DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software turns your computer into a virtual studio for recording, editing, mixing, and often mastering your music or audio. Technically, a DAW is an ecosystem that also includes your outboard gear, audio interface, computer, and the software it’s running. But generally, people use the term “DAW” to refer to the music production software that’s the heart of the overall system.
Pairing a DAW program with your computer forms a team for recording live performances, creating studio projects, and doing video post production, podcasting, and more. However, different programs have unique, specialized features. It’s important to choose software that fits your specific needs.
For instance, if you mainly want to record bands, then choose a DAW geared toward audio multitrack recording. It often includes bundled compressors, EQs, and other plug-in processors that polish your recordings professionally. If you’re more interested in songwriting and composition, then you’ll probably want MIDI- and virtual-instrument-based workflows that focus on creativity, along with bundled virtual instruments like synthesizers and samplers. For video projects, a DAW that handles multichannel playback formats, like surround, may be essential.
Fortunately, all DAWs have reached a high level of sophistication and sound quality. If only one DAW existed, then you’d still have tools that even the biggest studios could only dream about decades ago. So, this guide isn’t about the “best” DAW software — they’re all good. It’s about finding the software that meets your needs.
The programs in this guide are favorites here at Sweetwater. We use them, know them inside and out, and customers who use them benefit from Sweetwater’s legendary support.
The Hardware for Your Software
The hardware that runs your DAW affects the user experience — the more powerful the computer, the better. CPU speed and the amount of memory determine how many plug-ins you can run, total track counts, and efficiency at higher sample rates. Today’s computers are light-years ahead of computers of only a few years ago, whether Apple silicon for macOS or Creation Station models for Windows. Furthermore, solid-state drives have become affordable. They’re great for music applications, not just because they’re fast but because they don’t make noise.
The Mac versus PC debate is mostly moot. Both are equally suitable for media production. Much software is cross-platform, which is convenient if you collaborate with people who use a different OS. With rare exceptions for programs that run on only one platform or the other, there’s no reason to switch from an operating system you already know well.
In addition to a computer, you’ll also need an audio interface. For a deep dive into audio interfaces, please refer to our Audio Interface Buying Guide. We’ll recap the highlights:
- Audio inputs. The number of inputs you have determines how many individual tracks you can record simultaneously. Some interfaces have digital as well as analog inputs. This may allow for expansion if you eventually need more inputs.
- Audio outputs. These allow sending audio to multiple destinations: headphone amps, surround setups with multiple monitor speakers, and the like. Many home recording applications can get by with stereo outputs to drive speakers and/or headphones.
- Microphone preamps. The number of preamps determines how many mics you can use simultaneously. You can use more mics if the interface also has separate line-level inputs. Then, you can buy external mic preamps and plug their outputs into the line-level inputs.
- Resolution. This specifies how accurately the interface translates analog audio to computer-friendly digital data. Most professionals record at 24-bit/48kHz or 24-bit/96kHz.
- Headphone outputs. Two or more independent headphone outputs are helpful for collaboration.
- Peripheral port type. Make sure your interface has a port your computer supports (USB, Thunderbolt, or with ancient units, FireWire). Choose carefully! Not all protocols are backward-/forward-compatible, although adapters are often available. Note that if your computer uses an older version of your interface’s protocol (e.g., USB 2 instead of USB 3), then the computer won’t be able to take advantage of the interface’s superior speed, even though they may still be compatible. The reverse is also true, where a slower interface can’t take advantage of a computer’s faster speed.
Aside from studio monitors, the other elements of your DAW ecosystem will vary. If you’re into recording, then you’ll need microphones, preamps, outboard processors, and more. Composers and music producers will need MIDI controllers, whereas many mix engineers demand the hands-on feel of a control surface. You can read all about these by following the above links to the respective Sweetwater guides.
Comparing DAW Software
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools has been an audio production mainstay for more than three decades. With a workflow based on the traditional recording studio paradigm, Pro Tools was ideal for those migrating from multitrack tape to DAWs. Even today, many recording schools use Pro Tools because its signal flow is straightforward — especially if you’ve run live sound with physical mixers. Part of its intuitive workflow comes from having two separate workspace windows. One is optimized for mixing, the other for editing. Another Pro Tools advantage is that systems are scalable. High-end, optimized hardware is available for demanding audio or video projects that require huge track counts.
Several Pro Tools versions are available, from low-cost subscriptions to perpetual licenses. The subscription option is handy if you don’t normally use Pro Tools, but a project (like a remix) comes in from a Pro Tools–based studio. Simply subscribe for a month or two, and do the remix. With Pro Tools, you won’t deal with much of a learning curve.
Many consider Pro Tools to be the quintessential recording DAW. It has stood the test of time and continues evolving despite stiff competition from other DAWs.
