Audio Recording/Editing
5. Audacity
Replaces Apple LogicPro ($199.99), FL Studio Producer Edition ($199)
While not as full-featured as some of the commercial recording software available, Audacity does a great job of allowing amateur musicians to record and edit multi-track recordings. The latest version adds an improved reverb tool, the ability to record computer playback and several new commands that simplify the editing process. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X
6. Frinika
Replaces Apple LogicPro ($199.99), FL Studio Producer Edition ($199)
Java-based Frinika bills itself as a “complete music workstation.” Like Audacity, it’s not quite as advanced as some other options, but it does include a sequencer, midi support, soft synthesizers, audio recorder, piano roll/tracker/notation editing and more. Operating System: OS Independent
7. Linux MultiMedia Studio
Replaces Apple LogicPro ($199.99), FL Studio Producer Edition ($199)
Also known as LMMS, this tool aims to make it easy to compose and/or produce your own music. It offers a song editor, beat+bassline editor, piano roll, 64-channel FX mixer, standards support and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux