Free DAW & Music Making Software

MusE

MusE is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by MusE. Compatible OS(s): Linux.

MusE is a multitrack virtual studio for Linux that has support for sequencing of both MIDI and audio and has, among other things, support for LADSPA, Jack and ALSA.

Some Highlights:

Advanced jack audio routing possibilities.

Automation architecture for both MIDI and audio.

Better MIDI controller abstraction: available MIDI controller can be defined in instrument definition file (*.idf).

Integrated mixer with:

Unlimited number of inputs.

Unlimited number of outputs.

Unlimited number of tracks.

Unlimited number of aux’s.

LADSPA effects on all track types, both before and after fader.

Stereo/Mono track types.

interface changes, the TrackInfo pane is used more.

MIDI instrument definition files (*.idf).

Lots of customization options.

Shortcut editor.

Drag and drop import of MIDI files.

Drag and drop import of wave files.

Standard MIDIfile (smf) import-/export.

RTC (Real time clock) use for rock solid timing.

Advanced arranger with track and part abstractions.

MIDI editors:

Pianoroll.

Drum editor.

List editors.

Controller editors.

Realtime editing of “everything”.

Unlimited number of open editors.

Unlimited undo/redo.

Realtime and step-recording.

Multiple MIDI devices.

Unlimited number of tracks, both MIDI and audio.

Audio playback/recording.

Sync to external and internal devices/applications:

MTC/MMC.

MIDI Clock.

Master/Slave.

Jack transport enabled.

LADSPA effects.

Integrated softsynth architecture M.E.S.S

Several internal synths available.

Simple architecture for adding more synths.

support for industry standard Windows VSTi softsynths.

JACK enabled.

ALSA sequencer client.

LASH enabled (formerly LADCCA).

Raw MIDI device usage through ALSA.

XML based project files.

XML based configuration files.

project file contains complete app state (session data).

Application spanning Cut/Paste Drag/Drop.

uses C++, QT3.2 GUI Library, STL.

And the most important feature for a free application:

GPL Licensed.

http://www.muse-sequencer.org/

MSQ16/10 free

MSQ16/10 free is a free step sequencer VST plugin developed by xtrabits. Compatible OS(s): Windows.

MSQ 16/10 Free (no MIDI out) is a VST Step-sequencer Plug-in for Windows.

Sequencer 1: 16×13 note entry matrix (C4-C5).

Sequencer 2: Octave, Slide, GateTime, Velocity.

Sequencer 3: MIDI-CC1 and MIDI-CC2.

Sequencer 4: Reset (resets sequencers 1-3).

Sequencer 5: Pattern-sequencer.

Adjustable sequencer speeds, sequence lengths and sequencer directions (fwd, bwd, fbw1+2, bfw1+2, random).

Sequences can be triggered and transposed via MIDI.

In addition, the last played note and/or sequence position can be memorized.

8 Patterns, which can be triggered and recorded by automation, MIDI or mouse.

Scale-quantise and chord function, which allows you to add notes per step.

All sequencers can be randomized, alternated and shifted to left and right, independently or all together.The pitch sequencer can be shifted up and down in 1-semitone-steps separately. Shuffle function adjustable from 50 – 75%. Loop function.

http://www.xtrabits.de

MPC Fly for iPad

MPC Fly for iPad is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by AKAI. Compatible OS(s): iOS.

The MPC Fly is an iPad App that allows the user to sequence up to four tracks simultaneously and has a four-track mixer built in.

Built in sound library of samples and drum kits.

Record and overdub sequences and create and edit your own Programs.

16-Levels mode: play one sample at 16 levels of attack, velocity, length, and tuning.

Note variation slider allows you to manipulate attack, velocity, length, and tuning as you play.

Built-in effects: delay, bit crusher, master compressor/limiter.

Time correct: 1/8 note – 1/32T with variable Swing setting.

Note Repeat: 1/8 note – 1/32T timing.

Sample using internal mic or line-in and trim and categorize samples.

Sample from your iPod library with turntable interface.

