Which Digital Audio Workstation is the BEST for Electronic Music production?

Which Digital Audio Workstation is the BEST for Electronic Music production?

Posted by Peter White on

Selecting the Right DAW for Electronic Music Production

When it comes to electronic music production, choosing the right digital audio workstation (DAW) is crucial. The DAW is the software that will serve as your main production tool, allowing you to create, record, edit, and mix your music! With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. I've outlined some key factors in this article to help you make the right choice!

Preface: any of these DAWs is going to suit your needs. You can make world-class music with each of these tools from your bedroom. Songwriters and producers are using all of these DAWs to compose scores for major Hollywood films as well as Top 40 charting records. You can't go wrong with any choice. However, some will suit your unique creative needs better than others. With that out of the way, let's talk about the general considerations you need to make in choosing your DAW.

1. Workflow: Every DAW has its own unique workflow and interface. Different software will suit different production styles, so it's essential to find one that aligns with your creative process. Some DAWs offer a traditional recording layout (a linear progression, like sheet music), while others focus more on loop-based or MIDI sequencing workflows. You can experiment with different DAWs to see which one feels the most intuitive to you (most DAWs offer free trials), but below, we will outline the general benefits and drawbacks of some of the most popular DAWs. 


2. Features and Tools: Consider the specific features and tools that are important to your style of electronic music production. Look for capabilities such as the sequence editor (which allows you to edit the music in real-time), built-in virtual instruments (are the stock plugins good?), a solid mixing interface, effects processing, and audio manipulation such as: warping. The DAWs we cover also offer specialized features for electronic music production, such as built-in synthesizers or advanced MIDI manipulation tools.


3. Compatibility: Check the compatibility of the DAW with your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.) and the plugins or virtual instruments you plan to use. Some DAWs have limitations when it comes to third-party plugin support, so ensure that the DAW you choose can accommodate the plugins and instruments you need for your productions. I've personally found no issues with Logic Pro X and Ableton; however, I have found some glitches with FL Studio and my 24-inch iMac running on an M1 chip, across numerous OS's. So it is always best to do a little research about the DAW and match that with what you know about the computer you're using. The last thing you want to do is get a DAW that has compatibility issues with your computer (or OS) and have issues using making music. 


4. Performance and Stability: Stability and performance are crucial factors to consider. Look for a DAW that is known for its stability, consistent updates, and efficient resource management. Electronic music production often involves working with multiple tracks, effects, and plugins, so you need a DAW that can handle the demands of your projects without crashing or slowing down. The DAWs we cover are all very good with CPU, but you may also want to consider what type of computer is best for electronic music production. I'd say the decision about which computer you choose is actually more important than the DAW. Make sure you have adequate storage space (1TB SSD is a good starting point), RAM (look for 32gb, but 16gb will still suffice), and CPU (intel i7 or i9 is good). Ah, but that's a discussion for another time!


5. Community and Support: The availability of online tutorials, forums, and a supportive user community can greatly enhance your experience with a particular DAW. While some people look for a DAW with an active user base where you can find resources, troubleshooting tips, and inspiration, I think it's more important to look for YouTubers and content creators on social media--that way you have plenty of tutorials to watch. In this area Ableton, Logic, and FL Studio excel. Also, Luna is a newcomer to the industry so community and support are still building around it, so if you are looking for tutorials and support, Logic, Ableton, and FL will be a better choice.


6. Price: DAWs come at various price points, with some even offering free versions or trial periods. For instance, Ableton offers 30 days free right now. Logic, on the other hand, offer a 90-day free trial, and comes in at a relatively accessible price-point of $199 for the whole suite.

Consider your budget and what features you absolutely need. Remember that investing in a higher-end DAW can offer more advanced features and better support in the long run. Also, if you're going to throw several hundred hours into learning the DAW, you might as well invest in one you believe in from the onset. A serious music career entails thousands of dollars worth of investments. When you consider all of the components that go into a career (or even hobby): promotion, external mixing/mastering services, art design, plugins, microphones, work for hire (vocalist work), session work, etc... The couple hundred dollars you invest in a good DAW is a drop in the well in the grand scheme of things. So invest in the right DAW from the get-go. An investment of a couple hundred dollars is certainly worth it in the long run, trust me. 
Ultimately, the right DAW for electronic music production is a personal choice. Don't be afraid to try out different options and see which one fits your style and workflow the best. Again, take advantage of those free trials, which will allow you to make an informed decision ultimately. 

Alright! Now we'll be looking at: Luna, Ableton, Logic Pro, and FL Studio.

