You already have almost all the equipment necessary to equip your home studio . In particular, you have a computer, microphones , headsets, speakers and an audio interface. But you lack studio software to produce work worthy of a professional . You are considering getting one. But you don't know which one to choose. Discover in this article the best studio software on the market.
What is studio software?
Studio software is a computer tool that makes music production easier . In the jargon, we talk about MAO or Computer Assisted Music software.
To designate software used to create audio or MIDI sequences , we use the word sequencer. In English, we speak of DAW ( Digital Audio Workstation ) and in French STAN ( Digital Audio Workstation ).
What are studio software used for?
In the digital age, having studio software is a must. This tool allows music professionals and amateurs alike to move forward more quickly and easily in their creative project.
Studio software is used for many areas of application. Here are some examples:
- Converting music into sheet music
- Recording music
- Editing and playing audio files
- Trimming an audio track or a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) track
- Applying special effects
- Mixing songs
- Audio mastering
In short, a DAW makes your job easy .
By the way, you can also consult our test guide and review of the Tannoy Gold 5 . It is a 2-way active monitoring speaker that adapts to a wide variety of rooms. Discover in this guide the complete overview, the control devices, its coaxial speaker, as well as the sound quality and technical characteristics of this Studio Monitor.
What criteria should you consider when choosing studio software?
There are tons of best studio software on the market. Furthermore, not all music producers necessarily have the same level of experience or the same needs. Choosing the best studio software therefore seems difficult, if not impossible. However, there are some criteria to take into account so as not to make a mistake when making your choice.
Fonctionnalities
To take full advantage of your DAW, don't neglect the features offered by the designer. Consider adapting your choice according to your music production . To help you make the best choice, here are some examples of options integrated into sequencer software and mastering software :
- Tracks with preset chords
- Adding special effects
- Creating partitions
- Automation of multiple parameters
- Arrangement of songs
- Convert audio to MIDI or reverse action using drag and drop
- Unlimited number of audio tracks
- Integrated reading and manipulation tools
- Bit reduction plugin
- Stem mastering
It's up to you to define which features will allow you to achieve your objectives . You then just need to choose the tool among the best studio software that will best meet your requirements.
Your budget
Unlike paid DAWs , free ones don't offer many options. If you therefore want to obtain professional results , it makes more sense to opt for paid studio software.
Tip : To familiarize yourself a little with a given software, consider choosing its limited version in terms of functionality. Even if it's not free, at least you get a cheaper price. What's more, you don't necessarily need any advanced features if you have no experience using these kinds of tools. On the other hand, as soon as you start to feel comfortable with the tool, don't hesitate to switch to the more complete pro version .
Your level of experience
Are you a beginner? An advanced user? Or a professional? Note that some software is easier to learn than others. You must therefore adapt your choice according to your level.
If this is your first step with studio software, it is not advisable to start with the fancy solutions. Instead, opt for easy-to-use DAWs . Opt in particular for all-in-one software with a simple and ergonomic interface.
Your style of music
Most sequencers can suit all musical styles . However, it is clear that there is software that is more efficient and more practical for a particular style of music. Among others, there are those that are more suited to electronic music . Ableton 11 Standard software .
If you don't yet know what kind of music you're going to use the sequencer for, opt for all-purpose software Reason 12 sequencer from Reason Studios .
Your computer's operating system
Due to competition, most manufacturers make their software compatible with both Windows and Mac . In any case, be sure to check that the DAW is compatible with your system version.
Note that some software can only be used with a recent version of Windows or Mac. Presonus Studio One 5 software is only compatible with Windows 10 or higher and Mac OS 10.13.
Additionally, also check other system requirements when purchasing studio software. Among other things, take a look at the RAM and hard drive capacity .
In addition, you can also discover our guide to selecting the best studio headphones . This guide offers you the 12 best studio headphones to choose from, so that you can successfully mix and master your sounds.
The best sequencer and virtual studio software
Now you know how to choose a good DAW . Here is a selection of the best sequencers of the moment:
Steinberg Cubase Pro 12
Cubase is arguably one of the most popular sequencers . This masterpiece was created by Steinberg, which is none other than the brand behind the VST ( Virtual Studio Technology ) format.
