8 Best Recording Software in 2023
Cubase is a great choice for any music producer. It offers a number of features that can help you create professional-quality recordings.
It’s also an intuitive and easy-to-use program that allows you to mix tracks in an efficient manner. It even comes with features like MixConsole History that can help you save time in the mixing process.
1. Cubase
Cubase is a software application that allows you to record, edit, and create music. It can be used by both amateur and professional musicians. It comes in several different versions, including Cubase Pro, Artist and Elements.
Cubase has a lot of features that make it one of the best audio recording software. It can help you create different types of sounds, including virtual instruments, effects and sound processors. It also has a range of VST plug-ins that can be used to enhance your recordings.
The latest version of the Cubase software includes many new features that are aimed at making it easier to use and improve your workflow. Some of these features include a redesigned interface and an improved audio engine.
Another feature that is useful is the MIDI Editor, which lets you change your MIDI notes easily. It also supports the latest MIDI controllers and keyboards.
Cubase 12 Pro also adds Chord Track, which can convert your audio files into MIDI data. This is great for writing chord progressions quickly. It also blurs the borders between audio and MIDI, making it easier to adapt your recordings as inspiration strikes.
2. Studio One
PreSonus Studio One is a professional-grade recording software that’s packed with features and has a minimalist design. It is a great choice for beginner producers who are looking for a simple and fast way to produce music.
The software is available in three versions – Artist, Producer and Professional. All are based on ease of use at the core, but they also allow you to connect with the world through third-party plug-ins and hardware controllers.
Another feature that sets it apart from other DAWs is the Project page, which allows you to organize your mixdowns into cohesive sounding albums. This is a massive time saver, especially for composers working on film or video games.
In version 5 and beyond, Studio One also introduces the Show page, which is a streamlined interface for mixing and automating performance. This can be useful for stage productions, where you’ll need to have a mixdown of different songs with stacked FX on them to make a seamless show.
The spectral analyser is also a huge plus point, as it provides a great set of visual modes for EQing and displaying frequency ranges for different parts of the song. This is a great addition that will help you overcome any EQ problems with your track against a reference.
3. Waveform Pro
Unlike most digital audio workstations (DAWs) that try to appeal to multiple user groups, Waveform Pro is designed specifically for musicians and focuses on their needs. This approach allows Waveform to be surprisingly intuitive and creative.
The software comes with an impressive sampler/synthesizer called Collective that generates a vast array of useful sounds covering every musical genre. Over 600 presets make it easy to get started and plenty of parameters on hand enable you to shape your own unique sounds.
It also offers a powerful ‘racks’ environment that lets you freely route your audio, MIDI and modifier tools. The modular approach makes it easy to build limitless DSP chains and save/recall them as presets.
As with any DAW, sound processing is another important element in the composition process. With Waveform Pro you have access to a huge range of pro grade effects ranging from shimmering reverbs and surgical EQ’s to creative delays and transparent dynamics.
It is also worth noting that a re-worked audio engine dramatically boosts CPU performance and enables many new audio enhancements including podcast and dialogue editing tools. It also includes a low latency Dual Guitar IR plug-in and six handy utility plugins to further increase the software’s capabilities.
4. Tracktion
Founded in 2002 and afforded a rebirth by its original developer in 2013, Tracktion has been a longtime favorite of many music producers. It is a cross-platform DAW for recording audio and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).
Tracktion Waveform Pro offers a powerful set of features, with a user interface that is easy to navigate. In addition, the software is available at a reasonable price, making it a popular choice for both novice and professional musicians.
Another feature that sets Tracktion apart is its ability to freeze tracks. It can be a quick and convenient way to bounce a track, but it can also be a great tool for editing.
While most DAWs give you the option of freezing individual effects, only Tracktion lets you freeze part of a track. It’s a great tool for mixing, especially in the early stages of a project.
Tracktion also makes it easy to create a bus with tracks that have a common volume control. A simple track folder can be used for this purpose, but a more sophisticated option is to use a “rack” like you would in other DAWs. Racks can have complex filter chains and can be recalled to use later in your workflow.
5. iZotope
The iZotope product lineup consists of a diverse set of plugins for music, film, and video editing. It offers a wide range of tools for post production, as well as audio restoration.
iZotope RX is the industry standard for audio repair and restoration, with a suite of tools designed to help alleviate common audio issues and turn problematic recordings into production-ready tracks. There are two versions of RX: Elements and Standard, with Elements focusing on the core features most users need while Standard offers more creative control over audio.
Insight 2 is a versatile metering tool that shows all of the critical audio metrics you need at a glance, including peak level, loudness, and more. The resizable UI is simple to navigate, and the individual meter modules are easy to understand.
iZotope has been an innovator in the field of audio editing and mastering for years, delivering plug-ins that give users a futuristic approach to mixing and creating. Their latest products, such as Neutron and Ozone 10, are packed with innovative processing that can help you take your audio to new levels.
