All new Mac computers for sale come standard with a free copy of the powerful ones software GarageBand music production with no active program. However, if you feel like you are trying simple methods or systems, then you should know that there are some great alternatives.
In this article, we bring you a 10-part analysis of the best music-creating apps for Mac music, as well as specifications, key details and download links of all, some of which are free or give you some time to experiment and see its potential.
You can check this again A comprehensive report on where we offer you a MacBook for purchase.
Logic Pro X
- Price: € 229.99
- Download: Mac App Store
- Features: If it turns out that GarageBand isn't strong enough to fulfill your needs, upgrade to this suite First-rate music should be among your top priorities.
Logic Pro X is a software inspiring a professional recording studio including all types of musical instruments, as well as a comprehensive library of libraries, compilers and audio tools.
Some of them make their acquisition the advantage of having a broader set of results such as Smart Tempo, Phat FX, Step FX, ChromaVerb and the recently installed Vintage EQ, reinforcing what was already a huge contribution.
With Logic Pro X it is possible to record up to 255 tracks used per build, with the ability to put multiple tracks at once and several effects can be added and edited while playing the track.
Editing functions can be somewhat sophisticated in some way, but you have to know that they have great potential, allowing you to control MIDI patterns and various aspects of audio tracks. It is also possible to rotate changes on the fly.
There's also a Flex Pitch, which is the default type that lets you adjust any spherical vocalist or guitar solo. Flex Time can solve any running time problem.
Easy to use: GarageBand and Logic share the same experience so if you like the design and approach of the free version, you'll feel at home if you prefer the older version of your brother. Some advanced functions are initially hidden for administrative purposes, but a few clicks are required to use them.
Owners of MacBook Pro devices with the Touch Bar will see that the touch bar is a blessing, giving it the ability to control various aspects of the program, as well as using it to play specific visual tools.
Logic allows you to use the iPad as an additional control point. In addition, Apple offers the option for iPad and iPhone users to upload Logic files to iCloud and add them when they're not home using GarageBand's iOS version.
Supported Formats: AAF, OMF, Open TL and XML (Final Cut Pro). In addition to AIFF, WAV, CAF, SDII, MP3, MP4 and MIDI output options.
Supported add-ons: Yes, even though it should be 64 bits.
Hardware Third-party: The Core-Audio device is compatible just as it is with MIDI controllers and various control tables.
Presonus Studio One 4 Prime
- Price: Free (Professional Version: € 399.30)
- Download: Presonus
- Features: The Studio One range has gained a good reputation as such software Creating music among professional users. Now, in its fourth edition, Studio One is available in three different levels: Free, Studio One 4 Artist and Studio Studio 4 Professional.
The free version of Prime is a fully functional package that offers audio tracks, MIDI tracks, and some limited effects. They are integrated with various samples, loops and new metal organizer.
The paid versions add a host of advanced options and content, including the newly installed chord detector and a powerful Sample One XT monitor. However, as an alternative to GarageBand, Studio One Prime is a great place to start especially if you're a beginner in the music world.
The drawback of the free version is that it's not compatible with third-party add-ons like AU, VST2, VST3 and Rewire, which reduce its chances.
However, if you are willing to buy its latest versions, Studio One offers a complete suite of today that can compete with many features offered by its main competitors.
Easy to use: The design of the Studio One presentation is modern, clean and easy to use. It's very similar to Logic and GarageBand, with a black palette with similar functions.
The goal is to make everything work on the big screen, so that pop-up windows are hidden behind one another and do not confuse, keeping things simple. This means software Works well on large screens.
Supported Formats: A comprehensive list, encoding and standard MP3 editing for all versions.
Third party additions: Not applicable to free Prime Edition
Hardware Third-party: Core Audio-compatible audio connection, Mackie integration with MIDI controllers.
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Ableton Live 10
- Price: € 79
- Download: Ableton (free trial available)
- Features: While most of the applications are part of this DAW (digital audio workstation) article, Ableton Live turns out to be a different option.
And while most musical recording and mixing systems are in order, they have a timeline, Ableton has this option, except for a second method called Session, which allows you to create short music clips for later use.
