Garageband for windows

Operating systems give meaning to all hardware components of your device. Without a proper OS, you can’t install or run apps. How? Some apps and software are compatible with one OS but not with another. That’s the case for people who want to use Garageband for windows.

Those who have a knack for music know Apple’s music creation app, Garageband, very well. Apple developed the app to give all talented people a chance to produce their music, and it successfully achieved that goal. The app became more popular after 17 years of development and optimization. The only problem with Garageband was Apple’s monopolization policy which means if you wanted the app, you had to buy an Apple device that could run it!

Neither technology nor people don’t like monopolization because everyone should be able to use the app they need. So, technology came to people’s aid, and now it’s possible to use Garageband on Windows. Here in this article, we will learn everything about this popular app, its alternatives, and a step-by-step guide to installing it on your windows device.

What is Garageband?

Of course, most of you know Garageband software very well but believe it or not, some people want to install the app to see if it fits their needs. That is why we need to answer the What is Garageband question. By knowing the answer, we can save some time for everyone!

Steve Jobs introduced GarageBand in 2004 at Macworld. The software exclusivity to the Apple ecosystem didn’t change during these years.

As we mentioned earlier, GarageBand is a music creation studio with an extensive sound library for all daily or professional user needs. The wide range of users is what makes this Apple software special. So, being an accessible, modern digital studio that lets people produce music at any level makes GarageBand what it is now.

Apple’s music creation studio eliminates the need for pricey studios and doesn’t need expensive audio gear to produce high-quality music. The user-friendly interface and wide range of editing tools make it simple to understand and use. Moreover, GarageBand’s library offers sounds and instruments that help users get more accustomed to software, allowing them to enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

The Mac version of GarageBand is an ultimate recording studio that can do anything thanks to hundreds of realistic-sounding effects, instruments, and presets created by professional recording engineers. The iPhone and iPad versions are a bit lighter than the Mac version but work perfectly with a touchscreen. Then you should know that both iPad and iPhone versions benefit from realistic-sounding Touch instruments that you can play on screen! Not convinced yet?

What are the main features of GarageBand?

GarageBand is one of the world’s most popular Digital Audio Workstations, thanks to being accessible and pre-installed on Mac computers. However, this popularity has more reasons than it seems. Apple’s DAW software contains several features that are pretty useful to the average musician, regardless of the instrument or genre they play. You can see the most important features of this popular app below:

You can record vocals or any musical instrument you like.
You can use acoustic instruments for your recordings.
You can play or record software instruments by MIDI.
Different modes of virtual amplifiers let you record basses and electric guitars.
You will have access to Apple loops, an extensive collection of loops that can answer all your needs.
You can edit any part of your recordings and re-record those parts for better results.
Of course, you will have your basic music studio options such as trim, move, rename, and make other edits.
You will have access to equalization, volume, reverb, echo, and other tools for editing each part or the whole music.
Mix multiple loops or music into a single track.
It is possible to work on a movie; you can edit your music, align it with movie frames, and much more!
There are included lessons for those who want to learn more.
You will have the option to share your final project on the Music app, iCloud, SoundCloud, etc.

GarageBand for Windows 10

The good news for those who are using Windows 10 is that right now the most compatible version of Windows with Virtual Machine software like VMware and VirtualBox is Windows 10. This means devices running this version of Windows, have a better chance of running GarageBand without any lag or stater.

The picture on this article has been taken on Windows 11 environment. However we’ve tested all these steps on Windows 10 and it worked perfectly. So, if you want to install GarageBand for Windows, follow us to the end of this article!

Minimum system requirement

We all wish it were as easy as it is for those who use MacBooks, iPhones, or iPads. However, those who want to use Garageband for windows must pay the extra price! You can check the minimum requirements for installing Garageband on your Windows device:

At least 2GB of free storage
Intel Core i3 CPU
2GB of RAM

This is all you need to run Apple’s special music studio software on your windows device. Nevertheless, if you want to use all features of the Garageband software, we suggest using the setup below:

4GB of free storage
Intel Core i5 CPU
4GB of RAM

Remember! Apple optimized Garageband software for Apple devices. You have to expect minor bugs and issues. Enough talking about requirements; let’s talk about the step-by-step guide for installation.

