TwistedWave (web app, Mac, iPhone) Another awesome online web application for editing sound. Again, it can’t multi-track, but it makes up for this with usability and features. Record, edit, and produce your audio with Sound Studio, an easy-to-use Mac app for recording and editing digital audio on your computer. Digitize tapes and vinyl records, record live performances.
It's hard to argue against GarageBand being the most complete, out of the box studio app available. Though limited in the mixing and fine tuning department, and with only 8-tracks to record on, many people will embrace the simple interface and the ability to immediately and intuitively start creating music. The on-board virtual instruments mean that the app contains all you need to get up and running. With an extended amp and pedal selection built in for iRig users, Garage Band is the most self contained option for musicians.
Simple file transfer capabilities to GarageBand for your Mac and the ability to easily share your music seal the deal, making GarageBand an essential recording tool for musicians. Whatever Garage Band may lack in extensiveness, Music Studio more than makes up for it with its vast plethora of options. The interface, though extensive, is intuitive and familiar (particularly to those who may be familiar with Propellerheads Reason). There are many stock instruments that you can trigger with the virtual keyboard. Those interested can also purchase additional tones and sound banks to give you a nice selection of options.
Add mic and plug-in recording options and you have a hearty Digital Audio Workstation that deserves your attention. MultiTrack DAW may very well be the best iOS multitrack recorder you have never heard of. The ability to record 4 tracks simultaneously (8 track live recording coming soon) on iPads with a USB input makes this an invaluable tool for bands looking to record their rehearsals or gigs. Users also have the option to record single tracks in stereo or two tracks, simultaneously, in mono. Another nice option is the ability to upgrade to 16 and 24 tracks via in-app purchase. As it is, the 8 track version offers fluid controls, a great interface that takes advantage of the iPad real estate, and some very nice mixing options.
Add the 24 track upgrade and this app is downright dangerous. Those willing to shell out an unusual amount of money for an iOS digital audio workstation need look no further than Amplitube. Amplitube is actually a very good recorder. The catch is, you have to first buy Amplitube and then, and only then, are you able to buy their 8-track recorder add on. Additionally, if you wish to purchase effects pedals to enhance your sound options be prepared to pay extra for those as well.
That being said, Amplitube offers a fantastic interface that most musicians will feel comfortable with immediately. There is little guess work as to what does what and having a nice mix of virtual amps and pedals at your disposal lets you really appreciate how powerful and efficient iOS devices can potentially be as legitimate recording tools. If money is no object, then Amplitube deserves your time.and hard earned cash. The same people who brought you the fantastic Looptastic apps have ventured into the world of multi- track recording with mixed results. A very nice feature is the ability to record three tracks on one, giving you 24-tracks to work with.
Though there is no way to mix them individually, it still allows you to experiment with recording in a whole new way. With full input recording options and a simple loop insert function and editing interface nearly identical to Looptastic, Studio HD seems to be stuck somewhere in between being a true DAW and the aforementioned Looptastic. Still, it's a decent option for those looking to ease into multi-track recording without being overwhelmed by too many bells and whistles. StudioMini XL proudly boasts its use on the latest Album by The Gorillaz. Rightly so — its simple and user-friendly design will be familiar to musicians already familiar with desk top recorders such as those offered by Korg and Tascam.
There are some looped beats of various styles of music to help you along the way. It would have been nice to see a punch in feature. As it is, you are relegated to an all or nothing mentality when it comes to deciding on keeping a track or redoing it completely. Though limited in options, StudioMini is a solid, straight forward multi-track recorder that does what it claims to do, and does it well. StudioTrack is another 8 track recorder that focuses on simplicity rather than an abundance of overwhelming options. It has a clean and intuitive design and a decent amount of post recording options to help mix and master your creations.
Since the app is aimed for those that already have their own music gear (read: guitars, amps, preamps,etc.) you won't find any virtual instruments to tool around with, but the clean design and user-friendly interface will allow you to focus on your music rather than getting consumed by overly complicated functions. This may not be the ultimate recording option for most, but for those looking to sketch out their ideas before going big, StudioTrack is a nice choice.
