How We Selected these Music Production Software?

For the selection of top-notch music production software, we read reviews and testimonials from professionals in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). These experts provided valuable insights into the essential features of music making software, including compatibility across operating systems, plugin functionality, interface customizability, and more.

Subsequently, we also took into considerations the factors like ease of use, functionality range, costs, and other subjective elements.

Further we compiled an extensive list of the finest music production software and conducted an in-depth analysis of each software. We further assessed their features and pricing. This helped us to come out with a list of the best recommendations.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Music Production Tool

Selecting the best music composing software involves prioritizing features such as compatibility with various operating systems, plugin functionality, interface customizability, and ease of use. Our evaluation, which incorporated insights from testimonials and reviews, allowed us to compile a comprehensive list of the best software for music production.

Through meticulous analysis of each program’s features, pricing, and authentic customer reviews and ratings, we have our list of recommendations to assist music enthusiasts in finding the perfect option for their creative needs.

Best Music Production Software: Frequently Asked Questions