The best free DAWs to make music with, in 2020. In this list, you'll see the top 5 free digital audio workstations for Windows, Mac, and Linux, along with two honorable mentions at the end.
- Sep 16, 2021 SCD 2 is a SoundCloud downloader for Mac with a straight-forward user interface and a number of advantages over the competition. First, you can download up to five songs at a time, which means.
- Ableton live lite. Here is our top 10 list of free DAWs, with more detailed information about each one: 1. If you own a Mac, iPhone or iPad then you can download Garageband absolutely free. Garageband is a stripped down version of Apple’s Professional DAW Logic Pro X ($199).
- Sep 02, 2021 This is also one of the best free music production software downloads for your music. This software supports all Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms. The application provides you with a DJ-mixing environment and supports all standard formats such as Mp3 and many other formats.
If you're a music producer, sound designer, or into the audio industry, you’re bound to find at least one that can keep up with you.
The best thing about free music production software is that it lets you try out something new and learn the basics without investing a ton of money into something you may not really enjoy.
VLC is the best free, open-source media player for the Mac. With it, you can play nearly any media file, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MKV, WebM, WMV, and much more. It has a number of customizable features so you can create your ideal viewing situation or set up your music listening experience the way you want.
Don’t take that the wrong way either, Pro’s use free DAWs too.
Each DAW mention in this post will include the following:
- The Sequencer, Piano Roll, and Mixer.
- Key features of the DAW.
- What kinds of virtual instruments, audio effects, and samples are included (if any).
- Minimum Computer requirements.
And don't worry, none of these are free trials or restricted. They are all 100% Free, no strings attached.
In case you don't know what a DAW is, it's short for Digital Audio Workstation.
Essentially, it's a host for plugins you download such as virtual instruments and audio effects, not to mention all the audio recording, editing, and arranging you will do.
1. LMMS
The first one in this top 5 is LMMS. This is a great choice, regardless of the operating system you use. With its availability on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it really makes music production accessible to anyone with a computer. it doesn't use much CPU either but, it is a very basic Digital Audio Workstation.
Oh, and it's even open-source, meaning it has been developed by a bunch of people - which could include you too if you wanted to contribute. There's even Computer Keyboard to MIDI, which means you can play virtual instruments with your computer keyboard as if it was a piano.
Key Features:
- Light on CPU
- 64 & 32-bit VST Support (Bridging)
- Computer Keyboard to MIDI
- No Audio Recording
Included Software:
- Virtual Instruments? Yes
- Audio Effects? Yes
- Samples? Yes
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7, MacOS X Lion, Linux
- CPU: 1.5 GHz
- RAM: 1 GB
- Space: 100 MB
The Sequencer (or song arrangement window), isn't too bad in LMMS but it is very basic and doesn't offer a lot of freedom, but it still gets the job done and makes it easy to manage your samples and patterns.
It also comes with a step-sequencer, known as the beat-and-bassline editor in LMMS. This is a cool way to compartmentalize your arrangement and remove clutter as this also lets you put MIDI patterns into it.
This is what the piano roll (or MIDI editor) looks like in LMMS. It's pretty clean and easy to use, and has a great feature that lets you write any chord. based on any scale. with one click.
As for the mixer, it does have the same simplicity but it does come with the basics. And even though it looks dead-simple, it does include the ability to make a send track (or mix bus) just like every other DAW on this list.
The one drawback I found to kind of suck for this DAW is that you can't record audio. But, you can always use Audacity to record that and then import the audio files into LMMS.
2. SoundBridge
At number two we have SoundBridge. This DAW started as Lumit when it was crowdfunded but it has had quite the evolution since then. This one is available on Windows and Mac as both 32 and 64-bit.
Just make sure to download your plugins in the same bit version as the DAW for them to work. So for example, if you downloaded the 32-bit version of SoundBridge, you'll need to download 32-bit plugins.
Key Features:
- Works with touch screen
- No Plugin Bridging
- Hotkey oriented workflow
Included Software:
- Virtual Instruments? No
- Audio Effects? Yes
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7 or MacOS X El Capitan 10.11
- CPU: 2 GHz
- RAM: 4 GB (PC), 8 GB (Mac)
- Space: 3 GB
The center of this DAW is its sequencer and is definitely better than the one in LMMS. You get much more control over the tracks and each individual pattern. It's also directly linked to a panel that displays whatever you have selected, making it very easy to adjust an audio file or pattern.
For audio patterns, this includes extremely easy pitch, time, and volume controls to name most of them, but there are a lot for MIDI patterns too.
