8 Best Free Audio Recording Software for 2024

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If you are a musician, audio engineer, podcaster, or voice actor, you would know the importance of quality audio. Having recorded vocals and covers myself, I know the struggles of audio recording all too well. 

The quality of a video’s audio recording and editing could make or break a podcast, song, voiceover, or video. Unfortunately, not many of us are equipped with the monetary means to get expensive software. Lucky for us, there are many free audio recording software available on the internet to start improving your audio recording quality. 

We have compiled a list of free audio recording software that is intuitive and easy to use for beginners in no order whatsoever.

Considerations when choosing a free audio recording software

Image credits: Jonathan Velasquez on Unsplash

Sometimes, we would rather take things into our own hands instead of approaching a recording studio. However, learning a music software from scratch could be complicated for beginners. Depending on your projects whether it’s music, podcasts, or voiceover, there’s always a free audio recording software out there waiting to be found. Here are a few factors to consider before choosing your DAW.

1. Genre: Different digital audio workstations (DAW) are catered to specific music genres. For instance, Cakewalk by BandLab is great for rock music, while Garageband is great for electronic and rock music.

2. Workflow: If you prefer working with MIDI, Garageband, Pro Tools Intro, and Cakewalk by BandLab can be a great pick.

3. Operating System: Some digital audio workstations are only made for MacOS while others only for Windows.

4. Features: Evaluate features you may need beforehand. Depending on your style, you may want access to virtual instruments, third-party plugin support, or audio effects.

All these considerations can be a little overwhelming but it can enhance your experience with digital audio workstations. Depending on your budget and motive, it may be great to contact a professional audio engineer from a recording studio as well. Regardless, here are 8 free audio recording software for your consideration.

1. Garageband

Image credits: Apple

Garageband is a free digital audio workstation (DAW) that’s geared towards beginners and advanced musicians. They feature a variety of free plugins, presets, midi instruments, and post-editing features. Users can find virtual instruments such as pianos, guitars, drums, and bass to name a few. There are even session drummers and percussionists for those who do not have access to drums or do not know how to play drums. 

Their modern and intuitive UI makes it easy to use which is ideal for musicians and content creators who are looking to produce high-quality audio.

Key Features:

1. Drag and drop functionality

2. Virtual instruments

3. Built-in effects like reverb, compression, EQ, echo, and more

4. Supports MIDI keyboards and controllers

5. An extensive sound library

Pros:

1. Intuitive and beginner-friendly interface

2. Simple exporting

3. Shallow learning curve

4. Pre-installed on Mac devices

5. Enhances creative process for being “fun to use”

Cons: 

1. Primarily designed for musicians

2. Large file sizes when exported 

Can I use GarageBand on Windows?

GarageBand is exclusive for Mac users and comes pre-installed on the Mac devices.

2. Audacity

Image credits: Wikipedia

Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, Audacity is a powerful, open-source audio editor that’s great for those who would like to record music or start a podcast. As it’s free and open source, Audacity doesn’t offer many advanced features. Regardless, they have basic edits for quality recordings. Unlike Garageband, plugins are not automatically in Audacity so users will have to download them from the internet. Regardless, as a free audio recording software, Audacity is great for creators who are on a tight budget and only need to make basic post-production edits on their audio.

Key Features: 

1. Open-source software

2. Basic audio effects presets, and editing

3. Able to export in formats such as MP3, WAV, etc

4. Able to record multiple tracks simultaneously

Pros:

1. Easy to use

2. Basic tools are available

3. Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows

4. Separate track recordings are available

Cons:

1. It’s interface is outdated and old, might be harder to navigate

2. May have to download third-party plugins

3. Can’t hear effects in real-time

3. Wavosaur

Image credits: Wavosaur

If you just require quick and simple edits or recordings, Wavosaur could be the digital audio workstation (DAW) that you need. It offers essential features like cutting, splicing, and the ability to add effects to audio files. The platform also supports VST plugins, batch processing, and real-time processing which makes it suitable for basic audio editing. Despite its lightweight features and being a free audio recording software, Wavosaur can be a powerful tool for users with simple requirements.

Key features:

1. Has a small footprint as it requires minimal system resources, hence making the DAW fast and efficient

2. Custom scripts for advanced users

3. Able to use third-party VST plugins for effects and processing

4. Basic audio recording functions for simple projects

Pros:

1. One of the oldest and most trusted digital audio workstations

2. Ideal for beginners

3. Simple and easy to navigate

Cons:

1. Outdated interface

Can I use Wavosaur on Mac?

Wavosaur is a free audio recording software that’s only available on Windows.

4. Ocenaudio 

Image credits: Synth Talk

This free audio recording software is great for users who want a more automated response from their DAWs. Ocenaudio combines a user-friendly interface with basic audio analysis tools, making it a great option for beginner users. The DAW also allows users to add audio effects during post-processing and preview them in real time during the editing process. Ocenaudio works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it one of the most accessible and best free DAWs out there.