If you've never heard of Cubase, know that it's a very effective tool for editing MIDI tracks .
Its other strong point lies in its many features which greatly facilitate composition and arrangement . We can cite in particular:
- Unlimited tracks (audio, MIDI, instruments)
- 90+ audio and MIDI VST effects processors
- Audio engine with 64-bit floating point processing (up to 192 kHz)
- 4 virtual instruments with no less than 3000 sounds
What about the new features offered in Cubase Pro 12 ? Here are the most notable news:
- FX Modulator : a patterned multi-effect
- Audio data to MIDI chords
- Verve : a piano equipped with a motor to add textures
- Remote MIDI control integration
- VariAudio with tone assistant
- editing processes and logical editors
- Raiser : a versatile limiter
- Steinberg Licensing : a new license activation system that no longer requires the dongle
On the operating system side, Steinberg Cubase Pro 12 is compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS 11 or a newer version.
Reason Studios Reason 12
Reason 12 is the brand new release in the Reason series from designer Reason Studios. This is a general sequencer that can suit all musical styles.
Just like the previous version, this one is easy to use. Which makes this DAW a practical software for novice producers or for those who want to start in a home studio . You can easily learn to compose, record and mix with this tool.
Again, you will not be limited in terms of audio tracks and instruments. You also have the option to convert audio tracks to MIDI .
And it's not ! The Reason 12 offers several effects including the Masterbus compressor , reverbs , distortion and many more. In total, there are 29 audio effects . And this is not to displease the producers who love it.
What are the new features of Reason 12? Here are the most notable:
- High resolution display
- Mimic Creativ : a new sampler
- Improved interfaces
- Combinator module upgrade
- Improvement of the search engine
Operating system compatible with Reason Studios Reason 12: Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.13 or other newer versions.
Imagine-Line FL Studio Producer Edition
Fruity Loops! This word probably means something to you. Yes, well seen! This was the software that singer, producer and DJ Basshunter used in his early days. And what does this have to do with FL Studio? Well, you should know that FruityLoops is none other than the old name of FL Studio. Even today this Swedish artist uses this studio software to compose his music and perform on stage.
You will have understood: the FL Studio Producer Edition is perfectly suitable for professional use. It also has the advantage of being easy to use with its intuitive interface. So, you will not be disappointed to adopt it if you have no experience with a tool of this kind.
This FL Studio Producer Edition from Imagine-Line will certainly delight fans of electronic music. It works in fact on a system of patterns.
This DAW also stands out because it can be used live . To take advantage of it, simply activate “ Performance ” mode.
It offers 10 tools for reading and manipulating samples. These include Channel Sampler , Granulizer and Slicex .
As for plugin formats, this software can support VST2 , VST3 and FL. It can support multiple audio formats such as MP3, WAV, Wavpack, REX, OGG and AIFF.
FL Studio Producer Edition is compatible with Windows 8.1/10 and Mac OS 10.13.6 or higher.
Ableton Live 11 Standard
Impossible to make a list of the best studio software without mentioning a product from Ableton. It must be said that it is one of the most reliable on the market. Focus on Ableton Live 11 Standard , software adapted to electro music .
Just like the FL Studio, you can also perform live with the Ableton Live 11 Standard. To use it in this context, you simply need to switch to “ Session ” mode.
Here are the main advantages of Live 11 Standard:
- No limits for audio and MIDI tracks
- 36 audio effects including EQ Eight, Drum Buss, Glue Compressor, Echo, and Pedal
- 13 MIDI effects including FLO, Shaper, MIDI Monitor, Envelope Follower, Note Echo and Expression Control
- 10 GB samples
- Converting audio tracks to MIDI
- Creating a custom
Ableton Live 11 Standard is compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.13 or other newer versions.
Presonus Studio One 5 Professional
Let's end our list of the best sequencer studio software with the Presonus Studio One 5 Professional This American brand is also known for the sound quality of its microphones such as the Presonus M7 condenser microphone or the Presonus Revelator.
