How to Choose the Best DAW for YOU
If you are new to music production, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is which DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to use. Fortunately for you, there are many worthwhile DAWs available today that are capable of producing professional recordings. However, having so many options with similar features can make this a challenging decision. The wrong DAW for YOU can lead to a slow workflow, disappointing results, declining motivation, and wasted money…not to mention a whole lot of frustration. Conversely, the right DAW for YOU can increase production and motivation, while likely saving you time and money. Since this is clearly not a choice to be taken lightly, how then do you determine which DAW is best for you?
Let’s look at some of the important criteria to consider before committing to your DAW of the present and (if chosen wisely) future.
Compatibility
The first checkpoint for any DAW should be compatibility with your computer or any alternative device that you plan to use it on. Many DAWs will work with either Mac or PC, but there are some that are exclusive to each, such as Logic Pro (Mac only) and Cakewalk (PC only). You should also confirm that any potential choice will work with your current Operating System. If both of those check out, it’s time to take a closer look at specifications. DAWs can be taxing on a computer’s CPU, so compare the DAW’s system requirements to your computer’s specs to make sure it’s up to the task. Keep in mind that the requirements listed are usually the minimum requirements, and it’s recommended that your system exceeds them to avoid problems. Compatibility checks should also be done with any additional hardware and software you plan to use alongside the DAW. Don’t assume that everything (or anything) will just work. Finally, if you plan to share project files with someone working in a different DAW, verify that it can be done. There’s no point in considering a DAW which won’t work with your setup, and checking compatibility will help eliminate those that don’t from your list of contenders.
Budget
There is a wide price range for modern DAWs, so it’s a good idea to determine how much you are willing to spend before venturing too far into your search. Some DAWs are available only as subscription plans, while others allow only ownership purchases. Some offer a choice between the two. Many offer multiple versions of the same DAW (with varying feature sets), which often include free and limited versions that you can upgrade over time…All of which makes your choice even more complex! Once you’ve established a price range that works for you, I’d recommend tackling the subscription vs. ownership question. In general, subscription plans cost less in the short-term, but usually more in the long-term as those monthly fees add up. Ownership demands a larger investment up-front, but usually ends up costing less if you stick with the product long-term. I purchased my current DAW before subscription plans became a common option, and at the time of this writing I still feel more comfortable going the purchase route when possible. It’s also been cheaper for me to update my DAW than a subscription plan would’ve cost over the same time period. However, if I were just starting out or looking to change DAWs, I might opt for a subscription plan for a short time before spending the big bucks. Like getting to know someone before committing to a relationship, it’s a good idea to make sure you enjoy spending time with that person (or DAW) and are compatible before getting in too deep. If your budget is limited or you’re unsure about a DAW long-term, a subscription plan might be ideal for you. Keep in mind, though, once your subscription ends you’ll no longer have access to the software.
Workflow
The next item to consider is the appeal of the DAW to your sensibilities. Do you like the design? Can you clearly locate the tools and functions you’ll be using? Does it seem to make general sense to you? Are you looking forward to digging into it further, or does that prospect seem overwhelming? No matter which DAW you choose there will be a learning curve, but this is the time to gauge just how steep that learning curve may be. Check out some beginner tutorial videos on YouTube or the DAW’s website, and do some experimenting in a free trial version. Note the DAWs that seem most straightforward to you, and the ones that you find fun or exciting to explore. The ones that look like an unsolvable puzzle and make your head spin should move toward the bottom of your list. These are likely indicators of how difficult each will be for you to learn and the efficiency at which you’ll be able to work. Most importantly, nothing will disrupt your workflow or creativity more than having to troubleshoot an unstable DAW. No DAW is completely stable, but some perform better than others on varying systems. Be sure to demo any prospective DAW on your system before buying or subscribing.
Features
If everything is looking good so far, take some time to explore the feature set each prospective DAW contains. In other words, does it do everything you need it to do? Are you looking for a DAW to compose, mix, master, perform live, or do some of everything? While many offer similar features, they often lean toward one specialty or musical genre. Find out which DAWs are used by other artists who make your style of music. Test out the included virtual instruments and effects plugins if you plan to use them. If you aren’t satisfied with the included plugins, third-party replacements will add to your expenses. Some DAWs also include more advanced features, such as surround sound capabilities, video editing tools, and dedicated mastering tools. Some offer companion apps for portable devices. If any of these interest you now or are likely to in the future, make a note of which DAWs have the features you need most.
Company Priorities and Reputation
If you’ve completed the research from the previous sections, your list of contenders should now be down to a manageable number. Before making your final decision, though, there is another area it would be wise to delve into: Who is the target customer for each remaining DAW, and what is the reputation of each DAW’s parent company for providing service to someone in your position? For example, a company that already has a foothold in major recording industries may have more resources, but may not value a home studio user as highly as a growing company with a less established DAW. Which is more important to you? There is also the matter of technical support: What type is offered? Is it free or will you have to pay extra? Are users satisfied with the support? Is there an active and helpful community forum? Technical snafus do occasionally happen, and it’s much better to know the answers to these questions before your DAW crashes in the middle of an important project!
Finally, take a look at the history of business practices and reputation of each DAWs company, and how users feel they are treated by them. There will always, of course, be a small percentage of unwavering fans and unrelenting critics for almost everything. But if complaints are rampant about a company, consider yourself warned. On the other hand, if reviews are consistently glowing for one of those contenders remaining on your list…you may just have found the DAW for YOU.
Some of the more popular DAWs on the market today (in no particular order): Note: The links provided are for your convenience only. These are not affiliate links and we do not profit from them.
The long-time industry standard for professional recording and post-production. A fixture in traditional studios. Perhaps the most divisive DAW in regard to user experiences and opinions. Recently sold to a private equity firm.
Popular in live performance as well as music creation and recording. A favorite of electronic music producers.
Another popular choice for electronic musicians, as well as rap and hip-hop artists.
· Logic Pro (Mac only)
Apple’s flagship DAW. Well-rounded, with a reputation for having quality plugins included.
Another all-arounder. Includes a unique integrated mastering environment and live performance features. MixMusician.com content creator’s DAW of choice.
A classic DAW that still holds its own. Includes extensive midi features. A favorite of film composers.
Popular with sound designers and electronic musicians. Specializes in music and sound creation.
Receives raves from users. Limited virtual instruments and plugins. Strong midi and audio routing. Great price.
· Garage Band (Mac only)
Free with Macs. Simplified approach, limited advanced features. Compatible with Logic Pro.
· Cakewalk by BandLab (PC only)
Free, fully functional DAW for PC. Highly customizable. Formerly known as SONAR.
Emphasis on music creation and performance. Includes many instruments, effects, and presets.
· Acoustica Mixcraft (PC Only)
Earns comparisons to GarageBand, but for Windows.
Receives positive reviews. Paid Pro version also available.
· Audacity
Free, open-source, cross-platform. Easy to use. Likely too limited for complex music production.
*This list is in no way intended to be comprehensive or a ranking of any kind. There are other quality DAWs out there, and more have likely become available since this writing.
Have you found the Best DAW for YOU? Share your favorite and the reasons why in the comments section below.