What you need to know about Pro Tools:
- Adroitly handles large numbers of audio interface inputs and outputs
- Designed to scale if you need to record massive amounts of audio simultaneously or do complex audio-for-video projects
- Uses the AAX plug-in format — although proprietary, it’s supported by most plug-in companies
- Software available in three levels: Avid Pro Tools Artist, Avid Pro Tools Studio, and Avid Pro Tools Ultimate (the latter supports HDX and HD Native hardware, which turbocharge your computer’s processing power)
Consider Pro Tools if:
- You plan to record a lot of live multitrack audio
- You’re comfortable with the hardware studio paradigm
- You need compatibility with an established base of professional studios
Steinberg Cubase & Steinberg Nuendo
First released as a MIDI-only sequencer in 1989, Steinberg Cubase has matured to the point where if you can’t do something in Cubase, then there’s a good chance it can’t be done.
Cubase was originally designed to run on the Atari ST platform — a relic of the ’80s and the first computer to include a built-in MIDI interface. In 1992, Cubase began to support audio in addition to MIDI and was rebranded as “Cubase Audio.” However, its background as a MIDI-only sequencer means that, to this day, Cubase has one of the most extensive MIDI implementations available. It also bundles a comprehensive collection of audio and MIDI plug-ins.
In 1996, Steinberg developed the VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plug-in standard. It’s arguably the most popular audio plug-in format. Most plug-in manufacturers support it, and many free VST plug-ins are available. Overall, Cubase enjoys a loyal and devoted following, and Steinberg has thrived under Yamaha’s ownership.
While Cubase is intended as a music composition tool, Steinberg Nuendo (released in 2000) is optimized for post-production environments. Editors, film mixers, game sound designers, and, of course, recording engineers choose Nuendo not just for its flexibility but because of its prevalence in the post-production world.
What you need to know about Cubase/Nuendo:
- Works especially well with hardware and software synthesizers
- Includes numerous virtual instruments and VST plug-ins
- Superb MIDI implementation and selection of MIDI effects
Consider Cubase if:
- Your projects tend toward electronic music, such as hip-hop, pop, or EDM
- You’re a professional composer or songwriter
- You work with virtual instruments for soundtracks and video
Consider Nuendo if:
- You work in film sound or other post-production roles
- You’re a video game sound designer
- You do surround projects
PreSonus Studio One
Studio One was released in 2009, and some initial reactions were skeptical: “Does the world really need another DAW?” But PreSonus Studio One quickly became one of the most popular DAWs ever produced. Known for its fast workflow, Studio One has two standout features. Its mastering page “talks to” multitrack projects, so while mastering, you can make a quick fix in a multitrack project. Then, when you return to the mastering page, it will have updated automatically to your new mix. The other is a Chord Track that works with audio as well as MIDI. The Chord Track lets you experiment with different chord progressions, and audio or virtual instruments follow any changes by transposing automatically in real time. This is magical for songwriting.
Studio One also integrates well with PreSonus StudioLive live sound mixers. The StudioLive channel strip even has a plug-in version for Studio One, and both can exchange presets.
There are two versions — PreSonus Studio One Artist and PreSonus Studio One Professional — but you can also subscribe. A subscription gives access to Studio One Professional with most of PreSonus’s premium plug-ins, multiple sample libraries, collaboration tools and workspaces, and cloud storage.
What you need to know about Studio One:
- Fast and transparent drag-and-drop workflow paradigm
- One of the most modern songwriting and production environments available
- Unique integrated mastering capabilities
- Subscription model provides multiple add-ons in addition to Studio One Professional software
Consider Studio One if:
- You want professional quality combined with ease of use
- You need a production environment that can handle a wide range of projects
- You plan to do mastering for digital releases or CDs
MOTU Digital Performer
In 1984, MOTU’s Professional Composer was one of the first applications available for the Apple Macintosh. In 1985, the software evolved into “Performer,” one of the first sequencers designed to work with the emerging MIDI protocol. In 1990, the software added digital audio support and was rebranded as “Digital Performer.”
Although MOTU Digital Performer handles mixing and production easily and is a favorite among those scoring for movies and TV, its roots are in songwriting and composition. This is why many users consider it a highly “musical” DAW. As just one example, it addresses tempo and tempo mapping, key changes, and transposition elegantly. The ease of working with tempo isn’t useful just for hitting markers in video projects. If desired, you can let songs “breathe” by freeing them from the grid.
Digital Performer runs on both macOS and Windows and maintains a loyal fan base as a result of its excellent scoring integration and incomparable MIDI environment. Recent updates have added pro-level amp sim and guitar-oriented effects, as well as EDM-friendly instruments and compositional tools, like clip launching and multitrack looping. It’s also the undisputed go-to DAW for live playback rigs, making it ideal for performers who want to move fluidly between stage and studio.
