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Good Music Making Apps For Mac

The 100 Best Music Making Apps: Best Free Apps. SoundCloud is pretty much the standard audio hosting site for most people these days and also provides some apps to help you sell and market your music. And when you’re done either mix down your file or export the raw project data out to GarageBand on the Mac for further editing. Apr 22, 2018  You can export music in multiple formats including flac,.ogg,.wav. A passionate user can create some of the best beat music with MuseScore. It is one of the best beat making software for beginners. You may also like 2 player unblocked games. DrumFlow is also available for both Windows and Mac OS and is the best software to make a beat.

Music making is a passion and it’s absolutely not a big deal these days with hundreds of apps available on the internet. Yes, there ample free apps available that can help you churn out a professional quality feet thumping piece without spending a dime.

From making full tracks on your smartphone or tablet, or simply using an exclusive hardware sequencer instead of a computer, internet is the best source that can help you make music digitally.

That being said, there is still no alternative to a PC where you can download and install a music making software or DAW (digital audio workstation) and record music, organize and mix complete tracks directly from the desktop, seamlessly. Bonus – when done in the right way, these tracks are of release quality.

Windows is the most used platform in the world and so, if you are hunting for the best Windows software for making music, we have the ultimate list for you in this post. While some are completely free to download and work with, some offer the free trial version before you invest in the Pro version. So, read on to find your pick..

Audacity

Audacity is an open source software that’s one of the most popular music editors with already millions of downloads. This cross-platform app works with not just Windows, but also with MacOS and Linux.

This program allows you to not only record music from several different sources, but also post-process nearly any type of audios. With the help of this software, you can also add different effects to your music, fine-tune the pitch, bass, and treble, and even assess tracks using its tool for frequency analysis.

Your tracks are presented as editable waveforms by the software that can be edited by the users. As a user you can also edit the music track using the cut, copy, and paste features or even use its wide range of added plug-ins to improve the series of effects and the audio assessment. The program comes with an in-built support for plug-ins like LV2, LADSPA, and Nyquist.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Price: Free

Get it here: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

Music Making Apps For Windows

AbletonLive Lite 9

The Live Lite 9 version of Ableton is a restricted version of the program, however, it’s one of the best software for music making out there. The best part about it is that it’s free to download and is compatible with both Windows and Mac. With the paid version you get an additional 4GB of sounds.

What’s amazing is that, you get upto eight recording tracks for free if you choose not buy the upgraded version. It also comes equipped with a range of effects and tools that help you to make high-quality music tracks. You can also add MIDI tools like keyboards with it. It can be easy to use if you already know how the music making programs work. Ableton is an industry level software that’s used by many musicians and producers to create music and record.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac

Price: Free version available; upgrade starts from $99


Get it here: https://www.ableton.com/

FL Studio

If you are a first-timer, looking to start with a music making software, FL Studio is the best option for you. It’s been in the scene for quite some time now and is one of the most popular DAW software till date. From sound correction, cut-paste, or stretching to pitch shifting or the works, it’s got all the usual protocols you could think of. The biggest plus point of this program is its interface which is especially designed to suit the beginners.

While you can refer to the YouTube video tutorials for any explanation required on any feature, you also get 30 synth software along with it for out-of-the-box usage. So, for those who have just bought a controller and want to try out some sounds to start with, you do not need to spend those added bucks. Whether you want to record in it using microphone, do the usual editing and mixing, or use the MIDI keyboards, it fulfils all the essential requirements of a music software. Bonus – it comes with an extremely user-friendly interface.

Supported Platforms: Windows only

Price: Free trial available; Full version starts at $99

Get it here: https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/

Magix Acid

While it may not be the leading software in the category with a dated looking interface, it still takes pride with its strongest features like automatic audio time-stretching and pitch shifting. Bonus- it also features the MIDI now.

Yes, it may not be the best performing software on the list, but Magix Acid is definitely fast, competent, and user-friendly. It’s been recently owned by Magix and the version 8 is about to be launched that indicates towards a much-needed change with an all-new user-interface. It’s also touted to come up with 64-bit and VST3 support.

Supported Platforms: Windows

Price: Free trial available; Upgrade starts at $90

Get it here: https://www.magix.com/in/music/acid/

Tracktion T6

Tracktion T6 is a two years old program that still boasts of loads of features. It’s a software with a simple design making it easy to understand and use. The interface is a workspace where you get all that is required in a single window. The workspace helps you avoid the inconvenience of jumping to various screens.

