Audio recording software is a necessary thing when it comes to audio recording and related tasks. Whether it is for the basic sound recording needs or professional audio production, these software tools will help you in the process. They will not only help you to record audio but will also let you create professional outputs by letting you edit them as per your needs. But as the audio recording is our primary intention, we are now concentrating on the 12 best audio recording software.
Multitrack recording software, free download - Acoustic Labs Multitrack Recorder, Acoustic Labs Multitrack Plus, MultiTrack Stopwatch, and many more programs. An extremely popular piece of software. And super beginner friendly too! Although Logic Pro is great for composing and producing music, I love using it for mixing too. The stock plugins that come with Logic Pro X are perhaps the best stock plugins of any DAW.
12 Best Software to Record Audio
Apr 24, 2019 Audacity is an open source Audio Recording Software released many years ago. It’s compatible with Windows, OS X, and Linux operating systems. With multitrack recording support, it is able to produce good quality music. However, it does not looks like a professional DAW like others but don’t be judgemental due on its user interface. If you are in the music industry or if you are trying to get in, then you will need the best software with which you will be able to record all the songs and tracks. For this purpose you will be able to use certain Audio Recording Software. These Music Studio Software can be used very easily and some of them are free to use. Different types of Multitrack Recording Software or Studio Recording.
Most of the below-listed items are free recording software so that you don’t have to worry about the money. However, it may include some paid applications as well because the quality of the service is also a factor that we considered during the sorting process. If you are not planning to buy a premium audio recording tool, you may skip the paid tools. Below is the best audio recording software.
1. Audacity
Audacity is a free open source digital audio editor and recording software developed by The Audacity Team. The software was first introduced on May 28, 2000, which makes it 17 years old as of now. Audacity lets you record audio from multiple input devices such as an external microphone, a built-in microphone, or even the PC streaming. The high-quality sound clips will be added to the interface allowing you to edit them further. You can control many audio features such as amplification, noise reduction, silence removal, etc.
The software is available for Windows, OS X, Linux, and other operating systems and supports almost all popular audio formats including such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, and OGG. So, if you are searching for the best audio recorder, Audacity is the answer.
2. MixCraft
MixCraft is nothing less than a fast, reliable, and efficient audio recording tool. MixCraft is developed by the Acoustica team well known for its software contributions. Powered by a lightning-fast sound engine, it is a complete audio production suite. Unlike Audacity, you have to pay a few dollars to enjoy the complete benefit of the software. However, a free trial version is provided by the company. Mixcraft is available for all the Windows versions and supports almost all of the popular formats.
3. Presonus Studio One Free
Presonus Studio One is a professional audio editing software which also allows recording it. Available for both Windows and Mac versions, this software is a dream of any DAW user. It contains a bunch of professional functions all are helpful for producing high-quality music content. If you are not satisfied with the free features of the Presonus Studio One, you could go for the premium version where tons of new features added.
4. Sonar
Sonar provides the most advanced audio editing environment among the software on this list. It supports some extra audio formats such as WAV, ASF, WMA, and AIFF. It is available for all Windows versions including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. Sonar The software consists of numerous functions like mixers and MIDI keyboards which are all helpful to product stunning audio outputs. In addition, virtual machines like samplers, drum machines, and synthesizers are also there in the software.
5. Reaper
Reaper is a lightweight audio editing application with a simple interface and comparatively professional functions. The clean interface is the most attractive feature of this sound tool. You could control the audio features like the stereo, surround sound, as well as the effects like pitch shift, cross-fade, and snap to grid. Reaper is available for both Mac and PC systems and supports audio formats including FLAC, MOV, W64, AIFF in addition to the usual formats.
6. Muse
Muse is an audio sequencer and recorder software dedicated to the Linux OS. If you are a Linux user, you should consider Muse above any of the above applications. You can record from the input sources in both stereo/mono modes. It also supports real-time audio recording. It is a free audio recorder and has no premium versions to upgrade. So, it is very likely for Linux users.
7. Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio is a good audio editing software with a good number of useful features. Being a fast audio editor, the software performs quite nicely in the recording part as well. The software offers numerous audio effects like 31 band equalizer, flanger, chorus, multiple filters, etc. It is one of the most popular audio editing tool for PC, Linux, Ubuntu, and Mac operating systems. Ocenaudio is completely free to use and supports the formats including MP3, WAV, and AIFF.
8. AudioDope
AudioDope is yet another tool that allows editing music files or other audio files. With minimal features, the software is still helpful for both basic audio editing needs and advanced needs. It contains a full audio waveform analysis to improve the quality of the recorder audio file. It features numerous audio filters and effects like high/low pass filters, normalization, pitch scale, chorus, and reverb. AudioDope is currently available for PC and completely free to use. The software also supports extending the features using the VST plug-ins like compressors and phrases. It is a must-try.
9. Wavosaur
Wavosaur is another free audio editor in this list for editing, processing, and recording sounds. The best thing that we attracted to this tool is its small file size. The software is only about 1.5MB in size and allows editing huge audio files. The lightweight interface is a sweetening factor of this tool that never failed to provide extreme performance on the editing and recording process. It has no price and is available for all Windows versions.
10. Ardour
Ardour is an open-source DAW available for the Mac and Linux operating systems. It has the most useful multi-track recording feature alongside many other useful functionalities. Some cons of the software include the lack of built-in effects and filters and the unavailability of the Windows version. If you are ready to adjust to these issues, Ardour also is a good software to record audio.
11. NCH Music Recording Software
NCH is a very old program that allows different operations related to recording music, mixing audio, editing music, etc. It is available for both Windows and Mac platforms with professional functions packed inside. If you are not a fan of any of the above-listed programs, the NCH music recorder is a good choice. A free trial version is available in case you want to give it a try before paying some of your hard-earned money on it. So, don’t hesitate to try NCH.
12. Rosegarden
Rosegarden is another music editor and recorder software which is specially developed for the Linux users. So if you are a proud Linux OS user, you should try this recording software for Linux. The powerful recording system on this tool is capable of capturing crystal clear sound. After finishing the recording, you will be able to edit the recordings as per your requirements. It is a must-try for the Linux users.
Which one is your favorite audio recording software?
Which audio recorder software will you choose for your audio editing needs? Would you go for free software or a premium one? Let us know your thoughts. Also, don’t forget to recommend any other tools which we missed to include in this top audio recording software list.
Last Updated on October 15, 2020 by
A very common yet reasonable question to ask yourself is whether you should buy an Audio Interface or a Mixer for your home studio, but you could certainly do both, so why not just buy a Mixer with an integrated Audio Interface?
In this post I will go over 8 Mixers that have an integrated Audio Interface which will allow you, not only to use them for live performances, but also to do multitrack recordings in your home studio. Some of them can even record on to an SD card.
This combination of equipment isn’t that cheap, so when I say affordable, I’m talking about $250 and up, but you are getting two for one for a still very reasonable price.
Table of Contents
Soundcraft Signature MTK
Zoom LiveTrak L-12
Presonus Studiolive AR
Zoom R16
Behringer XR18
Behringer X32
Tascam Model 24
Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
Read also: Best Home Studio Mixers; Analog & Digital.
Let’s get right into the first one on this list…
1. Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 and 22 Series
The Signature MTK 12 and 22 series from Soundcraft are analog mixers which also come with onboard effects and USB multi-track recording and playback. They both allow for 12 or 22 multi-track recording respectively.
It is important to make the distinction between the MTK series and the regular ones;
Both can be connected to the PC via USB but the regular ones only offer two channels for stereo recording and supports 24-bit/192kHz resolution, while the MTK ones offer 12 or 22 Multi-track recording but at a reduced 24-bit/48kHz sample rate.
