The resources listed in this guide are focused on the software used in musical composition, digital recording, the creation of electronic music, and the editing of digitally recorded music, as well as that of voice and other audio sounds.
Topics related to the sale of recorded music can be found in the appropriate Shopping & eCommerce category, and other topics relating to music can be found in the Arts & Literature categories for music, as this category is specific to software.
Music software originated in the 1960s and most of the development in the software was related to improvements in computer technology. Over the past couple of decades, digital music has surpassed any other form. Traditionally recorded and converted into digital format, musical instruments today are capable of playing directly into the software in the computer, allowing for full digital control of the production, as well as the automatic transcription to sheet music. Several music-making software packages are available, as well as many others that are designed to handle various tasks associated with music.
Computing technology is also used to assist composers in creating new music, and there are computer software programs capable of independently creating music using algorithmic composition. Besides the software used to produce or digitally record music, software is involved in post-production editing and in music education.
Audio editing software is used to edit or generate audio data. Computer programs can be used completely or in part, as a library, as a computer application, web application, or loadable kernel module. There are several different types of wave editors, which are digital audio editors, many of which can also be used to edit music, apply effects and filters, adjust stereo channels, or perform other tasks. Digital audio workstations often consist of both hardware and software used for recording, editing, and producing audio files, although some of them consist solely of a software program installed on a laptop. A software effect processor is a computer program used to modify the signal coming from ma digital audio source in real-time.
However broad or narrow its functions may be, software programs that are used to produce, record, edit, or otherwise manipulate digital music or voice are the focus of topics in this category.
Recommended Resources
Based on Debian Linux, 64 Studio is a free and open-source (GNU General Public License) Linux distribution used in audio and video recording, editing, and other forms of media production that can be used with 64-bit computers, although an alternative installer allows it to be used with 32-bit processors. The OS is described in detail on 64 Studio’s website, along with other products, such as Lionstracs, Harrison Consoles, Trinity Audio Group, and Media Access Australia.
https://64studio.com/
Founded in 1998, Acoustica is a software development company whose chief products include Mixcraft, a complete recording studio available in two editions (Recording Studio and Pro Studio), Pianissimo, a virtual grand piano that is available separately or with the Mixcraft Pro Studio, Spin It Again, which is used to convert LP and cassettes to CD and MP3 formats, and CD & DVD Label Maker used to create CD or DVD, CD jewel cases, and print directly to CD, each of which are highlighted.
https://acoustica.com/
Available for computers running Linux, macOS, and Windows machines, Audacity is a free and open-source (GNU General Public License, Creative Commons License) digital audio editor and recording application created in 1999 and still under active development by The Audacity Team. Licensure, citations, screenshots, permissions, credits, and a list of features are put forth, as well as online documentation, a FAQ, and a resource page for developers, documenters, and testers.
https://www.audacityteam.org/
Audiality is a realtime audio and music engine. Designed primarily for video games, it supports traditional sample playback, as well as additive, subtractive, and granulate synthesis, and subsample accurate realtime scripting. General information about its design, usage, and features are put forth, along with examples of sounds created with the program, documentation and program examples, and the requirements for use. The program and source may be downloaded free.
http://www.audiality.org/
Blaze Media Pro: Music Software
The all-in-one music software includes a fast music converter, editor, burner, ripper, encoder, decoder, and player in one application. Music can be converted between MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, and other music formats, and its audio editor can be used to edit music files in nearly every format and bitrate and saved to different bitrates. Music can be recorded from any source, including streaming, cassettes, or LPs, and tracks can be ripped from CD. Its features, screenshots, and online help are shown.
http://www.blazemp.com/music_software.htm
Available as free software, under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License, Csound is a domain-specific computer programming language designed for audio programming. Written in C, it was developed at MIT Media Lab in 1985 and continues to be under active development, and used by composers and musicians for any type of music that can be made with the assistance of a computer. Reference and user manuals are featured, along with coding tips and other documentation.
https://csound.com/
Written in Java, EarToner will run in Linux, macOS, Windows, and other platforms that support the Java Runtime. The program was designed to be used to help users identify various musical sounds, such as intervals, chords, and scales, as well as determining whether two notes were in tune with one another. A description of the programs and its functions are put forth, along with its current development status, download links, and screenshots of it running on a Windows machine.
http://eartoner.sourceforge.net/
Created by FAEMedia, which develops custom software for Windows and Mac machines, its flagship product, Free Audio Editor, can be used to record any sounds passing through a sound card, coming from a microphone or played by external devices, as well as to perform visual editing, and add audio effects and filters, the application supports a wide range of audio formats. The features and a download link for the editor are provided, along with an overview of its other products.
https://free-audio-editor.com/
Developed by Participatory Culture Foundation, Miro was originally known as Democracy Player or DTV. Available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, Miro is an audio and video player, as well as an Internet television application, and is compatible with FreeBSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows. General information about the program is put forth, along with an online guide to getting started, and a download link. A development center is included for those interested in helping.
http://www.getmiro.com/
Power Karaoke is a karaoke-oriented branch of DOBLON, a software company established in 1990. Its first karaoke-authoring software was released in 2002, followed by Power CD+G Burner in 2004, and technology increasing CD+G graphics resolution over the years. The company currently offers a range of karaoke programs for professionals and home singers, including free evaluation versions, tutorials, a newsletter, FAQ, and user support forum, as well as pricing.
https://www.powerkaraoke.com/
Provides everything that you need to know about this media player by Nullsoft. The website provides information on the player's features and overview, offers downloads and upgrade to pro. The website also allows users to browse, create and submit plug-ins and skins and it also features music, movies, videos and games. The website also provides a developers' network and also has a community where Winamp users can discuss with each other.
http://www.winamp.com
