You can purchase Ableton Live for EUR 79, but I would get to know it better first using their 30 day free trial. It offers a suite of controls for beat-matching, cross-fading, and other effects used by turntablists, and was one of the first music applications to automatically beat-match songs.įor a more in depth introduction of the new version of Ableton 10 check out this recent review in Sound on Sound. This software is unique in the sense that it is perfect for mixing together live and DJ sets, hence the name Live. It is not only a perfect recording and production software, it turns your laptop into an instrument. This DAW can immediately make anyone look and sound like a professional. Ableton's aim is to make the music-making process as smooth as possible and indeed they have done just that. I find that whilst using Ableton I’m clicking the mouse less than with any other DAW. It is the most user friendly DAW I have ever used, it's processes are incredibly easy to learn, and they even seem intuitive. To begin with, Ableton Live is my absolute favourite DAW of all time. Amongst all of the affordable DAW's available today here are the four that I started out with and I consider good for beginners, but also for professionals. The difference between different DAW's is going to be functionality, ease of workflow, and special features such as certain types of VST plug-ins and specific live programming possibilities. When working with sound wave files in a digital format the basic conditions, attributes and logistics are identical no matter what program you use. It is best to use a simple and easy to manage DAW to learn and develop one's skills before investing in anything more complex.ĭAW's today are relatively all the same, with slightly different appearances in layout but they basically all function the same way. An expensive one with every feature imaginable is not necessarily going to be especially useful for someone starting out.

In all honesty though, the best option as a beginner is to go for an affordable or free DAW.

Fortunately when it comes to digital audio workstations (DAW) there really are more than enough to choose from, with a range of prices suitable for all budgets. Every recording artist and producer starting out these days will want to be working from their own computer, in their own home studio, using a recording software that works best for their own interests, preferences and style.

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