Check virtualization support

To install Garageband for Windows, you’ll have to run the Mac OS on your device, which requires your device to support virtualization technology. So, the first step on your installation journey is to check whether your device supports this technology or not.

The good news is that several tools are available to determine whether your CPU or processor supports hardware virtualization. Even if you don’t want to go through the extra steps of installing a new application on your PC, you may utilize certain built-in features in Windows 10 to find out if your CPU is compatible with virtualization technology.

Before determining your CPU’s compatibility with virtualization technology, you must check your system’s processor info. There are two different ways to do so.

Your first option can be Task Manager

To find your device’s processor info, open Task Manager by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + ESC or searching “Task Manager” in the Windows search toolbar. Go to the Performance tab to view your processor’s name and other information.

If your CPU supports virtualization, it will be listed with other info in the performance tab. You can check if virtualization is Enabled or Disabled on your PC there. If your CPU does not support virtualization technology, you won’t be able to find any info about Virtualization and Hyper-V in the Performance tab.

Your second option can be Command Prompt

Use Windows Key + R, or type cmd, then press Enter. Now, on the Command Prompt, type “systeminfo” and press Enter. This command will reveal your system’s information, including Virtualization support.

Look at the info; if you can find the Hyper-V Requirements section, your device’s CPU supports virtualization technology. If virtualization is disabled on your machine, you will notice a NO for the Virtualization Enabled In Firmware option. On the other hand, you will see a YES next to Virtualization Enabled in Firmware if virtualization is enabled.

Your third option can be third-party apps.

Intel and AMD, two of the world’s most renowned PC CPU manufacturers, provided the necessary tools for determining whether your processor supports virtualization.

Please note that your CPU must be compatible with the tool to operate. For example, you must download the AMD Virtualization Compatibility utility if you have an AMD CPU and Intel Processor Identification Utility for Intel CPU.

How to enable Virtualization?

After entering the BIOS menu on your Laptop/PC, you need to look for the Virtualization option and enable it. As we mentioned, some may see Disabled status in front of Virtualization. In such a case, you’ll need to enter the BIOS setting using the instructions, which differ from Laptop/PC to Laptop/PC. Don’t forget to save the settings afterward!

Garageband using VMware

Now that we know how to check and enable Virtualization technology on our device, we can proceed forward and install Garageband for Windows. There are different options for installing an OS on a Windows device. Using VMware is one of the most popular options out there. If you want to use VMware, follow the step-by-step guide provided below.

First step: Download and install the VMware workstation player

The base of this method is the VMware workstation software player. Search “VMware workstation player” which you can download by going to their official website. You will see two download options on this page. One is for Linux, and the other one is for Windows devices. Download the windows version of VMware and install the software. Remember that you don’t need to run the app yet! Because it does not support MacOs by default and we have to unlock it a few steps further.

Second step: Download the MacOS Sierra

Next, you need to download the MacOS file. Use this link to download this file. After downloading the file, if it’s in .zip format, you must extract it with Winrar software. However, if you are going to use the .vmdk version which we gave its download link to you a few moments later, you can skip the extracting part.

There are numerous versions of MacOs out there but after testing 10 different versions, we came to the conclusion that macOS High Sierra 10.13 is our best option. So, please keep that in mind for the next steps to come.

Third Step: Unlock VMware

As we mentioned earlier, VMware Workstation does not support macOS by default. Thus, we have to use a tool to unlock macOS support. Thanks to the developer, the procedure is quite easy and takes a few seconds of your time.

Download the unlock tool and extract it using Winrar. Then, you’ll have a folder like what is shown above. Go into the Windows folder and find unlock.exe, now, run it as Administrator and wait for the script to do its job.

