Top 10 Music Production and Editing Software You Should Try Out

When I'm recording a new album, I often rotate between old vintage gear like four track cassette recorders, and modern, digital computer interfaces. While the audio quality is different, the music and the experience of creating it is always the same.

There's no right or wrong way to make music. Some of the best recordings are the worst sounding ones. But you can also do some amazing things with computers. With certain software programs, you'll be able to download effects plug-ins to add to instruments, and different editing tools to get different sounds. Here are the top ten music production and editing software programs you should try out.

Avid's Pro Tools is probably the most well-known and often used music production software. You can control the basic functions of recording, including engineering, mixing, and mastering. But Pro Tools also has a fast processor, so you shouldn't experience too much freezing or lagging. While the program may crash from time to time, especially when bouncing a mix, Pro Tools is still a pretty dependable program. In addition to hundreds of built-in effects at your disposal, you'll also be able to use multiple EQ's and compression tools. With a hefty $600 price tag, many people balk at the cost. But Pro Tools is generally the industry standard for music production and editing software, and it's easy to see why.

Logic Pro X by Apple is a cheaper option that can do just about everything Pro Tools can. The only issue with Logic is that it occasionally has bugs that need to be patched or fixed. Logic includes built in effects like old vintage amplifiers and effects pedals. This digital work station is for Macs only, so if you have a PC, you'll most likely turn to Pro Tools. Logic is also very friendly with Midi keyboards, so you'll be able to easily sample melodies or dial in a synth-strings effect. Like with any intricate software, it takes time to learn, and Logic is no different. But at $200, it's a great alternative over Pro Tools.

Your music project is one we NEED in 2018. Why not use Garageband to get it to happen? Garageband is Apple's other music production and editing software, but much simpler than Logic. While Garageband is a popular program among beginners, its easy-to-use interface and free price tag make it an attractable option. It doesn't have as many effects or presets that Logic has, but still has some solid options. One thing that Garageband is good at is helping you learn to use your instrument. The program maps out chords, showing you how to play piano or guitar. So while Garageband may be limited in what it has to offer, many people love how it's free to use, and how it's made for everyone.

Part of the popular Adobe Creative Suite, which also includes Photoshop, Adobe Audition is perfect for recording and editing audio. I used this program at my college radio station to create radio sweepers and show promos. Adobe Audition is a very versatile program, available for any operating system, and comes at a reasonable price of $240 on Amazon. What Audition does lack is the horde of effects options that Logic and Pro Tools have. But nevertheless, Adobe Audition is still a quality program that makes it easy to edit music, recordings, or just about anything else.

Ableton is the premiere music production and editing software for chopping up samples and using them for electronic beats or raps. Many DJs prefer to use Ableton for its ability to be used at live events. You'll be able to not only multitrack with an unlimited number of MIDI tracks, but use Ableton's seamless MIDI sequencing software that eliminates the need for a controller or extra keyboard. Ableton is available in two different packages. You can order the "intro" package for about $100 or if you have some extra cash, Ableton Live 9 or 10 will cost you between $600 and $800. Despite the heavy price tag, this is a professional software that is great for both making music and performing it. Pair it up with the best budget recording microphones and you are set to rock.

I have friends that swear by Cubase and I never understood why. But when I used it to edit drum sounds, I totally understood. Cubase includes three main editing tools for drums, scoring, and MIDI. The key editing tool allows you to manually edit MIDI tracks, moving them wherever you want. Cubase has a ridiculously large sound library, with multiple different kinds of synth pads, drum kits, and loops. Available for about $550 on Amazon, Cubase is a bit pricey, but can will save you major headaches when it comes to editing or finding the right effects.

I always scoffed at the name, Fruity Loops, but now it's just labeled as the FL Studio which sounds way more professional. FL Studio is an easy-to-use program that works really well with rappers and electronic artists because of its pitch correction and time stretching abilities. This program offers all of the basics of a DAW for a less amount of money. FL Studio is available on Amazon for just $200, and it's available for both Mac and PC, making it a versatile, inexpensive option for those looking for music production and editing software. Who knows, after using this, maybe you'll be the best new Cloud rappers out right now.

Reason by Propellerhead has been described as a "middle of the road" type of software that's not exactly for beginners or professionals. You'll have a lot of different tools at your disposal, allowing you to drag various effects and drop them into the mix. Reason also features a lot of different plug-ins that give you multiple options for what to add to your bass or vocals. Reason also includes a feature that automatically cuts and splices tracks so you don't have to manually. It may not have the same amount of effects and features as Pro Tools and Logic, but it's still a great option.

I've always liked the PreSonus interface, admiring their music production and editing software for its simplicity. Available for just $100 on Amazon, the PreSonus Studio One 3 is probably the best option for your wallet. If you've ever used the Studio One software that comes with their AudioBox interfaces, then you'll be pleased to see the Studio One 3, which is way more expansive. This program includes quality reverb effects, and even a mastering tool that rivals Logic and Pro Tools. PreSonus is a quality audio company that makes not "exceptional" gear, but something that is always affordable and usable.

The ACID Music Studio 10 is the most inexpensive music software you can find, available on Amazon for just $40. But what's the catch, you may ask? The only real issues that come up with this program is it can occasionally freeze up on you. But the Acid Music Studio includes an extensive amount of loops and effects that's easy to use, and a perfect option for any beginner. While it can have some issues when using MIDI, this music production and editing software is still a simple, affordable DAW.