Are you looking for the best free multitrack recording software for Mac/Windows? Actually, there are many free multitrack recording tools for you to make use of. Whether you want to edit or record your own compositions or just desire to start your own podcasts, you can take advantage of the free multitrack audio recorder to make it. This guidance will introduce some of them and take one for instance to teach you the steps to record one multitrack audio. You will also learn the solution to add music tags to the recordings in this tutorial.
Whether you use Mac®, Windows®, or iOS®, we have an interface that fits your application and budget. Mixing Systems Finder PreSonus StudioLive® Series III, StudioLive AR, and StudioLive Classic digital mixers provide complete, easy-to-use solutions for live and studio applications. The next free screen recording tool for Mac that you can rely on according to our list is OBS Studio. This is a free and open source screen recorder that is available on both Windows, Mac, and Linux. The suggested program will allow you to capture real-time activities and create excellent live streaming videos. The recording, editing, mixing and processing of audio can be made easy if you have a music production or recording studio. For all those who are on the lookout for a digital tool which serves as a MIDI or audio production studio, the Studio Software tool is the best one to try out.
Part 1: Top 5 Best Free Multitrack Recording Software for Mac/Windows
Aug 25, 2019 Try the Best Free Cam Screen Recorder for Mac. There are a few free webcam recording software for developing recordings/screenshots without interruption. You can easily save such recordings along with their audios in a format of your choice. Further, the best webcam recording software for Mac help save the videos directly through a webcam. Compositions and Performances Your studio is always in session. Logic Pro X turns your Mac into a professional recording studio able to handle even the most demanding projects. Capture your compositions and performances — from tracking a live band to a solo software-instrument session — and flow them into your songs.
The free multitrack recording software reviews can reflect the quality of the tool directly. Different multitrack recording tools have diverse features. You can compare them one by one, but this will take you much time. In order to save you time, you can read this part to get rid of this issue perfectly. Here I would like to recommend you the top 5 best free multitrack music recording software for your computer. Each tool is convenient for you to make use. Before your downloading and installing, you need to pay attention to the system that the multitrack recording software can be applied to.
1. Garageband
This free multitrack recording software is released in 2004, which is one popular DAW. Its smooth and intuitive features attract lots of users to make it to apply its high-quality virtual instruments. You can see the soundwaves of the tracks in the interface of this great software.
System Compatibility: Mac
2. Audacity
System Compatibility: Mac
2. Audacity
Audacity, as great free Mac multitrack recording software, can record the source coming from a microphone, through the line-in jack, or live streaming audio. The clean interface makes users record files easily. Its simplicity facilitates the recording process, which is quite proper for beginners to apply. You can also add the effects you desire to the recorded files via this program conveniently.
System Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
3. Ardour
System Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
3. Ardour
Ardour is also considered as wonderful free multitrack recording software Mac/Windows/ Linux, and the highly versatile multi-track recording features enable it to win the favors of numerous users all over the world. It has no built-in effects or instruments, which only depends on the installation of third-party program. This feature is not so pleasant for users to make use of.
System Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, Linux
4. Avid Pro Tools First
System Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, Linux
4. Avid Pro Tools First
Avid Pro Tools First is perfect in recording audios, which allows users to store projects in the cloud. Its functions are various, which can meet different demands of users. You should know that the cloud space for you to store recordings is limited. If you have numerous files to store, you’d better choose other multitrack recording tools to assist you.
System Compatibility: Windows, MacOS
System Compatibility: Windows, MacOS
5. MultitrackStudio
When you decide to download multitrack recording software free, MultitrackStudio will be a good choice for you. It can be applied for any musical genre. The user interface of it is simple and original. The operation of this tool is quite simple.
System Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, iPad platforms
System Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, iPad platforms
The top 5 best free multitrack recording software for PC/Mac/Linux can assist you to record multitrack audio without any difficulty. You can choose one of programs listed above to have a try.
Part 2: How to Record Multitrack Audio via MultitrackStudio
After you read the brief introductions on the top 5 free multitrack recording software for Mac/PC/ Linux, you can continue to check out this part to see how to record multitrack audio with MultitrackStudio. The following steps will show you how to make it with clear illustrations.