Third Step: Install MacOS High Sierra via VMware

For the third step, open the VMware Workstation player and click on Create a virtual machine. Now, a pop-up window will open and asks you to choose your configuration type. Select Typical and click on Next.

A new pop-up window will open up and ask you to choose your OS file. Select “I will install the operating system later” and click on Next.

Don’t get tired; We have a few more steps! This time, you have to choose the Guest Operating System. Click on Apple MacOS X and choose MacOS 10.13 from the drop down menu.

Now, choose a name and your desired location for MacOS…

Next, you have to specify your Disk Size. As the saying goes, The more the merrier but don’t overdone yourself because your base operating system which is Windows will be sad 🙁

Finally, the last pop-up window will show up and all you’ll need to do is click on Finish. Voila! Your Virtual Machine has been created.

For the next step, go to your Virtual Machine’s page and select Edit. Now, choose Hard drive and select Remove. Once the Hard drive has been removed, select Add, choose Hard Drive and click on Next.

Choose SATA, and click on Next. Now, select use an existing Virtual Disk and locate the MacOS High Sierra you’ve downloaded in step two.

You are done! Just go back to your Virtual Machine and choose Power On. Remember the first boot may take some time.

Fourth Step: Run MacOS Sierra

If you’ve done everything correctly, you should be able to run MacOS High Sierra without any problem. As we said, The first boot may take something between 5-10 minutes. Right after the boot, you will face the first Setup settings. Do as follows:

First, you need to choose your country.

Then, your preferred language and Keyboard layout.

Now, a window will open and ask you if you want to transfer your information from another device. Choose Don’t transfer any information now.

In the next window, you will be asked to enable location services which you can enable or ignore based on your preferences.

If you already have an Apple ID, you’ll need to log in. If you don’t, just create one following the Sign In page’s instructions.

At last, you need to agree to the Terms and Conditions and choose your Time Zone.

Note*: If you were asked to enable iCloud Keychain, choose Set up later.

Welcome to MacOS! Now it’s like you are using an Apple device. So, the next step will be the easiest.

Fifth Step: Download and install Garageband

You just need to open App Store, search for Garageband, and install it. What a happy day after all those steps, you have access to Garageband for Windows. This method will have no restrictions and performance drops.

Won’t hurt to remind you that in order to install GarageBand, you’ll need an Apple ID. So, if you skipped the Apple ID part, you’ll need to register and log in to your account in settings.

Garageband using virtualbox

As we mentioned before, the only method to run GarageBand on Windows devices is to set up a virtual machine with MacOS. In the last part, we used VMware, but there is another popular software named VirtualBox that can run MacOS Sierra. So, let’s learn how to run GarageBand using this software.

First step: Download Virtualbox and MacOS Sierra

We need both Virtualbox and MacOS Sierra. For Virtualbox, you can go to their official website. Download the windows version and install it by default settings, following the Installation instruction of the software itself.

Second step: install Virtualbox and extract MacOS Sierra

Download MacOS High Sierra from this link. Put it somewhere you can access easily because we will need this file a few steps further.

Third step: Go through Virtualbox settings

Now that everything is ready! Open the Virtualbox software, select New, and start creating your machine. You need to give your new Virtual machine a name (Choose High Sierra for easier set-up) and choose Apple MacOs as the Guest OS. Remember to select 10.13 as your OS Version.

Now, a window will pop-up and ask you to choose your hard disk. Select create a virtual hard disk now and click Next.

It’s time to locate your MacOS file. Click on Add and locate the MacOs High Sierra file you downloaded in step two. Finally click on the add file in the box and select finish.

You are almost there! Go back to your virtual machine and Start it. Wait 2-5 minutes, if the system booted up, you are good to go. If not, you need to follow the instructions below.