The best part is, that every section is flexible enough and so, it helps you to fine-tune it according to your workflow. Moreover, whichever specifications you have selected elsewhere, the bottom panel turns into screen. With its more established DAW system, it certainly has an exclusive appearance. As bonus, the program comes with unending range of audio and MIDI tracks, however, it’s based on the hardware potential. Yes, it also supports several plugin formats such as VST, Audio Units, and more.

Supported Platforms: macOS/Windows/Linux (VST, AU and Linux VST)

Price: Free

Get it here: https://www.tracktion.com/products/t6-daw

DarkWave Studio

When looking for a free DAW software, DarkWave Studio is definitely worth a try. It’s not only free of cost, it’s also perfect for the Window users as it supports all platforms from XP to 10. What’s interesting is, it does not require much space for storage and can be easily discovered and downloaded online.

Among its many features are the Sequence Editor, Virtual Studio, Multitrack Hard Disk Recorder, and Pattern Editor. While the Pattern Editor helps you select digital music patterns and even edit them, the sequence editor enables you to arrange patterns to mix up the track patterns and any arrangements together. You can explore the recording options under its HD recorder tab. It also allows you to choose from the multiple plug-ins (19) that can help you add virtual effects to the music tracks.

Supported Platforms: Windows only

Price: Free

Get it here: https://www.experimentalscene.com/software/darkwave-studio/

Presonus Studio One Prime

Those looking for a free version of this efficient program can download their freeware edition which is Studio One Prime. For advanced features you can purchase the upgraded version that’s specifically for artists and professionals. Studio One is the basic version out of all which you can add to your software collection using any my.presonus.com account. The system requirements include a minimum of 4GB RAM and 30GB of storage within, and it works with the latest versions of Windows.

Despite lacking the advanced features in comparison to the upgraded version, the free version retains the same instinctive interface with drag and drop feature that helps you to create fresh tracks and even add effects. The USP of Studio One Prime is that it comes equipped with endless audio files, FX and virtual tools. Not just that, it also allows you to add nine local audio effects to your music pieces. Some of the mixing and control features that are retained in the free version are easy chain side routing, control link MIDI mapping, and latency compensation. Bonus – the freeware also offers multitrack MIDI and multitrack track change editing instruments. Overall, even being the curtailed version, the freeware still retains most of its essential tools.

Supported Platforms: Windows only

Price: Free; upgrade available for $450

Get it here: https://www.presonus.com/products/Studio-One/get-studio-one

Avid Pro tools

Those looking for tools especially designed for mixing music the professional way, Avid Pro Tools is just what you need. This advanced yet simple tool helps you to excel the industry standards. While it offers the usual facility to create, record, mix, edit, master, and more, it also comes with the advanced version (Avid Audio Engine) that’s loaded with a super speedy processor, 64-bit memory, latency input buffer of its own that helps during any delays, and an innate metering.

Time-stretch to alter the tempo, or Elastic Pitch which is somewhat similar to the autotune that helps rectify harmonies are among the other features to name a few. What’s more? It also comes packed with 70 effects and plug-ins, and other features like channel stripping, compressors, EQ’s reverb, and so on.

Supported Platforms: Windows or Mac

Price: Free Trial available; upgrade starts at $24.92

Get it here: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools

Ardour

It’s a fantastic piece of software that works perfectly well with Windows, Linux, and OS X. The version 5 comes with an all revamped graphic user interface that’s sorted with tabs. Ardour also sports loads of new features that efficiently assist you while making any alterations to the tempo, mixing, writing scripts, or using the plug-ins. The biggest plus point of this DAW software is that it’s free and open source, while the subscriptions start from as low as $1 month.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, OS X

Price: Free (Open Source); Subscription starts from $1

Get it here: https://ardour.org/

AmpliTube Custom Shop

Although it’s a curtailed version of AmpliTube 4, it’s still a completely operational application for guitar rig modelling. There are 24 models in the free version and there’s a lot in the offering for the guitarists to record into their laptop directly. The tones offered by AmpliTube are genuine and there’s an amazing standard of customizations available which includes the microphone selection and replacement.

