Producing Music On A Mac

The Best Macs for Music Production. Here is our list of the best Macs for music-making: 27-inch 5K iMac—the best choice for music production. The new 2019 hardware makes the 27-inch 5K iMac our top pick for your home studio. You can customize its RAM up to 64GB. The advanced processor lets you use all the features of pro audio editing apps. Live Loops For spontaneous composition. Live Loops is a dynamic way to create and arrange music. His main music production software is Apple's Logic Pro X but of course with a few plugins like Serum and Massive. He also uses this other software known as Ozone Izotope which helps him master his sound. This basically means getting to the highest volume level that doesn't hurt your ear and is still crystal clear. And that sounds important! Download this app from Microsoft Store for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10 Team (Surface Hub), HoloLens. See screenshots, read the latest customer reviews, and compare ratings for Music Maker Jam.

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/

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.

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/

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.

Turn your pc to mac. 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. Microsoft student download mac. 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

Mac Tips

Best Mac For Producing Music

Music-making does not require renting studios to record your tracks—all you need is your home laptop to apply the desired effects to polish tracks. But before this, learn which Apple computers are the best ones to record music.

Musicians prefer Macs, and for several reasons—high-quality music production is one of them. In this article, we'll cover the main aspects you should consider when choosing the best Mac for music production and give our recommendations on important models specs.

In a nutshell, we believe the top three of the best Macs for music production 2020 are:

• 27-inch 5K iMac—the best choice for music production
• 16-inch MacBook Pro—the best portable laptop
• Mac mini—the best budget Mac

Read further to find out why these models are the best computers for creating music!

What's Best for Musicians—Mac or PC?

Choosing between macOS and a Windows platform depends mostly on your computer preferences and your collaborators. With the fast development of technology, the PC is right behind Mac. However, it's easier to get started making music on a Mac than on a PC. We'll tell you why.

The PC standard audio drivers won't be suitable for creating music professionally. Windows users would need to install ASIO drivers for the sound card alongside other music hardware they'd like to use, for example, MIDI controllers. Windows does not provide native music software—that's why installing extra music software is essential.

On a Mac, on the contrary, fewer steps are required. You can plug in music hardware and then open GarageBand—the pre-installed app on iOS and macOS in DAW (digital audio workstation). It lets you have your music studio for recording, editing, composing, and experimenting with audio-tracks. We'll tell you more about GarageBand in this article.

Recommended system requirements

The Mac's system requirements depend on which type of music software you'd be using and the complexity of your music-making processes. The next step is to check the program's official system requirements you will run. This will help you determine the minimum required specs your Mac should have.

For music production, a Mac should have at least a 2.2Ghz i7 quad-core processor. The process determines how fast your music projects would run (and usually they are huge). Start at least with 16GB of RAM. Having less than 16 GB of RAM means using fewer instrument voices. Also, your speed will decrease.

Let's talk about storage. The amount of disk space depends on the size of the audio files you'll be working on. As a rule, professional software can use hundreds of GBs. So, for starters, Macs coming with basic 256GB SSDs may be enough. Still, you can plan to add some external storage for your Mac in the future.

Video cards have always been important for playing games and video editing. And for audio software as well. Choose a video card wisely— check which one is required by the audio software you need and if you'll have to connect any displays.

The Best Macs for Music Production

Here is our list of the best Macs for music-making:

27-inch 5K iMac—the best choice for music production

The new 2019 hardware makes the 27-inch 5K iMac our top pick for your home studio. You can customize its RAM up to 64GB. The advanced processor lets you use all the features of pro audio editing apps. The size of the Retina display is an obvious benefit. Besides, it comes with four USB 3 ports alongside with two Thunderbolt 3/USB Type C ports.

16-inch MacBook Pro—the best portable laptop

If you go on tours—the 16-inch MacBook Pro is just right for you! The basic configuration makes it powerful enough. Using the Touch Bar is useful when you record tracks and change the settings at once. Only 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg) of weight, MacBook Pro has a major advantage for musicians who are always on the road.

Mac mini—the best budget Mac

Why is the Mac mini also on the list of the best Macs for music-making? Mac mini had an update in March 2020, bringing in a 256GB SSD. Besides, it is a good choice if you're on a budget. What's great about the Mac mini is a small size, an extra audio-in port. In addition to this, you can customize it with a much more powerful processor and more RAM. But be ready to buy a keyboard, a mouse, a display to go with your Mac mini model.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Mac for Music Production

Consider these two factors when deciding on the best computer for music:

Portability

Among the first things to consider when determining which Mac to choose is to think over whether you need a desktop computer or a laptop. A laptop is the best choice for musicians who move a lot for work.

Connections Photoshop for mac free.

Using many additional instruments, such as monitors, headphones, USB instruments, and other audio interfaces, is essential. That's why a limited number of USB ports might become an issue. Do check and compare the Connections sections when reviewing Mac specifications.

Mac Music Software

Here are our 2020 picks for the best apps for music-making on a Mac:

• If you've just started producing music, GarageBand has Smart Instruments helping you create a guitar, drum, synth, and orchestral parts without knowing how to play these instruments. GarageBand version 10.3 is full of surprises. New sound effects and instrument sounds and 1000 electronic and urban loops at your disposal are just the beginning. The Artist Lessons are finally free for those craving to learn songs taught by famous artists.
• Logic Pro X is called GarageBand's 'companion' and is, in fact, Apple's professional audio software. If you're an electronic musician and want to experiment with sound, you might opt for Logic Pro X. The great news is that you can get a 90-day free trial. However, you'll need to run macOS 10.14.6 (macOS Mojave) or later. Moreover, this app is rather resource-consuming, so the best MacBook for Logic Pro X is either a 13-inch MacBook Pro or a 16-inch model.
• Ableton Live 10 makes your DJ experience smooth. Being a DAW it offers empowered MIDI sequencing hardware and software. With this app working on MIDI controllers is hustle-free now.
• PreSonus Studio One 4 Prime is for you if you're still deciding whether you're just at the beginning of your music-making career. It is free! A perfect app to start creating music with. Being a full-scale digital studio, it offers the Artist and Pro editions and an improved drum editor to make your instrument editing workflow easier.
• Cakewalk SONAR Mac Prototype is another free app used to be available on Windows only. However, now it can be installed on a Mac too.

How to Prepare your Mac for Music Recording?

Music Production Mac Or Pc

Recording music does sound like a high-load process for your Mac. Full storage, apps responding longer than usual, or a spinning wheel on your screen may slow you down. So how to get back to productive work?

For starters, it's always a good idea to clean RAM. The rule applies—the more memory available, the faster your Mac should run. Memory Cleaner feature in MacKeeper frees up RAM with just a few clicks and lets you know which apps may be eating up memory without you even knowing it.

Another thing that may hamper music recording is the lack of free space. Music-making requires some extra gigabytes at hand, so you can use such MacKeeper tools as Safe Cleanup and Duplicates Finder to scan your Mac for old copies of files, caches, or apps leftovers and safely remove them.

***

We hope our guide helped you choose the proper computer for music-making. Now go and grab your instrument or mic, plug it into your new Mac, and get rockin'!