The BEST Free DAWs For Windows Music Production

[@AudioTechTV]

When you're ready to release your music save 7% off your DistroKid membership by clicking here distrokid.com/vip/simplegreen

[@Hores576]

how can I download

[@Revn66]

I started with Waveform Free 11 thanks to you, now I work with Waveform PRO 13 and I love it, super easy and fast daw, thanks a lot!

[@AudioTechTV]

Waveform is excellent. Glad you’re enjoying it. Thank you for watching. Keep creating! 👊👍

[@Mr-Keyes]

​@AudioTechTV I would like to try TW, especially now that they have the clip launcher. Is there a community to help with beginners ?

[@dare2liv_nlove]

@@Mr-Keyes You're in the right place. Zane's channel (this channel) has some of the best Waveform beginner tutorials around KZbin! :)

[@djceddy6945]

Im still on 11 but loving it. Thanks for finding me too always. I just jumped in remixing alot this year and even landed up enjoying tracktion waveform this year.

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

Reaper may not be free but it’s next to it, very cheap, so cheap I wouldn’t bother with anything free, it’s awesome. I dumped cubase for it after 10 years with cubase.

[@LifeOfnuruDeen]

Why did you leave cubase?

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

@@LifeOfnuruDeen by accident. Had a licensing issue trying to transfer cubase on a new computer; needed a Daw quickly so downloaded reaper which was super easy and quick. Turned out I liked it a lot. Didn’t go backs. But I liked cubase, it’s awesome.

[@mrm1dn1ght53]

Reaper gang. I dipped from studio one. It took a while to get used to reaper.

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

@@mrm1dn1ght53 yeah I agree. But once I got the hang of it it’s quite logical and efficient

[@DaleRobertSzyms]

Cubase’s licensing system is enough to make me want to quit using it, it’s such a hassle to transfer over when you get a new computer.

[@ZevenZora]

Pro Tools users can get the free VST host ( Plugin Buddy). It opens as an AAX plugin in Pro Tools and then Plugin Buddy opens all your VST 3 plugins in PT or any other DAW.

[@AudioTechTV]

Plugin Buddy works decent for instruments. But I had issues when trying to use it just for effects. The free SSL 360 Link works great at using VST3 FX in Pro Tools.

[@andrewhurren4937]

It's news to me 'Cakewalk by Band lab' is being phased out. I understood the current free version of CbB would continue indefinitely along side the paid Sonar version, but would have no further production or updates. Be great to have this clarified, although I have transitioned to Reaper as my main DAW. There is a script which allows one to open and save Cakewalk projects in Reaper, minus some pro channel settings.

[@MarvinXOnline]

Yeah this point cannot be emphasized enough. BandLab has very clearly stated that they will continue to provide any necessary maintenance updates but have stopped any further feature development in favor of focusing on Cakewalk Sonar and Cakewalk Next.

[@bugsunplugged]

Can you please point me at a link to these scripts? After all the years & money I sank into Cakewalk, became very frustrated w/ the Bandlab folks. The Bandlab release would ask me to register EVERY SINGLE TIME I OPENED Cakewalk. After the 5th time I registered again, I went back to my last Sonar Producer edition and am using that. But I also purchased Reaper & want to transition over to that full time. BIG THANKS in advance.

[@Donk1003]

Waveform cursor head stop/start behaviour you can change it, just rightclick on timeline scale, and checkbox out "start at beginning"

[@AudioTechTV]

@@Donk1003 are you doing this is Waveform Free?

[@j8o437nqcr7b]

Waveform is pretty good. I moved from FL Studio, a bit of a learning curve when one does that but you won't regret it.

[@louaguado995]

Funny, but I'm still using Audacity! Lol. It's been improved and now allows 3rd party plug-ins with real time controls. 😁

[@petset77]

A good friend uses it to this day, and loves working with it.

[@RecordingStudio9]

I've been testing LUNA for a couple of months now and so far no crashes or stutter. It could be my main DAW once ARA2 is implemented. There are a few issues and features I would also like implemented. Once out of Beta testing, I would get the Pro Bundle to complete it.

[@JollibeenosHasYourCoordinates]

What does the 30 day Pro Trial mean on the Free version?

[@AudioTechTV]

@JollibeenosHasYourCoordinates you get to trial the effects that come with the pro version for 30 days.

[@paulhaullussy8662]

I am a Cakewalk user and tried Luna. Very interesting but: no ARA support (yet) and no piano roll. This keeps me on Cakewalk until there functions are supported.

[@aniruddh_d16]

Did Luna improve their piano roll?

