Recording audio has become easier and more accessible with the development of digital audio workstations (DAWs). These DAWs provide a wide range of tools and features for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio. Popular DAWs include Ableton, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper and the free but fully equiped Cakewalk by Bandlab. Pro Tools is also widely used in the professional music production industry.
Each DAW comes with its own set of features that make it suitable for different types of projects. For example, Ableton is great for creating electronic music while Cubase is better suited for composing cinematic music with it great midi features. FL Studio is perfect for creating hip-hop beats while Reaper is ideal for sound design projects. Pro Tools provides an intuitive workflow and can handle large-scale projects with ease, especially when it comes to audio recording and mixing.
Of course every DAW could do any task you need. Most important thing is which one suits better your workflow. Almost every one of them has a free or a light edition to test it and help you decide if that’s the one you need.
Personally I use 4 different DAWs. Ableton is my choice for producing electronic based music - I really love its intuitive way of handling the automation section of any parameter. When it comes to compose other styles - cinematic, progressive rock, metal, country - I move into Cubase. I feel that is the most advanced DAW for those kind of stuff, of course that’s a personal opinion. When mixing I prefer Pro Tools for a lot of reasons and finally I master in Wavelab Pro.
But what about recording audio instruments or vocals? Each one has its own features. I personally use all 3 I own in my studio. Ableton (especially when Live 11 released) , Cubase and Pro Tools have great tools for recording audio.
In conclusion, it is important to consider all aspects of a DAW before making a purchase decision. It is also important to understand how each DAW works in order to get the most out of it. With the right knowledge and understanding of how each one works, you can make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.