Run CMD as administrator. If you don’t know how to find it, use the search tool in Windows and search for the command prompt. Now, copy cd “C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\”, paste it in CMD and press ENTER

For this step, copy the code below, paste it in CMD and press enter. Remember when we said it’s better to name your Virtual Machine High Sierra? That was because of this step. If you’ve chosen another name, replace “HighSierra” in the code below with your Virtual machines name

VBoxManage.exe modifyvm “HighSierra” –cpuidset 00000001 000106e5 00100800 0098e3fd bfebfbff

VBoxManage setextradata “HighSierra” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0

/Config/DmiSystemProduct” “iMac11,3”

VBoxManage setextradata “HighSierra” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/

Config/DmiSystemVersion” “1.0”

VBoxManage setextradata “HighSierra” “VBoxInternal/Devices/efi/0/ Config/DmiBoardProduct” “Iloveapple”

VBoxManage setextradata “HighSierra” “VBoxInternal/Devices/

smc/0/Config/DeviceKey”

“ourhardworkbytheseword

sguardedpleasedontsteal (c)AppleComputerInc”

VBoxManage setextradata “HighSierra” “VBoxInternal/Devices/smc/ 0/Config/GetKeyFromRealSMC” 1

After you press Enter, these codes will do their job. Once finished, close CMD and open VirtualBox.

Now, go to your Virtual Machine’s settings and find System. In the motherboard tab, increase the base memory to 4GB (the least).

Next, open the Processor tab and put Processors and Execution Cap bars at their maximum. Click on Ok and you are done!

Finally, it’s time to Start your virtual machine. Remember the first boot will take some time. So, do not close the VirtualBox app or turn off the virtual machine.

Fourth step: Run MacOS Sierra.

In order to start your virtual MacOS sierra you’ll need to go through the start-up set-up. We didn’t want to bother you by repeating every line and picture from VMware Fourth step. So, if you have any problem with the first Set-up, go back to the VMware section and follow the instructions on the fourth step. Please remember that you’ll need an Apple ID to install GarageBand for Windows.

Fifth step: Install and run Garageband

Well, well, Now everything is ready to download and use Garageband! Remember, as we said earlier, the first boot may take a while. After your MacOS boots up, follow the start-up settings, login with your Apple ID, or create a new one. Please note that you can’t use either Appstore or Garageband without an Apple ID.

Garageband alternative for windows

We know people don’t like to go through all these steps to use an app. That is the very reason behind this section! Of course, Garageband is one of the most advanced music studio software, but that doesn’t mean Windows is empty-handed. So, let’s get to know the best Windows alternatives for Garageband.

Free Garageband alternative for windows

Everyone likes free stuff! Why shouldn’t we? Just remember that free software comes with fewer features and more Ads. We suggest you use the free Garageband alternatives first and decide if you need more advanced DAW.

Stagelight

Magix Music Maker is a low-cost, high-quality music creation and beat-making program. The software itself is aimed at beginning musicians and beatmakers. However, you can make it more professional by paying far less high priced than rival music production tools. The good news is that despite being simple and cheap, there is no lack of quality or professionalism. Stagelight is a good choice for someone starting to refine their beat-making abilities.

Magix, let you blend and loop various beats, sounds, music, and songs to create your track. Furthermore, the software allows you to experiment with a variety of software instruments that you may add to your beats or professional effects. You can also record everything, like your voice, keyboard sounds, etc., by using a microphone, MIDI keyboard, or any other plug-in you’ve got. Magix won’t bother you at all! Just add your desired effect and get the best outcome possible. This way, you’ll have more personalization features that let you make your unique music tracks.

Remember when we said that Magix could offer more if you pay less?! Despite its modest cost, it helps artists advance their skills and learn how to create music with whatever they have. There is no limit to what you can produce with Magix Music Maker! Use the vast library of sounds, loops, effects, and song templates to create your music.

Pros

Easy to use: Magix Music Maker is easy to use and can be the best option for those new to music production.
Fair prices for going Pro: you don’t need to pay much money to get the Pro version. The pricing is suitable for everyone with any budget.
Magix Music Maker sound library: A sound library is a must for music studio software. Thankfully, Magix has one of the best sound libraries!