The biggest bonus however, is the custom shop feature. But, if you are looking for more features, you will have to purchase the paid version. for additional stompboxes, amp models or cab sims.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS (64-bit only)

Price: Free version available

Get it here: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/shop/

LMMS (Linux Multimedia Studio)

One of the best multi-platform music making software around, Linux Multimedia Studio is also compatible with Windows and Mac. It’s a free and open source program that works just perfect for all levels of music creators. The program comes packed with five editors and a wide range of synthesizers that can further fine-tune your music tracks. The tracks can be further imported to both MIDI and Hydrogen Project files along with the Song Editor. Moreover, the application also supports plug-ins like VST and LADPSA that can be mixed with several additional effects into the tracks.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac

Price: Free

Get it here: https://lmms.io/

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is another open source music making software that’s more of a digital drum program that sounds like a drum. The Windows version is in the beta stage. It comes with a GMkit that’s pre-installed and includes tools like Pedal HH and Cowbell drum kits, Jazz, Snare Jazz, Ride Rock, Ride Jazz, Snare, Stick, and more.

You can also get access to its endless patterns through the pattern sequencer and can even link patterns together in a music track. The Mixer offered by the program is another useful tool that can help you to tune the drum volume and also add some added special effects. From importing and exporting song patterns into tracks to organizing different drum audio effects on a file to overlap them, there’s a lot that Hydrogen offer its users for free.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac

Price: Free

Get it here: http://hydrogen-music.org/

Propellerhead Reason

Although a not so widely known software, Propellerhead Resaon is indeed a stable offering in the category so far. It’s a compact system with drag and drop interface, is fast enough, and of course, offers an exceptional workflow for middle to semi-pro range music makers.

It comes with a strong mixing console and makes for a great DAW software for guitar recordings or bass as it comes with amps and speakers. Additionally, it’s efficient in cutting and splicing music files automatically. Bonus – it supports all MIDI hardware.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac

Price: Free version available; upgrade starts at $99

Get it here: https://www.propellerheads.se/en/reason

While there are umpteen such music making software around that one can use for creating a professional piece, the above listed programs are definitely for those who want to create a masterpiece. So, make your choice and rock the stage with a brilliant sounding track.

I find passion in writing Tech articles around Windows PC and softwares

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Aug 02,2019 • Filed to: Download Music • Proven solutions

What are the best 'professional' music making apps for the iPad?

Do you wish to unlock the true music potential of your iPad? Are you looking to work on producing your own music with the help of your iPad? Well, look no more. This guide contains a list of the best music production apps available on the iPad. These apps include synthesizers, digital audio workstations, instruments, and much more.

Part 1. Recommend the Best Music Downloader - iMusic

iMusic is equipped with a wide-array of solutions to download, record, transfer, sync or play music in any manner you want. It is best suited music downloader for Android or Apple device users, as they can easily transfer/import/export any song/playlist between iTunes Library or PC. It is the leading Music Program in the market as it can download music from Podcasts, Radio Stations, 3000+ Websites, TV Shows, iTunes and other platforms. You can’t find any compatibility issues or device limitation as well. As it truly says, Discover, Download or Manage Music files in any manner you want.

iMusic - Download Music for iPad with High Quality

  • Search any song via in-built Music Library and Download/Share with ease.
  • Download music for iPad from any music sites using URL.
  • Equipped with a music recorder allowing to capture any online audio or music.
  • Easily Clean-up/Rebuild/Back-up iTunes library.
  • Powerful and Easy-to-use toolbox to enhance your experience.
  • Burn Music files to CD with ease.
  • 1 click to transfer downloaded music and playlist to USB drive to enjoy in car.
  • Transfer music from iTunes to iPhone/iPod/iPad/Android to Computer/iPhone/iPod/iPad/Android easily and freely.

Steps to Download Music to iPad by iMusic

Step 1: Go to iMusic's official website https://www.aimersoft.com/imusic.html to download it's free trial version on your Windows or Mac computer .

Step 2: Click “DOWNLOAD” in the “GET MUSIC” window. After then you can see a URL paste box as well as access to several popular music sites.

Step 3: Go to Youtube or any streaming music sites , copy the URl of the song on the site, then paste the URL of the song to the URL paste box in iMusic, check the needed music format and click “Download”.

