Your first major investment in any industry is a significant move. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out in music production or if you want to be a professional DJ. You can always upgrade to a premium version later, which gives you more control and offers more tools.
This article contains some of the most popular free music-making software available for beginners.
1. GarageBand
GarageBand is the best free music-making software available for beginners on iOS and Mac. GarageBand is easy to download from Apple’s App Store and teaches beginners how to use loops. You can create songs with up to 265 tracks, and you even have a virtual session drummer.
GarageBand is also one of the most popular platforms for creating great music. Despite its simplicity in appearance, this music-looping software is often intimidating for beginners.
We recommend that you install it on all your devices, including your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This will speed up your learning process. iCloud allows you to access your music from anywhere, regardless of where you are and what device you’re using.
You can transfer your GarageBand files and other music to Apple’s premium music creation offering, Logic Pro, if you feel you have outgrown the free music-maker.
2. DarkWave Studio
DarkWave Studio, a popular music-making app for PC, is an alternative to the standard industry options. This software doesn’t take up too much space on your computer. DarkWave Studio costs nothing, but there are some annoying ads in the app. This is to be expected.
The music-creation software is free and comes with some cool features.
- Virtual Studio
- Pattern Editor
- Sequence Editor
- Multitrack Hard Disk Recorder
The Pattern Editor allows you to select and modify digital music patterns. You can use the Sequence Editor to arrange patterns and mix them together. The Hard Disk Recorder has live audio recording capabilities. DarkWave Studio includes 19 plug-ins that you can use to create virtual effects on your tracks.
DarkWave Studio can be difficult to use initially due to its many settings and options. The good news? You can find lots of tutorials and support online. This makes DarkWave Studio one of the most popular free music-making software programs.
3. Audacity
Audacity, unlike the other free music software we have already discussed, is a digital editor and not a digital workstation.
Audacity has many creative uses, but its primary purpose is to manipulate audio data. Audacity can be used to create music, edit media and free EDM software.
Audacity allows you to edit audio files and process samples. You can also export music in many formats including AIFF, WAV, MP3, or AIFF. This is a great free software for creating music samples and beats.
Although the interface is easy to use, it can be difficult to understand all of the settings and effects. You might need to spend a few days getting used to everything.
Audacity can be downloaded on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It is one of the most widely used music production software options. it’s a great way to start making music for free.
macOS
4. LMMS
LMMS, which used to be called Linux MultiMedia Studio, is a cross-platform music creation software that’s available for macOS, Windows and Linux. It is suitable for any type of music production and is a great option for beginners.
Multiple windows are available in LMMS to allow you to create music. Edit melodies with the Piano Roll, and then create a rhythm section using the Beat+Bassline editor. The Song Editor will give you a visual overview of the structure of your song and allow you to mix it all together using the FX Mixer. The Automation Editor allows you to automate volume and effects. LMMS offers a variety of instrument synthesizers. This software is great for creating music using MIDI controls.
Free music-making apps usually have a limited ability to be integrated with other music-making programs. LMMS excels in compatibility with third party apps. This means that any music-making software you have already installed will be included. You can apply a variety of effects to your music with the VST and LADSPA plugins.
Once your project is complete, you can either export it as MP3, AIFF or WAV or transfer your media files into another music-making app.
5. Waveform
Tracktion T7 was once premium music creation software. Tracktion decided not to drop T7 with the next version, but instead gave it away as Waveform. This free music program is one of the most feature-packed on the list.
Waveform does not have track limits or plug-in restrictions. You can also get a 30-day trial of Waveform. Waveform’s single-window interface makes it easy to use and offers so many options. Waveform can be used to edit audio for or MIDI composition. It can also be used to create effects and automate different parameters.
Waveform is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux. You can upgrade to the Pro version if you like the free version. The Pro version includes Groove Doctor, Subtractive synthesizer, and Celemony Melodyne Essential.
6. BandLab Cakewalk
Cakewalk SONAR, like Waveform was a premium-level program that BandLab purchased in 2018, is now free to download. Another top contender for best free music production software.
This free music-maker for Windows has been rebranded as Cakewalk by BandLab. It is supported by more than 30 years of development. You can also use it to create, record, edit and mix your music.
This award-winning music maker allows you to stack unlimited audio and MIDI tracks with its user interface. Cakewalk offers VST3 software instruments, as well as studio-quality effects like dynamic compression and convolution reverb.
Although Cakewalk by BandLab can only be used on Windows, it is one of the most popular free music-composing software for Windows. BandLab recommends that you have at least 4GB RAM and a multicore Intel processor.
First, sign up for BandLab and then install it. The Bandlab app allows you to choose the instrument or effects pack that Cakewalk SONAR will allow you to download.
Get the best music production software for free
This is just a small selection of music-making software. There are many music production apps that you can use to create digital music for free if you want to learn how to do it.
It is helpful to read about the experiences of others with each option. However, it is best to try them all. Many of these options offer all you need. You never know what you might find. You may never need to give up your free song-making software in exchange for a paid version.