Since you have a clip, you may have tried the composition and the riffs. If you are satisfied with the various components that make up a project, you can press the global recording button and make the clips live, usually using a MIDI controller.
It takes time to understand this concept, because you are actually a DJ of your own music, but when you use it it is very encouraging.
Easy to use: Ableton Live is almost like playing a new instrument, so the learning curve can be tiring. Under normal circumstances, you will also need to invest in some kind of control device, but you can set the computer keyboard to work on various clips.
He software It has a large number of sample creation modules and sample libraries, as well as new real-time editing controls. By now once you have mastered the controls, you can generate new ones like a concert with your computer.
Supported Formats: WAV, AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis and FLAC.
Plugins from third parties: VSTs, audio units, ReWire.
Hardware from third parties: MIDI controllers, Ableton (Push) control table.
Cubase Elements 9.5
- Price: € 99.99
- Download: Steinberg
- Features: One of suite Unbreakable in composing music on the computer is Cubase's platform, which for many years has given artists great creative tools.
Those wishing to try out their creativity without having to distribute money can do so with the Elements 9.5 package as a preliminary application.
Elements come with many features that make your older brother one of the best known. Its integrated programming tools and mixing tools provide the user with an impressive number of controls, including over forty audio processors.
It is also possible to simultaneously play 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, providing the widest audio pattern you can play.
Easy to use: Steinberg has created a series of video tutorials to help newcomers adapt to the complexities of Elements 9.5. Cubase remains a strong product for newcomers to digital music. If you are already familiar with these programs, you will surely find an important update to the Cubase option.
Supported Formats: WAV, AIFC, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, Wave64.
Plugins from third parties: VST and ReWire.
Hardware Third-party: ASIO, MIDI and Mackie devices.
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GarageBand for Mac
- Price: It's free
- Download: Mac App Store
- Features: For years, GarageBand has made it possible for many users to record their songs without their knowledge software tables are advanced and interactive, using a simple and accessible interface.
The most recent versions of GarageBand are aligned with Logic Pro X in terms of style, while producing impressive features such as the ability to emulate drums alongside other songs, reducing hours of MIDI programming.
The included amplifier amplifiers make the recording of the rhythm (both six strings and bass) very simple, while the richness of the loops incorporates new instrument samples and sounds, providing technical assistance to the songs.
Easy to use: GarageBand's good design and lack of control options make it an ideal solution for all beginners to make their first steps.
The instruments have simple management presentations, while the menus are organized in such a way that you can feel lost between many buttons.
It lacks some useful editing functions, such as crosscutting and podcasts, but there are resources to help create songs with high audio quality. It can show you a new tool with practical lessons available in the program.
Supported Formats: AIFF, CAF, WAV, AAC (without protecting AAC files), Apple Lossless, MIDI and MP3. 64 bits
Third-party supported plugins: Audio units.
Hardware Third-party: Core Audio Devices and MIDI Controllers.
Reason 10 Intro
- Price: € 79
- Download: Reason 10 Intro
- Features: Reason 10 is one of the most popular music platforms created by music composers, but on the basis that they sell it for € 349. We want your younger brother Reason 10 Intro as an alternative to GarageBand.
This reduced edition proves to be more impactful and is undoubtedly a great place to start to become familiar with the tools offered by the full version.
Synthesizers are displayed in a format rack and each comes with their own specific diaries and sliders that are naturally analog. It is also possible to rotate the rack and mount the optical cables to maintain the look of the analog connector.
Leaving aside the design element, it provides effects that can turn sound into an attractive new composition and allow you to create new patterns for different music. In fact, version 10 Intro has 10 instruments, 11 effects, 16 audio tracks and MIDI recordings, and a large set of editing functions.
Easy to use: There is no doubt that, as in most of the programs analyzed here, you have a way of learning. However, Reason 10 Intro takes one of the best scores with Ableton Live, as it's fun and amazing for the results you can create.
Paying attention to the fact that the MIDI controller is a useful accessory in this suite, since many features remain in this section.
Supported formats: AIFF, WAV, REX.
Third-party add-ons: Rack extensions for the reason and VST
Hardware Third-party: Almost any MIDI controller.