What you need to know about Digital Performer:
- MIDI environment that surpasses most other DAW software
- Integrates powerful and intuitive scoring (scoring isn’t an add-on)
- Bundles a solid collection of plug-ins
- Highly customizable layout for defining your workflow
Consider Digital Performer if:
- You want deep MIDI functionality
- You’re a film composer who needs top-notch scoring integration
- You handle a lot of different types of audio and video projects
Bitwig Studio
Released in 2014, Bitwig Studio generated huge buzz before its release. Initially, its merging of linear recording and nonlinear, clip-oriented sequencing drew comparisons with Ableton Live. Bitwig still retains that seamless workflow but, over the years, has redefined what a DAW can be by adding features associated with modular synthesizers. For example, its unified modulation system overlays synthesizer flexibility with a traditional DAW. You can map modulation (like multi-stage envelopes and LFOs) to effects, mixer settings, and instruments and map modulation to multiple destinations.
Another standout feature, The Grid, is like a laboratory for creating your own instruments, effects, and even note processors. Although some DAWs let you create parallel routings within an effects chain, The Grid is more like inserting a deep modular synth where a plug-in would normally go. This is heady stuff with no parallel in other DAWs.
Bitwig’s personality has morphed into more of a creative musical instrument, although it can do traditional recording, too, as well as launch clips for live performance. There’s a learning curve to get the most out of Bitwig, but it won’t be overly steep if you have experience with DAWs and modular synthesis.
What you need to know about Bitwig Studio:
- A personality unlike any other DAW
- Unparalleled automation and modulation features
- Hybrid linear and nonlinear workflow
- One of the few DAW applications available for Linux, not just macOS and Windows
Consider Bitwig Studio if:
- You want an inspiring and creative workflow
- You like to tweak beats, synths, and effects
- You want to go beyond traditional processing to create your own sonic signature
Reason Studios Reason
Reason Studios Reason, first released in 2000, uses a hardware rack paradigm where you insert virtual devices, such as instruments, effect processors, and mixers, into a virtual rack. When introduced, Reason caused jaws to drop with its collection of virtual instruments and familiar patching-based interface. Even though it couldn’t record audio, this all-in-one, virtual instrument–based MIDI studio was an instant success.
Over the years, newer versions added audio recording, VST plug-in support, and proprietary Rack Extensions to implement Reason-specific features. Reason can even operate as a VST3 plug-in within other DAWs. This was a welcome development for those who migrated to a more full-function DAW but longed for Reason’s virtual instruments and software studio–based design.
More than two decades later, Reason’s interface is like going into a time machine and stepping back into a rack-based world overflowing with analog and digital synths, analog effects, and an SSL-style mixer. And yes, you can still turn the virtual rack around and use virtual patch cords to create custom routings and processing configurations.
Reason is available with a perpetual license or a Reason+ subscription that provides all current and future Rack Extensions. Subscribers also receive new sound packs every week.
What you need to know about Reason:
- Uses a classic virtual rack paradigm
- Includes a cornucopia of innovative synths and effects
- Supports third-party Rack Extensions and plug-ins
- Included sound bank includes tens of thousands of loops, presets, and samples
Consider Reason if:
- You want an all-in-one, standalone MIDI and audio environment with a hardware feel
- You want to supplement your DAW with a plug-in loaded with cool instruments and effects
- You’re into creative sound design
Image Line FL Studio
Formerly known as “FruityLoops,” Image Line FL Studio was released in 1998 as 4-channel MIDI drum software. It was immediately embraced by hip-hop producers who wanted an uncomplicated way to make beats. Rebranded as “FL Studio” in 2003, the software has been continuously refined by adding features dedicated to audio recording, composing, arranging, mixing, and mastering. FL Studio’s popularity has exploded over the past few years, paralleling the growth of hip-hop and electronic music–oriented musical styles.
Due to its pattern-sequencing heritage, FL Studio smoothly integrates pattern-based and audio recording / mixing workflows into a cohesive whole. Although the entry-level version doesn’t offer audio recording, all other versions incorporate mature audio functionality, including basic comping. What’s more, FL Studio operates standalone or as a VST plug-in with Windows or macOS DAWs. It can even stream multiple outputs into DAWs that support multi-output VSTs.
FL Studio comes in four versions. Fruity, the entry-level version, features the pattern-based sequencing that started the program. The three higher versions differ mostly in the number of included effects and instruments. However, these are available separately so that you can add them later. What’s more, all four versions offer free core program updates for life.