Step 4:Once completed the download process, the downloaded songs will be automatically added to your iTunes Library automatically. Click 'LIBRARY', then download icon on the left side to check out the songs.

Step 5:Connect your iPad with the usb cable , then go to the 'Device' page, choose 'Transfer Music from iTunes to Device' to begin the transfer process.

Steinberg is a re-engineered, re-modeled Cubase for the iOS and iPad’s touch interface. The key features of the app include virtual MIDI, AudioBus, and unlimited track support. With this app, you can easily combine together recordings and sounds from a number of different instruments to make the perfect blend of musical notes.

Pros:

  • Friendly to use, easy to understand.
  • Logical, intuitive interface.
  • The app features a wide selection of effects and instruments sounds.
  • A range of export file type options.

Cons:

  • Does not support automation.
  • No feature available for time stretching.

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 6 or above.

FL Studio has different versions available for both iPhone and iPad. Each of these versions offers a large range of rich features for music production and editing. The key features of the app include instrument playback, audio recording and editing, and MIDI. The latest versions of the app also include support for AudioBus.

Pros:

  • Dedicated music application that is well known across several platforms.
  • Provides powerful tools for editing and altering the music produced.
  • Supports unlimited tracks.

Cons:

  • Since there are different versions for different platforms, it lacks compatibility (like from the Windows version to the iPad version).
  • Lack of customization features.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 3 or above.

This app is based on a specialized musical interface that features a 16 by 18 grid of glowing squares. The interface, though a little difficult to understand, leaves the users with a lot of flexibility. The key features of the app include interactive musical interface that can be used to produce musical notes, support for arpeggios, chords, and beats.

Pros:

  • No skills required – just let your soul out on the Beatwave grid.
  • Easy to use once understood.
  • Foolproof – no chances of error or mix-ups with the given options.

Cons:

  • The interface limits the user to fixed functionalities.
  • No support for automation.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 7.0 or above.

The Yamaha TNR-I is an application based on the innovative Tenori-ON hardware. It is based on a 16 by 16 light grid that produces a sound effect on every press. This means that you can produce up to 16 different sounds simultaneously and store it in 16 different patterns which will then be triggered in the sequence you stored them in. It is a wonderful app that is helpful for both beginners and advanced users.

Pros:

  • Fun to use.
  • You can blend together different sound effects by making use of 16 by 16 grid.
  • Allows you to have a great variety of tunes in the same sound track.

Cons:

  • The interface is a little difficult to understand.
  • No support for unlimited tracks, automation, or AudioBus mentioned.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 7.0 or above.

iSequence HD has been made by an independent development under the name ‘BeepStreet’. It is an amazing all-round music making app that has over 160 built-in instruments and a 8-track sequencer. The key features of the app include a flexible interface that allows you to create the right atmosphere to your music, sound effects, and a variety of different synthesizers.

Pros:

  • Supports some of the best classic and modern hardware synthesizers.
  • A good choice and variety of sound effects are available.

Cons:

  • No AudioBus support.
  • No automation features available.

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 4.1 or above.

This app requireds you to use your own voice to produce music. For working with this app, you need to input a two-bar whistle or melody into your iPad’s microphone. Then, select one of the different genres available. Now finally, change the settings to work out the perfect harmony for your tune. You can turn your small input into a full track via Casio Chordana Composer.

Pros:

  • Let’s you work on melody’s in your head through direct input.
  • Powerful tools available for turning a whistle or melody into a full song.

Making Music Apps For Mac

Cons:

  • Limited genres available for selection – pop, dance, rock, jazz, and world are the only options.
  • The music is restricted to the melody/whistle only – you cannot make tunes from scratch.

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 8.0 or above.

Figured by the popular develop Propellerhead is a new innovative idea towards music creation. The app allows you to draw patterns and alter them in the Propellerhead style to produce sounds. The key features of the application include a simple control method through which music can be created and edited, unlimited instrument tracks, and wide support for music formats.

Pros:

  • Wonderful set of effects and instruments available in the music composer.
  • Unlimited tracks and audio support.
  • Supports a wide range of sound formats.

Cons:

  • Difficult to understand and use for beginners.
  • It does not support MIDI.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 8.0 or above.

Korg is one of the more well-known developers for iOS synthesizers. One of these such synthesizers is based on the Korg 1981 synthesizer known by the name iPolysix. The app offers you the luxury of the Polyseq step sequencer with a mixer, a drum machine, and Kaoss pads that allow you to make delightful musical tunes.