Audacity
- Price: It's free
- Download: Audacity
- Features: Although GarageBand is backed by Apple to become the most widely used operating system among Apple users, Audacity has been able to gain support as the open source project was built and maintained by volunteers who keep the tool out of the way.
At first it may seem like a basic product that you can't do for large projects. After the first hours of use, you look at the possibility of achieving amazing results.
In addition to the usual recording and editing functions that can be expected, there are ways to record multiple channels at once, add shortcuts and record an existing track, for example, to achieve an understandable or single voice harmony.
Advanced tools such as sound removal function also allow you to test any hum or background effects and apply filters to a specific track.
Another exciting function is the ability to change the tone of a track without changing the tempo (and vice versa), as well as a good number of built-in effects that can be used in recording.
Easy to use: Audacity is powerful, but its interaction is certainly unpleasant. Undoubtedly it can be your biggest problem when facing competitive solutions. While GarageBand is clean and clear, clean and has a modern design, Audacity is very similar to a built-in and developer program.
Some menus and buttons are confusing, at first glance that can be pushed back. Once you get used to its supernatural nature, things make sense and you can produce more complex tasks.
Supported Formats: WAV, AIFF, AU, FLAC and Ogg Vorbis. MP3, AC3, AAC and MP4 are also available for free downloads.
Plugins from third parties: LADSPA, Nyquist, VST and Audio unit.
Hardware Third-party: It has no official list, but it is known that many USB devices and microphones are working.
Harvester 5
- Price: 60 dollars (approx. € 53)
- Download: The reaper
- Features: Reaper's name is closely associated with audio production, engineering and recording. The program itself contains a comprehensive list of features by which you can create albums and projects from scratch.
Multitrack recording of live or MIDI audio signals software for adjusting the tones included in the figures. Harvesting is also possible with many customizations, with a few GUI elements available for the user to modify with new masks.
Easy to use: The clean design and reliable nature of the interface make the Reaper familiar to users. Now, let's not deceive ourselves.
You will have to spend more time getting used to the GarageBand activities you have done. This also means that success will be better once you become more aware of the environment.
In fact, Reaper Forums also has sites with advanced users that help learn advanced tactics and features, many of which also create new platform features that are shared with everyone.
Supported Formats: Virtually everything, and also something we had never heard before.
Third-party add-ons: VST3, DX, AU, ReWire, JS (user plug-ins with scripts), and others.
Hardware Third-party: Reaper's creators say they are compatible with almost any MIDI or audio interface or card.
In Lab 7
- Price: Free (UL Version: € 69)
- Download: MuTools
- Features: This is suite Production is one of the recording studio that lets you manage aspects of the process of recording, editing and mixing audio tracks.
It comes from a great understanding of the music scene, because its host was the originator of the free Cencuser sequencer that was offered for years by Computer Music magazine.
Now, in its seventh version, MuLab is focusing more on the new arrival in DAW, with a simplified user interface and simple color palette and customization functions by simply dragging and dropping.
However, this does not mean that the tools are minimalist, because both the experts and the built-in editing controls allow you to do a good job from the start.
The free version of the Mutools limits you to four compositional tracks, which are not many, but this becomes unlimited when it is updated. In fact, the free version is a test version, so if you want to record the right one, you'll need the works of the UL edition.
Easy to use: The MuLab display has received all kinds of criticism directly and indirectly, ensuring that it is easy to access the user's model due to the basic design and pop-up boxes. On the other hand are those who think that jobs are much more complicated than they should be.
Supported formats: Not listed.
Third-party add-ons: VST and ReWire.
Hardware Third-party: Not listed.
Heat
- Price: It's free
- Download: Heat
- Features: Ardor is another large project that is part of an open source team, where it provides DAW and all other track recording services at no cost.
Ardor is free and allows you to import MIDI files, using editing functions via to cross, installation, size and just about anything you need to get the best sound.
Easy to use: If you have used any type of software music before, Ardor will be very familiar. For newcomers, it is less expensive than any other program, in addition to the community also contributing to problem solving.
Supported Formats: WAV, AIFF, CAF, BWF and FLAC.
Third-party add-ons: AU and LVT.
Hardware Third-party: Several MIDI controls.
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