1. Download MultitrackStudio software and install it on your computer. Run it on PC and then hit on the button of “Add Track”. In the drop-down menu, you need to hit on the option of “Audio Track”.
2. In the pane that shows up, you need to name the track and then set the channels to “Stereo” and the type to “MP3” or “WAV” in case you need. Repeat this procedure to add two or more tracks into the main interface. Hit on the “OK” button to confirm your settings in this panel.
3. After that, you need to tap on “Studio” tab and then choose the option of “Devices” to tap on in the drag-down menu. In the next interface, set a proper driver for the recording process. For instance, you can choose the VistaSound as the driverset.
4. Hit on “Properties” button to set the “Audio In Device” item. Afterwards, you can click on the “OK” button twice to move back to the main interface. Then you need to switch the tracks in the interface to the record mode by clicking on the “Rec” button at the right side of each track.
5. When the tracks are in the recording mode, you can hit on the red play button in the upper right corner of the screen to begin to record the tracks you have added.
6. You can click on the “EDIT” button at the right side of every track to edit the tracks according to your demands. When the recording is over, the output file will be saved in the default directory of the software for you to view.
This free multitrack recording software for PC/Mac and iPad platforms can assist you to record better multitrack audios. However, you should know that the free version of it is the MultitrackStudio Lite. You can try it on your computer at ease.
Extension: How to Add Music Tags to the Recordings Automatically
Apart from using the best free multitrack recording software for Windows/Mac/Linux to record the multitrack audio you desire, you can also choose Leawo Music Recorder to get the recording you desire. Leawo Music Recorder is one versatile sound editing program, which can add music tags to recording automatically. If the tags have not been detected automatically, you can also edit tags manually via this tool. Now the following contents will tell you how to record audio and add tags with this software.
Leawo Music Recorder
☉ Record any sound from computer and microphone audio.
☉ Record from 1000+ music sites like YouTube, Facebook, etc.
☉ Schedule music recording via recording task scheduler.
☉ Automatically/manually add tags: artist, album, etc.
☉ Save recordings to either WAV or MP3 format.
☉ Record from 1000+ music sites like YouTube, Facebook, etc.
☉ Schedule music recording via recording task scheduler.
☉ Automatically/manually add tags: artist, album, etc.
☉ Save recordings to either WAV or MP3 format.
Step 1: Set Output Format
Run Leawo Music Recorder on your computer and then hit on the small microphone icon at the bottom left of the interface to call out the settings panel. Select the “Format” to click on. Thus, you can set the exported format as MP3 or WAV. If you would like to get higher sound quality, you’d better select WAV as the recording format. Moreover, you can adjust the detailed parameters of the recorded file, including the audio codec, bit rate and sample rate as you need. Remember to hit on “OK” button to continue.
Step 2: Set Output Directory
After that, you can navigate to the menu of “General” to select one target folder for the recorded audio file on your computer by clicking on the folder icon. Besides, language setting is also available in this pane. For instance, you can choose “English” as the target language.
Step 3: Select Audio Source
Hit on the menu of “Audio Source” on the settings panel to choose 'Record Computer Audio' or 'Record Audio Input' according to your demand. For recoding computer audio stream or online music, you need to tick 'Record Computer Audio'. If you choose 'Record Audio Input', you will be able to record Mic or other built-in input audio stream.
Step 4: Start to Record
Hit on the red recording button in the main interface to begin to record the audio, and you need to playback the audio file in succession. When the recording comes to an end, you need to hit on the recording button once again to terminate the process.
Step 5: Adjust Audio Tags
Leawo Music Recorder can download and add music tags for the recorded audio automatically. You can also edit the tags manually, like the title, artist, year, genre, etc. by navigating to the 'Media' menu to right click on the recorded file and select 'Edit Music Tags'. In the end, you can click on “OK” button to confirm your settings in this panel.
