A Selection of Free Software Currently Available Online
Although commercial software packages such as Cubase, Reason, ProTools and Sibelius are both versatile and powerful, newcomers to music technology may not be in a position to purchase them immediately. To begin with, you can download 'demo' versions of the above software (in which saving is disabled) to try them out. Go to the Propeller Head website to download a demo version of Reason and the Avid website to download ProTools or Sibelius).
For those interested in exploring the possibilities of music technology without investing in commercial software, there are also a number of free, open-source music-making software packages – including virtual studios, audio recorders and editors, sequencers and music notation programmes – now available, and more are being created all the time. Here are some examples, in alphabetical order.*
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Software
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Description
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Audacity
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An audio recorder and editor for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and other operating systems.
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DarkWave Studio
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A digital audio workstation for Windows. Features a modular virtual studio, pattern editor, sequence editor and multi-track recorder.
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Finale Notepad
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A freeware version of the famous music notation software.
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Integra Live
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Developed as part of an international project led by Birmingham Conservatory supported by the Culture programme of the European Union, this 'software environment' is designed for both composition and making music with live electronics.
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Hydrogen
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A drum sequencer for Windows and Linux.
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Kristal Audio Engine
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A multi-track recorder, audio sequencer and mixer – free for personal and educational use.
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Linux Multimedia Studio
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A MIDI sequencer/composer for Windows and Linux.
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MuseScore
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Full-featured music notation and composition software. This is the most popular software used by Leaving Cert. Music students.
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REAPER
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A complete digital audio production application for Windows and OS X, offering a full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing and mastering toolset.
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Temper
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A fully functional MIDI composer/sequencer/recorder.
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*We do not specifically endorse any of the above software.
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