Mac App Store is the simplest way to find and download apps for your Mac. To download apps from the Mac App Store, you need a Mac with OS X 10.6.6 or later. The best Free Music Production Software programs to download online. These free DAWs work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ubuntu, and Mobile. These digital audio workstations will allow you to make professional music without spending any money.
- Music Download Software For Macs Windows 10
- Music Download Software For Macs Windows 10
- Music Software For Macbook Pro
- Free Music Production Software Mac
Ableton Live lets you easily create, produce and perform music withinone intuitive interface. Live keeps everything in sync and works inreal-time, so you can play and modify your musical ideas withoutinterrupting the creative flow.
Live comes with a versatile collection of instruments, sounds, kits andloops for creating any kind of music and provides a full complement ofeffects to tweak and process your sound.
- License: Demo, Intro $99, Standard $449, Suite $749
- Developer/Publisher: Ableton
- Modification Date: October 8, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.9 GB
Absynth 5.2.0Semi-modular synthesizer offering a vast range of sonic possibilities.Perfect for pads, endlessly evolving soundscapes, otherworldly sounds,and more.
Absynth is a synthesizer with exceptional sonic potential. Its specialtyis unusual, evolving sounds created using a powerful, hybrid synthesisarchitecture and sophisticated modulation and effects. Dig in to morethan 2,100 presets or start building your very own sound worlds.
- License: Demo, $149
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: October 10, 2013
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.31 GB
Amazing Slow Downer 4.0.7Change the speed of the music - from 20% (one fifth speed) to 200%(double speed) without changing the pitch.
Wrong key? Change the pitch in semi-tones - at full or changed speed.
Out of tune? Adjust the pitch in cents (100ths of a semi-tone) to suityour instrument.
Real-time processing - all described above is done in real-time - justinsert the CD and press the play button!
Also slows down MP3, AIFF, AAC/MP4 and wave files on your computer inreal-time.
- License: Shareware, $50
- Developer/Publisher: Roni Music
- Modification Date: March 17, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.1 MB
AudioFinder 5.9.27AudioFinder is the OS X standard in audio asset management systems, andmusic production hub
AudioFinder can build a catalog of every sound on your system, save it,and search it instantly to find the sounds you need when you need them.Use AudioFinder to create custom sets for sound categories and specificprojects, with fast file browsing to audition, analyze, process,convert, and move or copy the samples in your library. AudioFinderfeatures the ability to add Metadata to your library of sounds, makingit simple and easy to find the sounds you're looking for when you needit. AudioFinder can visualize sounds instantly with the waveformoverview and preview them at any pitch via MIDI or the built inkeyboard, all in real-time. Sounds can even be previewed through yourfavorite AudioUnits. Speaking of Plug-Ins, AudioFinder features anadvanced Plug-In manager and slew of other studio necessities that willmake your workflow flow. Necessities like audio editing with built-inbeat detection and tools for fast trimming, fading, slicing and dicingyour sounds. You can even convert your audio sample CDs into individualfiles with just a few clicks of the mouse.
- License: Shareware, $70
- Developer/Publisher: Iced Audio
- Modification Date: June 22, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 25.8 MB
Battery 4.1.5Battery is the cutting-edge drum sampler - the worldwide studio choice for creative beat production.
- License: Demo, $199
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: April 24, 2015
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 247.4 MB
Capo 3.8Capo uses a blend of advanced signal processing and machine learning tohelp you learn songs by ear. Its powerful, simple-to-use tools allow youto dig deep into the details of a recording so you can learn to playsongs more accurately, and in less time.
- License: Demo, $50/year
- Developer/Publisher: SuperMegaUltraGroovy
- Modification Date: October 19, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 26.6 MB
Download File Size: 78.8 MB
Crystal 2.5.6Crystal is a semi-modular software synthesizer featuring bothsubtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. It offersabundant modulation control with over 90 parameters which may bemodulated, multi-stage envelopes with graphical editors, extensive temposync of envelopes/lforates/delay times, built-in effects forchorus/flanging/comb filtering/echoes, and a band splitter for effectsprocessing by frequency band. Not only that, Crystal has wavesequencing, granular synthesis, program morphing, MIDI learn, andimports soundfonts. The musical applications for Crystal are literallyboundless.
Crystal is a plugin, which means it runs within a host, such as Cubase,Logic, etc.
- License: Freeware
- Developer/Publisher: Green Oak
- Modification Date: August 22, 2016
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 27.4 MB
Cubase 10.0.40Our most complete DAW ever. Period. With millions of musicians,producers and sound engineers around the world using Cubase every day,Cubase is one of the most popular digital audio workstations of ourtime. Due to its pristine sound quality, intuitive handling andunrivaled range of advanced tools, Cubase is not only considered by manyusers as the most complete DAW on the market today, but also sets thebenchmark for contemporary music production software.
- License: Demo, Elememts $100 - Artist $330 - Pro $580
- Developer/Publisher: Steinberg
- Modification Date: August 22, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 to macOS 10.13 - 64-bit
Download File Size: 113.6 MB installer
Digital Performer 10.01Spark your creativity, then refine your mix — all in a singularworkflow. Digital Performer 9 delivers inspirational features devised toignite your creative muse, combined with state-of-the-art studioproduction technologies engineered for the most demanding, world-classrecording and production environments.
- License: Demo, $499
- Developer/Publisher: Mark of The Unicorn
- Modification Date: April 22, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.07 GB
Finale 26.1.0Finale is the world-wide industry standard in music notation software.Anywhere music appears on the printed page, Finale likely created thosepages. Finale helps the choir to sing, the band to march, the studentsto learn, and the orchestra to raise the excitement level in the latestblockbuster movie.
Part of what sets Finale apart is its unique ability to create anythingon the printed page. Where other software offers paint-by-numberssolutions, Finale offers complete freedom and flexibility. As a result,musicians around the world rely on Finale to create, edit, audition,print, and publish the widest variety of musical scores.
Finale also offers breathtakingly realistic music playback, and moreways to share music with others.
- License: Demo, $600
- Developer/Publisher: Makemusic Inc.
- Modification Date: May 1, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 330.7 MB
FM8 1.3.2Native Instruments has harnessed the power of FM synthesis. Thestrengths of digital are manifest in FM8’s powerful audio engine whichgenerates breath-taking, brilliantly dynamic FM sound in pristinequality. With its emphasis on ease-of-use, the FM8 brings a high degreeof simplicity to the otherwise intricate process of FM synthesis,delivering unsurpassed depth, brilliance, and dynamism.
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- License: Demo, $149
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: October 21, 2014
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 121.5 MB
GarageBand 10.3.3GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio right inside yourMac - with a complete sound library that includes instruments, presetsfor guitar and voice, and an incredible selection of session drummersand percussionists. With Touch Bar features for MacBook Pro and anintuitive, modern design, it’s easy to learn, play, record, create, andshare your hits worldwide. Now you’re ready to make music like a pro.
- License: Comes with your Mac
- Developer/Publisher: Apple
- Modification Date: October 7, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.13.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1 GB
Download File Size: 1.7 GB
Guitar Pro 7.5.2Guitar Pro allows you to edit your music scores and tablature forguitar, bass, and ukulele, as well as create backing tracks for drums orpiano. This is a most thorough yet user-friendly tool for musicians whowish to get better, compose, or simply play along.
- License: Demo, $70
- Developer/Publisher: Arobas Music
- Modification Date: March 29, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 983.7 MB
Guitar Rig 5.2.2A studio full of amps, cabs, mics and creative tools- Guitar Rig givesyou the power to shape your tone to perfection. Get perfect custom tonewith a complete guitar studio in your computer. Stunning amps andeffects - exquisitely modeled in a powerful and intuitive virtualeffects rack. Premium sound quality, maximum flexibility, and totalcontrol for guitar, bass and more.
- License: Demo, $199
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: May 31, 2016
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 552.1 MB
Harmony Assistant 9.9.0iHarmony Assistant is an unbeatable software for computer-assisted musiccomposition and editing. Its harmonizing capabilities enable thecomposer to build quickly and efficiently tunes that includeaccompaniment, multiple instruments and drum patterns
Its full page edit and engraver modes will ease editing and page setupof your scores.- License: Shareware, $85
- Developer/Publisher: Myriad Software
- Modification Date: August 8, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 47 MB
Music Download Software For Macs Windows 10
Kontakt 6.0.3Kontakt is the world’s leading software sampler. Its sophisticated soundengine, wide array of effects, powerful modulation possibilities, andadvanced scripting brings a universe of sound to life with unrivaledplayability and realism. And with an ever-growing feature set, Kontaktcontinues to be the sample engine behind the future of sound.
Kontakt is the industry-standard sampler from Native Instruments. Theworld’s most detailed and innovative sample-based instruments are builtusing its outstanding audio engine and state-of-the-art modulararchitecture. For creative sampling and advanced instrument building,Kontakt provides a unique set of sample manipulation tools and unmatchedcreative possibilities.
Kontakt Player is a free application that hosts all of NativeInstruments’ sample-based instruments, as well as third-party productsmade for the platform. Instruments made for Kontakt Player will also runin the full version of Kontakt.
Music Download Software For Macs Windows 10
- License: Buy, $399
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: November 13, 2018
- Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 40.2 MB Installer - Kontakt 6 Player is a free application that runs all Native Instruments’ KONTAKT instruments, as well as a large number of instruments from other companies.
Logic Pro X 10.4.7Whether you produce tracks in a professional studio or are an aspiringmusician, Logic Pro X gives you all the tools you need to create, edit,and deliver your best music. Right on your Mac.
- License: Buy, $200
- Developer/Publisher: Apple
- Modification Date: October 7, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.13.6 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.5 GB
MainStage 3.4.3The right rig for every kind of performer.
MainStage has something for every kind of performer. You can use allyour favorite instrument and effect plug-ins from Logic Pro. Simplifysetup and teardown. Sound as big as you want with backing tracks. Anduse all your favorite hardware controllers.
- License: Buy, $30
- Developer/Publisher: Apple
- Modification Date: July 16, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.3 GB
Massive 1.5.5The synth that defined bass music, this powerhouse synthesizer is anuncompromising sonic monster and the go-to choice for bass music andelectro producers.
- License: Buy, $149
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: July 19, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 93 MB
Melody Assistant 7.9.0iMelody Assistant is dedicated to music writing, printing and rendering.
Easy to use, Melody Assistant offers a user-friendly interface andpowerful capabilities.
Now used by a very active community of thousands of people, it hasbecome a favored tool for creating music
- License: Shareware, $37
- Developer/Publisher: Myriad Software
- Modification Date: August 8, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Music Software For Macbook Pro
Download File Size: 44.2 MB
Melodyne 4.2.2Melodyne is a software application for macOS and Windows with which youcan edit audio in a more musical way than was ever thought possible. InMelodyne, you work with notes - not with some waveform that tells younothing. You don’t just see where the music gets louder or quieter butalso where notes begin and end and at what pitch they lie.
You can modify each note and thereby influence directly the intonation,phrasing and dynamics - and do this not only with vocals and monophonicinstruments but with polyphonic instruments such as pianos and guitarsas well.
Melodyne is employed worldwide in countless major studios and bythousands of professionals every day, for vocal correction and for theenhancement of recordings, as well as for creative editing of a kindthat would be unthinkable without Melodyne.
- License: Demo, Essential $99, Assistant $249, Editor $449, Studio $849
- Developer/Publisher: Celemony Software
- Modification Date: May 21, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 91.5 MB
MidiPipe 1.5.5MidiPipe can be useful in a music studio or live on stage to route, map,filter, convert, display, input and output MIDI messages in real-time.
- License: Freeware
- Developer/Publisher: Nico Wald
- Modification Date: July 31, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.9 MB
MuseScore 3.2.2Create, play and print beautiful sheet music. The world's most popular notation software.Write music for: Piano; Guitar; Orchestra; Jazz; Choir; Band
- License: Freeware, Course Enrollment $25
- Developer/Publisher: MuseScore
- Modification Date: June 30, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 139.8 MB
Overture 5.6.1Overture was the first notation program to include MIDI data editingusing a Piano Roll and continuous data editor. Overture was also thefirst to notation to implement VST/AU plugin support. We have alwaysbelieved that not only should your scores look good, they should alsosound great. After all, we create music to be heard, not seen.
As today's technologies have changed, so has Overture. And while ourcompetitors just keep repackaging their same old design, we redesign.
- License: Demo, $249
- Developer/Publisher: Sonic Scores
- Modification Date: August 31, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 288.2 MB
Pro Tools 2019.6From powerful new loop-based music creation and trying ideas viaRevision History, to timesaving workflows that simplify editing and postproduction, Pro Tools enables you to create at the speed of yourimagination—without limits. That’s why top artists, musicians,producers, mixers, engineers, sound designers, recording studios, andpost facilities choose Pro Tools for everything they do. Because whenyou need to sound your best, nothing delivers like Pro Tools can.
- License: Demo, $35/month or $300/year, or Perpetual License $599
- Developer/Publisher: Avid
- Modification Date: June 25, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.12.6. 10.13.6. 10.14.4 or 10.14.5 - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.68 GB
Reaper 5.98.400REAPER's full, flexible feature set and renowned stability have found ahome wherever digital audio is used: commercial and home studios,broadcast, location recording, education, science and research, sounddesign, game development, and more.
Feature Highlights
* Efficient, fast to load, and tightly coded. Can be installed and run from a portable or network drive.
* Powerful audio and MIDI routing with multichannel support throughout.
* 64-bit internal audio processing. Import, record to, and render to many media formats, at almost any bit depth and sample rate.
* Thorough MIDI hardware and software support.
* Support for thousands of third-party plug-in effects and virtual instruments, including VST, VST3, AU, DX, and JS.
* Hundreds of studio-quality effects for processing audio and MIDI, and built-in tools for creating new effects.
* Automation, modulation, grouping, VCA, surround, macros, OSC, scripting, control surfaces, custom skins and layouts.
* A whole lot more.
- License: Demo, $60
- Developer/Publisher: Cockos Incorporated
- Modification Date: October 11, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 18.3 MB
Reason 10.4d3The software synth that is harder than hardware. Reason is a completestudio package with synths, samplers, drum machines, loop players, asequencer, mixing, effects and much much more.
- License: Demo, $399
- Developer/Publisher: Propellerhead Software
- Modification Date: May 15, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.94 GB
SoundSoap 5Rescue your recordings from noise problems like air conditioners,traffic, fans, hiss, hum, clicks, pops, crackles, distortion/clipping,and low volume. SoundSoap is inexpensive and easy to use withprofessional results.
Open the media to be cleaned and SoundSoap will automagically find andremove background noise. Adjust the settings and share the results- itsthat easy! In most cases, only a few mouse clicks are needed forpowerful results. SoundSoap includes everything you need to record andclean your media files.
Free Music Production Software Mac
- License: Demo, $149
- Developer/Publisher: Antares Audio Technologies
- Modification Date: January 11, 2016
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 2.9 MB
Traktor Pro 3.1.1Traktor Pro's customizable 4-deck interface and streamlined workflow were designed with the professional DJ in mind.
Packed with a full set of creative features, the Traktor Pro DJ software makes it easy to create your own unique style and sound.
- License: Demo, $99
- Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
- Modification Date: February 22, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 405.6 MB
Zebra 2.8.0Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer. It combines numerous synthesistechniques (subtractive, additive, fm, wavetable, etc.) with a powerfulmodulation engine that even smoothly integrates with the built-ineffects section.
Unlike its analog predecessors Zebra has got an adaptive user interfacethat shows only what you can hear. You don't have to worry aboutcomplexity - but it's available when you need it!
- License: Demo, $230
- Developer/Publisher: Heckmann Audio
- Modification Date: March 12, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 90.8 MB
Get a music studio for Mac
By now, you probably know what a powerful creative tool your Mac is. It’s definitely hard to beat when it comes to retouching photos, editing videos, and — naturally — making music.
There are, in fact, so many music making apps for Mac that it’s hard to decide which one to get and what’s the difference between them, especially if you’re just starting out. But don’t worry — below is the ultimate guide to help you pick the best music production software currently on the market.
Be a creator with Setapp
The ultimate toolkit for curious folks — Setapp gives you access to 180+ apps for creating music, design, code, and more.
The Best Free Music Software For Mac
It’s important to note that no single music creation software is best for everyone. Needs, experience levels, and preferences tent do differ a lot, so the final choice should be different as well. Having said that, there are a few options that have been winning in their respective categories over the years again and again. Here they are.
GarageBand: The easiest way to start
You don’t have to go far for an introductory experience to music making programs — the GarageBand app is already pre-installed on your system.
GarageBand for Mac is a versatile free music making software for beginners. You can use its tutorials to make your first steps into playing an instrument, record your own music (including your voice), add special effects, and produce complete tracks to upload to SoundCloud or beyond.
If you don’t have GarageBand in your Applications folder yet, download it from the App Store for free. When you open the app, it’ll prompt you to get all the available sounds and effects. The newer version of GarageBand for macOS Catalina and macOS Big Sur covers a fantastic virtual drummer that you can customize to fit your patterns exactly, whether you’re playing rock or hip-hop.
Some downsides to the GarageBand app are essentially reasons why pros don’t use it: at some point you max out its capabilities and need features like advanced crossfades, for example. When you feel that instead of the music making software serving you, you start serving the music making software — it’s probably time to upgrade.
Ableton Live 10: The best music making software ever
At the other end of the music software spectrum is the industry-standard Ableton Live. First released in 2001, Ableton has been honing its music making software for nearly two decades. It’s not only able to record, arrange, mix, and master your music but also be used at live shows to play that music back, right from the same interface.
Bad news: it’s very difficult to learn Ableton on your own if you don’t have any background in music making. Luckily, there’s a large international community of users, so you’ll likely be able to find either a local or online group in your language, which could become instrumental to getting over various hurdles.
Even more bad news: Ableton is not a free music production software at all. While Ableton Live 9 used to have a Lite version that could be downloaded free, Ableton Live 10 starts with an Intro edition at $99 (then Standard at $449, then Suite at $749). The more expensive the version the more effects, instruments, and sounds it contains.
n-Track Studio: A top recording software for Mac
If the gap between GarageBand and Ableton Live is so wide, naturally there would be some music making apps that would try to fill it up. Enter n-Track Studio.
Make music with n-Track Studio
With this simple app, you can take a professional music recording studio to your Mac. No expensive equipment, no fuss.
n-Track Studio is a music making software free of Ableton’s complexities but with nearly all of its power. You can record songs from live instruments or create complex EDM tracks using virtual tools as well, with the help of a massive library of sound effects. What’s more, n-Track Studio features a free MIDI software built right in and doesn’t require a too powerful of a processor on your machine, since its audio engine is optimized for minimum latency, even when dozens of tracks are played at once.
Starting with n-Track Studio is very easy:
Click the circled plus icon to create a new track, either blank or armed for recording
Right-click on the new track and choose “Add blank MIDI track”
Select your instrument
Play any progression you like, either using your trackpad or a connected controller
Repeat as many times as needed and enhance with other effects
Overall, exploring n-Track Studio is pure pleasure: more freedom than the standard GarageBand without the difficulty and cost of Ableton. Perfect choice!
Make all music sound better with Boom 3D
While selecting the best free music making software is important, it’s equally important to ensure that whatever tunes you create are going to be played appropriately. As most Macs are simply too quiet for all the intricacies of the music software, you need Boom 3D to make it all work.
Boom 3D is a system-wide volume booster and equalizer for your Mac. First, it features a variety of presets to make every genre sound as good as possible, by setting the right midtones, bass levels, and high-pitched notes. Second, it lets you surpass the default volume limit on your Mac to really get the maximum out of your speakers.
Finally, Boom 3D also acts as a nifty little music player that features over 20,000 radio stations from around the world and plays back tracks set in your specific preferences.
So, again, while choosing the best music production software comes down to your level of experience and needs, if you go for a mid-market product like n-Track Studio, you definitely won’t be bored for a long time. Just don’t forget to couple it with Boom 3D for an absolute killer of a sound.
Best of all, n-Track Studio and Boom 3D are available to you absolutely free for seven days during the trial of Setapp, a platform with over 200 apps for your creative self, from music making programs to film editing and drawing. Try Setapp today and unleash you creator spirit. It’s free, so why not at least try?