6. Sonar
Sonar is a web-based software that helps in creating and monitoring code quality. It also ensures that the code is clean and maintainable. It is integrated with many code repositories, such as GitHub, GitLab, and BitBucket.
It provides code quality metrics and history, enabling you to compare your current version with past versions of the same project. This gives you a better understanding of how your team’s work affects the overall health of the codebase.
Moreover, it allows you to track code smells and fix technical debt. This prevents your team from making blind changes that can have unforeseen consequences.
The Sonar platform has a clean interface, designed for easy access from any browser. It also includes a project dashboard that presents important quality metrics in a concise way, highlighting sections that require attention.
It also has an automated quality gate that will fail the pipeline when it detects code that does not meet the desired standards. This makes it easy to avoid blind changes that can impact your team’s work and lead to a bad experience for customers.
7. Pro Tools First
Pro Tools First is a lighter version of Avid’s industry-standard digital audio workstation (DAW). It is aimed at emerging producers and is free to download and use.
It offers up to 16 audio, MIDI, and aux tracks for recording and mixing. It also supports up to four inputs for playing back recorded material.
However, Pro Tools First is limited in many ways compared to the paid versions. For example, it lacks virtual instruments and only allows you to record up to 16 audio or MIDI tracks.
Additionally, it does not have any advanced features like revision history or track freeze. This means that it is not as flexible or efficient for larger projects.
Pro Tools First is a great choice for beginners who want to start recording music with little investment and get a feel for the program before upgrading to a more advanced edition. The program does not require a powerful computer and has many features that are easy to learn. It also has a good range of plugins and effects that will help you produce high-quality recordings.
8. Nuendo
Steinberg’s Nuendo was launched over a year ago, aiming to take on Digidesign’s Pro Tools with a PC-based solution for audio post-production and surround sound work. The program combines professional recording, editing and mixing features with support for VR and games production, as well as advanced sound design.
Nuendo 12 is an upgrade to the existing software, and brings with it a host of new features and improvements. These include a clear focus on speech — the most important element of voice overs, dubbing and dialogue for film, television and games.
In addition, the twelfth version of the program adds new dialogue recording and editing features, as well as headphone-based binaural mixes for Dolby Atmos content. It also includes a range of professional metering plug-ins to ensure that content is broadcast with the best possible audio quality.
As well as the new features and improvements, Nuendo 12 improves workflow and productivity. It supports MIDI over Bluetooth in Windows and native Apple Silicon support for Mac computers (when available). The resulting enhanced plug-and-play functionality and ability to handle multiple identical connected devices more efficiently is likely to appeal to many users.
8 Best Recording Software in 2023
Cubase is a great choice for any music producer. It offers a number of features that can help you create professional-quality recordings.
It’s also an intuitive and easy-to-use program that allows you to mix tracks in an efficient manner. It even comes with features like MixConsole History that can help you save time in the mixing process.
1. Cubase
Cubase is a software application that allows you to record, edit, and create music. It can be used by both amateur and professional musicians. It comes in several different versions, including Cubase Pro, Artist and Elements.
Cubase has a lot of features that make it one of the best audio recording software. It can help you create different types of sounds, including virtual instruments, effects and sound processors. It also has a range of VST plug-ins that can be used to enhance your recordings.
The latest version of the Cubase software includes many new features that are aimed at making it easier to use and improve your workflow. Some of these features include a redesigned interface and an improved audio engine.
Another feature that is useful is the MIDI Editor, which lets you change your MIDI notes easily. It also supports the latest MIDI controllers and keyboards.
Cubase 12 Pro also adds Chord Track, which can convert your audio files into MIDI data. This is great for writing chord progressions quickly. It also blurs the borders between audio and MIDI, making it easier to adapt your recordings as inspiration strikes.
2. Studio One
PreSonus Studio One is a professional-grade recording software that’s packed with features and has a minimalist design. It is a great choice for beginner producers who are looking for a simple and fast way to produce music.
The software is available in three versions – Artist, Producer and Professional. All are based on ease of use at the core, but they also allow you to connect with the world through third-party plug-ins and hardware controllers.
Another feature that sets it apart from other DAWs is the Project page, which allows you to organize your mixdowns into cohesive sounding albums. This is a massive time saver, especially for composers working on film or video games.
In version 5 and beyond, Studio One also introduces the Show page, which is a streamlined interface for mixing and automating performance. This can be useful for stage productions, where you’ll need to have a mixdown of different songs with stacked FX on them to make a seamless show.
The spectral analyser is also a huge plus point, as it provides a great set of visual modes for EQing and displaying frequency ranges for different parts of the song. This is a great addition that will help you overcome any EQ problems with your track against a reference.
3. Waveform Pro
Unlike most digital audio workstations (DAWs) that try to appeal to multiple user groups, Waveform Pro is designed specifically for musicians and focuses on their needs. This approach allows Waveform to be surprisingly intuitive and creative.
The software comes with an impressive sampler/synthesizer called Collective that generates a vast array of useful sounds covering every musical genre. Over 600 presets make it easy to get started and plenty of parameters on hand enable you to shape your own unique sounds.