The MTK series are fantastic for anyone who is building a home studio and wants a good Mixer with loads of inputs and options.
They have the Ghost preamps, which are the ones featured on their Ghost Consoles which are the top of the line. They are of extremely good quality giving you a lot of headroom, wide dynamic range and good signal to noise ratio.
These preamps also come with a Sapphyre Asymmetric EQ, which has two separate mid-bands, allowing you to EQ everything thoroughly.
This Mixer’s interface will also allow you to use the plugins on your DAW for actual live performances in real time as well as for studio monitoring without any latency at all.
They come loaded with studio-quality effects from Lexicon like Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels.
One would think that these effects are not that good and just here to add something to this mixing desk, but not only do they sound great…
Even better than some commercial plugins, but they are also extremely easy to set with just a pair of parameter knobs.
The consoles have XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable guitars, basses and other instruments to be directly connected.
The quality of the faders is extremely good, they are really smooth, responsive and accurate.
You get a 48v Phantom Power control, which is global, and also a High-Pass filter (for all mono inputs).
The channel strips have a total of 16 mono and 4 stereo channels, 2 effect busses, 4 group busses and a master fader.
USB Interface Compatibility
PC: Supports Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Mac: Supports Mac OS 10.7.x Lion through 10.11.x El Capitan
Included Software
Free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 9 Lite.
The Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 and 22 Series (link to Amazon) are simple and easy to use, the recording quality is extremely good and they will serve you well either for live performances or for your home studio, they are my top recommendations for this list.
The great thing is that it’s affordable, most gigging bands can afford one or even a musician who is recording at home and needs a step up in quality and channel count from his regular audio interface.
Memory test open source. If you find that buying a mixing board like this one is either too expensive or simply too much for what you actually need, you can always read this article I wrote on the best Audio Interfaces under $300 which offer great recording quality at an affordable price!
Best Multitrack Mixing Software Free
2. Zoom LiveTrak L-12
The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 will allow you to record up to fourteen individual tracks to your DAW or to an SD card.
The first 8 tracks have XLR inputs, one and two having a Hi-Z instrument level input while the remaining six have pads, which allow you to reduce the incoming level by 26dB.
The final two channels are stereo inputs which can be on ¼” TRS jacks or RCA connectors.
There are fourteen tracks being recorded because you get the 12 inputs as well as the master output, which is stereo.
The L-12 can also be used to overdub additional parts either in your DAW or internally. The maximum recording quality of this mixer is 24-bit/96kHz.
This one is different from the other ones on this list because it provides 5 headphone outputs and you can create different mixes for each one of them. Each of these outputs has individual volume control also.
Each of the mono inputs (channels 1-8) include a one knob compressor and a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids. You can choose from a variety of effects to add to the tracks while also being able to add a Low-cut. Every channel also has a pan control.
Each channel strip can operate in three different modes; In Audio Interface mode the L-12 transforms into a 14-in/4-out USB interface for your device with flexible routing options.
In USB mode, you can transfer projects and files to a connected drive.
Card Reader mode allows you to transfer files to and from your computer.
The L-12 has the auto record function, which will basically start recording as soon as it detects a certain dB level.
The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 (link to Amazon) is an extremely versatile mixer/interface/recorder.
There’s also a bigger version which supports up to 20 channels. Here’s the Link to the Zoom LiveTrak L-20.
It does everything you need it to do, be it recording a live band, rehearsals, or even just for doing some solo home recording, this mixer will do everything while still being very easy to use and intuitive.
Another option would be to go for one of these two Audio Interfaces which are affordable and have a decent amount of inputs.
3. Presonus Studiolive AR
The StudioLive AR mixers by Presonus offer you a wide selection of mixing desks which range from 8 tracks all the way up to 22. They can do Multi-track recording, sending every Input to your DAW plus the Main mix channels.
