With the growing technology we have today, the latest push in music production is happening online and through computers. What used to take several days and weeks before can now be done in a few hours. Most importantly, it has helped musicians produce their craft in a faster and better way.
Music production software is digital audio workstations that provide artists like you a platform to record, edit, mix, and otherwise refine your audio tracks. Now, if you’re still starting and don’t know what software to purchase, there’s nothing to worry about because there are several free software you can try first. Then, if you’re committed to investing in your musical career and want to take it to the next level, here’s the top 3 music production software out there that you can totally try!
- FL Studio
This is highly recommended for beginners as it’s the most used, trusted, and plug-in friendly music software. One good reason for this is because it comes with an all-new and improved interface. Whether you need to compose, edit, arrange, or mix, the FL Studio has got you covered. Also, many musicians who use this call it the easiest way for music to flow from your brain to your speakers.
FL Studio comes in three editions: Signature, Produce, and Fruity ranging from $99-$899. All three editions share a series of common features, but Signature and Produce bring additional features and effects, allowing you to create true masterpieces. These versions also come with time stretching, beat slicing, pitch shifting, cropping, the ability to record unlimited audios, and the ability to rearrange audios with one simple mouse click. Whatever it is that you need, you’ll surely find it with FL Studio.
It’s also worth mentioning that it is compatible with both Windows and Mac. But, before you hit purchase, make sure your PC meets these requirements to have a better experience with the tool: 32 or 64 Bit versions of Windows 10/8.1/7, 4Gb or more RAM, and 4Gb free disk space.
- Pro Tools
Pro Tools is one of the best software a musician could ask for. It had long been the industry standard for audio engineers. It is one of the most powerful products available in the market today for mixing music, editing, composing, and of course, recording. Another thing is the whole package contains a variety of virtual instruments, including piano, drums, synths, and other sample instruments.
There are also three versions available for Pro Tools 12, starting at $99-$2599. The first version is the Pro Tools First, ideal for you if you’re a singer, songwriter, and musician new to audio recording. Second is Pro Tools Pros, which is suitable for pros looking for advanced tools to create music. Lastly, there is the Pro Tools HD, perfect for audio and production pros who need maximum track counts, performance, and surround sound. Unique features for this software include letting you work with up to 10 collaborators in the cloud on a single project, keeps all version history and data organized for you, and a ‘track free’ feature that allows you to quickly freeze or unfreeze plug-ins on a track to free up processing power.
Are you now interested in this software? If so, here are the system requirements: 64-Bit versions of Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Intel Core i5 processor (minimum), 8Gb RAM, 15Gb disk space for installation, and USB-port or FireWire-port for ASIO-supported audio devices. It is also both compatible with Windows and Mac.
- Propellerhead Reason
It is a complete digital audio workstation that allows you to create, compose, edit, mix, and finish your music. What makes this different is its UI is very intuitive and easy to use. All you need to do is click and drag the sounds and instruments you want to the rack and play. The rack is the center of the tools, and it’s a dynamic feature. You build your rack as you create your song, adding the instruments, plug-ins, sounds, and effects.
Its price starts at $99-$599 with three editions: Intro, Standard, and Suite. All three versions contain the standalone & plug-in (VST3/AU), more than 33 instruments and effects, but only the Standard and Suite editions offer the unlimited audio/MIDI tracks. This software will also truly help you create masterpieces with the help of an inbuilt sequencer. Through this feature, you can craft your songs just the way you want them to be. And together with its intuitive flow and sound bank, it changes your creative ideas directly into audio.
Looking forward to having this software? Make sure first that your PC meets these requirements: Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Intel or AMD processor with dual cores, 4Gb RAM (8Gb or more recommended for large Refills and Rack Extensions), 4Gb free hard disk space, and audio interface with ASIO driver.
Conclusion
I hope this list helps you jumpstart that goal of becoming a great musician. Remember, music is an art, and there’s no one definite way to produce it. What’s more important is the software working really well for you and being worthy of your time and money.