New beginnings can be really challenging or even frustrating at times, and it is especially true when it comes to music production. Back in the day, if you wanted to start your musical journey, you just had to pick any digital audio workstation (DAW) and start experimenting with what you had there. Today, however, thanks to the incredible variety of music production software out there, things can get quite annoying.
No worries though! Instead of ferociously trying to put the puzzle pieces together on numerous Reddit threads and music forums, you can get all the important information here and make your choice with ease. Below, in simple terms, we’ll explain what a DAW is, as well as go through pros and cons of the best DAWs for beginners.
What is a DAW?
A digital audio workstation, or simply a DAW, is software you run on your PC or Mac that allows you to produce music. Whether you're creating unique beats and sound effects, recording and editing vocals, writing simple melodies, or arranging whole orchestras for movies—you name it, that’s what DAWs are for. In other words, a DAW is an all-in-one music creation suite that encompasses everything you could need on your musical journey.
DAWs can capture audio signals from your instruments, like microphones and guitars, recording them as digital files on your computer's hard drive. They also utilize MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data, which allows you to use your hardware synths and drum machines, as well as software instruments that run directly within the DAW.
What types of DAWs are there?
Despite the fact that most DAWs are quite interchangeable, there are several types, each designed for different needs and workflows:
- Traditional DAWs: These offer a comprehensive set of tools for recording, editing, and mixing music. Examples include:
- Ableton Live: Known for its intuitive interface and stability, which makes it ideal for electronic music, especially in real-time performance environments.
- Pro Tools: Somewhat of an “industry standard” for recording studios, excelling in audio editing and mixing.
- Loop-Based DAWs: Focused on loop manipulation and easy arrangement. They’re great for beginners or for those who work primarily with samples.
- GarageBand: The easiest Daw to use, user-friendly and great for Mac users, suitable for songwriting and basic production.
- FL Studio: Mostly used for electronic music production and known for its step sequencer and pattern-based workflow.
- Multitrack Recorders: Designed for straightforward audio recording and mixing, often used for live performances.
- Reaper: Highly customizable and affordable, which make it versatile and suitable for both live and studio use.
- Reason: With its virtual rack system, it works great for creating modern electronic music in an old-school way.
- Specialized DAWs: Tailored for specific tasks, like video scoring or sound design.
- Cubase: Known for MIDI recording and used in both music production and film scoring.
- Logic Pro: Offers advanced features for composers, particularly those working with orchestration and film.
- Mobile DAWs: Apps for music creation on mobile devices, allowing for music production on the go.
- GarageBand (iOS): A simplified mobile version, which offers even fewer capabilities than the full software.
- FL Studio Mobile: A portable version of FL Studio with just core functionalities, nothing fancy.
As you can see, each type of DAW works best with different styles and workflows, so your choice depends on your specific needs and preferences!
Which DAW should I use?
Let’s go through some pros and cons of the DAWs mentioned above. This will help you understand which music production software best suits your skills and goals.
1. Ableton Live
Ableton Live is quite popular among DJs and music producers. It’s designed for both music production and live performances, thanks to its innovative session view that encourages spontaneous composition and experimentation. Ableton Live is definitely not the simplest DAW, but its versatility and real-time capabilities truly set it apart in the world of music-making!
Pros:
- Intuitive interface, great for live performance
- Excellent for electronic music production with powerful clip-launching features
- Strong MIDI capabilities and built-in effects
Cons:
- Can be a bit overwhelming for beginners due to lots of advanced features
- Somewhat limited audio editing capabilities compared to some traditional DAWs
- Prices range from $99 for the Intro version to $749 for the Suite version
2. Pro Tools
Pro Tools is renowned for its robust recording, editing, and mixing capabilities. Its industry-standard status makes it a go-to choice for audio engineers and producers looking for precision and flexibility in their work. On the other hand, it can be time-consuming to master this DAW. Also, the subscription-based model makes using Pro Tools really costly in the long-term perspective.
Pros:
- Industry standard in professional studios, excellent for audio recording and editing
- Robust mixing capabilities
- Very efficient productivity
- Extensive third-party plugin support
Cons:
- Rather expensive—prices range from $99 to $599 a year
- The UI might be way too intricate for new users
3. GarageBand
GarageBand is definitely the easiest DAW to learn. It is perfect for beginners and casual musicians. The DAW offers a range of virtual instruments, loops, and recording features, making it easy to create and mix music right from your Mac or iOS device. With its intuitive interface and built-in tutorials, you can dive into music production right away!
