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Free music-making software is a great idea if you like the sound of getting musically creative on your computer without the financial outlay. Programs designed to help with the music creation process can be outrageously expensive, but they are the sot of tools that people use to make a living. That said, there is an impressive selection of free music-making software out there that will serve as a great introduction to what's possible without putting a strain on your pocket.
This is one of the best DAWs for those looking to start out and get their feet wet in the music making world. FL Studio by Image-Line has been out and about for quite some time, being one of the most popular software to date.
You might be surprised at the quality that's to be found here. Given the price tags often attached to music production software, you'd be forgiven for expecting free tools to cut too many corners to make them worth bothering with. Thankfully, opting for free music-making software need not mean making huge compromises.
In this roundup of free music-making software, we take in tools that are suitable for beginners, as well as those more suited to those who are more seasoned. The selection spans Windows, macOS and Linux, so you'll find something to help you with your creative ventures no matter what platform you're using.
1. Apple GarageBand
Compatibility: macOS 10.11 or later
Apple’s long-standing digital audio workstation has come a long way since we first saw it in 2004, and although it still lacks a couple of key features (such as MIDI export and the ability to control external hardware via MIDI), GarageBand offers more than enough to get you going.
Apple has done a very good job at creating the perfect gateway drug into music production, and a clear path to Logic Pro X (Apple’s fully-functional professional DAW) is plain to see.
Shared features include Drummer, the seriously easy to use groove-maker, which includes multiple genres styles, easy controls and a ton of pattern and fill variations. You’re also treated to content from the Apple Loops sound library. And to further ease the transition, a familiar interface to Logic.
Although limited to 255 tracks per song, GarageBand is an immensely powerful and easy to use DAW that seems to be getting better with age.
2. Tracktion T7
Compatibility: macOS/Windows/Linux (VST, AU and Linux VST)
The folks at Tracktion seem to have hit on a rather canny business model by releasing older versions of their DAW for free, with nothing taken out.
The convention seems to be to make the version two iterations before the current one available to download without charge. You might not get all the latest features, but you'll receive an update each time the company updates its flagship DAW, which it does almost yearly.The latest version to have its price tag shaved off its Tracktion T7.
Every section is scalable, so you can adjust to suit your workflow and the bottom panel changes to to display whichever parameters you've selected elsewhere on the screen.
Tracktion T7 also features an unlimited number of audio and MIDI tracks, all depending on your hardware capabilities of course, and is able to host multiple plugin formats including VST and Audio Units.
Note that Before you can download the software, you’ll be prompted to enter an email address and password to create an account. When you run the software for the first time after installing it, you’ll see a notification that it’s running in demo mode, but don’t worry – click ‘Unlock…’ then enter the address and password you set earlier, and all the features will become available.
3. AmpliTube Custom Shop
Compatibility: macOS/Windows (64-bit only). Standalone app and plugin (AAX, VST and AU)
AmpliTube Custom Shop from IK Multimedia might be a cut-down version of AmpliTube 4, but it's still a fully functional guitar rig modelling application. This free version comes with 24 models including a digital chromatic tuner, nine stompboxes, four amps, five cabs, three mics and two rack effects.
There’s plenty to keep any guitarist happy when recording directly into their laptop – not least the fact IK Multimedia has secured official guitar amp models from such giants as Fender, Ampeg, Orange, Mesa Boogie and many more.
AmpliTube's tones are authentic and there's an impressive level of customization available (including choice of microphone and mic placement), but perhaps the biggest boon is the Custom Shop feature.
Okay, so at this point you're going to have to start shelling out some cash if you want to expand your collection of amp models, stompboxes and cab sims. However, the 'try before you buy' scheme is a welcome one.
4. Klevgrand SyndtSphere
Compatibility: macOS/Windows (VST and AU)
Klevgrand may not be a household name, but the Stockholm-based production company has certainly carved a name for itself with a slew of fine-sounding instruments featuring some rather esoteric interfaces.
SyndtSphere is no exception, and is one of the more accessible software synthesizers out there. Loaded with over 70 presets, the big fun here is the way you can morph between sounds using a nifty sphere-like object at the centre of the app.
More seasoned producers needn’t be be put off by the beginner-friendly feel; SyndtSphere has an impressive array of sounds lurking within. The unique morphing function allows for some rock-solid sound design, but you may find yourself playing around with it for ages before getting anything done.
5. BandLab Cakewalk
Compatibility: Windows
Cakewalk – formerly known as Cakewalk SONAR, was one of the first ever digital audio workstations, but its owner Gibson halted development last year. Luckily for music makers, cloud music creation platform BandLab snapped the software up in February, and has made it available to download free.
Cakewalk is a complete music production package, with creative songwriting tools and instruments, advanced mixing and mastering tools, unlimited MIDI and audio tracks for your own recordings, and a full suite of editing tools. Once you've finished, you can publish your work directly to SoundCloud, Youtube, Facebook and many other sites.
It's a pity it's only available for Windows 10 at the moment, but we'll be interested to see where BandLab takes Cakewalk in the future.
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FotoMagico 5
'Visual Storytelling for Everyone' - that's what this best slideshow software for Mac 2019 can do for you. It provides you with the trouble-free way to create a vivid picture story on your Mac using your photos, videos, music and text telling your story in a live presentation or a high resolution video.
What's better, it impresses you a lot when you apply it to make photo slideshow video with 4K Ultra HD resolution and splitting fast speed (less than 15 mins). This point absolutely proves its specialty. Though it has no other features like the previous one, it's definitely a nice choice in terms of slideshow video maker for Mac in 2019.
The Best Free Beat Making Software For Mac
Muvee Reveal Express for Mac
Muvee Reveal Express for Mac is another macOS based software in 2019 with slideshow video creation in mind and it makes it an easy task to transfer photos into a slideshow video with up to 50 photos supported. Only 3 simple mouse clicks, you can eventually create your own unique photo story video on Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
When infusing music into slideshow, you don't have to worry about the music and photo not match problem, for this thoughtful Mac slideshow maker can automatically match the photos to the music background. And its built-in website sharing ability is useful to super fast upload your photo video to social network websites like YouTube, Facebook, etc.
Photostage Slideshow Maker Free for Mac
Here this Mac slideshow maker is a free one for you to make slideshow on MacBook or iMac Retina 100% free. No matter what skill level you are in, you can discern how it works without any tutorial or support.
See, use Quick Create feature on a folder of images or drag & drop images into your slideshow to import photo collection. Followed by the special effects application, e.g., crop, fade, crossfade, zoom, add music and more. For advanced users, you are also able to choose burn photo video to DVD or transfer it to video for sharing on the web. The last step is just to call it begin and wait mins for the final slideshow video file.
Kizoa
Unlike others, this is a free online photo slideshow making website to make slideshow video without third party or plug ins. It enables you to create a slideshow with photos, videos and music. Also the special effects, text and transitions can also be applied into your picture video.
If you are not satisfies with one of the photos, you can pick them out and further edit your photo on Kizoa with hundreds of filters, effects, and frames. Rotate, straighten, and crop features. Beyond this, it also plays a good role in collage maker, movie maker and video editor.
The Best Music Making Software For Free
Author: Candice Liu | Updated on Dec 7, 2018