It also offers a powerful ‘racks’ environment that lets you freely route your audio, MIDI and modifier tools. The modular approach makes it easy to build limitless DSP chains and save/recall them as presets.
As with any DAW, sound processing is another important element in the composition process. With Waveform Pro you have access to a huge range of pro grade effects ranging from shimmering reverbs and surgical EQ’s to creative delays and transparent dynamics.
It is also worth noting that a re-worked audio engine dramatically boosts CPU performance and enables many new audio enhancements including podcast and dialogue editing tools. It also includes a low latency Dual Guitar IR plug-in and six handy utility plugins to further increase the software’s capabilities.
4. Tracktion
Founded in 2002 and afforded a rebirth by its original developer in 2013, Tracktion has been a longtime favorite of many music producers. It is a cross-platform DAW for recording audio and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).
Tracktion Waveform Pro offers a powerful set of features, with a user interface that is easy to navigate. In addition, the software is available at a reasonable price, making it a popular choice for both novice and professional musicians.
Another feature that sets Tracktion apart is its ability to freeze tracks. It can be a quick and convenient way to bounce a track, but it can also be a great tool for editing.
While most DAWs give you the option of freezing individual effects, only Tracktion lets you freeze part of a track. It’s a great tool for mixing, especially in the early stages of a project.
Tracktion also makes it easy to create a bus with tracks that have a common volume control. A simple track folder can be used for this purpose, but a more sophisticated option is to use a “rack” like you would in other DAWs. Racks can have complex filter chains and can be recalled to use later in your workflow.
5. iZotope
The iZotope product lineup consists of a diverse set of plugins for music, film, and video editing. It offers a wide range of tools for post production, as well as audio restoration.
iZotope RX is the industry standard for audio repair and restoration, with a suite of tools designed to help alleviate common audio issues and turn problematic recordings into production-ready tracks. There are two versions of RX: Elements and Standard, with Elements focusing on the core features most users need while Standard offers more creative control over audio.
Insight 2 is a versatile metering tool that shows all of the critical audio metrics you need at a glance, including peak level, loudness, and more. The resizable UI is simple to navigate, and the individual meter modules are easy to understand.
iZotope has been an innovator in the field of audio editing and mastering for years, delivering plug-ins that give users a futuristic approach to mixing and creating. Their latest products, such as Neutron and Ozone 10, are packed with innovative processing that can help you take your audio to new levels.
6. Sonar
Sonar is a web-based software that helps in creating and monitoring code quality. It also ensures that the code is clean and maintainable. It is integrated with many code repositories, such as GitHub, GitLab, and BitBucket.
It provides code quality metrics and history, enabling you to compare your current version with past versions of the same project. This gives you a better understanding of how your team’s work affects the overall health of the codebase.
Moreover, it allows you to track code smells and fix technical debt. This prevents your team from making blind changes that can have unforeseen consequences.
The Sonar platform has a clean interface, designed for easy access from any browser. It also includes a project dashboard that presents important quality metrics in a concise way, highlighting sections that require attention.
It also has an automated quality gate that will fail the pipeline when it detects code that does not meet the desired standards. This makes it easy to avoid blind changes that can impact your team’s work and lead to a bad experience for customers.
7. Pro Tools First
Pro Tools First is a lighter version of Avid’s industry-standard digital audio workstation (DAW). It is aimed at emerging producers and is free to download and use.
It offers up to 16 audio, MIDI, and aux tracks for recording and mixing. It also supports up to four inputs for playing back recorded material.
However, Pro Tools First is limited in many ways compared to the paid versions. For example, it lacks virtual instruments and only allows you to record up to 16 audio or MIDI tracks.
Additionally, it does not have any advanced features like revision history or track freeze. This means that it is not as flexible or efficient for larger projects.
Pro Tools First is a great choice for beginners who want to start recording music with little investment and get a feel for the program before upgrading to a more advanced edition. The program does not require a powerful computer and has many features that are easy to learn. It also has a good range of plugins and effects that will help you produce high-quality recordings.
8. Nuendo
Steinberg’s Nuendo was launched over a year ago, aiming to take on Digidesign’s Pro Tools with a PC-based solution for audio post-production and surround sound work. The program combines professional recording, editing and mixing features with support for VR and games production, as well as advanced sound design.
Nuendo 12 is an upgrade to the existing software, and brings with it a host of new features and improvements. These include a clear focus on speech — the most important element of voice overs, dubbing and dialogue for film, television and games.
In addition, the twelfth version of the program adds new dialogue recording and editing features, as well as headphone-based binaural mixes for Dolby Atmos content. It also includes a range of professional metering plug-ins to ensure that content is broadcast with the best possible audio quality.
As well as the new features and improvements, Nuendo 12 improves workflow and productivity. It supports MIDI over Bluetooth in Windows and native Apple Silicon support for Mac computers (when available). The resulting enhanced plug-and-play functionality and ability to handle multiple identical connected devices more efficiently is likely to appeal to many users.