[@HD-t3i]

One thing with Waveform. You could not setup a midi keyboard for switching between tracks while recording. No way switching tracks except with the mouse. Thats the only thing why i don´t use waveform. Tracktion knows about the problem since many years but they don´t fix it.

[@_farpix_]

Been using waveform 12.5 free for over a year now since I switched from cakewalk. I though cakewalk was okay but Waveform had that work flow which made it really easy for. I did end up downloading 13 tho but instantly went back to 12 XDDD Absolutely brilliant DAW

[@TrumannFenley]

distrokid sounds great for underground artists, and from what it looks like, even some professionals looking to source income from their productions. Thank you for that!

[@KennethKhayyamVA]

I think LMMS + Audacity this combination is also good and worth mentioning

[@AudioTechTV]

They’re mentioned in other videos I’ve done. I wanted to pick my top 3 for this video.

[@Nine97Seven]

the AUDACITY!

[@sinnamanhiphop]

I didn't think audacity is worth mentioning in the same sentence as Waveform free. That's just me...

[@Geirkraakenes]

Reaper is absolutely free «as long as you need to get familiar with it» with everything, no limitations. Thats why it’s the best🤘🤘

[@FlashGormless]

Reaper is no longer free, it's a 60 day free trial then you have to buy a license.

[@helosbonos]

@@FlashGormless It's never been free. You are legally and ethically obligated to buy a license if you use it past 60 days but they don't force you with limitations other than a nag screen at start up.

[@Musicman7]

The installation process with Luna was just a PAIN IN THE ARSE, so I went back to Waveform Free.

[@OneandOthermusic]

I would love to see the Automation scheme(function) from Cakewalk be in Reaper... I would go all in if there was a module or a way...

[@WilliamHopperMusician]

My understanding is if one has the full version of Cakewalk and all the latest updates when they launch their new software, Cakewalk will continue to function without new updates.

[@AudioTechTV]

@@WilliamHopperMusician yes you’ll be able to continue to use it as long as you already have it along with at least the update with the new activation/login method. That update is already out so if you have that then you can continue to use it for as long as you like. But it sounds like they won’t be allowing new users to get it, once the two new programs are out.

[@gudgub]

Presonus also just announced that they will be ending Studio One Prime (along with other very poor decisions).

[@AudioTechTV]

Yup. Got a video on that here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXbSnJSKbcSUpM0

[@Gusrikh1]

Most interesting and informative.

[@dinsfire8489]

It should be noted that Luna on windows is incredibly unstable. As awesome as it is, Luna is prone to crashing. Once it becomes more stable & they add a bunch of UAD stock plugins, this could come toe to toe with the heavy hitters. I look forward to it becoming more stable, it has so much potential. Edit: Now that Luna is out of beta, it's crashed on me 4 times. Still more stable than it was before. Hoping for the best.

[@AudioTechTV]

I’ve done quite a few songs in Luna on Windows and don’t have an issue with crashes on my laptop or my desktop.

[@dinsfire8489]

@@AudioTechTV You're one of the lucky few! There's a ton of people online with this issue

[@RecordingStudio9]

I have been testing and using LUNA on my old Windows 10 laptop and so far not even one crash or stutter. But not everyone's PC is the same.

[@dinsfire8489]

@@RecordingStudio9 Nice glad to hear that. I've tried Luna on my old windows 10 laptop too but it crashes all the time, & it's the same on my new PC. I've heard a bunch of people complain about this issue. Really glad some people are able to use it without issue though!

[@RecordingStudio9]

@@dinsfire8489 Most of my issues with LUNA are GUI or usability. Then again, I haven't fully loaded many tracks and plugins or VST instruments, yet.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I can't get reaper to have decent latency

[@waterbottlethatalsolikesme1670]

Heyo, i might need some help on waveform because it can't activate vital for some reason.. it said there was a missing file or something, even attracktive

[@BadBoy-wk5uu]

I am experimenting with the Linux Ubuntu Studio and all native Linux vst/clap/lv2 plugins. And also I installed native daws for Linux such as Bitwig, Reaper, Ardour and Waveform. It’s pretty cool that u can use Linux for a music producing.

[@joannamblount]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@AudioTechTV]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching. Keep creating! 👊👍

[@frequency_sequencer]

My pro tools intro doesn't show any third party plugins

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

Someone said Traction doesn't have faders on event clips? This would be a bummer because I was complaining for years about some other DAWs that didn't have them.

[@SethC-s7k]

How does Luna compare to Cakewalk?

[@AudioTechTV]

Cakewalk has more features. Luna is easier to navigate and, in my opinion, has a quicker workflow. Luna continues to add more features so if something you’re wanting is missing now, it might be added soon. If you are primarily recording audio and/or midi for your music then Lina can be great. If you do a lot of midi programming then it might not be the best choice for you.