Pros:

  • A wonderful simulation of the original real-life Polysix sequencer.
  • Beautiful interface that allows flexibility.
  • Dual synthesizer engine with a built-in drum, mixer, and Kaoss pads.

Cons:

  • Limited amount of preset sounds.
  • No automation support.

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 5.1 or above.

Rebirth is one of Propellerhead’s first application that provided software emulation of musical hardware. This synthesizer emulates the music produced by two Roland TB 303s and a Roland drum machine to produce sound effects. The iOS version of this app gives you complete control over the sound effects through the availability of built-in board effects and a sequencer.

Pros:

  • Complete support for the AudioCopy 2.0.
  • Supports backup and restore feature.
  • Also supports social media connectivity.
  • Powerful sequencer with mixer and effects such as pan and delay sends.

Cons:

  • Not all effects are available for simultaneous playback.
  • Drum machines are only mono.

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 8.0 or above.

iMaschine is a groovebox that allows you to program music sequences to produce your own unique sound effects. The key features of the app include 16 varieties of drum pads with a programmable musical keyboard that give you the flexibility you need when you’re making music.

Pros:

  • Brilliant interface that is easy to use.
  • Affordable pricing.
  • Built-in sound effects are fun with the option to add more.
  • Everything (thanks to the programmable keyboard) is quantitative which makes the music easier to control.

Cons:

  • There is no dedicated ‘song’ mode.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 6.0 or above.

Garageband is one of the most wonderful music apps to ever hit the iOS platform. The key features of the app include instruments, guitar amplifiers, sound effects, and music lessons.

Apps

Pros:

  • Organized, professional looking interface.
  • Easy to record, mix, and playback music.
  • The music lessons are very fun and helpful.
  • Supports up to 24-bit recording.

Cons:

  • No PC version available.
  • There used to be a podcast feature available in older versions that has been removed.

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 9.1 or above.

A fairly average app for music production. Keezy features a simple eight-track MPC sampler i.e. the interface consists of 8 tiles that hold unique sound effects behind them. The app allows you to select one of the preinstalled soundboards or use the tablet’s microphone to work on your own recording.

Pros:

  • Simple and neat.
  • Freeware.
  • Allows self-recorded sounds to be used.

Cons:

  • Limited functionality.
  • No option to add sound effects – you just have the built-in 8 sound effects available.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 7.0 or above.

One of the best digital audio workstations available in the market with a price tag of $50. The Auria Pro does not compromise on its app for the iPad which is almost identical to the one that they have to offer for desktops. The key features include a dual workspace section with mix and edit options that allow you to mix sound effects or edit your own music files.

Pros:

  • Supports for MIDI tracks.
  • Sample rates as high as 96 KHz available within the app.
  • Support for automation.
  • Built in instruments and sound effects make this one of the most powerful tools for music production.

Best Music Making Apps For Macbook

Cons:

  • There is a vast difference between the functionalities of the free version and the pro version.
  • The interface can be a little complicated to understand for beginners.

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 6 or above.

If you’re a fan of modern music then Quincy is just the app you need to make the kind of music you like. Quincy is based on three different modules and it makes use of algorithms for producing sounds. The interface is based around Conway’s Game of Life. The key features include a preset list of sound effects and a music editor for producing your own sound effects.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive.
  • A fun app for producing modern day music.
  • The look and feel is similar to a game which adds to the experience of music making.

Cons:

  • Does not feature rich functions like other apps in the list.
  • Difficult for beginners to understand initially.

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Supported OS: iOS 8.0 or above.

A light-weight, trimmed Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that provides you the functionality you need within a small app. NanoStudio is one of the best comprehensive tools available for music production. The app supports MIDI instruments, built-in subtractive synthesizer, and a drum machine.

Pros:

Music Making Apps For Pc

  • Light-weight and quick.
  • Supports AudioBus, MIDI, and direct export to SoundCloud.
  • Relatively inexpensive if you compare to other DAWs.

Cons:

Good Music Making Apps For Macbook Pro

  • More sound effects could be integrated into the app.
  • Enhanced support for instruments such as guitar.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Music Making Apps For Mac

Supported OS: iOS 7.0 or above.