I’m planning on making a video that illustrates how EVERYBODY can make a song, a good song! My first problem now is, which daw should I use? GarageBand would be perfect if it was multiplatform, but it isn’t and I don’t want people to think that Apple is the way to go, if you wanna make music. I mainly use Ableton and so far my best alternative is the trial of Reaper. But please hit me op if you know some nice, creative, free or almost free daw that runs both Mac and win!
From my perspective it really depends on how far you want to go and how much time you are prepared to spend developing product knowledge and designing your work flow.
Reaper is very powerful with a huge user base and heaps of useful tutorials, particularly the stuff by Kenny Gioia. Cakewalk by BandLab is really great also once again there is a fair bit to learn and a lot of useful information with a huge user base.
They are two DAWs that I tend to use I have looked at others but am happy with these. Lately I tend to use Reaper for most stuff.
Either way whatever you decide if you go into correctly you’ll learn heaps. Funny stuff knowledge, sometimes hard to acquire but usually easy to carry.
Have fun
Tony
Edit: Forgot to add Cakewalk by BandLab is free, Reaper is US$60 but cheap at half the price.
Last edited by Teunis; 02/14/1911:52 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Audacity is free and it does have its uses I often look at stuff in Audacity but I would not describe Audacity as a full blown DAW. There are many things a good DAW can do that Audacity (to me as least) seems very limited at.
Editing audio for video can be fairly easily achieved in Cakewalk or Reaper as I understand it.
My thoughts
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
It's my understanding that Reaper and Cakewalk are good for this, but I can't speak too much on how well they work - I've never used either. I've heard positive things though.
Real Band. It's a DAW, it's got a ton of useful features, you just have to take the time to learn them, and...... you already have it if you have Band In A Box.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Real Band. It's a DAW, it's got a ton of useful features, you just have to take the time to learn them, and...... you already have it if you have Band In A Box.
At the risk of starting yet another argument I would not put RB in the same league as Cakewalk by BandLab which is also free. I tried RB and to get a workflow like I had in Sonar, Reaper or any of the other DAWs I have used. I found RB laking in functionality. Things like the channel strips in Cakewalk or all the plugins that come with Reaper.
Sorry RB loses for me in the DAWs stakes.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Real Band. It's a DAW, it's got a ton of useful features, you just have to take the time to learn them, and...... you already have it if you have Band In A Box.
At the risk of starting yet another argument I would not put RB in the same league as Cakewalk by BandLab which is also free. I tried RB and to get a workflow like I had in Sonar, Reaper or any of the other DAWs I have used. I found RB laking in functionality. Things like the channel strips in Cakewalk or all the plugins that come with Reaper.
Sorry RB loses for me in the DAWs stakes.
Tony
And I totally agree with you. No question. But the OP was looking for a reasonably good DAW for free. He already has RB.
I don't consider RB to be a full featured DAW but it does a good job if you're short of money for one of the big names.
Yeah... I've been a Cakewalk user and still am.... Sonar X1. Love it. But.... I'm also seeing where lots of people are having issues with BLCW. I was considering the jump but decided to stay with my "works perfectly" X1.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
At US$60 I consider Reaper really cheap for what you get and it will run on both. Functionality wise I think Reaper is right up there. However, learning wise there is a bit of work.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Probably Reaper. Reaper runs on a PC or a Mac, the price is right, and there are a lot of folks here (not me) who use it if you need help integrating it with BIAB.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I’m planning on making a video that illustrates how EVERYBODY can make a song, a good song! My first problem now is, which daw should I use? GarageBand would be perfect if it was multiplatform, but it isn’t and I don’t want people to think that Apple is the way to go, if you wanna make music. I mainly use Ableton and so far my best alternative is the trial of Reaper. But please hit me op if you know some nice, creative, free or almost free daw that runs both Mac and win!
