Ready to produce EDM? Whether you are a beginner in dance music production
or are a seasoned veteran when it comes to production, there are a few things you need to take into consideration while choosing the best DAW for EDM production. In this article, we'll tell you about some of our favorite DAWs as well as a comparison between some of the different features.
What Is A DAW?
A DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation and is the piece of software used for producing songs, speech, radio, podcasts, and recording music.
Why Does It Matter Which DAW I Buy For EDM?
DAWs are really an investment in a couple of ways. DAWs are an investment of your finances and they are also an investment of your time. Like most software, you'll experience a bit of a learning curve. While no two DAWs are the same, you'll want to focus on a DAW that makes sense for you.
The Best DAW for EDM
Choosing your DAW is like choosing the person you want to marry. There is a lot of time spent courting them in the beginning and the longer you use it, the harder it will be to break up in the future. Choose wisely on the DAW you want to use based upon your goals, which other artists use that software and the features on the DAW.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is one of the premium DAWs you can buy for EDM production. The Ableton software ranges from $99 to $1,000's of dollars, but it is one of the best DAWs in the game right now. Ableton features a mix of instruments, sound libraries, and effects. It also offers multi-track audio recording, which is a plus for dance music production.
Which EDM artists use Ableton?
The most notable EDM artists using Ableton are Flume, Steve Angello, Diplo, Deadmau5, and Alison Wonderland.
Pros:
- Flexible
- Good workflow
- Good audio warping engine
Cons:
- No combing
- Multitrack audio recording and MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments
- Unique session View for nonlinear composition, flexible performance and improvisation
- Real-time warping of audio: automatically sync music and loops, regardless of tempo
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- Includes 5000+ sounds (70+GB), 57 effects and 10 instruments (wavetable, Operator, Sampler, analog, electric, tension, Collision, Simpler, drum rack, Impulse)
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X has a following within the EDM scene and is one of the more sophisticated DAWs in the music production arena. Logic Pro X has a library containing loops, instruments, and effects. Logic Pro X is one of the best DAWs for EDM right now.
Which EDM artists use Logic Pro X?
The most notable EDM artists using Ableton are Disclosure, Alesso, Kygo, Calvin Harris, Eric Prydz, and Marshmello.
Pros:
- Massive library of different instruments
- Widely used by today's top artists
Cons:
- Not compatible with Windows
Cubase Pro
Cubase Pro often gets overlooked by Logic Pro X and Ableton, but it is one of the better DAWs today. Cubase has been around for quite a while and is used by some of the most well-known EDM producers today.
Which EDM artists use Cubase?
The most notable EDM artists using Cubase are Hardwell, Zedd, Knife Party, Bassnectar, and KSHMR.
- 32-bit integer and 64-bit float audio support
- VariAudio 3: Control every aspect of your audio
- Revised Channel Strip: completely redesigned with new metering elements
- MixConsole Snapshots: Immediate store and recall mixes to compare alternate mixes within a project
- Audio Alignment: sync stacked vocals and other tracks in no time
Pros:
- Includes more than 3,000 sounds
Cons:
- Difficult to learn some producers have said
Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition
FL Studio, once known as Fruity Loops, is a DAW that has grown up throughout the past 16 years. It is one of the most affordable DAWs for EDM and packages everything you need to compose, arrange, mix, record, edit, and master professional quality music.
Which EDM artists use FL Studio?
The most notable EDM artists using FL Studio are Martin Garrix, Porter Robinson, DJ Snake, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, and Benga.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Records both external and internal audio
- Free lifetime updates
Cons:
- UI can get cluttered
- Powerful mixing and automation
- The best Piano Roll in the business
- Flexible Browser and workflow features
- Support for all VST standards
- Over 80 instrument and plugin effects included
Important Factors: Your Budget
If you are just beginning to produce and are not sure whether you want to make this your full-time gig, you should be very hesitant on your overall budget that you would like to spend.
Important Factors: Are You a PC or an Apple Person?
Some DAWs are compatible with PC and Apple, but a lot of the DAWs for EDM are only compatible with just Apple. Be sure to choose the software that is compatible with your computer.
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This post originally appeared here.