Help deciding what DAW to get

[besaco]

I think it depends on what workflow you are most comfortable with.
For me, for example, I always work with FL Studio. Because if you work with keyboard and mouse its flow is the fastest for me, and it has many shortcuts to save you time.
Although it is true that it does not have support for all MIDI controllers, you can download more or map them yourself.

But I would recommend you try different DAWs before deciding to buy one.

[FapFilter]

What genre(s)? Some DAWs lean mote to certain genres, but in the end they can all do more or less the same.
In the end, it mostly matters what YOU are mostly feeling comfortable with, and some are happily using Bitwig or Renoise for band recordings or orchestral works, while others might prefer Pro Tools, or Sonar for electronic music

[cryophonik]

Here's a thought to help you decide. Groove3 currently has their annual sale going for $99 for access to all of their tutorials. You can buy that and spend some time watching in-depth tutorials for the DAWs you're considering to help you see how the various functions that interest you are implemented. After you decide, you've got a LOT of great tutorials ranging from beginner to advanced for every DAW you're considering, plus tutorials for the KK. These tutorials are great for getting you up to speed quickly, or if you're stuck and can't figure out if/how something can be done in your DAW (not to mention countless other software, instrument, and genre-specific production tutorials). Something to consider...

https://www.groove3.com

[SARCASTICDAVE94]

Like others have said, try several DAWs, especially if you can activate a trial version. I myself tried to get my free version of Ableton Live Lite that I'd activated after buying a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB interface to handle some live sound with plug-ins. I didn't get anywhere with it, but no big loss to me as I had to replace the 2i2 anyway. I ended up with a PreSonus 68c interface and their Studio One V6 Artist, which I can upgrade to Pro for $299. (I am planning that next year sometime) OK, now I have a DAW I can figure out. I am using the S1 DAW as my effects mixer for a Livestream audio for my church. So I'm not yet creating music at this time, however I certainly could do so at any time.

Nothing above is meant to promote one over the other, just my personal experiences. Best to ya.

[SizweP]

Pardon me Dave, have you ever heard of the app called RecAll by Audified?

[roman.i]

In FL studio concepts of tracks, automation, channels rack, mixer are disconnected, it's a mess.
Having said that, I love the the lifetime updates that why I purchased it.
Every time I try the new version, doesn't seem that FL devs want to solve that.
Anyway, if you're on Mac try Logic. for $200 you get a daw fully loaded with plugins and sounds.
I've used Ableton before, Logic feels better on Macbook at least...

[n I I e]

I think it is a mix of different necessities and priorities. Nobody is exactly like you. Even a simple stuff as the way the graphics looks to you can be a deal breaker.

For me is Ableton all the way. I tried all of them before and never liked them. And surprise surprise I'm not a hiphop producer and prefer the arrange view always. I even compose classic and film music... and I STILL prefer ableton live even knowing that is not the best option there.... but I love that program.... I feel free to do interesting stuff so quick and easy.

So that's my opinion. Then you should have to decide for yourself

[Sera]

I hate ableton, but if you’re new to production I would suggest going with it. It can apparently be very effective at both recording and production. FL studio is getting pretty good at it tho with the recent update to 21, and pretty soon may become my main daw for everything

[Papuzzo]

Sometimes I think choosing a DAW is a lot like choosing a car. There are all types and at all prices. Some need a pickup truck, some need a lambo. Some have no idea what they really need until they start driving a lot, then realize they bought the wrong car. My suggestion would be to try Cakewalk since it is free and is a decent DAW, has decent plugins and is more than enough to get started with. When you find out what you like and hate about cakewalk then you can start evaluating the other choices.

[jamcat]

Sometimes I think choosing a DAW is a lot like choosing a car. There are all types and at all prices. Some need a pickup truck, some need a lambo.

That would be me. I need a Lamborghini to get Eddie's sound in Panama.

[Killzz]

FL4L. But, with this much user support for everything you can't go wrong.