[@Aristidelcf]

Hello, my friend. I like your channel. What do you think about Steinberg's Sequel 3? Nowadays, it's free.

[@AudioTechTV]

If you’re still using a 32 bit computer then Sequel 3 is probably a great option for you. If you’re using a 64 bit computer then there are way better options.

[@satyabratasatapathy6615]

What happened to Cakewalk by Bandlab , the version instead on my pc still works tho

[@AudioTechTV]

If you already have Cakewalk by Bandlab then you will be able to continue using it. They have said that they will be phasing out the free version once the new Cakewalk Sonar is available publicly. Existing users will be able to continue using it with no feature updates but possible bug fixes. They’ve recently changed the wording but it still isn’t clear if Cakewalk by Bandlab will continue to be available for free to new users once Sonar is released. As of right now it’s still available.

[@ISHQ194]

Sir , when will come dolby atmos in waveform tracktion?

[@AudioTechTV]

I don’t know.

[@paranxietyoia587]

Caustic 3???

[@AudioTechTV]

Not on my list.

[@vanderavortdebije]

What woud bthe best DAW for me as podcaster. I mix voice, sounds an music. Perrhap you ha a good suggestion for me.? Greeting from the Netherlands, Jan

[@AudioTechTV]

You can do that with pretty much any DAW. The one that I use for radio and podcasts is Adobe Audition it isn’t free but it is excellent for broadcast stuff. For free I would probably go with Pro Tools Intro But try a couple programs out to see what works best for you.

[@ShreeAbinaash22]

hey there audio tech, I'm facing a problem in waveform. I don't have a MIDI keyboard, I don't have an audio interface. just my laptop and mouse only. I can't use anything, maybe only for 1 track. Can you make a video about this problem? And the same case for Luna Daw. I can't play or create music in Luna DAW. Can you make a vid about Luna Daw with only using laptop and mouse, no audio interface, no MIDI keyboard, free ASIO setup please

[@ShreeAbinaash22]

Can you please make it, sir?

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

As an FL Studio user I am more curious how this programs do midi editing and automation. In FL editing and automation are easy. Especially for the native plugins. For thirth party plugins automation has to go trough some extra steps. It's still easier than some other DAWs. I am curious about these free DAWs but if midi and automation are hard it would be a wasted day of frustration.

[@djceddy6945]

I used fl studio before in the past. Tracktion waveform is easy once you know first steps, but very similar to fl studio. Very idea process. Check the yt vids to understand your idea to watch on tracktion waveform. Midi is good with presets ideas to click and play around. I see fl studio does have that now but the older versions didnt have auto midis patterns. Auto lining on the channel is exact same for fl studio. Draw squiggly lines. Easy ❤.

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

@djceddy6945 I have a question about traction I didn't see in tutorials. Is it true clips have no faders? Is assigning automation as easy as in FL Studio or one has to go trough long menus instead. I probably should have downloaded the demo but I have a lot going on right now. Thanks 😊

[@AudioTechTV]

@aspirativemusicproduction2135 if you’re wanting clip gain then yes clips have clip gain. I find automation to be super easy in Waveform. Theres no sorting through menus. There’s a little plus sign to click to create a new automation track and then you select the parameter you want to automate and then you can draw in automation or record it. It’s a very straight forward and quick process.

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

@djceddy6945 I downloaded it last night. Played around with it. Than opened FL Studio and Mixcraft(because that's what I have on my computer. Traction is still buggy. The graphical interface is not very detailed. It's hard to read menus. It only loaded few of my synths. It's not really adding anything to my work flow. Midi editing was kinda similar to Mixcraft. Not difficult but still not as easy as FL. I got mostly annoyed. At least I know paying for my software was necessary.

[@djceddy6945]

@@aspirativemusicproduction2135 No worries. Yep paying is at it is. All options out there for you to try for your own taste. But yes in my point of view I enjoyed still the waveform free and I will be happy to upgrade if I ever get to the slickest parts. If I dont use much, the basic will do quite well on my side. I also use ni maschine mikro and it seems more different. NI kontakt and instruments is a different level to fl studio or ableton.

[@elhamselmani8695]

What about Fl studio ?

[@AudioTechTV]

@@elhamselmani8695 I really tried to hi-lite the word FREE in the title and in the thumbnail of this video as it’s all about free programs. FL Studio is not free. They have a free demo but so does every program. The software that I show in this video are not demos, they are free programs.

[@dr.elementalist]

It's Free, but you can't save anything. That's my big pet peeve with it, as someone who is only just starting with Music making

[@AudioTechTV]

2 things incorrect with this statement. 1. It’s not free. There’s a free demo. It’s a big difference. You can get free demos of any program. 2. Even with the free demo, you can save your projects. With the paid version you can re-open those projects. With the free demo you can’t re-open the saved projects. However, you can save them.

