Best Apps For Musicians Mac
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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.
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.
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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
I was recently celebrating the festival of kites where everyone gathers on rooftops of their houses to fly kites. But then due to a sudden power outage, the speakers went silent. While we were looking for ways to bring back the music, someone started playing songs on his smartphone, but the volume wasn’t loud enough. We then tried to press the play button on all of our smartphones at the same time, hoping hopelessly to amplify the effect! That’s when I started looking for music sync apps to stream music to multiple devices at the same time. In this article, we’d explore all the music sync apps. Let’s begin.
Read: 7 Legal Websites to Get Free Music Downloads
Music Sync Apps
Thankfully, there are a handful of apps on Play Store that will help you sync and stream music across a number of mobile devices, to amplify the effect. But many of these music syncing apps for Android and iOS are either filled with ads or don’t work at all. Fret not because we did the hard work for you and found the best apps to turn a few phones into a sound system.
1. Rave
Rave is a social music player app that was built on the idea that it’s more fun when you watch or listen to content with your friends. As such, you can use Rave on Android and iOS to watch and listen to videos on YouTube.
Rave also supports other media streaming web properties like Netflix and cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive. A lot of people use cloud storage to save music, so you can now stream that music with your friends to create a speaker system.
Rave also comes with a built-in messaging system so you can chat with your friends, or the DJ, in real-time. It comes with audio support which means you can hold a karaoke night, and sing along to the tunes of the song for others to hear.
Rave comes with a contacts section so you can send invites to friends who are not on the platform yet. It also supports Vimeo in case you use that to stream music. We have covered the app in more detail here.
Verdict: Rave is an amazing cross-platform music sync app that will allow you to sync and stream music from YouTube, Vimeo, and cloud storage. If you are using SoundCloud, Spotify, or something else, this is not for you.
Download Rave (Android iOS)
2. JQBX
Best Apps For Musicians Mac 2016
If all you want is to listen to Spotify in sync with your remote friend, then check out JQBX. It not only syncs music like other apps on the list but also has a desktop (Mac) and a web client. So, if your partner is working on their computer while you are out and about, you can still connect on the same song.
You can either create a new music room or join an existing one. There is also an option to chat with existing members. JQBX is free to use but unfortunately, it works with Spotify Premium account only and no Windows client.
Download JQBX (Android iOS Web Mac)
3. SoundSeeder
SoundSeeder is one of the best music sync apps for streaming tracks together. Now that I have got that out of the way, let’s see why you should use it to sync music. SoundSeeder supports Google Play Music, comes with DLNA, UPnP, and HTTP stream support. What that means is that you can enter the URL of any song to play it on multiple devices. Soundseeder can also play music from local storage, however, it can’t detect any music available on your external SD card, only the internal.
One of the highlights is the ability to sync and stream music on up to 16 devices at once. That’s insane and cool. The Android-only app will allow you to stream music from soundcards and USB devices using the AUX cables. This really opens up a host of possibilities to use the app in new ways.
Instead of Bluetooth, SoundSeeder uses WiFi direct, i.e. it connects both phones via the Android’s portable hotspot feature. This is why the app will only work when all devices are connected to the same WiFi network. I wish it supported iOS and web.
You can control music, playback, and song selection from the host device without having to touch the other devices. There is a sync button on the top right in case you feel sync is not perfect. That resyncs automatically in the background and you can set its frequency.
The app is ad-supported and the free version will allow you to connect up to 2 devices for a max duration of 15 minutes. The pro version will cost you $4.49 and is totally worth it.
Verdict: SoundSeeder is feature-packed, and works exactly as advertised but all your friends must carry an Android mobile if you are planning to use it. The design is more utilitarian than intuitive. If you are not a geek, you might have a hard time using the app at first. Not to forget it’s paid.
Download SoundSeeder (Android)
4. AmpMe
AmpMe shines where SoundSeeder falls short. While it’s not as feature-packed as SoundSeeder, it definitely is easy to use and comes with neat UI.
To get started, simply download and log in using Google or Facebook account. I suggest using Google because AmpMe also supports YouTube. Next, you can create a party which then your friends and people nearby you can join. Even total strangers can join you in the fun. There is an inbuilt chat feature that will allow you to communicate with the person who is hosting the party. Ask him/her to play your favorite song. You are officially a DJ now.
You can play songs from YouTube and Spotify in addition to the local media storage. Between these two services, you will find every song you ever wanted to hear. There is also video support so everyone will watch the same YouTube video that you are watching.
Because social is a big part of AmpMe, you can join parties from around the world and listen to what others are listening to. This is a good way to discover new regional music. You can connect to a nearby Bluetooth speaker to amplify the sound even more.
The popular music sync app is totally free with no ads to annoy you. Just open the app and start amplifying. It uses a proprietary tech called “server-centric proprietary audio matching technology”. That’s a rather long name but no need for Bluetooth or LAN.
Verdict: AmpMe is clearly the best and one of the finest music sync apps for streaming music to multiple devices at the same time. It supports YouTube and Spotify and is available for both iOS and Android platforms.
Download AmpMe (Android iOS)
5. Chorus
Chorus is another music sync and streaming app that is completely free with no ads whatsoever. That’s generous on part of the developer. You can connect to other Android phones using a local WiFi network or hotspot and then sync and play the same music at the same time. The app supports gapless playback and you can sync again if things go out of hand.
There is also an automatic sync feature that works in the background so you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Chorus has a beautiful and functional UI that works nicely but occasionally, throws a hiccup here and there. For the most part, it’s an awesome app. Note that the song will restart and play from the beginning when you resync manually. The only drawback is that it works with locally stored files only.
Download Chorus (Android)
6. Vertigo Music
Vertigo is a serious AmpMe competitor. You can create a channel and then broadcast your favorite tracks around the world. Anyone and everyone can join in the fun and listen to what you are listening too in no time. You can easily create a playlist and share upcoming tracks too.
There is a discussion section where you can communicate with the world and take part in discussions pertaining to the music track playing. The best thing about Vertigo Music is that it supports two of the most popular music streaming services namely Spotify and Apple Music and more. Use it to listen to the same track, sync music, and stream it either in the same room or in different corners of the world.
It is completely free with no ads.
Download Vertigo Music (iOS)
Which is the best Music Sync App?
AmpMe and SoundSeeder are the two most popular music syncing and streaming apps out there and have similar features such as playing songs from local storage and popular music streaming services but SoundSeeder is only available on Android devices, whereas AmpMe is also available on iOS. In my opinion, SoundSeeder is for geeks or advanced users while AmpMe is more suited for beginners. Whereas, if you are looking to sync YouTube video, Rave would be a better choice. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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