DAW is an acronym for Digital Audio Workstation. As its name indicates, the DAW software tool is used to edit, record, and produce different audio files. The latest DAW software tools come with a central interface. This interface allows users to mix and edit multiple recordings. The most common use of DAW software is recording music, speech audio, podcasts, etc. There are single-track and multi-track DAWS. The single-track DAW represents one track at a time, while multitrack DAWs represent multiple tracks at once. The following are the top ten DAW software tools for desktops with their features.
Bitwig StudioThe Bitwig Studio is one of the top DAW software tools used widely. This software tool is usually designed for professional use. Bitwig Studio DAW software is compatible to work on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. The features of this tool include super-fast workflow, live performance, recording various sounds, supports standard audio interfaces & controllers, etc. This software tool comprises more than 80 musical instruments and effects. There is approximately 10GB of world-class sound content. Additionally, this tool is highly flexible and unique because of its modulation system and excellent hardware integration.
Studio One 4.5
Studio One 4.5 is one of the top DAW software tools used by professionals. This tool supports high-resolution production of various audios. The most advanced feature of this tool is it supports a 64-bit floating-point WAV format. The benefit of this feature is that users can produce recordings up to 64-bit/384kHz. There are multiple acoustic drum kits and loops, advanced audio editing, advanced grouping, empire, analog delay, ARA 2.0 support, arpeggiator, audio batch converter, auto filler, automatic latency compensation, and many more features. This software tool is compatible to install on Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems.
Ableton Live 10
Ableton Live 10 is one of the top music-making software tools. This tool has multiple advanced features and is best suited for professional use. This software tool comes with four distinct editions, namely Ableton Live 10 Suite, Ableton Live 10 Standard, Ableton Live 10 Intro, and Ableton Live 10 Lite. Each edition has advanced features. This tool is compatible to work on Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems. The Windows operating systems should have a 64-bit processor and 4GB RAM. The macOS system should have 4GB RAMand OS X 10.11.6.
Audacity
Audacity is a tool that enables users to record and edit audios. This tool is easy to use and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, this tool supports multiple platforms and has a large set of plugins. Audacity DAW tool can be installed on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This tool is free to use, and it supports cross-platform. The features of this software include recording live sound and audio playback, converting music tapes and saving them into MP3, editing audio files into various formats, duplicating, cutting & blending the audio file, and changing the pitch of the sound.
Pro Tools 2019
Another top DAW software tool for desktop is Pro Tools 2019. This tool comes with a full package of advanced features. There are three versions of this tool, namely Pro Tools First, Pro Tools Ultimate, and Pro Tools. The first version, Pro Tools First, is available freely. For the second version, users require to pay a specific monthly amount to access its features. This tool has a drag and drops options that enable users to easily arrange, consolidate, and route soundtracks. Using this tool, users can record audios, edit existing audios with multiple effects, mix two or more soundtracks, etc. The fPro Tools First version has 23 plugins, the Pro Tools, and the Pro Tools Ultimate has 115 plugins.
GarageBand
GarageBand is yet another top DAW software tool used for recording, editing, and mixing multiple audio tracks. However, this tool is specially designed to work on macOS operating systems, and this tool is developed by Apple. There are multiple advanced and extraordinary features incorporated in this DAW application. There are multiple audio filters, like reverb, echo, and more, that assist users in enhancing audios. Additionally, it has guitar features, MIDI editing, music lessons, additional audio loops, Apple loop packages, multitrack source files, and many other advanced features. GarageBand supports multiple file formats, like AIF, WAV, MIDI, etc.
Logic Pro X
Another top DAW software for macOS operating systems is the Logic Pro x DAW tool. This tool is highly powerful and offers a user-friendly interface to its users. The best feature of this tool is it has Live Loops. Live Loops are used to create or arrange any music track in a real-time. There is a huge set of effects and transitions that can be applied to any audio track, like stutters, echoes, and gating effects. Another advanced feature of this tool is Logic Remote. This feature enables users to use iPad or iPhone to regulate Logic Pro x application.
Steinberg Cubase Pro 10
Steinberg Cubase Pro 10 comprises multiple advanced features. This tool is specially meant for professional use. The feature of MixConsole allows users to switch between different mix setups. The Pro 10 edition of this tool has an enhanced and improved audio engine. Also, the plugins called Groove Agent SEand REVerence are developed and improved. The other features include a large library of sounds, patches, and samples, virtual reality production suite, clean & crisp new graphics, etc. The price of this tool is $480.
FL Studio 20
FL Studio 20 is yet another one of the top DAW software tools. This tool incorporates multiple advanced features. Additionally, it is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. The features of this tool include recording multi-track audio, time-stretching, pitch shift audio editing, etc. This tool has approximately 80 plug-ins and supports VST standards 1, 2, and 3. FL Studio 20 has a multi-touch interface and automatically records & edits multiple soundtracks. The most beneficial feature is it offers updates freely for a lifetime and has 500 tracks for arrangements.
REAPER
REAPER is one of the top DAW software tools for desktop use. This tool also has a large number of advanced features in it. This tool is efficient, faster, and tightly coded. The feature of multichannel support enables users to create powerful audio and MIDI. The REAPER DAW software tool supports 64-bit internal audio processing. Also, this tool supports multiple media formats. There is a huge library of multiple sound effects, plug-in effects, virtual instruments, including VST, VST3, AU, DX, and JS. REAPER software also supports MIDI hardware. This tool costs $20,00 per year for commercial licenses and $60 for small businesses.