Share on SoundCloud, Facebook or twitter.

Supports WIST, Wireless Sync Start protocol from Korg.

Supports AudioPaste.

Check out the {See video at top of page}

http://www.akaipro.com/

Molgav

Molgav is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by Molgav. Compatible OS(s): Any OS.

Molgav is web-based collaboration tool for musician.

Write down a riff/melody and share it via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, e-mail, WhatsApp or any other chat/forum.

Molgav sequencer works on desktop and on mobile. No additional software needed.

Features:

UI adapted for touch interface.

Import to .mid files.

Export from .mid files.

Hundreds of samples for wave synthesis.

No registration, no fee, no installation.

Multiplatform.

http://molgav.nn.ru/

Ministepper

Ministepper is a free step sequencer VST plugin developed by WOK. Compatible OS(s): Windows.

MINISTEPPER is an easy to use step sequencer VST plugin for Windows.

It features 8 steps, each with adjustable velocity, gate length and mute.

Several play directions, start- and endstep selectable on the fly. Sequence can be transposed by incoming MIDI notes. Also plays chords when chords are send into it via MIDI.

Host sync with dottet and triplet speed selection, swing, run on key press, MIDI-channels selectable for combined use, clear layout, free.

http://www.wokwave.com

major sketch pad

major sketch pad is a free chorder and step sequencer VST plugin developed by af Kreativt Darhus. Compatible OS(s): Windows.

major sketch pad is ideal for musicians with writer’s block or knob twiddlers who easily get distracted by fine tuning soundscapes and ending up not getting any music done. No, this is not some pseudo-random-crap, you are in control of your music all the time when using the sketch pad. This is an arrangement utility rather than a music production tool.

major sketch pad is basically a step-sequencer combined with a chorder. Each time it gets triggered by a MIDI note the step-sequencer steps forward and each step can contain a new, different chord. The chords aren’t locked to a predefined pitch. This means that you can try out chord combinations and see how your melodies will sound with different chords applied to them, or just jam away.

The main idea behind the sketch pad is to make it easier for people who are having a hard time coming up with songs to at least get a “rough” arrangement sketch that they can continue to work with. It is, after all, often the beginning of a song that is the hard part to come up with.

http://www.2storstark.com/afdarhus/

LoopJam

LoopJam is a free sequencer and slicer and looper stand alone application developed by codemusicians. Compatible OS(s): Windows, macOS.

LoopJam is a free remix software that lets you spice up, recycle and remix music loops in a new and easy way. Without prior music knowledge anybody can use LoopJam to create some sweet music – 1 click on the ::: Jam ::: button allows you to jump into remixing right away. Download LoopJam and get 10 sample loops for free and start making music today. It’s fun, it’s addictive, it’s LoopJam.

::: Remix. Discover. Perform :::

Main features are:

The unique Slice & FX Matrix allows you to remix loops by drag & drop.

load audio loops (wav, 16-bit/44.1kHz, 8-16 bars long).

Slicing: automatic slicing of audio loops into beat synchronous segments.

Remixing: 1 click remixing / break generation using ::: Jam ::: (endless remixes/breaks can be generated using slice re-arrangement).

Flavor: add some spice by applying up to 9 audio FX to all or individual slices.

FX Levels: set individual FX Dry / Wet levels.

Save: save up to 10 remixes / scenes for export or performance.

Performance: recall scenes (1-10) from keyboard shortcuts (0..9).

Arrangement: export scenes / breaks in CD quality for arrangement in your DAW of choice (Ableton, Cubase, ProTools, Logic).

Continue: Save your session (original+all saved breaks) to continue with your remix whenever you like.

We’d love to hear about your remixes created with LoopJam.

Send them in through our Soundcloud Dropbox and get featured on our channel.

Get the app soundtrack: “I.M.A. – Momentum”

Breaks have been created with LoopJam.

Always stay informed about free sample- and loop libraries announced on our Facebook page: simply search Facebook for LoopJam.

