Sound Recording Software for OSX - The Basics

Recording audio takes a combination of gear and software. Like anything, there's a great deal of different options available. If your only starting out its probably best to stick with something rudimentary as possible.  That is not to say you do not want to go with a DAW (digital audio workstation) of some sort; just simply that you may wish to take an intermediate step before investing time and effort into highly professional and specific software such as Steinberg's Nuendo. Audio software is a quintessential part of creating your own apple music studio, without it none of the necessary Mac recording accessories will function with your computer.

The layout and engineering of most DAWs follows a similar theme: a tracking screen (with pict files of active tracks), a mixing environment (possibly a second screen), and some sort of effects/plugins display. Some audio recording software features additional beat making and sample options. However, this is not a feature, or the focus of some major DAWs. That being said, once one becomes accustomed to one piece of PC audio recording software for Mac, it becomes much easier to use other such music software.

Logic Express - condensed version of Apple's DAW

Recording and Mac recording studios take a fair amount of practice to get acquainted with. While it may seem pretty drag and drop/plug and play, the details of creating a finished product develop over time. Not only does ones ear become more accustomed to tuning in, effects become more recognizable (and usually controllable). If you start out with the very best of the best for recording software, you may find the environment too foreign to manipulate. Commonly the diverse effects, various menus, and overall vastness of professional recording applications make then difficult to comprehend and use. If you have had this problem you should not be disgruntled, as it is only the natural response. Given a short amount of research, or work with a simpler DAW, one can achieve great success in learning how to use recording software. As these steps become more comfortable, one may want to upgrade to a more professional software.

Keep it simple and then work up. As mentioned, it is probably easiest to start with a simple editing and mixing application and working up to the best channel mixer software for Mac. This being said, there are still many applications to choose from. If you already have your own Mac, you may want to begin with GarageBand (included with iLife). Usually it comes free with your Apple computer, and it provides a tastes of what sound studio recording apps have to offer. You may not want to consider mixing an entire orchestra from the ol' Garage Band, but you certainly could take care of your first demo album, podcast, or home soundtrack.


If you wish to begin with a more professional environment, it is simply a matter of deciding which direction you would like to CONTINUE to go. That is to say, many professional sound recording softwares feature beginner and professional level of their software; and while the introductory models may not feature the effects or quality of its professional counterpart, they do provide the a familiar and workable environment to assist in later mastering the pro level apps. Take Apple's Logic for example; it features two grades for either home or studio recording. While the Express version may lack some of the features of the Studio counterpart, it certainly provides an excellent recording environment for most intermediate recordist and producers.

Logic Studio - Pro grade Mac recording software

Pro Tools (considered the industry standard) is another example. It too features and introductory LE & M-Powered variant as well as a standard and HD version. The drawback being reduced features and track numbers for the less professional version (the biggest of which being individual track mode). While the lower models may to some hits in the features category, they still provide excellent experience for mastering the HD version. As Pro Tools 9 HD has some many different capabilities it can be found very confusing upon first use.

Needless to say (type), the list could continue with the majority of professional sound recording software for Apple Mac. It is best to summarize by saying be cautious when looking for recording studio software; as easy as it is to buy an ineffective one, it is to buy a too-effective one (at least for the moment). If you feel there is a particular application you like, buy the introductory version; if you like it and would like an upgrade, most companies feature some sorta upgrade version (usually for not too terrible a price).  In which case, it your question is one of music recording equipment for Mac.