To write notes in those patterns, the piano roll in SoundBridge is good and lets you change the length of a MIDI note while you draw it instead of after in LMMS. But, LMMS does have some features over this one, as I mentioned with the one-click-chords.
Last is the mixer, and it does have a bit more features than the one in LMMS but they both have their pros and cons. I prefer this one though. And it even comes with a mini-view of the mixer that can be viewed while the sequencer is open.
The only downside is that it bugs you for a donation every time you open the DAW.
3. Ohm Studio
Next up we have Ohm Studio. As far as I know, it has something NO OTHER DAW HAS - Real-time Collaboration.
This means you can work on the same project at the same time with more than one person. from anywhere in the world. You can also see what anyone is doing in the projects you choose to collab on, real-time.
Sap gui java 7.30 for mac 3. There's even a general and project-based chat room in the DAW so you can talk to anyone currently using Ohm Studio or only those you are collaborating with.
Key Features:
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- Real-time collaboration
- Can only export to .ogg (.wav in paid versions)
- Only 32-bit plugins
- Can only save on the cloud
Included Software:
- Virtual Instruments? No
- Audio Effects? Yes
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows XP or MacOS 10.5.8
- CPU: Pentium 4 or Athlon 64
- RAM: 2 GB
- Space: 1 GB
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The Sequencer has a bunch of flexibility though, letting you quickly zoom in and out of a pattern or the entire playlist, adjust volume fade points, loop, and resize in both directions. I do think this has a better sequencer than the last two DAWs, but the next one. it has an impressive set of features.
And with it comes an interesting piano roll to say the least. Being located in each MIDI pattern, inside the sequencer itself, makes it one of a kind. Quite unusual but it's actually not bad at all.
As for the mixer, it is pretty straight forward and the guides help you understand what you can and cannot do. It comes with your typical features but it can also be switched over to a more analog kind of view. It even changes focus depending on what track you select in the playlist.
The two things I did notice that are a bit of a drawback are the fact that you can only export to OGG format with the free version and you need to be connected to the internet to use the DAW. OGG isn't that bad anyway but you can export to WAVE if you pay 39 Euros.
4. Waveform Free
If you've used Tracktion T7 before, this may look familiar. That's because Waveform Free is the latest version of it - just with a new name. What Tracktion as a company does is every time they publish a new version of their paid DAW, Waveform, they will typically release an older version of it for free.
Now this DAW does have the ability to use your computer keyboard as a MIDI controller but it's kind of a hassle and awkward to use. But hey, at least it's there if you need it.
Key Features:
- Workflow similar to Pro Tools
- *Computer keyboard to MIDI*
- No Plugin Bridging
- Integrated Mixer
Included Software:
- Virtual Instruments? Yes
- Audio Effects? Yes
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7, MacOS 10.9, Linux
- CPU: 2 GHz
- RAM: 4 GB
- Space: 500 MB
The sequencer in Waveform is kind of confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it, the workflow isn't all that different and it actually has a lot of unique features. You can anchor the MIDI and move the pattern around it, or vice-versa. And, it's super easy to bounce to audio, all you have to do is click this option and drag it.
Waveform's piano roll is really good. You can adjust the velocity of each note when you are drawing it by dragging up and down, and the width going right and left. You can even make chords with whatever notes you have selected.
As for mixing your audio, you can either use the integrated mixer to the right of the sequencer or a dedicated mixer window by going up to the top right and bringing it into view.
The mixer is quite standard but when it comes to making send tracks (aka a mix bus) they are called sub-mixes and have to be created in the sequencer but can then be routed in the mixer or the sequencer.
5. Cakewalk
I had to save the best for last and that's Cakewalk by Bandlab. This DAW was once called Sonar when it previously cost money but it was acquired and made free-to-use!
From my experience, this has got to be the best (free) Digital Audio Workstation out there. And yes, it does have Computer Keyboard to MIDI but it's through a window that needs to be selected.
The downside is that Cakewalk is only available for 64-bit Windows - with 32-bit plugin support - so some of the previous options I talked about may be your only choice. If you can use this DAW though, I would highly recommend it. Editor de registro windows 10.
Key Features:
- Works with touch screen
- 64-bit & 32-bit VST support (bridging)
- Computer keyboard to MIDI
- High-quality stock plugins
Included Software:
- Virtual Instruments? Yes
- Audio Effects? Yes
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7 (64-bit)
- CPU: Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU
- RAM: 4 GB
- Space: 3 GB
In my opinion, this DAW has the best piano roll. There are a lot of features packed into it and it's easy to use. You definitely won't feel limited using this MIDI editor. And if you are a more traditional composer, it has a great notation editor that you can use to write sheet music.
