
This makes it a great option for beginners, as does the fact that its interface and workflow is generally quite user-friendly.Įven in this free format, VirtualDJ boasts some impressive features. VirtualDJ is styled as the world’s ‘number one most popular DJ software’, which is likely due to the fact that it can be downloaded and used at home for free, in a limited but still very much functional capacity. There is also an iOS version, but you'll have to pay $10/£9 for that one.ĭownload DiscoDSP OB-Xd (opens in new tab) Download it now (it's free for non-commercial use) and it could quickly become your go-to for rich, vintage poly sounds. While other freeware synths are undoubtedly more adventurous or original than OB-Xd - a nd we encourage you to check some of them out, too - none are likely to match the broad appeal of this excellent virtual analogue. Sonically, this is up there with many paid-for analogue emulations and, while it lacks the bells and whistles of something like Arturia’s V Collection synths, OB-Xd does build on the design of the original with a morphable filter design and voice variation controls. OB-Xd lives up to its inspiration on both fronts. This is an emulation of Tom Oberheim’s classic OB-X polysynth, an analogue classic beloved for its thick, rich sound and easy-to-use interface. It remains our favourite freeware synth, though, based largely on its blend of simple usability and excellent sound. OB-Xd (VST/AU) isn’t the flashiest one on the market, and nor is it the newest. Once you've got your free DAW, you'll likely to want some some free plugin synths to use in it. Throw in AU plugin support and you realise that, If you need a free DAW on the Mac, there’s little reason to look anywhere else.ĭownload Apple GarageBand (opens in new tab)

If you do decide that you need more features, Logic Pro provides a ready-made upgrade path on the Mac, as much of the functionality is the same and GarageBand projects can be loaded into it. The effects library includes virtual guitar amps and stompboxes, and there are enough editing and mixing features for you to polish a track to completion. There are plenty of rhythmic and instrumental loops, too - just drag them into the Timeline and start creating - and Apple’s excellent Drummer enables you to create customised drum tracks to fit your projects.

Not only can you record audio - your guitar or mic, for example - but you also get a strong selection of software instruments that can be played from a MIDI keyboard. And guess what? It makes it ridiculously easy for pretty much anyone to start making music. The most famous free DAW of them all comes bundled with every Mac and is freely downloadable for iOS devices.