Apple includes their entry-level GarageBand music editing app with every new Mac. That means, if you're new to music or a hobbyist, GarageBand is where it's at. GarageBand uses the same Drummer digital session player as Logic Pro X (though to a lesser extent in terms of available sounds) and is the perfect app to help you start creating and mixing songs — especially if you're a super novice.
The interface is easy to use and though the app is powerful and full of controls, it's not overwhelming or as involved as some of the more professional audio editors. You can upload your own recordings to GarageBand and mix them with the digital instruments, or you can create an entire song using just your recordings or just the instruments found in GarageBand.
If you're not satisfied with the instruments available, you can also purchase instrument packs to get different sounds. Use iCloud to store your projects or share them with friends for collaboration. You can even start a song on your iPhone and then finish it on your Mac! If you want to get into music production and also want to keep things convenient and within the Apple ecosystem, GarageBand is the best place to start. Free with new Macs or $4.99 - Logic Pro X. Logic Pro X is Apple's pro-level music editing software that still manages to be accessible to beginners.
The powerful app has all the tools you could want for mixing, editing, and songwriting, with a massive library of instruments and effects. If you're looking to make polished, professional-sounding recordings, without a ton of complexity, then Logic Pro X is where it's at. The 64-bit architecture supports projects featuring hundreds of tracks and instruments, so if you're a composer, it's like heaven. I have to say: As a drummer, I hate canned drum sounds.
Logic Pro X's Drummer is top-notch when it comes to producing authentic acoustic drums sounds, and sometimes I actually can't tell the difference (I know, shame on me). The app does come at a professional-level price, at $200, but if you're serious about music editing on the Mac and enjoy songwriting and composing on a grand level, it's easily one of, if not the best choice out there.
$199.99 - Pro Tools. Pro Tools, by Avid, is one of the most popular music editing apps in the industry. It can be used to record, mix, master, and much, much more. You can lay down up to 128 tracks per session, with 32 inputs and over 60 plugins, and you can create an unlimited number of sessions.
Pro Tools is definitely not for the faint of heart and isn't necessarily an app you can just pick up and go with. I had to go to school to learn how to use it (before all these damn YouTube tutorials made school obsolete!). That being said, it isn't beyond the pale to learn the basics and get yourself up and running fairly quickly. Importing audio is as easy as dragging from the Finder window and placing it on the timeline (so long as your current session supports that file format). From there, you can add a plethora of effects to your audio and edit it like mad, controlling volume, speed, pitch, tone, and much more. Honestly, the stuff you can do with Pro Tools seems just about endless.
It is one of the most robust audio editing apps available, and is definitely for those looking to tackle things on a professional level. That being said, if you have the cash, go for it, and learn all there is to know! Pricing is what you'd expect: $24.92 per month with a 12-month agreement or $29.99 month-to-month, $599 to buy it outright. For the performance DJ (or even the hobbyist, really) djay Pro has all the effects, compatibility, and mixing capabilities you could ask for. You can sample from iTunes and Spotify simultaneously, and you can even mix in video from the extensive video library for the ultimate experience. You can mix from four decks and create mashups and transitions galore, and you can edit playlists on the fly, use external displays and AirPlay, and there's Pioneer CDJ/XDJ integration for even more versatility.
If you're a pro DJ or just want a fun way to mix at a house party, djay Pro's price might be its best selling feature, at only $40. $39.99 - Audacity. Audacity is a free open source audio editing and recording software that lets you cut, copy, paste, and delete audio. It isn't exactly the most powerful when it comes to music editing, but if you're wanting to slap together some demo material or something like that, it's perfect. You can import audio in many formats, though for MP3, you'll have to install a separate, optional encoder library. You can edit and mix a large number of tracks at once and even alter individual sample points, though you can't add effects or do any sort of mastering.
Audacity may be better-suited to podcasting, but, like I said, if you're putting together demos or just need to create rough ideas, it's perfect, because FREE. Free - Are you a mixmaster?
What's your favorite music editing app for Mac? Are you a pro or is it more of a hobby? Let us know in the comments below!
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