As for the sequencer, I don't know if I can say it's the best on the list but don't get me wrong, it is good. Everything is where you need it and there are a lot of features, including a video display to edit the audio with the visuals.
There's a lot you can do with the mixer in Cakewalk and it has the most features out of all the DAWs in this video.
There is an integrated EQ window for quick changes and it's linked to a main EQ that's built into the 'pro channel' on every track, including a compressor, the EQ I mentioned, Tube saturation, and a console emulator. Oh, and the EQ opens up into an even bigger EQ to make it easier.
Honorable Mentions
Now, I would have mentioned Garageband but if you have a Mac, you probably either heard about it or have it already. But, I do think it would have made the list otherwise. So be sure to check it out if you use a Mac - especially if you are interested in using Logic Pro in the future.
Ardour is also a close-to-free option you may like. It does require a donation of $1 or more to get the pre-build but you can also get the source code and compile it yourself for free.
I hope this free software helps you make some great music, sound effects, or other audio-related projects. And as always, thanks for reading.
It appears that an increasing number of users would like to download video clips and movies from YouTube, Google Video, Veoh, Break, or DailyMotion, etc. and convert them to portable devices such as iPhone, iPad, etc., so that you can enjoy the videos anytime anywhere.
There are tons of free video downloaders for Mac and Windows PC. Some are for desktop while others are web apps. No matter which one you pick, each has its pros and cons. Here I would introduce the top 10 best free video downloader for Mac or PC to you. All of them are able to help you grab videos to your computer with the URLs.
Best Video Downloader for Mac
Cisdem Video Converter (All-in-one Solution)
- Download clips from more than 1000 popular sites
- Cope with 720p, 1080p, 4k and 8k videos
- Ensure video conversion between over 500 formats without losing quality
- Support batch processing multiple videos
- Built-in media editor allows to trim, combine, crop, add subtitles or effects, etc.
- Rip personal & commercial DVD to digital formats
- Supported OS: OS X 10.10 or later
Reviews on Best Free Video Downloader for Mac/PC
1. iFunia YouTube Downloader (Mac)
iFunia YouTube Downloader is a free video downloader for Mac that helps you download online 1080p FHD, 4k UHD videos to Mac in batch. It's not just for video downloads from YouTube but from Dailymotion, Vimeo, Blip TV, Liveleak, Lynda, Break, Vube, Ustream, Ted, and other websites.
Copy the video URL and it will be auto pasted into the URL field. Or you can drag-n-drop all of the videos' thumbnails into the program, and start to download favorite videos for several minutes.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use, intuitive
- Support to download YouTube playlist
2. VDownloader (Windows, macOS)
VDownloader is an intuitive app that focuses on video downloading. It’s fully compatible with major video hosting sites, like Dailymotion, Break, Twitch, Vimeo, and more.
However, you are only allowed to bulk download unlimited videos 10 times and convert local videos 3 times. If you like this best free video downloader, you can fetch their commercial version at the price of $17.99/yearly or $59/lifetime.
Pros:
- Integrated with a search feature to add video content to your follow tab
- Convert video to custom format
Cons:
- The speed of installation is pretty slow
- Not work well on Mac computer and merely available on macOS Mojave or later
3. QDownloader.io (web tool)
QDownloader.io is a free online video downloader & converter with the ability to grab videos from a handful of video hosting sites, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
It can directly convert video from websites to MP4 and MP3 on Mac or PC. There are browser extension versions on Safari, Firefox, Opera, and Chrome, assisting you in downloading.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Quickly catch video by adding io before 'youtube.com'
Cons:
- Save up to 720p video, even it's a 1080p or 4k video
- Download up to 128kbps audio only
4. Keepv.id (web tool)
KeepVid is one of the best free video downloader for Mac/PC that allows you to download all types of videos online from YouTube, Facebook, Twitch.Tv, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and many more. The downloaded videos will be saved in MP4, MP3, M4A, or WebM format.
Without superfluous interfaces, novices can get started via copying & pasting the URL in the textbox.
Pros:
- Preserve video metadata like name, song title, album, etc. in MP3
- Keep subtitles in various languages
Cons:
- Only 100 videos in the YouTube playlist can be detected at most
- Can't download the playlist all at once and no batch download
- The output definition is limited no exceed 1280p
5. aTube Catcher (Windows)
aTube Catcher is a desktop free video downloader for PC system which can perform lots of video tasks. It lets you download videos from social websites, and export them to PC or some portable devices, like iPad, iPod, PSP, MP4 player, and DVD.