Pros:
- User-friendly and great for beginners
- Free for Mac users, with solid features for recording and editing
- Good selection of virtual instruments and loops
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to professional DAWs
- Mac-only, so not available for Windows users
4. FL Studio
FL Studio, a.k.a. Fruity Loops, combines a relatively intuitive interface with powerful music production capabilities. It features a unique pattern-based workflow that makes it easy to create beats, melodies, and arrangements quickly. With a wide range of built-in instruments, effects, and an active community, FL Studio is favored by electronic music producers and creatives looking to experiment and innovate in their sound.
Pros:
- Excellent DAW for beat-making and electronic music
- Flexible pattern-based workflow
- Affordable entry-level options available
Cons:
- MIDI editing cannot be called user-friendly
- The interface may feel cluttered with many options
- Prices range from $99 up to $899 for the most advanced version of the product
5. Reaper
Reaper is a surprisingly flexible and affordable DAW that’s gaining popularity among musicians and audio professionals. Known for its customizable interface and lightweight performance, it offers powerful recording, editing, and mixing capabilities without the hefty price tag.
Pros:
- Highly customizable and affordable
- Lightweight and efficient, suitable for various setups
- Strong community support and frequent updates
- A pleasant price tag: $60 and $225 depending on the license type
Cons:
- The initial setup process may be quite complex for beginners
- Some features may not be as polished as those in more established DAWs
6. Reason
Reason is a quite versatile DAW that combines an innovative UI with a robust suite of virtual instruments and effects. Known for its unique rack-based layout, it allows users to connect devices in creative ways, emulating a hardware studio experience. Reason offers two relatively cheap pricing options: a monthly subscription option and a one-time purchase.
Pros:
- Its virtual rack allows you to combine various instruments and effects in a modular way
- The intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible for beginners
- Can be used as a plugin in other DAWs
- Two pricing options: $19.99 a month or $499 paid once
Cons:
- The modular system may be harder to learn for those not familiar with it
- Can be demanding on CPU and RAM
- Relatively lower third-party plugin compatibility
7. Cubase
Cubase is a MIDI-oriented DAW that has been a staple in music production for decades. It caters to musicians and producers of all levels, making it ideal for everything from film scoring to electronic music creation. Its reliability and depth make it a favorite among professionals in the industry. That being said, the UI may look and feel a little old-fashioned. Also, it is worth mentioning Cubase is a quite pricey DAW.
Pros:
- Excellent MIDI capabilities, great for music composition
- Strong audio editing and mixing features
- Widely used in film scoring
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially for the full version
- Some users find the interface outdated compared to competitors
- The basic Elements version costs near $120 and the Pro version is around $600
8. Logic Pro
One may say Logic Pro is GarageBand’s big brother. With powerful tools for MIDI editing, audio recording, and mixing, Logic Pro is especially popular among songwriters and composers, offering everything needed to craft intricate tracks and polished productions. Lots of advanced features, though, does mean Logic Pro is not really suited for beginners.
Pros:
- Extensive library of virtual instruments and loops
- Powerful MIDI editing and advanced features for composers
- Great integration with Mac hardware and and other Apple products
Cons:
- Mac-only platform
- Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its depth
- Lacks VST plugin support
- A one-time purchase of around $230
9. GarageBand (iOS)
GarageBand (iOS) brings many of GarageBand's capabilities to your iPhone and iPad. Its intuitive design and built-in tutorials make it accessible for beginners while offering enough depth to make it a perfect starting point.
Pros:
- Easy to use, perfect for creating music on the go
- Free for iOS users, with solid features for casual producers
Cons:
- Limited compared to the already low-functionality desktop version
- Not available on other platforms
10. FL Studio Mobile
FL Studio Mobile is a portable version of the popular FL Studio DAW, designed for music creation on smartphones and tablets. The mobile version makes it super easy to create beats, melodies, or even full tracks, making it a great tool for musicians and producers who want to capture their ideas on the fly. And you can always continue working on your ideas in the desktop version.