Key Features:

1. Comes with many audio effects

2. Real-time previews of audio effects

3. Spectrogram and file analysis

4. Multi-selection for editing or applying effects

Pros:

1. More features than most free DAWs

2. Modern interface

Cons:

1. The steep learning curve as compared to other free audio recording software

5. Studio One Prime by Presonus

Image credits: Bedroom Producers Blog

Acquired by Fender in 2021, products by Presonus are now mostly paid, but there is a free edition called “Studio One Prime” that has limited features as compared to the paid version. The interface is cluttered and can be intimidating for beginner users but the tools can be beneficial after learning how to use them. It also provides a basic but solid platform for music, podcasts, and other projects.

Key features:

1. Multitrack comping

2. Multitrack track transformation

3. Control link controller mapping

Pros:

1. Unlimited tracks and automation lanes

2. High-resolution audio procession

3. Drag and drop digital audio workstation

Cons:

1. Lack of 3rd party plugin support

2. Limited amount of busses

3. Intimidating interface

6. Pro Tools Intro

Image credits: Avid Technology

Developed by Avid, Pro Tools Intro is a free audio recording software that is equipped with tools that help beginners start their journey. It shares a similar interface with Pro Tools, an industry-standard digital audio workstation used by professionals worldwide. Similar to Garageband, Pro Tools Intro caters more to musicians with small-scale projects for beginners. 

Pro Tools Intro provides essential audio and MIDI tools for music productions. They also have instrument plugins and effects for creating music with ease. The audio recording software is available on both Mac and Windows. This free version of Pro Tools can also be a determining factor in getting the full version in the future. 

Key features:

1. Huge selection of MIDI tools

2. Cast plugins, loops, and samples

3. Allows cloud collaboration for multiple artists to work on the project at different locations

Pros:

1. Allows easy collaboration between band members or musicians

2. Create high-quality tracks with no real instruments

3. Features designed for creative workflows

Cons:

1. Upgrading to Pro Tools can be costly 

7. Cakewalk by BandLab

Image credits: BandLab

Created by BandLab, Cakewalk is a professional-grade free audio recording software that has tons of tools for music production. The best part of this DAW will be their repairing distorted audio files feature. Users will be able to adjust pitch and volume and rearrange audio tracks easily which could greatly enhance the audio. Cakewalk by Bandlab also comes with a variety of tools and instrument presets that allow users to produce great music.

Key features:

1. Great selection of audio and MIDI tracks

2. Able to share on YouTube and SoundCloud 

3. Free virtual instruments

4. Presets for a variety of musical styles

Pros:

1. Clean and intuitive platform

2. Unlimited audio, midi, and auxiliary tracks

3. Many different effects are available

Cons:

1. The design could feel outdated

2. Only has 5 instruments

3. Native sounds and plugins could be better

Can I use Cakewalk by BandLab on Mac?

CakeWalk by BandLab is currently only available on Windows.

8. Reaper

Image credits: Reaper

Developed by Cockos, Reaper is a flexible digital audio workstation that’s known for having extensive customization options. We’ve debated adding this digital audio workstation in as it’s technically not free. There’s a 60-day free trial before payment. However, Reaper does not force users to pay as after the 60-day free trial period, users will still be able to use the platform with just a 5 second delay screen. Regardless, do consider supporting the developers if you enjoy the product as the price point starts at $60.

Key features:

1. Video editing

2. Up to 64 channels per track

3. Loudness normalization: Integrated loudness measurements when exporting

4. Batch rendering and naming options

Pros:

1. Extremely flexible and customizable

2. Large selection of effects

3. Shallow learning curve

4. Able to use VST plugins

Cons:

1. Doesn’t come with cutting-edge plug-ins

2. Isn’t necessarily free

3. No built-in instruments

• What is the best free recording software for beginners?

  If you are a beginner with no background in audio recording, mixing, or mastering, Garageband is powerful and simple to use. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to follow. However, just like all digital audio workstations, it takes time and dedication to completely learn the workflows. Unfortunately, Garageband is only available for Mac users.

  For Windows users, consider using Cakewalk by BandLab or Studio One Prime. Their built-in plugins, effects, and instruments make it the top free audio recording software for musicians.

• Consider heading to a recording studio

  If using a digital audio workstation is too complicated for you, you can always consider going to a recording studio near you. Professional audio engineers are there to help record, mix, and master your project. For those living in Singapore, Anadigi Sound Lab is a Singapore recording studio that can help with your project requirements. They have been in operation for more than 10 years, catering to musicians, non-musicians, and corporations. If you do not live in Singapore, Anadigi Sound Lab also accepts post-production projects such as mixing and mastering. For more information about this Singapore recording studio, take a look at their website here.

Next step, learn the basics of audio mixing and techniques to get a better mix.

If you like what we shared, feel free to follow us on Instagram & Facebook. We are located in the Central East region of Singapore! Anadigi Sound Lab also provides rehearsal and jamming studio rental services, visit our website here to learn more about our other services.