Best Free Music Production Program

[Arkuski]

As the title states. I am looking for free software that is similar to FL Studio or Reason but doesn't cost money. I have used the demo version of FL Studio but I was under the impression you couldn't save your work. Anyways, if you guys know of or use something like I'm describing it would be much appreciated.

[Ohaider]

Unfortunately not much

Rofl, Famitracker

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-digital-audio-editors/
Ardour and Rosegarden look cool, haven't used them though

[ScylaX]

Well if it is free I doubt the sound quality will be great. The best you could find will sound like a mere midi production.
A music production software isn't a standalone, there are usually programs in the software called "VST" that are basically "sound production programs" and it's part of what make a music sound... good.

Well, I guess you're not looking for super high standards and composing a midi production will probably mean a lot to you.
I guess programs like Famitracker are a good alternative to make great 8-bit productions once you get used to it (???) since 8-bit sound great once there's a good piece of work put into it while midi productions stay... cheesy.

[Herogashix]

Could go full-illegal mode and torrent FL 10 or Reason.

[ScylaX]

Originally Posted by Herogashix

Could go full-illegal mode and torrent FL 10 or Reason.

I'd like that thread to be a legit "free music production software" thread tho ; it may help a lot of people that are looking for freeware stuff.

[Herogashix]

Whelp, I remember using something called LMMS, it's free, but I don't remember how it works or its full name.

[d4u7211]

Reaper is pretty good. Modplugtracker is free, but it may be hard to get used to (and is a tracker, unlike fl10) but can be very powerful.

Unfortunately, programs as intricately constructed as FL is are usually commercial...

[StoneMcKnuckle]

Originally Posted by KgZ

Reaper.

Reaper's great, but it's not free.

EDIT: I just checked their site, and they have a really nice discounted license for $60. Very worth it.

[Ohaider]

Originally Posted by KgZ

IIRC you can download the 60 day trial but when it "expires" you can still use it normally.

Didn't know this


Reaper

[StoneMcKnuckle]

what the fuck so it's like winrar? that's incredible/retarded

maybe I should switch 'cause I hate FL10 a lot lmfao

[Coolboyrulez0]

aw i seem to one of the only producers that really feels comfortable with FL10's workflow

tried reaper, live, etc. all the big programs and just didnt feel as intuitive for me as fl did

odd -- then again as scylax said i have a very mechanical approach to music as opposed to creative / free flow so it suits my needs excellently

[V-Ormix]

Originally Posted by Coolboyrulez0

aw i seem to one of the only producers that really feels comfortable with FL10's workflow

Honestly I didn't like it at first cause I loved FL8 when they still had pattern blocks. but after adjusting to 10 (cause its the version I legibly own) It's like w/e and for some reason the notes not being sharp angled boxes like FL8 use to bother me too idk why.

[midnghtraver]

Originally Posted by Coolboyrulez0

aw i seem to one of the only producers that really feels comfortable with FL10's workflow

I personally think FL 10's workflow is much better actually.

I used the pattern blocks too, but now when you're cutting and slicing patterns you can see what you're actually cutting and slicing.

Also, you get used to the new textures anyways, they don't really effect your production...

[Ohaider]

FL 10 represent

[StoneMcKnuckle]

Originally Posted by midnghtraver

I used the pattern blocks too, but now when you're cutting and slicing patterns you can see what you're actually cutting and slicing.

I hardly ever cut and slice patterns, and when I do, I don't need to see what I'm doing in order to cut properly. Want an 8th bar gone? Cut an 8th bar. Easy. I miss the pattern playlist a lot, but that's not the biggest reason I hate FL10.

Originally Posted by midnghtraver

Also, you get used to the new textures anyways, they don't really effect your production...

I agree with this.

What I can't stand about FL10 is the way the piano roll handles now. In FL9 you could select a part of a pattern and press space to loop the selection. In FL10, that only works if you also place the marker inside the selection. Not a huge thing, but it's frustrating that they'd remove functionality for no apparent reason.

Biggest issue: The way zooming works. The ability to zoom horizontally broke every single fucking thing I loved about the piano roll fluidity, and makes the mouse wheel really uncomfortable. Moving around in the piano roll and zooming in/out is now extremely cumbersome compared to how it was in FL9, and I can't stand it.

I could go on, but I'm derailing the thread now. TL;DR version: FL10 sucks.

[Frank Munoz]

Fruityloops is honestly the best music program I have used to date~

everything about it is just perf<# furutuiy lpopopos 2013

although the skins could be better

[Ohaider]

Originally Posted by StoneMcKnuckle

I hardly ever cut and slice patterns, and when I do, I don't need to see what I'm doing in order to cut properly. Want an 8th bar gone? Cut an 8th bar. Easy. I miss the pattern playlist a lot, but that's not the biggest reason I hate FL10.


I agree with this.

What I can't stand about FL10 is the way the piano roll handles now. In FL9 you could select a part of a pattern and press space to loop the selection. In FL10, that only works if you also place the marker inside the selection. Not a huge thing, but it's frustrating that they'd remove functionality for no apparent reason.

Biggest issue: The way zooming works. The ability to zoom horizontally broke every single fucking thing I loved about the piano roll fluidity, and makes the mouse wheel really uncomfortable. Moving around in the piano roll and zooming in/out is now extremely cumbersome compared to how it was in FL9, and I can't stand it.

I could go on, but I'm derailing the thread now. TL;DR version: FL10 sucks.

Either way, Image Line said FL 11 is going to be released soon as of their newest beta 10.9 :P Can't wait to see

[Xiz]

I love logic. But it's not free.