Pros:
- Brings basic features from the desktop version to mobile
- Good for creating and editing on the go
- Costs just about $20
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the full range of capabilities compared to the desktop version of FL Studio
- Some users may find the interface less intuitive on smaller screens
- FL Studio Mobile is reported to be quite resource-intensive, which can lead to performance instability or crashes
Each DAW has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice mainly depends on the type of music you want to create and how much effort you want to invest in learning music production.
Explore Pibox
Navigating your music journey is so much easier and fun with Pibox! Our service allows any beginner to work with more experienced musicians and producers easily, thus providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Simply invite anyone you want to collaborate with to your Pibox project, and they will be able to share their thoughts without delay!
With the integrated commenting feature, you can receive specific feedback on your musical piece right on the waveform! No more timecodes, dozens of drive links, and overwhelming chats. This game-changing feature not only saves your time on projects but also helps you learn and improve more effectively.
Pibox also allows beginners to focus on the creative aspects of music production, eliminating the possibility of getting stuck in your typical DAW because of the advanced and often unnecessary features. Whether you're just starting your musical journey or looking for a fresh approach, Pibox is your gateway to the world of music production. Join Pibox today and explore music in a whole new way!
FAQ
1. What is the overall best DAW for beginners?
For Mac users, GarageBand is definitely the best DAW for beginners. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it simply the easiest DAW out there. The software offers a good range of built-in instruments and loops, allowing newcomers to experiment and learn the basics of music production without a steep learning curve. Additionally, it’s free, which allows you to give it a try and find something else if it doesn’t meet your needs.
For Windows users, FL Studio might just be the best DAW for beginners, but it’s a win only by a small margin. Overall, FL Studio has everything you might need, a relatively intuitive UI, and a few tricks up its sleeve for beginners to enjoy the learning process more. Just don’t rush things; concentrate on exploring the basics first, and you’ll be good to go with this DAW.
2. Is Logic Pro good for beginners?
No. Logic Pro can be good only for those beginners who are fully committed to learning music production, willing to invest some money, and have a Mac. It provides a good amount of built-in instruments, loops, and effects to help you embody your creativity. This depth of features, however, might be intimidating at first, which is a bad choice for someone looking for a very simple start.
3. Is Cubase good for beginners?
Yes. Cubase can be a good option for beginners, especially those interested in both MIDI composition and audio recording. It offers a comprehensive set of features that allow users to explore various aspects of music production. While the interface can be somewhat complex for new users, it is straightforward enough to make the learning process smoother than the other DAWs. Many tutorials are available, and those who invest the time can find it a powerful tool as they grow in their musical journeys.
4. Is Pro Tools good for beginners?
No. Pro Tools is generally not ideal for beginners. While it is considered the industry standard in many professional studios, its complex interface and features may be daunting for new users. The learning curve is steep, and it may be better suited to those who already have some experience with music production. However, if you are really determined to become a professional, Pro Tools might be the right choice for you, as it provides every little thing a music producer might need.
5. Is FL Studio good for beginners?
Yes. FL Studio is a good option for beginners, particularly those interested in electronic music and beat-making. When you get your head around the DAW, its pattern-based workflow allows users to create music quickly and intuitively. The visual interface is colorful and engaging, which can make the learning process more enjoyable.
6. Is Ableton Live good for beginners?
Yes and no. Ableton Live can be good for beginners, particularly those interested in electronic music and live performance. Ableton Live is considered the best DAW for making beats. Its session view allows for easy experimentation with loops and samples, making it engaging for new users. However, the range of features might be overwhelming at first. Ableton Live Lite might just be the right choice for beginners, as it provides more clarity at the cost of functionality. Overall, beginners who are willing to explore its unique workflow can find it an exciting and flexible DAW as they develop their skills.
Final thoughts
A digital audio workstation allows you to do more than just produce music—it gives you an opportunity to express yourself and manifest your creativity. With that in mind, you will need to invest time and money to obtain that possibility. That’s why it is so important to choose your DAW wisely. Hopefully, this article gave you just enough insights to make the right choice!
In summary, GarageBand stands out as the best DAW for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and accessibility. FL Studio, on the other hand, offers an engaging and intuitive environment for Windows users who are more interested in electronic music. That said, other DAWs like Pro Tools, Cubase, and Ableton Live can also work for many beginners—it all comes down to your specific preferences and commitment to learning music production.