Cons

Not suited for professional use: Sadly, those who are professional music producers find Magix inefficient. The reason is that the app does not aim at professionals precisely but rather at daily users.

MPC Beats

MPC Beats is DAW that can change the game for those searching for a free Garageband alternative. The software benefits from eight MIDI tracks, a fully functional sequencer, 80 effect plugins, and MPC-style time stretching. Moreover, it can work with both AKAI and third-party devices. You’ll also have access to a vast sound library and can enjoy using the VST and AU plugins. How much do you need to pay? Nothing!

The cool thing about MPC Beats is that it can be utilized as a plugin which means you can use it with other DAW and open up a whole new universe of possibilities. The thing about MPC Beats is that it takes a very new and forward-thinking approach. This means starters interested in making hip-hop or EDM who don’t mind the track count can use this software best. Your imagination is your limit.

MPC Beats has a ton of features for beat creation and music production. The app includes a virtual mixer, effects, sample editing, and many more capabilities. Just go and make your laptop a portable music studio! Why are you waiting?

Pros

MPC Beats is free! Remember that everything you want from music studio software is free in MPC Beasts, but there are some expansions that you can buy.
The interface is modern and clean. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a pro user; everyone likes a clean interface.
One of the best options for novice users. MPC Beats didn’t forget newcomers; there are so many tutorial videos recorded by their developers that can help newcomers start their journey.

Cons

Sadly the app has pop-up ads! However, it’s not that bad because even free apps have developers who have to pay their bills.

Waveform

Not satisfied with Stagelight and MPC Beats? You can try Waveform, a free music studio software currently one of the greatest free DAWs available. This DAW software is so good that users say it is better than installing Garageband for Windows.

Waveform is the best option for Pro users thanks to all its features that let you produce your unique track. This one, too, has a pro version. However, there are no timeouts, track count constraints, rendering restrictions, 3rd party plugin limitations, or other limitations common in other “free” software.

The free version of Waveform supports third-party plugins like VST2, VST3, and AU formats, allowing you to continue utilizing your favourite mixing tools and virtual instruments even if you switch DAWs.

The software receives frequent updates, which evolved the user interface. Thanks to the latest updates, Waveform now supports high-resolution visuals, a new file browser with useful features, and a fantastic actions panel.

The incredible thing about Waveform is its cross-platform support which means you can work on your projects simultaneously on your windows or Mac device. You can also share your tracks with people and work on them together.

Pros

Waveform is entirely free. Although the app has a Pro version, the free one can answer all your needs.
Frequent updates are another strong point of Waveform. The app constantly evolves around its users’ needs.
Cross-platform is an option that so many DAWs forget to work on. Thankfully the Waveform software has this option.

Cons

There is a slight problem with effects that hopefully will be solved in the following patches.

Ohm Studio

Ohm Studio is a terrific choice for distant producers and provides an answer for remote collaboration. Of course, we have Skype and Zoom, but they cannot help you remotely work with your friend and teammates on diverse sound sources.

The app’s interface includes a chat window that allows you to control your VST plugins, will enable you to drag and drop audio from saved files or other sessions, and is clean and appealing to the eye. Just use the program for some time, and you’ll see that it can be a great lifesaver when you cannot physically meet up with someone else for a session!

Ohm Studio gives you an experience that no other DAW can provide by permitting effortless collaborations. Incredibly, you can download this program for free. The fact that Ohm stayed around for a long time means it’s working perfectly.

Pros

The app provides a functional collaborative system that can improve remote working.
You’ll have access to an Excellent modular mixing/routing strategy.
The cloud-based setup is both efficient and reliable.

Cons

Despite the remote working feature, Ohm Studio features are pretty basic.
The app has no offline mode, meaning you are tied to your network connection.

Cakewalk by BandLab

Cakewalk’s extremely customizable user interface is one of its most powerful features. There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a layout for your working interface. Cakewalk lets you select from a library of pre-existing templates, each intended to fulfill a specific function. Setting the Mix or Arranger workspace, for example, displays only the tools and windows necessary for mixing or arranging.