As one comprehensive music recorder and editor, Leawo Music Recorder enables users to compress music file, edit music tags and trim the audios effectively. After the recording, you can enjoy the music files with detailed info on computer freely. You can also add the recorded files to iTunes library with one click through this program directly.
Having discussed so much on the best free multitrack recording software for computer and the method to record multitrack audio, you can download one to your computer to have a try. When it comes to adding tags to the recorded files, you can make use of Leawo Recorder to help you easily.
Last Updated on March 19, 2020 by
If there’s one thing that really gets me going is whensomeone says that you need to have Pro Tools, Cubase… you name it, installed inorder to be a good producer.
The funny thing is that this couldn’t be farther from thetruth.
In order to be a good producer, you need to learn how to properly produce music, the software you use for recording/editing is secondary.
If you don’t have the proper knowledge, acoustic treatment,equipment, and skills, it doesn’t matter if you use the “best” software outthere…
Your mixes will most certainly suck!
So, before I get into the free Audio recording software, there are some things that need to be addressed.
Table of Contents
- Traverso (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Ardour (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Jokosher (Windows, Linux)
- Ohm Studio (Windows, Mac)
- Pro Tools First (Windows, Mac)
- Tracktion T7 (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Studio One Prime (Windows, Mac)
- Cakewalk by Bandlab (Windows)
- Audacity (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Garageband (Mac only)
But first, something that is a lot more important than the editing software you use, which is…
Improve your skills
Just like with anything else in life, recording, mixing, andmastering are skills that need to be learned… and this takes time.
![Free Free](/uploads/1/1/0/4/110432863/367466561.jpg)
Think more about which of those skills you are lacking and focus on improving them instead of thinking that you need to purchase Pro Tools simply because someone said so.
If you are excellent at using any kind of software, let’s sayAudacity, do you think that you could achieve the same quality mix on Pro Toolsor Cubase?…
Probably not, right?… At least not until you get used tothose DAWs.
While it might be a good idea to upgrade to some of the moreprofessional recording software/DAWs at some point, I really don’t think thatthis should be a priority.
Lucky for you not only are there dozens of free recordingprograms out there…
But even Pro Tools, Presonus, and other of the big names, have free stripped-down versions of their most popular DAWs.
If you think that you might need a couple courses to improve your skills quickly, then let me recommend the loopmasters website where you can find loads of courses about almost anything music related.
Best Free Audio Recording Programs
Now that that’s out of the way it’s time to get into thelist of the recording programs…
Note: You might be thinking “Hey, but my computercame with one pre-installed, can’t I use that one?”.
Well, yes and no…
If you own a Mac then it means that you get Garageband forfree, and Garageband is definitely on this list since it’s excellent!
If that’s your case then yes.
If you own a PC, like most of us, then you will absolutelyneed to download another program.
Lucky for you, here’s a list of 10 great ones which not onlyare free, but also work great!
Note: I’ll end the post with the ones I like themost.
Let’s get started…
10. Traverso
The whole idea behind Traverso is to make the workflow aseasy as possible.
They achieve this by allowing you to control the entireprogram through mouse+keyboard shortcuts, which I know may sound a littleintimidating at first…
But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to work thatmuch faster.
Some cool features of Traverso are;
Non-destructive audio editing: This allows you to undo/redoas much as you want.
Cut the track into a million pieces, add effects, and more…and the original file will still be intact.
This is a great feature for beginners to have, since you can’treally run into any serious problems.
Burn directly to a CD: Yes, we almost don’t use CDsanymore, but it’s a nice feature to have.
Once you’re done with a project you can burn it directly on-toa CD without even leaving Traverso.
Note: This is not a simple recording program…
It’s actually a full DAW which is quite powerful and thatcertainly is capable of producing professional sounding music.
So, if you like using shortcuts and don’t mind that initiallearning curve, by all means, give Traverso a try.
You can download it here.
9. Ardour
Ardour is yet another free DAW/audio recording and editing software that is both aimed at the seasoned producer as well as beginners.