What you need to know about FL Studio:
- A powerful, all-in-one approach to music production
- Lifetime free updates for the core program (new product introductions aren’t included)
- Works as a plug-in for Windows or macOS DAWs
Consider FL Studio if:
- You’re a loop-based composer who wants a fast, efficient way to make beats
- You work primarily with hip-hop or electronic music
- You want a comprehensive roster of effects and instruments, as included in the higher-end versions
MAGIX ACID Pro
Released by Sonic Foundry in 1998 for Windows, ACID was the original loop-based program, and it remains Windows-only software. Composers, producers, and DJs flocked to it because the clever implementation of time and pitch stretching made working with beats, music textures, and loop-based compositions far easier than ever before possible. In 2006, ACID became a full-function DAW by gaining audio recording capabilities and MIDI and VST plug-in support.
ACID’s popularity decreased over time in the face of competition from other loop-oriented programs. However, when MAGIX purchased the program, the company started a rejuvenation process, bringing ACID into 21st-century beat making. MAGIX ACID Pro includes a playable MIDI chopper for MPC-type workflow, efficient beat mapping, envelope and keyframe automation, automatable morph pads for effects, and many other groove-/beat-oriented features.
Furthermore, ACID now bundles several third-party instruments and effects. It’s available as a subscription, bundle, or suite, including a massive collection of ACID-ized loops. Many additional loop libraries are also available for an extra cost.
What you need to know about ACID Pro:
- Easy-to-use loop-based DAW
- Includes an extensive collection of sample loops and MIDI files
- Windows only
- Oriented toward beats, mapping, and loops
Consider ACID Pro if:
- Your main musical interests are EDM and hip-hop
- You work extensively with loops
- You want to create content quickly for podcasts, YouTube videos, presentations, etc.
Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio
This is our “last, but definitely not least” contender. Released in 2004, Mixcraft was originally considered by many people as “GarageBand for Windows.” It remains a Windows-only program. Over the years, though, steady improvements increased the sophistication while maintaining a highly competitive price. For example, the Performance Panel excels for live performance and loop-based composition. However, its surprising video capabilities — which go beyond all other DAWs — accommodate videos, images, and text. You can add transitions, titles, 13 automatable video effects, fades and crossfades, and scrolling text, and you can even use text as a “mask” to reveal the video underneath.
Furthermore, with more than 7,500 loops, music beds, sound effects, and samples, Mixcraft makes it easy to assemble backing tracks and soundtracks — it’s almost like the modern equivalent of a “needle drop” music library. And for those who want a hands-on mixing experience, Mixcraft already supports many popular hardware controllers. What’s more, Acoustica has created a controller script API to expedite adding more in the future.
The Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio version has more effects and instruments than Mixcraft Recording Studio. It also has exclusive features, such as plug-ins from Cherry Audio, advanced routing within the program (like the ability to route a plug-in’s output for use with other plug-ins), and an arranger function to move entire project sections around. Mixcraft has blossomed into far more than GarageBand for Windows.
What you need to know about Mixcraft:
- Has the kind of feature set found in more expensive DAWs
- Includes overachieving video capabilities
- Extensive loop library for putting together music in a variety of genres
Consider Mixcraft if:
- You want to create basic YouTube videos but don’t want to learn a separate video program
- You want a large sample library that simplifies quick music creation
- You don’t want cost to compromise performance
What Version Do I Need?
Most DAW software is available in several versions, from less expensive intro versions to pro and/or suite bundles. Software tends to follow the same differentiation for various versions. The intro or lite releases generally have little content and additional limitations, such as restricted track counts. The middle release is usually the product’s full core version. It has all or most of the features and capabilities and a useful set of content — but not the bonus content included in a pro or suite version. The pro or suite releases tend to be loaded with bonus content and special features. Upgrade paths often allow moving up to higher versions.
If you’re starting out, then the pro/suite versions may come with enough goodies that the DAW software itself will be all you need. However, if you already have a collection of plug-ins and content, then the core version — without the bells and whistles of a more advanced bundle — might be sufficient, and you’ll save money.
Some software is available by subscription, which avoids a significant upfront expense. For many musicians, the knee-jerk response is to avoid subscriptions. But check out the fine print because what’s offered with a subscription varies considerably among companies. It may be advantageous in the long run to subscribe than to buy a program outright, not just because of any extras that may be included but because the cost of purchasing ongoing updates and add-ons in the future can be significant.
Final Thoughts
The “right” DAW software for you is the one that helps you realize the music that’s in your head. It doesn’t matter how popular a certain software package is — if it doesn’t inspire you, then it’s not the right tool for you. Trial versions are available for most DAWs, but before making any final decisions, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for help navigating the DAW software jungle. We’ll be glad to analyze your needs and goals and assist you in your musical journey.