You will have a Help module too, which is docked in the bottom-right corner of the screen in the Basic workspace. This module provides clear, brief information regarding the purposes and usage of all options and controls, making it an invaluable resource for novice users.

Furthermore, because the default workspace displays only a restricted set of controls, novice producers will likely find the app easier to use. Of course, if you are a Pro user, you can switch to Advanced workspace as needed.

The interface is not Cakewalk’s only card to play! The software has a sophisticated mixing console that simplifies and accelerates the mixing process. ProChannel, a set of audio processing modules available by default on each console channel, is one of Cakewalk’s most beneficial features. You can also move modules up and down the effects chain and insert, remove, and replace modules.

Colorize individual tracks or buses using colors from the color palette for a more structured mixing approach. Moreover, another mixing tool allows you to go back to previous states or scenes in the mix or flip between them, making everything easier.

Pros

Cakewalk supports a wide variety of plugins that lets you be more creative.
The software is suited for both novice and Pro users.
Cakewalk has one of the best interfaces and workflow.
The Mix-recall feature makes everything less confusing and easier to work with.
You’ll have Touch screen compatibility, too, and that’s not something you can find on free apps.

Cons

It’s more like revenge from Garageband! The Cakewalk software is only available for Windows devices.
There is no feature for live performances, which means you have to think about another DAW for your live performances.
Sadly, you can’t find as many tutorials as possible for other DAWs in this list.

Best Garageband alternatives for Windows

Now that we are done with the free alternatives, it’s time to answer those willing to pay and who want the best experience possible. So, let’s look at the five best alternatives that can replace Garageband for Windows.

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is not exclusively a DAW. However, it can be a capable, cross-platform audio editing program in its own right. Audition contains specific capabilities for cleaning up or restoring audio and precise, nondestructive editing for corporate and commercial films and podcasts.

Audition shines at everything from finishing audio clips, having them find their perfect place in finished video production, to creating sound effects for video games. So, many Pro music producers consider this app a digital audio workstation that answers all their needs.

Adobe Audition benefits from the Waveform view, which enables stereo editing, and the Multitrack view, which is used for mixing recordings on a timeline. The good news is that it’s simple to switch between these two mods at any time. Recording and controlling the loudness of an audio track is straightforward in the Waveform view; moreover, you’ll be able to work on the recorded wave in several ways.

On the other hand, Multitrack view gives your Adobe Audition software the appearance of a standard digital audio workstation. You can use drag and drop to put audio clips on separate tracks, such as a voiceover on top of music stems or ambient noises, or blend recorded interview parts to make a podcast.

Audition also has a music remix tool that seeks to automate the cutting of new song versions without requiring it to be sent to a remixer or mix engineer for alterations. It allows you to change the goal duration of a song to achieve the perfect clip. Overall, the remix tool is perfect, but there are better options on the list.

Pros

Adobe audition has the best tools for noise reduction and sound removal.
The Loudness meter feature can come in handy from time to time.
The interface is nearly perfect. Plus, you’ll have two different modes based on your needs.
Adobe audition is the best option if you want to work on videos.

Cons

There is no MIDI support in Adobe audition
You have to pay the app’s monthly subscription to use it.
Audition is not exclusively developed for music production.

Ableton Live

Ableton was introduced to music lovers in 2001 and has been the go-to platform for many musicians looking to create music for their live performances. Anyone can enjoy Ableton Live’s intuitive clip-based approach to composing music tracks. Some Pro users believe that this software can be addictive!

The view modes of Ableton Live are similar to Audition because it has two modes, and you can easily switch between them based on your needs. These two modes are called Session and Arrangement, which get a little refresh in every new version.

The top strip carries the transport, tempo, and meter, as well as additional looping and key signature navigational cues. The bottom set of windows varies depending on what you’ve selected; for example, if you click on a synth clip, you’ll see all of the essential knobs and sliders, whereas a sample clip will show you the sound wave as well as editing and chopping tools.