It offers donations access for users to help them in the budget and maintain the best free video downloader app updated and running.
Pros:
- A host of video formats are supported
- Record screen, create DVDs/CDs
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- No risk of ads, buffering, virus attack to your Mac.
- Support the download from all popular sites, like YouTube, Tumblr, DailyMotion, Blip, Veoh, AOL, Vimeo, etc.
- Batch download
- Preview the downloaded videos
- Snapshot and save your favorite screen picture.
- Convert and transfer videos to any kind of digital device including iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone, PSP, etc.
6. Freemake (Windows, macOS)
Freemake is a popular video downloader for free works on Mac and Windows. It supports downloading videos, playlists, channels in HD, MP4, MP3, AVI, 3GP, FLV, etc. Lots of sites are supported, like Youtube, Facebook, Vevo, Hulu, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Vkontakte.
The software has a self-explanatory UI. Any new users can easily know how to use it.
Cons (limits of the free version):
- Download up to 50 videos
- Each video can’t longer than 3 minutes
- Unable to convert video to MP3
- Add Freemake logo to your video
- Fail to fetch 4k videos
7. ClipGrab (Windows, Mac)
ClipGrab is an acclaimed best free video downloader working on Windows. It supports downloading videos, playlists, channels in MP4, MP3, AVI, 3GP, FLV, etc. with quality retained.
Plus, it supports certain media sites, like Youtube, Facebook, Vevo, Hulu, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Vkontakte.
Note: It expects you to donate 10, 20, 30 euros for further development.
Pros:
- Automatically catch URL from clipboard
- Support a built-in search option
8. GetTube (Mac)
In old days, GetTube is a lightweight Mac OS X app that enables you to download videos and playback the media any time you like, directly from your computer. Get Tube works well with Safari and Firefox. Once you install it, you'll see a new button in the browser while you surf on YouTube. Click it and you'll be able to download the featured video in a matter of seconds.
With compatibility with macOS 10.12 or above, GetTube starts to charge, and you need to pay 5 euros to unlock the download function.
Pros:
- Download videos in high quality
- Search videos within the software
Cons:
- Inconvenient UI
- Only save video as MP4 and MP3 format
9. 4K Video Downloader (Windows, Mac)
4K Video Downloader is a reliable freeware that downloads videos, playlists, channels, and subtitles from YouTube, Vimeo, etc. This best free video downloader for Mac/PC lets you manually set the output formats as MP4, FLV, MKV, MP3, OGG, M4A.
You just copy the URLs of the target movies and, click the button “Paste Links”. But if you want to download more than 25 YouTube playlist videos or download the channel, you have to buy the serial number and get the perpetual permissions.
Pros:
- Support to download 4k & 360-degree videos
- Download the whole playlists
10. MacTubes (Mac)
Update: 1. The developer stopped releasing the app; 2. Not work anymore since Google changed YouTube API.
MacTubes is a handy free video downloader for Mac that you don’t have to visit the site itself. It allows you to create playlists based on what you've downloaded or what you've searched on. And it will list the downloaded and played files for you to create playlists.
Pros:
- Work without having to open the YouTube website
Cons:
- Offer no compatibility with other major video sites
- Only save videos in one format
Bonus: Best Video Downloader Mac for Paid
Cisdem Video Converter is a one-stop and professional toolbox for Mac users to download & convert & edit videos, rip DVDs, etc. It should be the best video downloader for Mac to help you grab TV episodes, movies, music videos, news, sports, and other online video clips with the fastest speed.
Once you launch the free trial version, it would pop up a small box. Click “Evaluate”, and download the online video for free. If you buy its pro version, you would get the registration code to enjoy video conversion, video downloading, DVD ripping, and sharing functions within one.
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Quick Steps to Download Video from Website Mac Using Cisdem Video Converter:
Download Cisdem Video Converter to your Mac first, then run it and click the download section at the top.
Go to the video streaming sites that the software supports. Find the video you desire to download and copy its URL.
Return to the best video downloader for Mac, and paste the URL to the download bar.
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Click on the “down arrow” icon to start the video download. You can add multiple URLs to the download list.
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It provides you with a free trial version for taking a test. But the free version of this best video downloader Mac merely converts 5 minutes per file and merely downloads 3 videos. Come to download its commercial version which priced at $49.99. You can enjoy YouTube videos on any portable devices.
Conclusion
After being familiar with a vast assortment of options for the best free video downloaders for Mac/ PC as well as the paid one, we can easily distinguish their benefits and drawbacks. With our overview, you should have a clearer picture of which best video downloader suits most of your needs.