[@dr.elementalist]

@@AudioTechTV My mistake, sorry

[@nagesharas5136]

I am a Bansuri player, and thinking of dabbling in MIDI keyboard+DAW. While looking for the best free DAW, I came across your videos, and loved the wealth of information you have shared! I am looking forward to going through your playlists on Luna and Waveform. How about Zrythm? On paper, it seems to have very advanced features and modern UI. Apparently, it has taken the best ideas from multiple other DAWs. It would be great if you made a video on Zrythm. Thanks in advance!

[@laufer1975]

Zane can you please make review of steinberg SEQUEL free daw? most people doesn't know it even egzists

[@AudioTechTV]

I’ll likely make another one of these next year but I won’t be adding Sequel to my top 3 not even my top 10. Sequel is a 32 bit program. There are much better options available.

[@NathanEllery]

Bandlab have made it clear they will continue Cakewalk free version and also continue to bug fix, just no improvements or new features.

[@AudioTechTV]

By made it clear you mean they originally said that they will continue to provide maintenance to Cakewalk by Bandlab until Cakewalk Sonar becomes publicly available. Then yes they've made it clear. They did say that existing users will be able to continue to use it for as long as they like though. They also said this before: Will Cakewalk by BandLab be discontinued? Yes, eventually. We will continue providing community support and maintenance for Cakewalk by BandLab until Cakewalk Sonar becomes publicly available. At some point after the release of Sonar, Cakewalk by BandLab will no longer be supported. Note that existing Cakewalk by BandLab users will be able to continue using the software after the release of Cakewalk Sonar. In the meantime, Cakewalk by BandLab continues to be available. Now recently they have changed the wording but it still isn't what I would call "clear". It now says "Cakewalk by Bandlab will continue to be free without subscription" but this is in reference to the current state of Sonar as Sonar is still only available to members as "Early Access" which is more like a public beta before official release. So I wouldn't say they've made it clear that CBB will continue to be free to download and install after the public release of Sonar. I hope it remains free to new and existing users. It's an excellent program which is why I recommended it in this video.

[@JohnDaubSuperfan369]

They're all free if you know where to look, however, none of them will make you a better musician. Those who can, can in Audacity if they must.

[@AudioTechTV]

Because you steal something doesn’t mean that it’s free. I’m not sure who claims that a DAW will make you a better musician, it’s recording and mixing software. The one thing that it can improve is timing though.

[@oldgoatroper7030]

FYI -- Cakewalk just released another update for the free version -- Nov 28/24

[@AudioTechTV]

I noticed that. They still haven't fully released the two new DAWs and they said they will continue to provide updates to CBB until those other ones are both released to the public so I guess we're still getting updates.

[@L_U_F_T_K_R_A_F_T]

Wasn't able to install VSTs in Traction WF 👎👎 Reaper: 👍👍

[@truefanto3x807]

There's a hack for the audio playback limitation in waveform free, just switch on the waveform pro demo mode then turn on the playback reset option then reload waveform free

[@AudioTechTV]

It will work for a project that you create while in the pro demo but won’t work in new projects after the demo ends. Unless this has changed. But I tried it before and it only worked for the projects that I created while in Pro.

[@truefanto3x807]

@@AudioTechTV it does im still doing it bruv xD i got lucky maybe

[@LittleJoeSBB]

Looking for the easiest and cheapest to record for podcasting?!

[@AudioTechTV]

Audacity

[@ctstump9383]

Luna Is NOT ready... to many crashes not ready for serious MIDI work and the native plugins are resource hogs.. Please wait until it's out of beta.

[@MikeFromDownUnder]

Pro Tools? Really? I disagree, man. I'd steer clear of it.

[@ebelix991]

👍

[@AudioTechTV]

Thank you for watching. Keep creating! 👊👍

[@ELLIOT8209]

Studio One is out here trying to milk it's loyal customers. Letting "3rd party" programmers or friends use their platform and sell products separately. Collusion. Now the yearly $150 upgrades. It's a dirty game they are playing

[@peevee605]

Studio One sucks and their support is even worse. They wrecked my PC with their advice. Hell freezes over before I use their shit again. Fire the snowflakes in your support, bitches.

[@bartholomeusclever]

I was expection to see a mention of Studio One here ... and I didn't get disappointed

[@wrightproductionsuk8318]

If you want to spend the rest of your life trying to setup a DAW use pro tools intro.... Total time waster.

[@nomadptgalexandrecarvalho2133]

Easy pizzi my dude.