Ableton Live allows you to write automation straight to clips rather than track per track. More crucially, there isn’t just audio-to-MIDI conversion, a common feature in other DAWs, because the user can convert anything to MIDI, including melodies, harmonies, sampled drums, and more.

The app helps you trough out the production process. Record many passes of an audio track, and leave the rest to the application! It will organize them into takes from which you can assemble a performance using the best parts of each. Moreover, You can simultaneously work on multiple projects.

Ableton Live comes with a library of its own that includes over 5,000 instrument sounds and thousands of loops that you may use, alter, and distort as you choose. Of course, there are other plug-ins whose sound quality varies, but we can assure you that Ableton’s library is more than enough for most users.

There are also a lot of acoustic instrument samples, such as good-sounding studio drum kits and symphonic libraries. The app’s Browser feature makes it even easier to locate what you’re looking for and automatically indexes fresh sample material. Oh! Don’t forget the modular Max, which includes several dozen instruments and effects of its own, is also immediately incorporated into Live Suite.

Pros

Ableton is the best choice for those who want to work on their live performances.
The app has a simple and helpful interface that can help novice users or help Pros to save some time.
The automation feature on Ableton is on the next level. Believe it or not, it will make everything easier.

Cons

There is no pitch correction in Ableton.
You need to pay a high price for the app’s subscription.
You can’t call the Ableton a full-fledged DAW.

FL Studio

FL Studio, one of the oldest DAWs in the world, was introduced to music lovers in 1998 as FruityLoops. The app might have targeted electronic music production rather than capturing live performers performing acoustic instruments, but you can use it for producing almost any kind of music project.

FL Studio is available in four different editions. The first one is Fruity which is only for in-the-box music but benefits from automation capabilities, a step sequencer, a piano roll, and an event editor. The second one, Producer, includes microphone recording, editing, and pitching of audio snippets and the Sytrus synth.

The third one, Signature, contains the NewTone pitch correction and time editor, the entire DirectWave sampler, the sleek Harmless additive, a subtractive synth, a video player, and a few more guitars and drum plug-ins. Then there is The All Plugins Bundle, which includes a variety of Image-Line synthesizers, and the physical modeling-based Sakura for distinctive string-instrument sounds.

Despite its complexity, FL Studio’s interface is clear and straightforward to see, which makes it easier to learn. Everything is entirely scalable, even across many monitors. FL also supports multitouch, so you can use it as a live physical mixing board with a touch-screen display on a PC.

Newer versions of FL studio have improved audio recording thanks to Playlist track settings and monitoring features. On the other hand, you must record audio through a microphone or instrument input, which is inconvenient for recording acoustic instruments or extended vocal takes.

The good news is that there are now numerous options for freezing tracks, such as bouncing pattern clips to audio, consolidating playlist clips, and rendering them into a single audio clip.

Pros

Excellent tools for loop and pattern-based MIDI.
Automations are more controllable in the latest versions.
You buy FL studio once and receive updates for your lifetime

Cons

The app does not look similar to apps in the market.
There is no notation editor.

Cubase

Cubase Pro shows its MIDI origins right after you open it. The primary Project Window provides an overview of the arrangement and may be customized to display VST instruments, the Key Editor), and other features. The Key Editor is fantastic; you can do almost anything during playback, such as switching editing tools, removing notes, and modifying additional notes.

On the other hand, the Inspector provides transpose, quantize, length, and other essential features that are simpler to find. Moreover, The floating Transport Bar is entirely customizable; individual modules may be added or removed.

Like every other Daw, Cubase has many tools for producing music. Tools like Harmony Generation and Chord Track aid in harmonizing vocals and composing chord progressions. There is also VariAudio which quickly manipulates the pitch and timing of audio. This fantastic tool allows you to edit at a micro-pitch level to precisely control a vocalist’s drifts and transitions.

