[2023] Recommended Items for Music Programming - DAW/Software Instruments/Plug-ins

Many people may think, "There are many DTM-related items, and I don't know which ones are better". On this page, we recommend DTM (home recording) products such as popular DAW software that plays a central role in music creation, multi-sound sources that greatly improve the quality of manually recording, and plug-ins that are very useful for improving the final tracks and stereo mixes.

＜Table of contents ＞
■ Recommended items for DTM (DAW software)
■ Recommended items for DTM (multi-sound source)
■ Recommended items for DTM (plug-ins)

DAW software, which is the center of recording, is a big problem. Therefore, I will introduce various features of major DAWs in a short and easy-to-understand manner!
* For many products, trial versions and entry-level models are available free of charge on the manufacturer's site! If you are interested, please give them a try!

STEINBERG / CUBASE

Series comparison table
https://new.steinberg.net/ja/cubase/compare-editions/

A DAW software that is gaining popularity with many users due to the abundant functions and series range. In addition to audio recording, it also supports a score editor (MIDI input in musical score format), enabling a variety of production styles. There are many users, and plenty of articles & videos to reference on the Internet from manufacturers, schools, and personal blogs, so even beginners can easily learn how to operate the software.

Recommended genres: All genres (band type, manual input type, classic type)

• Three grades which can be selected according to the functions you need
• Many users and abundant contents to reference on the WEB

AVID / ProTools

A standard DAW software used in the studio. This is convenient for tasks such as taking a session file recorded / produced in the studio home and working on it, or taking a session file created at home to the studio.

Recommended genre: Recording / editing

• Studio standard DAW software
• Innovative features for professionals will be updated

PRESONUS / Studio One

Function comparison by grade
https://www.mi7.co.jp/products/presonus/studioone/compare/

The highest grade "Studio One Professional" is the only DAW software with a mastering function. The "scratchpad" function, which allows you to easily reconstruct the combination of tracks without changing the song you are creating, and the sophisticated workflow that allows you to perform various operations on one screen are a big part of its popularity.

Recommended genres: band type, manual input type

• The only DAW software with an integrated mastering function
• Workflow where you can try out ideas such as "scratch pad"

ABLETON / Live

LIVE function comparison table

In addition to the "Arrangement View", which has the same basic work style as other DAWs, it is equipped with a "Session View" that allows you to arrange sample materials and phrases on the vertical axis and operate them in real time. It is useful not only for creating music, but also for live performances, DJs, and sound effects that combine multiple voices.

Recommended genres: audio editing, programming, sound effects

• Supports a wide range of production styles with arrangement / session view
• Flexible audio time stretching function for live performances including DJing and mashups

IMAGE-LINE / FL STUDIO

Main features of each edition

A DAW software that is popular in dance music, especially in EDM. The FL STUDIO 20 Signature top model is packed with software sound sources & plug-ins that are perfect for clubs. Being able to combine patterns to assemble a track is also attractive.

Recommended genres: manual input, dancing

• Intuitive operability that allows you to combine patterns to create music
• Lifetime upgrade ensures you can always use the latest version

MOTU / DP11

Equipped with a Chunk function that allows you to launch multiple sequences in a project and switch between them. It has a good reputation for its operability when arranging music. With the SMPTE sync function, you can use it for concerts and MA by synchronizing two computers. It has a good reputation for the ease of MIDI input in an event list format.

Recommended genres: audio editing, programming,

• Arrange music with Chunk function
• SMPTE sync for concerts and MA

All of the recent DAW software is generally high-performance, and although there are differences, high level functions required for music production are included. The important part is whether the features and workflows listed above suit your personal production style. The software is usually provided by the manufacturer in a trial version or a free lite version. If in doubt, try it before you buy it and find the right DAW for you!

Next, I would like to talk about multi-sound sources that greatly affect the quality of inputting music data manually.

One of the important points of entering music data during home recording is "Can you express the realism of the instrument and the texture you have in mind?" With high quality software multi-sound sources with abundant sounds, you can greatly improve the overall quality of your music. It can also be used as a source of inspiration by trying out various different tones. This time, I will introduce the popular multi-sound sources as of 2020 that would not hurt for you to have!

Native Instruments ( ネイティブインストゥルメンツ ) / KOMPLETE 13

The Native Instruments / KOMPLETE series multi-sound source software is a big standard and should be called the industry standard. Many professional musicians and composers use it, and the sounds recorded by KOMPLETE are used in music for television and movies. KOMPLETE has a lineup of four grades. All grades include the popular "MASSIVE" soft synth, which has a thick sound. The high-end grade has a wide range of live instrument sounds that are both highly expressive and realistic. The upper grade includes the contents of the lower model plus alpha, and you can easily compare these on the manufacturer's site. The general image is as follows.

* MASSIVE X that appeared in the latest version 13 is not included in KOMPLETE 13 SELECT. It will is included from KOMPLETE 13 and above.

* Software added in the new version 13 is listed with a * mark on the product page.