These mixers have a nice feature that they call the “super channel” which basically gives you all the inputs on one channel that you could possibly need, RCA (for CD and DVD players), a 1/8” mini jack (For plugging in your phone or anything else you’d like) and even Bluetooth to pair the mixer with your phone.
This comes in handy if you are rehearsing with your band and you want to play the song you are practicing at the same time or if you need to play some music during the breaks.
One extra benefit that the Presonus StudioLive Mixers have is that they can record directly on to an SD card. This is great for live performances, plus you can also playback from the SD card.
Channels 1 and 2 have high-impedance inputs for instruments, this will allow you to connect a guitar or a bass directly on to the board.
The Presonus Studiolive AR mixers provide you with 16 high-quality effects, which include reverb (room, hall and plate), chorus, delay, etc. You can also bypass all of these effects by using a footswitch, which is optional.
All of them, except the smallest one which is the 8-channel mixer, use faders. These are really responsive and feel great! The 8-channel mixer uses knobs to control the volume, these are of great quality but I personally enjoy faders a lot more!
Best Multitrack Mixing Software Download
All of these Mixers can record up to 24-bit/96kHz and you also get a 48v Phantom Power control switch which enables it globally.
Included Software
Studio One artist Edition (Presonus DAW) and Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows, which includes seven Plug-ins in VST, AU and AAX formats.
The presonus StudioLive AR mixers are the most versatile ones out there, the 22-track one sells for almost the same price as the Soundcraft Signature MTK22 Series but has a lot of added bonuses.
These mixers I would definitely recommend, especially the StudioLive AR16 and StudioLive AR22 since they will give you a good amount of inputs, plus they are the kind of equipment that you buy once and probably won’t have the need to upgrade from ever again!
Links to Amazon for each model:
StudioLive AR8 (8 Channel)
StudioLive AR12 (12 Channel)
StudioLive AR16 (16 Channel)
StudioLive AR22 (22 Channel)
Related: I’ve put together a list of some amazing Wireless Mixers which you should definitely check out!
4. Zoom R16
This Mixer is a standalone multi-track recorder and a 2.0 USB computer audio interface as well as a battery powered field recorder.
The first thing that stands out is its size, it’s very compact, thin and light.
You can record a full live band and overdub up to 16 tracks, without ever touching a computer.
Or, you could record ambient sound and use it for a slide show if you’re a photographer, or it can even be really useful for film-making since you can record voice overs.
It features built-in condenser microphones as well as inputs for 8 external microphones and it can record up to 24-bit/96kHz audio quality!
The quality of the preamps is really high and they are actually very quiet.
This isn’t your traditional mixing board from what you can see, it packs a lot of extra features like 135 Built-in effects such as guitar amp modeling to even mastering effects.
These effects can only be used in standalone mode, or when recording on-to the PC.
The reverb, delay, chorus and flange are amazing. The EQ, while being very basic, still does its job and the amp modeling is really fun and sounds pretty good also.
The Zoom R16 also provides a chromatic tuner and metronome.
Best Multitrack Software
One cool benefit it has is that it can be used to control the DAW, instead of using your mouse to increase or lower the volumes of the tracks, you can simply use the faders on the R16 and this will adjust it in your PC.
One issue though, which is quite a big deal actually, is that only channels five and six can provide phantom power for condenser microphones.
Channel one has a hi-Z instrument-level switch, which allows you to directly connect a guitar or bass.
Included Software
Cubase LE
The Zoom R16 (link to Amazon) is really versatile and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone in need of something portable that can be battery powered as well, should you need to record on the road, in a bar, etc.
A huge plus about the Zoom R16 is that the volume fader in the DAW can be controlled with the faders of the R16 which I love.
5. Behringer XR18
The Behringer XR18 is a digital mixer which features a 18-in/18-out USB audio interface.
It’s a completely different mixer than the other ones on this list for the simple fact that it doesn’t provide any channel strips or analog controls.
The way it works is via Wi-Fi by connecting it to a device like an iPad, Android Tablet, Laptop, etc. through the X-Air App.