It’s a fully featured DAW, and the whole point behind Ardour is to be the go-to choice for engineers who are on a budget and can’t afford to purchase a premium one.
Just like Traverso, Ardour features non-destructive editingas well as 32-bit float.
Not only that, but contrary to Pro Tools first, Ardour doesn’tput a limit on the number of simultaneous tracks you can use.
It also supports VST, LADSPA, AU, and LV2 formats so thatyou can use your favorite plugins.
Additionally, Ardour runs on JACK which is excellent at handling MIDI without any latency whatsoever.
Lastly, would I recommend Ardour to a complete newbie?
Probably not… and here’s why;
The user interface is a bit more complex than the one onother free recording software out there, like Garageband which is extremelyeasy to use.
However, I’ve you’ve ever worked with a real DAW before, Ardourwill probably be easy to learn, plus it can do anything a premium DAW can.
You can download it here.
8. Jokosher
Jokosher is one of the most lightweight recording programs you’ll ever find.
It’s not really designed to be able to do any advancedmixing and mastering, like most other programs on this list…
However, what it lacks in functionality it more than makesup in ease of use.
Not only that, but it was designed to use concepts that musicians are more familiar with than the language used in most audio editing software…
Making it a good starting point!
Even though Ardour may not be as in-depth as some of theother DAWs on this list, it still features all the basic editing tools likesplitting, trimming, etc.
It even comes with a decent number of instruments which can be added to a project.
However, if you want do add extra plugins like Orchestral VST,for example, you will only be able to add LADSPA plugins… which Iknow isn’t ideal.
All in all, Jokosher is a great free tool mainly due to its ease of use… it’s very similar to Garageband in that regard.
If you need to do some simple audio recording, mixing, etc.,or if you want a simple tool for podcasting, then Jokosher might be the rightfit.
You can download it here.
7. Ohm Studio
Ohm Studio looks like a regular DAW, or like any other audiorecording software.
But what sets it apart from every other program on this listis not the number of plugins it comes with, or how powerful it can be…
What really sets it apart is that it’s a collaborative recording software.
What this means is that you can give access to otherpeople and they can simultaneously work with you in real time on thesame project.
The reason I included Ohm Studio in this list is exactly becauseof that one feature.
Free Recording Studio Software For Mac Os X
Other than that, it doesn’t offer anything that otherrecording software don’t.
It comes with a lot of effects and instruments that can beused completely for free, and it also supports VST plugins… but only 32-bitfor now.
You can download it here.
6. Pro Tools First
Pro Tools First is the stripped-down version of the mostpopular DAW in existence…
It includes the Xpand!2 virtual instruments and UVIWorkstation 3 sample player which give you access to a variety of sounds,from beats and loops, to power chords and more.
Since it’s a lite version of Pro Tools, it only allows forup to four simultaneous tracks to be recorded at the same time…
And 16 tracks can be played back at the same time.
I know this doesn’t sound like a lot but remember that it’s the free version and you can always upgrade later on.
Pro tools First also comes with 23 effects andutility plugins, which are great for basic mixing procedures.
It is free to download and use, but you need to registerwith them and with iLoki also, which takes a bit of time.
Whenever you want to try out free software, having to jumpthrough a couple of hoops isn’t the worst thing, but it would be much better ifthey didn’t make you do any of this.
Note: If you’re thinking about building a homestudio, don’t miss out on this list I wrote about all the HomeStudio Essentials you need!
You can Download it here.
5. Tracktion T7
Tracktion T7, just like Cakewalk, which I will talk about in a second, is a completely freeand fully featured/unlimited DAW.
This means that there is no “Lite” version, there areno track limitations, no plugin limitations, or any other constraint of sortslike on Pro Tools First or Cubase LE.
The T7 version, and all the prior ones, are free.
This is because they want you to try them out and see if youlike the workflow…
If you do, you can upgrade to the latest version that is now called Waveform 9, which isn’t free.
In order to get this one, you will need to register as well.
After this, simply select your OS and download.
The BIG difference between Tracktion T7 and all the otherDAWs I’ve tried is that the workflow is very different.
