![]() Acoustica Mixcraft looks like an imitation of Garageband, but it does the job. Garageband is the easiest DAW for hobbyists and absolute beginners. When you grow out of it, upgrade to something more sophisticated. Really easy, but one may do lots of great music with it. Even if you're eventually thinking about using Logic Pro, it won't hurt to start here. ![]() GarageBand is almost the easiest way to get into computer-based audio - as long as you use a Mac! Although it's designed to be ridiculously easy to use, each version packs in more features. Website: $15.00 in the Mac App Store, but comes preinstalled on most Macs. These DAWs are inexpensive and easy to learn, but have enough features to be useful for some time. If you check the comments at the end of the post I'm sure you'll find a lot more opinions. Naturally, these aren't your only options. The second set of recommendations are industry standard apps that are worth the extra effort of jumping right into. ![]() They also have enough features to keep you making music for quite a while - and may be all you need. The first set are relatively inexpensive, and easier to pick up. Give yourself an opportunity to make an informed decision.ĭid that help? From here on we'll make two sets of recommendations: some DAWs that let you get your feet wet, and some DAWs that let you dive right in. Read users' opinions in our Open Mic post, read through some tutorials for the DAW you think you might buy, or buy a book or visit the library. Also, first spend some time reading about your options. You might like to try a few before deciding to buy. Some DAWs come included in other purchases, like a keyboard or audio interface. Before buying a car you want a chance to kick the tires. Would you like to do some more research before deciding? Don't feel pressured to decide right now.In fact, you may not be able to afford to! Are you ready to make that investment at this stage of the game? Are you sure you'll stick with music production? Will you be able to make a better-informed decision once you have more experience? Once you spend that much money you'll be reluctant to change programs later. But the investment also comes with a level of commitment. And that cost is justified - see it as an essential investment in professional quality software. Are you ready to invest hundreds of dollars in software at this stage of the game? Some of the big DAWs will set you back many hundreds of dollars.In fact, it may have all the features you need. Many people will find learning much easier on a "beginner's" DAW. On the other hand, the initial learning curve will be quite steep. Do you learn better by taking things step-by-step, or jumping in the deep end? No one stays a beginner forever, and if you learn best by challenging yourself, consider starting with one of the big guns.On the other hand, if you will creating music at home, finding an app that fits your budget and works on your current computer may be more important. What is your ultimate music production goal? If your goal is to work in a studio, it may be better to jump right in with an industry-standard DAW like Pro Tools.Would you be better off with an app that is cheaper and less complicated? But the initial learning curve and expense will be much higher. By learning the industry standards like Pro Tools or Logic Pro you'll save some retraining down the track. You are in a similar position when choosing a DAW. "Learning to Drive" by Tejvan Tettinger on Flickr. But they will have to do some retraining down the road if they decide to drive a manual. While they are concentrating on steering, and traffic, and braking, and indicating, they don't also have to be worrying about the clutch and gear stick. Learning in an automatic is great because you don't have to learn it all at once. They need to decide whether to learn in a manual or an automatic. I have a few kids that are learning to drive. Here are some questions that will help clarify which app to start with. Just like the shoes I wear may not fit you, there isn't one beginners' DAW that will suit everyone. We'll sum it up here, along with a few thoughts of our own.īut before we get started with your options, let's talk about a few issues first. We asked the question a few months ago in an Open Mic, and the community were generous with their advice. ![]() And one of the first of these decisions is about software - which digital audio workstation (DAW) software should you choose? These decisions will potentially cost you lots of time and money. If you're getting started with audio production, it won't be long before you have to start making decisions.
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