This app works almost like a DAW and comes included withloads of effects.
It even has an Auto-Mix feature which can manage fullyautomated mixes with up to 16 live microphones…
This feature is not really intended for mixing live music, but rather conferences.
16 of the inputs are XLR/TRS combo Jacks which feature their famous MIDAS preamps, and an additional two line inputs, as well as MIDI I/O.
The quality of these preamps is actually pretty good, providingyou with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio and good headroom.
It also comes with 6 aux outputs which can be used to createheadphone mixes, or for live monitoring, as well as a headphone output.
Lastly, it comes with the “Ultranet” port which connects to theBehringer’s P16 monitor distribution system and allows every musician to createtheir own headphone mix or their own monitor mix on stage.
When it comes to cost-efficiency, the Behringer XR18 is oneof the best ones…
It super affordable and it can be used from a distance, which is excellent for live performances since you won’t have to deal with loads of cables.
Here’s a link to Amazon where you can check the price and read the reviews of the Behringer X-Air XR18.
6. Behringer X32
The Behringer X32 is a 40-input compact mixer that features a 32X32 Audio Interface, meaning that you can record 32 separate tracks on/to your DAW.
This mixer comes with the MIDAS preamps, which are Behringer’saward-winning preamps that sound pretty damn good.
One cool little pro about this mixer is that it features analready built-in talk-back mic. You can, however, use an external one for this.
With the number of ins and outs that this mixer has, youshouldn’t run into any troubles, but if you need more then you can simply usethe expansion slot for an additional 32×32.
As far as effects go, it comes with eight true-stereo (16mono) multi-effects processors including delay, reverb, and all the traditionalones, as well as a 31-band graphic EQ.
Additionally, it has the Auto Mix function which enablesautomatic gain sharing, providing increased gain to your main speakers whileducking open mics.
It’s also possible to control the volume, panning, EQ andeffects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi by using a dedicated app, making this mixer verydesirable for live settings since you don’t need to always be right beside it;you can simply walk around the venue and tune everything from a distance with yourtablet or iPad.
Now, this one is a bit more expensive than all the mixers I’velisted so far, but it has loads of ins and outs, and you can control itwirelessly, which is a clear pro.
Included Software
Tracktion 4
If you absolutely need a super versatile console, then the Behringer X32 might be the right one; However, in most cases I would recommend one of the first 3 I listed on this post.
7. Tascam Model 24
The Tascam Model 24 has a very unique design and despite having been released on 2018, it has a retro look.
The Tascam Model 24 can record up to 22 simultaneous tracks plus a stereo main mix at 24-bit/48kHz and on the first 16 channels you get XLR inputs with high-quality Tascam preamps in addition to multiple sets of stereo line inputs.
On the first two channels you also get an Instrument/Line-in jack with the ability to switch between them with the press of a button. Also, those two channels have an extra insert on the front.
It can record either to your DAW or to an SD card. It also allows for immediate playback of the tracks you recorded on to the SD card.
Just like the Presonus StudioLive AR ones, the Tascam Model 24 comes with RCA, minijack and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming Audio.
This mixer also provides 16 built-in effects such as Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Flange, etc.
The Phantom Power can be supplied globally, sadly not individually, but this shouldn’t be that much of an issue.
It also has the Routing Mode selector, which is common to all channels. This allows for input assignment of your choice, the live incoming signal, the return from a DAW channel or the return from the internal multitrack recorder to each channel for EQ, processing, etc.
This enables you to overdub in the studio or to play backing tracks, etc.
Just like the Xenyx UFX 1604, the Tascam Model 24 also features a one knob compressor on the first 12 channels plus a 3-band EQ with Sweepable mids, plus also a low-cut. On the rest of the channels you only get a regular 3-band EQ plus the low-cut.
A stereo 7-band graphic EQ can be additionally applied to the main mix or monitors output, which will allow you to shape your mixes to your liking and prevent feedback.