If one googles/bings free daws that work in both mac and win oss you will find a few. Note that I have no experience with any of these but the price is right so you could DL them and decide if one is OK for you.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal". Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I wouldn’t worry so much about cross platform. Mac users will have GarageBand and if they are recording their first song ever even their first ‘good’ song, they will almost assuredly be using GarageBand. They would be way outside of the norm if they chose something else.
Same with iOS users. You can make great songs on iOS GarageBand and that’s where newbie songwriters will go if they aren’t using Apple Music Memos first, which exports into GarageBand.
So I would limit choices to PC platform if I was you.
I would NOT recommend Reaper for first timers. It has far too much tweak ability up front if your purpose is to teach assembling a good song right from the start without having to go download a bunch of instrument plugins and to decide on templates and what not.
Cakewalk is an entire package. DAW and all the plugins you need and notation editing and entry and available to anyone, rather than requiring a BIAB purchase.
I assume that your goal is affecting the largest number of potential people new to DAW use, that want to make songs on their computer but have never done that before.
I don't want to start an argument either but RB has some quirks and is inconsistent for many of us. Some others have no issues but it is unpredictable for me. As soon as I finish the project I am working on, I will be learning something new.
+++ Audacity +++ is great if all you want is a free audio recorder. However be aware it is a waveform editor and not a DAW.
The BIG limitation with Audacity is that it does not work with midi. MIDI and computers go together like peanut butter and jelly. That's why Audacity is considered a waveform editor and not a DAW. Though you may not think so in the beginning that is a huge limitation.
The BIG plus is it is as simple as it gets if all you want and need is to be able to make any computer into a digital audio recorder and playback machine.
Anyone that has ever used a CD, DVD or DVR will instantly understand the transport controls. Delete, cut, copy and paste are as easy to use, and work the same, as a text editor or word processor.
Most of all, the program is rock solid. Audacity is very stable and crash resistant.
I’m planning on making a video that illustrates how EVERYBODY can make a song, a good song! My first problem now is, which daw should I use? GarageBand would be perfect if it was multiplatform, but it isn’t and I don’t want people to think that Apple is the way to go, if you wanna make music. I mainly use Ableton and so far my best alternative is the trial of Reaper. But please hit me op if you know some nice, creative, free or almost free daw that runs both Mac and win!
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you my issue has been solve
AND THERE IT IS..... Look at the signature. SPAMMER
Now...read the post carefully and see if it makes sense. In the context of the whole picture. It doesn't.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 02/23/1912:41 PM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I assume the original poster meant for 'good song' to be quality of sound recorded rather than quality of content. That said, DAW or OS platform is irrelevant to his objective to show that anyone can record a good song. Anyone and everyone wanting to record a good song will start recording songs with the equipment and software they own or have access to.
A DAW or computer is not required to make a good recording. Commercial releases were made in the 1990's with digital eight tracks like the Tascam DA-88. Alesis, Foxtex, Roland and other manufacturers made similar models. Some of that equipment is still around and useable today. It's entirely possible to make as high quality recordings with analog mixers into digital recorders as can be done with any DAW.
A beginner will likely make faster progress and better recordings starting off with simple digital recorders like the ones by Tascam and Zoom. A Tascam DP004, 006 or 008 are readily available used for less than $75. Especially if they know the equipment well and are adept at studio recording techniques and standards.
Both Presonus Studio One and ProTools have free DAW versions that are cross platform and are capable of commercial grade recording capability. They are similar to PGMusic's BIAB that the core is there and the paid versions provide more features and content. But the core is there and completely capable of outputting top quality sound.
I've been of the opinion for years that Bill Szymczyk could produce the Eagles using Radio Shack hardware and could obtain radio ready, commercial quality recordings. I say the same today using entry level, consumer grade equipment and software.
It's never the gear. It's always the people and the knowledge and skill they possess.
I had a post that showed an edit by Andrew, but to my knowledge, my content wasn't changed. I assume Andrew must have removed some comment a hacker added?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
That is so strange. My screen doesn't show Andrew's edit at all.
Hey Jim, it's not the original post you need to look at. It's that user's 2nd post about half way down the thread. Once you get there, you will see the edit.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean