Overview
This is yosi from Chillout with Beats.
It's not an exaggeration, and until April 2018, there was no good free composition software (hereinafter DAW).There were too many parts that I had to give up because it was free.
However, it changed completely with the release of "Cakewalk by Bandlab" for free from Bandlab in April 2018.
The bottom line is that if a beginner chooses a free DAW, it's almost a "Cakewalk by Bandlab" choice. (Almost what I've added is that if you don't deal with Audio, there may be other options.)
If you are considering a paid DAW, first install "Cakewalk by Bandlab" and get the included plug-in. (It's worth it)
Then I will explain the reason for recommending it.
Reasons to recommend Cakewalk by Bandlab
About Cakewalk by Bandlab
First of all, regarding "Cakewalk by Bandlab", it was originally sold as a product called "Sonar" for a fee. (It was about XNUMX yen at the top)
Please refer to the DTM Station for more information.
Reason for recommendation XNUMX Japanese menu is the default
There used to be a time when the DAW used by Windows users in Japan was Cubase or Cakewalk.
It has been around for a long time in Japan.Yes, it is well translated into Japanese.
(In the old days, it was bundled with Roland's SC series)
It is a capture of the menu.
It is displayed in Japanese by default without doing anything.
There is no strange Japanese, and I think it is a particularly nice point for people who are not comfortable with English.
(Most of the other menus are also firmly translated into Japanese)
Reason for recommendation XNUMX Abundant bundle plugins
When I started DTM a while ago, honestly, it starts with no sound source or effects.
Also, most of the sound sources and effects that come with free DAWs cannot be used.
sound source
"Cakewalk by Bandlab" is bundled with TTS-1 and SI series of modeling sound sources, for a total of 4 sound sources.
TTS 1
To be honest, this is not very usable.I think it's a bonus.There are many tones, but the sounds are light. (Once upon a time, there was a standard such as GM, which meant that MIDI files could be played, but I think it is unnecessary for those who are starting DTM from now on.)
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
Cakewalk TTS-1 is a multi-timbral, multi-out software synthesizer with a variety of built-in sounds and rhythm sets.
Studio Instruments Bass Guitar
Other than that is good.You can also play the pattern in the browser at the top left.
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
bass guitarAccurately reproduces the sound of a classic bass guitar.It features a user interface that realizes fine-tuned and powerful controls with simple operations.
Studio Instruments Electric Piano
The treble is a little disappointing, but I think the bass is good.Also, since the attached effect is not at all, it seems better to insert another effect and use it.
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
electric pianoAccurately reproduces the sound of a classic Fender Rhodes electric piano.It features a user interface that realizes fine-tuned and powerful controls with simple operations.
Studio Instruments String Section
This was the most surprising thing.Is good.I think it should be used as a trings in the back.
As I noticed after touching it, the pattern on the left can be dragged and dropped into the DAW.
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
The String Section provides the sounds of three classic stringed instruments (violin, cello and bass).It features a user interface that realizes fine-tuned and powerful controls with simple operations.
Studio Instruments Drum Kits
This is also good.However, the tone is only acoustic and it is not enough.
However, there are quite a few free drum sound sources, so there should be no problem.
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
The Drum Kit accurately reproduces the sound of reality.It features a user interface that realizes fine-tuned and powerful controls with simple operations.
effect
The effects are quite abundant, and for this reason you can introduce "Cakewalk by Bandlab".
Since it is really a lot to introduce, I will list only 3.
TH3 Cakewalk Edition
overloudThere is a limit to the number of amp cabinets etc. for the company's guitar plug-in, but the sound is the same as the commercial product, so I think it is enough for the first use.
I will also include a description of the head family.
OverloudTH3 Cakewalk EditionOffers a lifelike guitar amp model, from clean to crash distortion.This special edition comes with 12 amps, 11 cabinets, 12 stompbox effects models, 3 mics, great effects such as delay and reverb, and dozens of presets.You can easily create and modify your own signal path.
You can place the effect anywhere.
BREVERB 2
This is also TH3overloudThis is the company's reverb.
It's pretty good.I just want a commercial version.
The reverb type can be selected from "HALL", "PLATE", "ROOM", and "INVERSE".
The retail version costs $ 200.
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
Overloud's BREVERB SONAR offers world-class studio reverb.With plenty of professional-level presets, it's ready for a wide range of applications, from mixing to post production. SONAR includes BREVERB SONAR for both VST and ProChannel versions.Click the BREVERB SONAR VST version help button for more information.
REmatrix Solo convolution reverb
Chira is also TH3overloudThis is the company's reverb.
As mentioned in other articles, this REmatrix Solo can import your own IR that you have downloaded.
I imported it a little and used it, but it's pretty good.It is easy to read and can be used immediately from the next time. (It may start because you want to use this function)
I will quote the explanation of the head family.
Overloud's REmatrix Solo module provides world-class Convolution reverb.It contains 100 types of IR (impulse response) data from MoReVoX.You can also import your own IR to control the EQ, length, delay, and stereo fields of any single IR.
REmatrix combines the faithful reproducibility of Convolution reverb with the flexibility of algorithmic reverb.The included presets were created in a real mixing session and can be used as-is in music production and mixing.
Reason for recommendation 3 Sound source can be used in other DAWs
The effects system is annihilated, but the four Studio Instruments can be used in other DAWs.
Even if you don't use "Cakewalk by Bandlab", you can still get the sound source, so it's worth using.Also, even if you use another DAW, you can only make the sound of the guitar.I think it's worth making with TH3.
Demerit
Up to this point, there have been almost all advantages, but I will also tell you the disadvantages.
Too rich in features
To be honest, I've been using various software not only in DAWs, so I can use it almost immediately, but I can't do anything with menus and pull-downs everywhere.
There are too many unknown functions, and it takes time to achieve the desired purpose.
Future support is unclear
At the moment (March 2019), bug fixes are being made about every two months, and there is a possibility that new features will be added.
However, there is a possibility that Bandlab will give up "Cakewalk by BandLab" due to the recession.
Also, although unlikely, even if the song file is corrupted after the update, I don't know how much support it will have. (Although the support for paid DAWs is not generous ...)
It's free, so I think it's a part that can't be helped.
If you have a plan to do DTM in earnest to some extent, you should move to a paid DAW.
Summary
There were other options a year ago, but now the recommended free DAW is "Cakewalk by BandLab".
Whether you're new to DTM or already have a DAW, I think it's worth downloading "Cakewalk by BandLab".
To be honest, there were various good features when I used it this time.I will use this area well.
(The combination of Maschine and Cakewalk may be surprisingly good)
Also, especially for those who play the guitar, I think the first thing to do is to prepare an audio interface.
Why not consider a DAW after having a good audio interface and plug-ins to save money with the free "Cakewalk by BandLab"?
If it's free, it's "Cakewalk by BandLab", but if it's paid, FL Studio 20 is highly recommended.
The reason is explained in the following article.
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