You have your tracks, which go from left to right, like in any other DAW, but the Mixer isn’t on the bottom, like in EVERY OTHER DAW… it’s on the right.
The controls for every track are on that same track but on the right side of the DAW.
This might be a bit confusing at first, but it makes senseonce you’ve gotten used to it.
However, even though getting used to the different workflowof Tracktion 7 can take some time…
Why would you spend a fortune in order to get some other DAWwhen this one, and Cakewalk as well, can do the same things but for free?
Definitely give it a try!
You can download it here.
4. Studio One Prime
Studio One Prime is a beginner friendly DAW.
The user interface is extremely intuitive and easy to use and it offers ahassle-free workflow.
Therefore, it’s great for beginners since recording a demo in your bedroomwithout any prior experience won’t be such a headache.
I recommend Studio One Prime to people with no prior experience who justwant to learn the basics of mixing music.
The biggest drawback it has is that it can’t load VST or AU plugins.
If you want to be able to do this, you will need to upgrade to Studio OneArtist.
Note: In order to use VST/AU plugins in Studio One Artist,you will need to purchase a separately paid add-on for these VST/AU plugins towork.
Yes, this sucks… But the software itself is great!
Studio One Prime comes with nine Native effect Plugins like delay,distortion, etc. which are surprisingly good.
At the time of writing this article, the current version is StudioOne 4 Prime. Instagram ipa ios 9.3 5.
The latest version introduces a couple of improvements added from the Artistand Pro editions of the Software.
These are; An improved instrument editing workflow, theintroduction of drum and melodic patterns as well as MP3 encoding.
This is a stripped-down version of the Artist and Pro editions, if you needVST/AU plugins, or if you want more effects, you will have to either getanother DAW from this list, of purchase the Artist or Pro editions.
Remember that the Artist version requires a separately paid add-onfor VST/AU plugins to work.
Just like with most of the DAWs on this list, you will need to register inorder to download it.
Still, I think that Studio One Prime is definitely worth checking out.
You can download it here.
3. Cakewalk by Bandlab
Cakewalk is considered to be the best free DAW out there,the one issue is that it’s only for Windows users (Windows 7 or higher and only64-bit), but you are getting a $600 value DAW for absolutely free.
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It’s basically a rebranded version of SONAR Platinum withall its professional features included.
One of the differences between Cakewalk and ProTools Firstor Cubase LE (light version of Cubase), is that those come with a couplerestrictions;
Like limited simultaneous tracks recording and playing back,and some other features.
Cakewalk is just as powerful as the full versions ofProTools and Cubase, but 100% free!
Not only is Cakewalk my top choice for any free recordingsoftware out there, but it’s also the one I generally use the most.
For years now I’ve been using Cubase and I have to say thatI really like the workflow…
But Cakewalk is very similar in the sense that it’s a fullDAW, while still being absolutely free.
Of course, it comes down to your own preferences.
Maybe you like the interface of some other DAW better, butthis one offers everything the full version of a paid DAW does, and more!
If you are a Windows user, then get Cakewalk, no questionsasked!
Note: Once you downloaded Cakewalk, you will need toregister (you can do this through Facebook or Google, it only takes onesecond).
Then you need to go to the “App” section and installCakewalk.
You can download it here.
2. Audacity
Audacity, while not being the most powerful program outthere, is the go-to recording software for most beginner home music recordingenthusiasts as well as podcasters.
The reason for this is that it’s fairly simple to use, whichis ideal if you are a beginner.
The interface is simple and clean (Ideal for a newbie),which just means that the user experience as a whole will be much lesscomplicated.
Not only that but it can record using your PC’s onboardsound card directly through the mic input and line-in input.
Live streaming is also an option if your sound card supportsit.
It comes with quite the number of included effects which areuseful for getting the sound you desire, from setting the levels right tochanging the sound of your voice even.
Adobe indesign cc 2018 mac download. From EQs, to pitch correction, delay, reverb, compressor,noise removal, and more… Audacity has got your basic effect needs covered.