 

  • Ableton Live:

    • Ableton Live is a powerhouse among electronic music producers, renowned for its intuitive workflow and live performance capabilities. This DAW offers two main views: the Session View, perfect for live improvisation and arrangement experimentation, and the Arrangement View, ideal for linear composition. The Session view is a fantastic format for producers who want to lean into the live performance aspect of songwriting. Those who like composing beats on the fly and playing synths will love this mode.  Additionally, Ableton Live's strengths lie in its robust MIDI sequencing capabilities, innovative audio warping features, and a vast library of built-in instruments and effects. For example, Ableton's warp feature is amazing at time-stretching and detecting the BPM of a source file. To give you an example, let's say you have a Michael Jackson acapella and you have no clue what tempo it's at. Ableton's warp feature can detect the underlying BPM, and even if the BPM varies across the song (perhaps it's a variable BPM from 82bpm-84bpm) Ableton can intelligently analyze this and process it so the acapella will suit the instrumental remix you craft. Also, Ableton excels in electronic genres like EDM, techno, and experimental music. However, some users find the learning curve steep and its audio editing tools less advanced compared to other DAWs. In my opinion, the format itself can be confusing for those who prefer linear timelines (such as the timelines you see in FL Studio and Logic Pro X). However, Ableton could be a fantastic starting point for those who love the Session mode and just cooking up beats. Ableton offers a trial, and its cheapest version has a starting price at $99. The full version goes for $749, but you can often find steep discounts on websites like bestservice.com

 

 

  • Logic Pro X:

    • Logic Pro X is Apple's proprietary music composition software. It is a professional-grade DAW known for its comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface. This DAW is particularly good for electronic music producers working on Apple software. Logic Pro X boasts a wide range of virtual instruments, effects, and sound libraries, making it an all-in-one solution for many producers. It's built in digital synth library gives a beginner a fantastic place to start. Its greatest strengths include robust MIDI editing capabilities, advanced automation features (volume, panning, etc), and the renowned Alchemy synthesizer--a built in synth that generates amazing atmospheres as well as excellent leads and polysynths. Logic Pro X also integrates seamlessly with other Apple software and hardware, enhancing the overall user experience. However, as it is exclusively available for macOS, Windows users must explore other options. The price for Logic Pro X is standardized at $199 for all versions, making it a fantastic DAW to start with!

  • FL Studio: 

    • Formerly known as Fruity Loops, FL Studio (or FL) is a long-standing favorite among electronic music producers due to its user-friendly interface and extensive beat-making capabilities. FL Studio excels in the realm of step sequencing, making it ideal for creating hip hop beats, and recording catchy melodies, grooves, and drum patterns. It offers a vast array of virtual instruments and effects, as well as support for third-party plugins. FL Studio's piano roll editor is highly regarded, enabling precise MIDI editing. However, some users find FL Studio less suited for advanced audio recording and editing tasks compared to other DAWs. The intro cost is $99, with the full price coming in at $499.

  • UAD Luna:

    • UAD Luna is a relatively new player in the DAW market, developed by Universal Audio. It aims to provide a seamless integration of hardware and software, catering to producers seeking a classic analog sound. UAD Luna offers a vintage-inspired interface and built-in access to Universal Audio's hardware emulations and effects, known for their exceptional audio quality. Luna's audio recording and editing capabilities are robust, and it supports third-party plugins. However, it currently operates only on macOS, limiting its availability to Windows users. Currently, you can download Luna from the UAD store for FREE!

Concluding thoughts:
Selecting the right DAW for electronic music production depends on your workflow preferences, creative goals, and the operating system you use. Ableton Live's versatility and live performance capabilities make it a popular choice for many electronic musicians. Logic Pro X offers a comprehensive set of features and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, especially for macOS users. FL Studio's user-friendly interface and beat-making prowess are ideal for beginners and those focused on getting down catchy melodies fast. UAD Luna, although limited to macOS, provides a unique analog sound experience with its integration of hardware and software. Personally, I think UAD Luna isn't great for composition, but it truly excels for mixing and mastering! It may in fact produce the best "vintage" and analogue emulations of all of the DAWs, making it again, a great software to use for mixing and mastering.

Ultimately, as we discussed, the best DAW for you is the one that resonates with your creative process and inspires you to explore new sonic territories. Consider trying out demos or trial versions of these DAWs to experience their features firsthand. Remember, the DAW is just a tool—your creativity and passion for songwriting and composition in music are what truly matter. Happy producing!

-Astara

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