I find myself getting back into songwriting again, but no longer have the software I need for home recording. I've purchased a number of different software programs for digitally recording music in the past, starting with whatever the program was that Steinberg offered BEFORE Cubase (which if I remember correctly, was called Pro-24, and ran on the Atari 520ST computer/platform). I've also used n-track studio and M-Audio, but since I am no longer interested in pursuing music in a professional capacity, and given that each of these programs became no longer available to me when equipment became obsolete, stolen, or had to be sold, I do not wish to pay for anything this time around, or at least not right now. So, I’m going to begin exploring different options supposedly available for free, starting with the ones listed below…
I'm surprised that Ableton isn't mentioned as I thought that was pretty much the industry standard. Wait.... you said free. Hmmm. Have you checked out FL Studio?
I'll add FL Studio to my list. I stopped pursuing music professionally after getting married in 1990, so most everything that's happened since then has been off my radar. Thanks for the mention 'caused I'd never heard of it. My impression was that Pro Tools was the industry standard.
Pro Tools used to be the standard but Ableton changed the game about 10 years ago and has since been the preferred program for most producers these days.
Presonus Studio One is another one to add to your list. Presonus makes a lot of recording hardware so if you buy a new recording soundcard for your computer or another type of interface from Presonus, they will give you a copy of Studio One for free.