Best FREE Music Production Software With No Limitations

In this video, the host discusses the best free music production software with no limitations, ideal for those starting in recording. Audacity is highlighted for its open-source nature and multi-platform availability, though not recommended for large multi-track sessions. Soundbridge is praised for its touch-screen compatibility and unlimited tracks, but users may encounter donation pop-ups. Cakewalk, once cumbersome, has improved significantly, offering a vast array of plugins and full editing features, but is limited to PC users. Waveform Free is noted for its comprehensive features, including a good sampler and VST support, though it has a steeper learning curve. Lastly, Reaper, while not free, is recommended for its flexibility and extensive features, available for a one-time fee after a 60-day trial. The host emphasizes that all these options are capable of handling any production style without the need for costly subscriptions.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ Audacity is an open-source audio editor that works on multiple platforms and is good for podcasting and voice-over work, but not ideal for large multi-track recording sessions.
• 🚀 SoundBridge is a free DAW available on all platforms with a touch screen-friendly interface and unlimited tracks, but it has a donation pop-up to support its development.
• 🎼 Cakewalk has improved significantly and now offers unlimited tracks and a wide range of high-quality plugins, but it's only available on PC, which might require workarounds for Mac users.
• 📈 Waveform Free is a full-featured DAW with unlimited tracks, VST support, and a good sampler, although it has a steeper learning curve compared to other options.
• 💸 Reaper, while not free, offers a 60-day trial and a very affordable one-time payment for continued use, making it a powerful and flexible option for music production.
• 🔄 Reaper's interface may not be as visually appealing, but it is highly customizable with skins and offers extensive plugin support for professional sound editing.
• 💡 All the mentioned DAWs provide a full range of features for music production, podcasting, and audio editing without the need for expensive subscriptions.
• 📱 SoundBridge is designed to work natively on touch screen devices, making it a portable option for music production on the go.
• 🔧 Cakewalk's initial interface can be overwhelming, but once users get past the initial learning curve, it offers a comprehensive set of tools for music production.
• 🧩 Waveform Free allows for the use of third-party plugins, expanding the possibilities for sound design and music production.
• 💻 Reaper's small download size makes it highly portable, allowing users to work on music projects from almost any location with a USB drive.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses the best free music production software with no limitations that can be used for recording and audio production.

Why might someone consider using free audio recording software?

Free audio recording software can be a cost-effective alternative to expensive options like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, especially for those just starting out or who do not want to commit to a subscription model.

What are the limitations of using Audacity for large multi-track recording sessions?

While Audacity supports unlimited tracks, it may not be designed for complex track management and could lack some of the advanced tools needed for larger sessions.

Which free DAW is mentioned as having a user interface designed for touch screens?

Soundbridge is mentioned as being designed to work on touch screens, making it suitable for use with tablet devices.

What is the main advantage of using Cakewalk for music production?

Cakewalk offers unlimited tracks, a wide array of high-quality plugins, and full editing features, making it suitable for major music production projects.

Why is Reaper mentioned in the video, even though it's not free?

Reaper is mentioned due to its cost-effective pricing model, which allows for a 60-day trial followed by a one-time payment for a full license, making it a strong contender against more expensive software.

What is the pricing structure for Reaper after the 60-day trial period?

After the 60-day trial, users can continue using Reaper for free, but it's recommended to pay a one-time fee of $60 for personal use or a higher fee based on annual revenue if the user's production studio makes over $20,000.

How does the video describe the user interface of Reaper?

The video describes Reaper's user interface as potentially not being very inspiring, but it also notes that users have the option to add skins to customize the look and feel of the software.

Which DAW is suggested for those looking for a long-term solution with the ability to customize workflows?

Reaper is suggested as a long-term solution for those who want to customize their workflow, as it allows for the creation of custom scripts and macros.

What is the main takeaway from the video for someone looking to start music production without spending a lot of money?

The main takeaway is that there are several free DAWs available that offer unlimited tracks and a range of features suitable for various production styles, allowing users to start music production without significant financial investment.

What are some of the plugins and features that come with Cakewalk?

Cakewalk comes with a ton of really good plugins that sound really good, offering users a lot of options to play with right out of the box.

Outlines

00:00

🎙️ Top 5 Best Free DAWs for Recording

The video discusses the best free audio recording software with no limitations. It starts by questioning the need to invest heavily in expensive software like Pro Tools and Logic Pro. The speaker then introduces Audacity, an open-source audio editor suitable for podcasting and voice-over work, though not ideal for large multi-track sessions. Soundbridge is recommended for its multi-platform availability and touch screen compatibility. Cakewalk, once cumbersome, has improved significantly and offers unlimited tracks and a plethora of high-quality plugins. Waveform Free is another full-featured DAW with unlimited tracks, VST support, and a good sampler, though it has a steeper learning curve. Lastly, Reaper is highlighted for its flexibility and affordability, despite not being free, it offers a 60-day trial and a one-time payment option for professional users.