● KOMPLETE 13 SELECT entry level model
→ Synth system + carefully selected musical instruments

● KOMPLETE 13 standard model
→ SELECT + basic musical instruments

● KOMPLETE 13 ULTIMATE high-end model
→ KOMPLETE 13 + Various musical instruments / orchestra instruments

● KOMPLETE 13 ULTIMATE Collector’s Edition top model
→ ULTIMATE + Solo instruments as well as specialized sounds for various genres

Manufacturer comparison table
https://www.native-instruments.com/jp/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-13-select/compare/

IK MULTIMEDIA / SampleTank 4 MAX

Sample Tank series from Italy’s IK MULTIMEDIA. This is also a popular sound source that contains a variety of sounds from live instruments to synths. Aside from the tones, there’s also a wealth of MIDI phrases and loop materials included. That you can create the foundation of a song just by arranging MIDI phrases, and you can also use it as an inspiration source for arrangements is a big plus. There are also presets with unique textures, and strong effects, which are useful for creating unique tracks with an accent. SampleTank MAX4 is their flagship model with a total library of over 250GB and 8,000 types of instruments.

STEINBERG / HALion 6

The HALion series multi-sound source from STEINBERG, which also produces DAW software. Loaded with a wealth of factory presets by STEINBERG and Yamaha Sound Experts, it is possible to use it for a variety of genres. There are many sounds that give an elegant yet familiar impression, and they are useful as a basis for production. When combined with the CUBASE DAW software, you can easily load an audio track on the DAW as a sample, or drag and drop a MIDI phrase generated by HALion's powerful arpeggiator onto the MIDI track of CUBASE makes it attractive.

Series function comparison
https://japan.steinberg.net/jp/products/vst/halion/comparison.html

STEINBERG / Absolute 5

An affordable bundle of STEINBERG VST instruments, including the aforementioned HALion. Includes The Grand 3 piano sound source realizes a realistic sound image using the latest sampling technology and give you a feeling that it’s the real thing, and the Groove Agent 5 rhythm sound source with a huge groove and pattern matches the current music style. Another great feature is that it works well with CUBASE.

Multi-sound sources work as a platform for music production along with DAW software. You can also listen to sound samples on the manufacturer's site, so find the software that suits you best and enjoy recording at home!

最後は打ち込んだトラックやレコーディングをしたトラックの調整、2ミックスに活躍すること間違い無しのプラグイン編です！

Recently, a variety of plug-ins have been released, and many people may be concerned that "the plug-in effects that come with their DAW are not enough, but they don't know which ones are better." This time, I will introduce recommended standard plug-ins that are sure to be useful in many ways!

WAVES / Horizon

A high-end WAVES bundle of that, in addition to standard plug-ins such as EQ / Comp / Delay / Reverb / Maximizer, which industry standards, also includes plug-ins modeled on vintage processors such as the CLA-2A and the V-EQ3, and extremely powerful peak limiters such as the L3-16 Multimaximizer. With this, in addition to basic effects, it is possible to mix with in-depth sound adjustments. Engineers often introduce the effects included in the WAVES bundle as a setting example in Sound & Recording magazines, and it is also a useful reference item. Check out WAVES products as they can be very affordable when they are on sale!

→ WAVES main bundle list

CELEMONY / MELODYNE 5 EDITOR

Standard pitch correction software for vocals and musical instruments. MELODYNE is useful for those who say it would be nice if I could record until I got the perfect take, but that's not always possible, or "I thought it was recorded perfectly, but when I listened back, the pitch was slightly off." You can reduce the amount of re-recording and create music efficiently.

* Check the following for details on the differences in functions depending on the version!

Manufacturer site function comparison table
https://hookup.co.jp/products/celemony-software/melodyne/edition-spec

iZotope / Neutron3 Advanced

From here, I will introduce three iZotope plug-in products in a row that easily realize high-quality voice processing with the AI assistant function. Neutron is perfect for those who say "it’s difficult to set the compressor and EQ and I don't understand" or "I just want to mix easily". If you put it in the insert of the track you want to adjust and use the track assistant function, it will analyze the sound and automatically adjust the compression & EQ. Of course, you can also set it yourself afterwards. You can also study the theory of the mix by referring to the Neutron settings. * Please check the difference in functions depending on the version from "Compare functions" on the manufacturer page below!

Neutron maker site
https://www.izotope.jp/products/neutron-3/

iZotope / Ozone 9 Advanced

Ozone mastering software. It is used for the final touches on the sound after the mix is ​​completed, but it is also equipped with a "Master Assistant" function that automatically adjusts the sound. The sound quality can also be set according to the final release destination, such as "streaming" or "CD", which is very convenient. Nowadays, there are more and more opportunities to publish your created sound sources & videos, and Ozone, which easily optimizes the audio for uploading, is becoming more and more reliable!

* Please check the difference in functions depending on the version from "Compare functions" on the manufacturer page below!

Ozone maker site
https://www.izotope.jp/products/ozone-9/

iZotope / RX 9 Advanced

Noise removal software used by professionals. The top model, Advanced, also allows for processing such as muting the ringtone of the mobile phone that rang during an interview, or removing sibilants and lip noise with high accuracy. You can also perform work that raises the quality of audio material when creating music, such as removing fine noise from vocals and musical instrument parts.

* Please check the difference in functions depending on the version from "Compare functions" on the manufacturer page below!

RX maker site
https://www.izotope.jp/jp/products/rx-9/

Get the software and plug-ins you can rely on and use them to create higher-grade sound sources!

（2020-12-14 release 2023-03-27 update）