Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity

03 Sep 17 - 02:20 AM (#3874915)
Subject: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: punkfolkrocker

For Mac, Windows, or Linux operating systems

https://www.tracktion.com/products/t6-daw


"T6 DAW
THE WORLD'S BEST, FULLY FEATURED, COMPLETELY UNLIMITED FREE DAW FOR ALL MUSIC CREATORS
This is no 'Lite' version, we do not impose track limits, plugin limitations or other such constraints commonly found in other low cost offerings. Why? – we think you will enjoy using the app so much, you will discover the value in investing in our latest versions and the expanded features we are voraciously adding. Innovation and creativity is what drives us – join the ride today and download T6 for Mac, Windows, or Linux operating systems.

Like all Tracktion DAW applications, T6 features an intuitive, single-screen interface. Input, waveform and mixer – including EQ, level, pan and plugins – are laid out from left-to-right. Simply drag-and-drop additional features and automation on any track as needed. Unlimited numbers of audio and MIDI tracks, combined with a professional feature set, allow you to compose, record, edit, mix and share your music with ease. Modest CPU requirements make T6 ideal for use on nearly any Mac, Windows or Linux computer "

This is a product from a long established well respected music tech software company.
Simply fill in a quick online form to create a passworded entry to the download site.

Serial no will be emailed to you.

I've only just received an email notifying me of this free offer.
Filling in the form and downloading was quick and simple.
I'm waiting for serial no email, but I probably wont get round to installing & trying for some time.

I don't know how many concurrent installs on different computers the serial no permits, but several applications with different email addresses should get more serial numbers...

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03 Sep 17 - 02:40 AM (#3874916)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: Joe Offer

Well, I had to look up DAW. Do most people know what that is? It's a Digital Audio Workstation.

I'll stick with Audacity until I see a review that says something else is better. Give us a report, PFR. There are lots of features of Audacity that I have trouble understanding, so it would be nice to have a "DAW" that's easier to understand.

-Joe-

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03 Sep 17 - 02:51 AM (#3874918)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: punkfolkrocker

Sound on Sound Mag review from 2015 when this software was $60

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tracktion-6

"Tracktion 6
$60

Pros

Very good value for money.
Can work well even on limited hardware.
Contains many advanced features generally found in more expensive DAWs.

Cons

Rather quirky design requires an unconventional working approach, especially in terms of mixing.
You need to supply your own virtual instruments (or go for the 'Plus' package).
Still lacking up–to–date documentation.

Summary

Tracktion 6 is a very capable, if unconventional, DAW which offers good value and solid performance even on more limited hardware."

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03 Sep 17 - 02:57 AM (#3874919)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: punkfolkrocker

Joe - I'd see this as a compliment to Audacity - both together should cover most essential bases for home project studio recording on a tight budget.

Reaper is not freeware, but requires 'honest' users to pay for it after trial expires - even though it is still fully functional.

However Reaper is maybe too complicated and packed with too many bells & whistles for many of us...

So I think Tracktion 6 at least deserves a look at...

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03 Sep 17 - 02:59 AM (#3874920)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: punkfolkrocker

another review..

http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/tracktion-software-corporation-tracktion-6-622772

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03 Sep 17 - 06:18 PM (#3875044)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: GUEST,guest

Think I will stay with Audacity.

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03 Sep 17 - 06:20 PM (#3875046)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: GUEST,Guest

Same guest.

How can something you have to pay for be free?

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03 Sep 17 - 10:14 PM (#3875060)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: punkfolkrocker

Same guest - have a good night's sleep, then read this again..
or not.. your choice... no skin of anyone else's nose...

You made it this far and managed to learn to use a keyboard, little bit more effort and you might read correctly what's placed in front of you....???

It's free because it's bleedin' well free...!!! 😣

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04 Sep 17 - 03:54 AM (#3875084)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: GUEST,Richard Robinson

"How can something you have to pay for be free?"

They released a new version (7), which you pay for. Then they made the old version (6) free.

I liked the free version so much I gave them the money.

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04 Sep 17 - 04:42 AM (#3875091)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: punkfolkrocker

Richard - that's very encouraging, I'm still waiting for the emailed password to test this DAW.

Last time I tried out Tracktion would have been at least a decade ago,
and it blurs in my mind along with Ableton and a few other alternatives...

I don't remember if I liked it or not, but after 5 years away from much involvement with music making
[due to increasing family commitments]
I need to sift through current free music tech software and start up again before it's too late...

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04 Sep 17 - 04:46 AM (#3875093)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: GUEST,Ed

Thanks punkfolkrocker,

Have been looking for something cheap/free to do some audio+midi stuff on, so will certainly try this.

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04 Sep 17 - 05:00 AM (#3875098)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: GUEST

Also look at Ardour, a free audio workstation originally developed for Linux but now ported to both OSX and Windows.

Audacity is nice when all you need is what Audacity can do, but when you need multitrack mixing, editing and automation you need a DAW. A DAW is more complicated to use, but that's because it's capable of far more.

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04 Sep 17 - 05:01 AM (#3875099)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: GUEST,Richard Robinson

punkfolkrocker - I'm a linuxer, paying for software isn't a thing that comes naturally to me. But a) I've been doing some stuff with a friend who uses Tracktion, so it made sense to be compatible with him, and b) I find the interface just so much simpler and more straightforward than the free equivalent (Ardour - I find it fiendishly cluttered). I've seen reviews that give the impression it's "unusual", but as someone who'd never used a DAW before that doesn't bother me. Also, (hint hint ?) a couple of weeks after I'd downloaded the freebie, they mailed me a Special Reduced Price Offer on the current version. (In fact, that's the only, very minimal, downside I'm aware of, they seem very active in mailing me with opportunities to buy more stuff ... not a problem, really).

I may well continue to use Audacity for simple things, I don't really see them as competing.

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04 Sep 17 - 05:02 AM (#3875100)
Subject: RE: Tech: Free DAW alternative to Reaper/Audacity
From: treewind

Sorry, last GUEST post was me. Logged back in with new Cookie now...

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