Top 6 Digital Audio Workstations for Beginners in 2024
by The Press Desk
Muse Group Audacity 3.2.5
For many years Audacity has been the go-to entry-level DAW for PC users as a free, open source, cross-platform audio software designed for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and others. Audacity has a straight forward graphic interface with intuitive iconography and is capable of recording, exporting and importing various formats such as FLAC, MP3, AIFF, OGG, M4A and WAV, supports 16, 24 and 32-bit sample formats with 44,100Hz as sample rate by default. The software supports LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST and Audio Unit (AU) effects plugins and also offers built-in effects of its own such as distortion, phaser, reverb and more.
Apple GarageBand
Designed for macOS and iOS, mac users often have GarageBand as their first DAW as you can download it for free at Mac App Store. Apple’s Logic Pro’s baby brother is well equipped for those who are entering the music production realm featuring a complete sound library including instruments, support for third-party AU plugins, presets for guitar and voice and a selection of session drummers and percussionists. GarageBand’s MIDI capabilities are much similar to those found in professional DAWs and you can even have access to a built-in collection of guitar and piano lessons to get you started in the music business.
Image Line FL Studio Fruity Edition
FL Studio Fruity Edition is the most affordable version of Image Line’s professional DAW and although it doesn’t support external audio recording one can create and manipulate all sorts of melodies and arrangements within the software as it's packed with 84 instruments and effects with MIDI support and scripting. So if you are planning to be an electronic producer the Fruity Edition might just as well be your first DAW, all you have to do is make good use of its included content filled with samples, loops and presets.
Avid Pro Tools Artist
Pro Tools Artist is Avid’s flagship product’s most affordable subscription plan. For those who want to get a little deeper into music production, this industry standard DAW brings all the features of its more robust siblings with few limitations. Pro Tools Artist version comes with 32 audio tracks, 100+ state of the art plugins ranging across virtual instruments, dynamics, EQ, effects, filters, emulators, reverbs, delays, utility audio tools, stompbox effects and loops. Among included software and rewards, PT Artist users may also enjoy Celemony’s Melodyne 5 Essentials, Pro Tools Sonic Drop Content and more.
Ableton Live 12 Intro
Ableton Live Intro might as well be the most powerful entry-level DAW for electronic music production enthusiasts. Equipped with most of the key Ableton Live’s workflow features such as Arrangement and Session Views, non destructive audio editing, Capture MIDI, Comping, MPE and more, Live Intro’s library offers 5+GB of content across 4 software instruments, 1500+ sounds, 21 Audio Effects and 8 MIDI Effects for use on up to 16 audio or MIDI and 2 send and return tracks. New from its 11th edition there’s also MIDI Polyphonic Expression, Tempo Following as well as Note and Velocity Chance.
PreSonus Studio One 6 Artist
Recently acquired by Fender, PreSonus’ DAW, Studio One, also has a beginner's edition called Artist. Currently on its 6th version, Studio One 6 Artist offers intuitive drag and drop workflow, Smart Template for assisting you with your project configuration and unlimited audio tracks, MIDI tracks, buses and FX channels which is very nice at its price tag. The software is also equipped with plenty of native plug-ins, the ability to host third-party plugins in AU/VST2/VST3 formats, all the virtual instruments available in larger versions and 2.5+GB of bundled content.
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