The newcomer DAW is now a grown-up and well-rounded contender, but it’s Bitwig’s unique and brilliantly executed modulation system that make it a real winner.
Propellerhead Reason 9 | €369 Version 9 further refines the interface and workflow and adds new MIDI tools. Not a groundbreaking update, but regular users are likely to appreciate the new features.
PreSonus Studio One 3 Professional | £279 Review FM295 Studio One 3 is stable, capable of sating any music production need, and even does things that other DAWs can’t dream of.
Ableton Live 9 | £315 Review FM265 Version 9.5 is a free upgrade for current users of any version 9. The overhauled Simpler is fantastic, and Suite owners get a trio of new Max synths to play with.
Tracktion 6 | $60 Review FM293 More comprehensive and well implemented than you might think, Tracktion 6 is a well-rounded budget DAW worth trying.