Additionally, it even supports VST, LADSPA, AU, and Nyquistplugins, meaning that if you want to load a Drum VST plugin,you can.
Audacity supports a sample rate of up to 192kHz, which isfar more than you’ll ever need since most of the times, even in professionalstudios, the sample rate is 48kHz.
But having the alternative to go this high will allow you todo some high-caliber recordings.
Note: You’ll need the appropriate gear to takeadvantage of this feature.
Audacity may not necessarily come packed with loads offeatures, but what it lacks in added functionality it more than makes up insimplicity.
This is why I think that it’s excellent for beginners, sinceit’s fairly simple to use while still providing you with a whole lot ofoptions.
If you’re just starting to learn about audio engineering orif you are recording simple things, like a podcast, then Audacity is definitelyworth considering.
You can download it here.
1. Garageband
Garageband is an amazing DAW that comes free with any iOSdevice, if you own a Mac or an iPhone you will have access to it.
It is, essentially, a stripped-down version of Logic Pro Xbut completely free.
Garageband is a great place to start if you want to learnabout multitrack recording, using MIDI and essentially mixing, before spendinga lot of money on expensive software.
With Garageband not only can you produce a song on yourcomputer but you also can produce an entire song using just your cellphone,since you have all the tools you need right there.
This means that if you own an iPhone and you want to recordonly using that device, Garageband will be the ideal choice for you.
I wrote an entire article on Howto produce a song with no Studio Equipment which should be of use to anyonewho wants to record using a mobile device.
Garageband is extremely easy to use, which is why I think itdeserves the first stop on this list.
The interface is clean, the design is super intuitive…Perfect for any beginner!
Which one should you choose?
Well, this is a complicated question to answer…
The fact is that most of the audio recording/editingprograms on this list will be able to do almost the exact same things properly.
However, this all depends on your overall music productionknowledge.
If you are a complete newbie then I’d recommend Garageband,for Mac users, and Jokosher, for Windows users.
Garageband is pretty versatile and will allow you tocreate some pretty good sounding music.
Jokosher on the other hand, is very easy to use… butalso very limited, and should be used as a jumping off point.
If you already know a bit about how to use a DAW, then I’ddefinitely recommend Cakewalk, which is Windows only…
Otherwise TracktionT7 is your next best bet.
Conclusion
Like I mentioned in my little rant at the beginning, having thelatest version of a premium software like Pro Tools and Cubase isn’t reallynecessary.
There are loads of free alternatives out there which havenothing to envy the premium ones.
In my opinion, it all comes down to how you feel using eachDAW.
If you prefer the workflow of Pro Tools First, then it mightmake sense to purchase the full version.
Otherwise, just stick to a free one.
I hope this information was useful.
Have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest software to make music?
If you use an iOS device to record, then Garageband is your best bet since it’s incredibly intuitive and easy to use.
On the other hand, if you’re a Windows user then I would recommend Studio one Prime, which is one of the easiest DAWs to learn, or Audacity since it doesn’t provide so many features that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
On the other hand, if you’re a Windows user then I would recommend Studio one Prime, which is one of the easiest DAWs to learn, or Audacity since it doesn’t provide so many features that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Can Audacity record MIDI?
Audacity cannot record MIDI. It can only reproduce it if you import it.
Audacity cannot be directly controlled by a MIDI controller either.
Audacity cannot be directly controlled by a MIDI controller either.
Is there anything better than audacity?
Even though Audacity works pretty well, it’s far from the best free recording/editing software out there.
If you want the best free alternatives then I’d recommend either Cakewalk or Tracktion T7.
If you want the best free alternatives then I’d recommend either Cakewalk or Tracktion T7.
Is Audacity Safe?
Audio Recording Software
If you download it from the official website then yes, it’s absolutely safe.
However, you need to be really careful since there are dozens of other websites out there that allow you to download Audacity and you might get some unwanted malware with those downloads.
However, you need to be really careful since there are dozens of other websites out there that allow you to download Audacity and you might get some unwanted malware with those downloads.