If you go Cubase Pro, you’ll have access to over 80 plug-in effects and reverb, compression, EQ, delay, and mastering tools. There are too many plug-ins that you won’t feel any limitation on your imagination. Overall, Cubase’s plug-ins are enough for Pro composition and mixing work.

Behind all these features and tools, a big fanbase supports this software. This means everyone, novice to Pro user, enjoys using Cubase. Furthermore, a strong community helps you learn everything better and find your answers more quickly.

Pros

Excellent interface paired with an incredible audio engine
Excellent editing experience
Automation support
An impressive plug-in library that can answer all your needs

Cons

The app is costly compared to similar apps in the market.
The installation process is quite a mess.

Studio One

Migrating from another DAW to Studio One is quite simple. Studio One’s design has become more modern, with dark and light themes and a fresh coat of paint on all the plug-ins. You are organizing your projects cant be more accessible than this! Studio One provides dates and titles for new projects, which help you manage everything neatly. You also can configure the keyboard shortcuts for a better experience. However, this beautiful vibrant interface comes with a price! You might miss some detail or encounter some lags because of all the layers and colors.

Studio One requires fewer clicks to record and edit than competing DAWs. Click once to record, once to use the metronome, once to rewind, and twice to divide a clip in half. The drag-and-drop feature is handier than ever. You may quickly construct your Split and Multi instruments by dragging and dropping other instruments into the same track.

Despite the visual bustle, the mixer is well-organized. You may add whatever effect you choose, and PreSonus includes hundreds of Extended FX chains in a separate drop-down folder to help you mix quicker. Remember! When you have many plug-ins active on each mixer channel, you tend to lose sight of the overall picture of all the meters, and the visual becomes quite ugly.

Garageband for windows price

We already said that GarageBand and most of its features are free for Mac and iOS users. You, however, are trying to install this software on your windows device. It doesn’t matter how you install or use the app, and it’s almost free. Garageband’s Loops and built-in drum tracks are there for you when you install the app. You only need to pay up when you need more features and plugins. The list below shows when your Garageband for windows can get pricy!

When you want more instruments
When you want more sounds
When you want more plug-ins

Garageband windows 11

Installing Garageband on your windows 11 device is not different from what we told you before. Just choose one of the methods we described earlier in this article and follow the instructions. If you encounter any error or difficulty, try using the Windows diagnose service and set compatibility on Windows 8.

GarageBand for windows 7 32-bit

We do not suggest installing GarageBand on Windows 7 32-bit. Most of the Virtual machine software like VMware and Virtualbox does not support 32-bit devices anymore and can’t run smoothly on such devices. So, if you try, do it at your own risk.

GarageBand for windows 7 64-bit

You can install GarageBand for Windows 7 64-bit following the instructions we explained earlier in this article. However, update your windows if possible and try the methods because the virtual machine software works better with newer versions of Windows.

Garageband pros and cons

Now we know how to install GarageBand for Windows. We also know the best free and premium alternative for Apple’s music studio. So let’s finish our article with the Pros and Cons of Garageband:

Pros

Garageband is free to use, which means everyone with an Apple device can download the app and start using it.
iCloud cross-platform between Apple devices allow users to continue their projects on different Apple devices.
Garageband’s interface and workflow are nearly perfect. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or a pro; you can always count on this app.
Excellent plug-ins and expansions can help you produce the unique track born in your imagination.

Cons

Garageband’s exported files are pretty big. Sometimes the size of your projects can exceed 5GB.
The software needs a powerful device to run smoothly. It is optimized for Apple devices, and you may encounter staters or lags in Windows devices.
Apple didn’t bother to make a good tutorial for their app. So, don’t expect any official tutorial.
Garageband is Apple only, and that’s not good for either Windows users or Apple itself.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found answers to all your questions in this article. We tried to take every detail into account. Although the final decision is yours, searching for a good alternative is better. Of course, you can test GarageBand for Windows devices, but even in the best circumstances, you won’t be able to experience the full potential of Garageband.