05:00

💻 Reaper: A DAW Worth Its Price

The second paragraph focuses on Reaper, emphasizing its small download size, making it portable enough to run from a thumb drive. Reaper's interface is functional but may not be as visually inspiring for some users; however, it offers customizable skins. The basic look of its plugins is a minor downside, yet it doesn't include loops or samples by default. The software allows for extensive customization, including the creation of custom scripts and macros to suit individual workflow preferences. Reaper is positioned as a long-term solution for music production, capable of competing with high-end DAWs like Logic or Pro Tools, and is a great value for its one-time cost.

Keywords

Music Production Software

Music production software, also known as Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), are applications used for recording, editing, and producing audio files. In the context of the video, the host discusses various free DAWs that offer professional features without the need for expensive subscriptions or purchases, making music production accessible to a wider audience.

Audacity

Audacity is an open-source audio editor that is available for multiple platforms, including Mac, PC, and Linux. It is highlighted in the video for its ease of use and accessibility, particularly for podcasting, voice-over work, and quick audio editing tasks. However, the host mentions it might not be ideal for larger, multi-track recording sessions due to potential limitations in track management tools.

Soundbridge

Soundbridge is a free DAW that operates across different platforms and is designed with a user interface that works well on touch screens. It offers unlimited tracks and comes with a decent selection of plugins. The software is noted for its full access to features in the free version, though users may encounter donation pop-ups, which is how the developers support the software.

Cakewalk

Cakewalk is a DAW that has seen significant improvements since its earlier versions. It provides unlimited tracks and a comprehensive set of plugins, making it suitable for full music production. The video mentions that while the initial interface might seem overwhelming, it offers a powerful platform for music production. However, it is only available for PC, which could limit its accessibility to some users.

Waveform

Waveform is a fully-featured DAW that supports unlimited tracks, a plethora of plugins, and VST third-party support. It is available for Mac, PC, and Linux. The software is praised for its solid performance and good sampler, which is beneficial for users looking to work with loops. The learning curve might be slightly steeper compared to other DAWs, but it is positioned as a long-term solution for music production.

Reaper

Reaper is not technically free but is offered at a very affordable price, with a 60-day trial followed by a pay-what-you-can model. It is highly flexible, suitable for complex projects with many tracks and plugins, and even video editing. Reaper is noted for its small download size, basic-looking plugins, and the ability for users to customize their workflow through scripting. It is recommended for those seeking a long-term DAW that can compete with more expensive options like Logic or Pro Tools.

Plugins

Plugins in the context of DAWs are software components that add specific functionalities, such as equalization, compression, or sound effects, to the audio production process. The video discusses the inclusion of plugins in the free DAWs, emphasizing their importance in providing a wide range of sound manipulation capabilities without additional cost.

VST Support

VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a standard for software plugins in the music industry. It allows DAWs to integrate third-party plugins, expanding the range of available effects and instruments. The video mentions VST support as a feature of Waveform, indicating its compatibility with a broader ecosystem of audio processing tools.

Multi-Track Recording

Multi-track recording is a method of recording multiple sound sources simultaneously or sequentially onto separate tracks. This allows for greater control and flexibility during the mixing process. The video discusses the capability of the mentioned DAWs to handle multi-track recording, with a focus on their suitability for different project sizes and complexity.

User Interface (UI)

The user interface in the context of DAWs refers to the visual layout and interactive design through which users interact with the software. The video comments on the UI of the discussed DAWs, noting that while some may have a learning curve or initially appear overwhelming, they offer logical layouts and are designed to be user-friendly once the user becomes familiar with them.

Podcast

A podcast is a digital audio program series that a user can download or stream. In the video, the host mentions that Audacity is particularly good for podcasting, indicating its ease of use for recording and editing audio for this specific type of content.

Voice-over Work

Voice-over work involves recording spoken words to be used separately from the speaker's image, often for radio, TV, or film. The video highlights Audacity as a good choice for voice-over work due to its simplicity and quick editing capabilities.

Highlights

Introduction to free music production software without limitations.

Overview of Audacity as a versatile, open-source audio editor.

Benefits of using SoundBridge, including its touchscreen compatibility.

Cakewalk's evolution into a powerful DAW with extensive features.

Waveform Free as a fully functional DAW with a steep learning curve.

Discussion on the affordability and flexibility of Reaper.

Audacity recommended for simple tasks like podcasting or voiceovers.

SoundBridge's donation pop-up as its monetization strategy.

Cakewalk's complex interface contrasted with its robust capabilities.

Waveform Free's advanced features including a quality sampler.

Reaper's extensive customization options and portable operation.

Comparisons among DAWs for various production needs.

The monetary advantage of using free DAWs for music production.

Emphasis on no need for expensive subscriptions with free software.

Encouragement for embracing free tools for creative music making.