This mixer is fairly similar to the Presonus StudioLiveAR22, in that it shares many of its features. This one is a bit more expensive, but you get the 7-band graphic EQ which really comes in handy during live performances.
The Tascam Model 24 (link to Amazon) is an excellent option for gigging bands who also need to record, this mixer will do a fantastic job at it!
8. Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
Another excellent addition to any Home Studio is the Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX.
This one I would recommend to anyone with a small Home Studio, or to anyone who doesn’t need an extreme number of ins and outs.
This mixer is also a lot more affordable than all the previous ones on this list which is a clear pro.
It is a 4×4 mixer, meaning that you can record the four mic inputs on to separate tracks in your DAW.
The sample rate and bit depth are 24-bit / 96kHz which is perfect for home recording applications.
ZEDi-10FX offers four mono mic/line channels (with phantom power), which are the ones that can be recorded separately on to the DAW, plus two stereo inputs as well as built- in FX.
The four mono channels feature balanced/unbalanced TRS and XLR inputs and use the GSPre preamps, which sound pretty damn nice and can even provide enough gain to drive microphones like the Shure SM7B or the Heil PR40.
The first two channels also include a “guitar mode” which engage the high impedance DI inputs. This means that you won’t need to worry about purchasing a DI box.
The next two channels, 3 and 4, have a Line/Pad button which will drop the input level by 20dB.
All four channels have a Low cut button as well as the typical controls every mixer has; like Gain, balance, FX-Send, mix level, Aux send and a three band EQ.
When taking a look at the stereo channels you will notice that they aren’t as fully equipped as the mono ones:
The first stereo channel only supplies up to 15dB of gain as well as a two band EQ, while the second stereo channel only offers mix level control.
Luckily, the effects sound great, with 61 one presets in total split between the typical effects such as delay, reverb, chorus, doublers, flangers, and more.
This mixer also comes with a ¼” headphone output which should be able to drive most headphones out there.
Included Software
One huge perk about this mixer is that it comes with these free included software; Cubase LE and Cubasis LE.
Lastly, this mixer feels very solid. It’s clearly been made to last and to be road tough.
Features
4 in, 4 out USB Audio Interface (24-bit/96kHz)
Cubase LE Software included
Cubasis LE App included
2 Stereo Inputs with TRS jack sockets
2 Guitar DI high impedance inputs
Internal FX
Interested? Check it out on Amazon.
You might also want to check out the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 which is the same mixer only cheaper, but it lacks the effects.
Depending on your needs you might want one or the other.
No matter which of these Mixers you choose, you will be able to do multi-track recording, however not everyone is going to need the same Mixer.
Depending on the amount of inputs you need, you’re going to want a different one. Also, you need to take budget into account.
My top picks would be the Soundcraft Signature MTK 22 and the Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX, depending on the amount of channels you need which you can both find in my recommended gear page.
Free Multitrack Mixing Software
The Zoom Live-Trak L-12 is also a mixer that shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you think that you are going to need an upgrade in the future, simply get a mixer with a higher channel count, you will be saving money in the long run.
Best Multitrack Mixing Software For Beginners
Can a USB mixer record separate tracks?
This depends on the mixer itself; if it has a built-in audio interface that is capable of recording multiple tracks, then yes. You can check this by looking at the “Computer Connectivity” specifications; If it says 16×16, for example, then this means that 16 tracks are coming in and 16 are going out, meaning that those can be recorded individually on your DAW.
Do I need a mixer for home studio?
In most cases NO. You can use one with a built-in audio interface, but unless you need all the tracks a mixer has to offer, then it makes much more sense to go with an Audio Interface. Mixers that can do multitrack recording are also very expensive.
How do you record multiple tracks with a mixer?
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You will need a mixer with a built-in audio interface that is capable of multitrack recording. These mixers are usually far more expensive than regular ones, and for a home studio you probably don’t need them anyway.