If you’ve spent time with mixing consoles or other DAWs, then you may feel comfortable out the gate, as it is relatively intuitive. Which is to say, Cakewalk is closer to professional level software, and because of that, its interface is like a traditional mixing interface – kind of like Pro Tools. Now, it’s all well and good that Cakewalk comes with all the essentials you need to get started (plus a few extras). Cakewalk works exclusively on Windows but is compatible with Windows 7 and above.

You also get a library of virtual instruments and studio quality effects, including delay, distortion, compression, gate, EQ, filter, phaser, chorus, flanger, pitch shift, reverb, and more.Ĭakewalk features a 64-bit mix engine, resampling, ARA support, and is touch-enabled. It features an award-winning user interface, “industry-best” audio engine with VST3 compatibility, and unlimited audio, MIDI, instrument, loop, and auxiliary tracks. Whether you’re looking to compose, record, edit, mix, master, or share, Cakewalk is fully equipped with the tools you need to get the job done. To gain access to Cakewalk, you will need to install the BandLab Assistant and surrender some of your personal details (like your email address), but my recommendation? Download this baby before BandLab changes their mind. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it either. BandLab’s Cakewalk is premium Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software turned free.

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