Let’s get you started with a little remix tutorial: {See video at top of page}

Features for the upcoming version 2.0:

load any wav/mp3.

automatic loop detection from whole songs.

change playback speed.

load external samples for automatic beat creation (BD, SD, HH, Claps…

Please let us know about your ideas, criticism, compliments, feature wishes…

HAPPY REMIXING.

http://www.loop-jam.com

Live Performer

Live Performer is a free host and wrapper application developed by Solaria SRL. Compatible OS(s): macOS.

Live Performer is a new Audio Unit Host for macOS designed for capture your music inspiration.

It offers an always recording mode so you can improvise with your keyboards and all your MIDI events will be always recorded.

Live Performer is also meant for play live, with a rack of 4 Audio Units and Low Latency support.

Full features:

MIDI.

– Input by Keyboard, Mouse/trackpad or MIDI Keyboard
– Auto MIDI Recording
– Live Chords Detector
– Live Keys hi-lighter
– MIDI Monitoring
– MIDI Instrument Out
– Host Tempo Sync
– Transpose
– Velocity Override.

Audio.

– AU Instruments
– 4 Effect Inserts
– Sample Rate
– Low Latency Buffer
– Independent volume control for Input and Output.

Mac App Store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/live-performer/id1230212898?ls=1&mt=12

Beta – Not Snadboxed
https://rink.hockeyapp.net/apps/ea32e44ec1014ecebb9304328fdd92ba

http://liveperformerapp.com

Linux MultiMedia Studio (LMMS)

Linux MultiMedia Studio (LMMS) is a free DAW developed by LMMS. Compatible OS(s): Windows 64b, macOS, Linux.

LMMS is a free cross-platform alternative to commercial programs like FL Studio, which allow you to produce music with your computer. This includes the creation of melodies and beats, the synthesis and mixing of sounds, and arranging of samples. You can have fun with your MIDI-keyboard and much more; all in a user-friendly and modern interface.

Features:

Song-Editor for composing songs.

A Beat+Bassline-Editor for creating beats and basslines.

An easy-to-use Piano-Roll for editing patterns and melodies.

An FX mixer with 64 FX channels and arbitrary number of effects allow unlimited mixing possibilities.

Many powerful instrument and effect-plugins out of the box.

Full user-defined track-based automation and computer-controlled automation sources.

Compatible with many standards such as SoundFont2, VST (i), LADSPA, GUS Patches and full MIDI support.

Import of MIDI and FLP (Fruityloops Project) files.

http://lmms.sourceforge.net/

LaunchPad App

LaunchPad App is a free sequencer stand alone application developed by Novation. Compatible OS(s): iOS.

The Novation Launchpad is an easy to use app for iPad that is designed to have you making beats and music instantly. It comes with eight ready-to-perform sessions that span different musical genres. You can re-combine the loops and sounds included in these sessions within the multi-colour Launchpad grid to make and remix your own music. The built-in time stretching always keeps you locked into the beat so your loops don’t go out of time.

The app follows some of the key features from the renowned ‘Launchpad’ hardware, now used by many of the worlds famous DJs, producers and performers, but brings it to a new level of simplicity and fun.

8 volume sliders allow quick volume changes and simple FX modes offer cool DJ effects such as repeater and filter effects, adding fun ways to remix your music and make your performance unique.

Features:

8×6 Launchpad grid for triggering up to 8 loops and sounds at a time.

8 volume sliders and 8 filter sliders.

FX section for adding repeat and synced filter effects.

Premium content library from Loopmasters.

Load new complete sessions and sounds.

Global Tempo change.

Edit mode for loading samples.

Autosave – never lose your sessions.

The Launchpad iPad app is designed to work alongside the Novation Launchkey iPad app. A powerful and unique synthesiser which uses interactive, hands-on graphics to give you a fast and fun way to add synth lines to your music.

Novation Launchpad is for iPad 2 and above (including iPad Mini) and requires iOS5 or later.

Novation Launchpad is an iPad app and is not compatible with iPhone or iPod Touch.

http://www.novationmusic.com/