But back on topic. What about the Presonus Studio One 5 Professional sequencer?
If you're looking for an all-in-one tool , the Studio One 5 is a safe bet. Indeed, it is a complete studio software. It not only allows you to record and mix , but also to master your music .
Here again, if you plan to use the sequencer for live performance , you will be served. Indeed, Studio One Professional offers an option to optimize your performance on stage.
This DAW also stands out for its versatility. Indeed, it can be adapted to a wide range of applications: electro, acoustic, metal, group recording, etc.
Furthermore, Studio One 5 Professional offers a very interesting freemium offer . It has a range of plugins installed by default. In particular, you have 37 effect plugins . Added to this are unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, several virtual instruments and samples included.
If you're a perfectionist music producer, you'll definitely appreciate its drag-and-drop groove extraction .
And the icing on the cake: this studio software includes plugins to correct your room.
Operating systems compatible with Studio one 5 Professional: Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.13 or higher.
Another interesting guide : Sennheiser E835 microphone test and review . This guide gives you the full overview, range, sound quality, technical specifications of this dynamic mic, as well as our opinion on its overall quality and some test demos.
The best mastering software
The final stage of audio post-production, mastering is carried out with the aim of making the sound elements harmonious overall after a mix. Mastering also allows sound engineers to optimize sound quality on all listening media. And obviously to carry out this final step, you will need a powerful tool.
Here is a selection of the best mastering software:
Steinberg Wavelab Pro 11
Wavelab Pro 11 is professional software dedicated to audio mastering and editing . It is a complete solution aimed at music producers, podcasters and YouTubers who want to master quickly and easily.
Just like Steinberg's Cubase, this Wavelab Pro 11 benefits from an ergonomic interface that is ideal for beginners.
Other advantages in this 11th version of Wavelab from Steinberg:
- Unlimited audio jacks
- Multi-channel interlaced file support (can open WAV files up to 22.2)
- Additional somation stage to process certain tracks together before sending them to the master
- Possibility of mastering by stem (grouping of tracks by section)
- Possibility of dividing a track into 8 sub-audio channels hosting each audio clip
- Per-clip envelopes to automate VST 3 plugin settings
- SuperVision: an analyzer with 9 modules
- Extracting reverberations
Operating system compatible with Wavelab Pro 11: Windows 10 and Mac OS 1O.15 or other newer versions.
Synchro Arts Revoice Pro
Revoice Pro is one of the best studio software. The software is published by Synchro Arts . This tool will be of great help to you during mastering. It gives you the possibility of correcting tracks live thanks in particular to the Retakes . From the soundtrack, you can edit the dialogues and change their tone. Not to mention that this software also allows you to edit multiple tracks at the same time .
Thanks to the Revoice Pro Link , you can connect the tool with several DAWs. Note, however, that it is not compatible with Cubase, Vegas and Reason.
Operating systems compatible with Revoice Pro: Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.10 or other recent versions.
iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced
Ozone is one of the best studio software designed for mastering beginners and professionals. Note that the manufacturer iZotope offers two versions of Ozone, namely Standard and Advanced. The latter is certainly more expensive, but undoubtedly more complete in terms of functionality. Advanced is the recommended version if you want to obtain professional quality rendering . Focus on Ozone 9 Advanced .
This 9th version of the Ozone series has 16 modules and supports several plugin formats including VST 2, VST 3, AU, NKS and AAX Native.
It is a tool that can be easily tamed by novice users thanks in particular to its Master assistant . This helps you analyze your mix .
Furthermore, Ozone 9 Advanced provides you with a number of tools for effective mastering. These include an equalizer, a compressor, an exciter, a maximizer, and many others.
Operating systems compatible with Ozone 9 Advanced: from Windows 7 and Mac OS 10.11.6 .
Conclusion
With this list of the best studio software, I hope there is at least one that has piqued your curiosity. Either way, take the time to choose your DAW carefully. Remember to take the criteria listed in this article into consideration when making your choice. Also remember to download the demo versions in order to test the usability of the software as well as the basic functionalities. In this way, it will be easier for you to choose the necessary tool among the various best studio software.
