FL Studio vs Audacity: Which Is The Best Music Production Software? 2024

Are you looking to make your own music but don’t know which software is the best for music production?

Look no further! In this article, we will be comparing FL Studio and Audacity, two of the most popular DAW programs.

We’ll discuss their features, pros and cons so that you can decide which one is right for you.

So if you're ready to get into making music at home, read on to learn more about these amazing programs!


What We Know About FL Studio

FL Studio is a complete DAW made by the Belgian company Image-Line. It is made for music production, composition, and recording, and it has a lot of features and tools to help users make, edit, and mix their music.

One of FL Studio's best features is its graphical user interface, which includes a pattern-based music sequencer. This lets users arrange and sequence their music using pre-defined patterns, making it easy to build and arrange complex compositions.

FL Studio also works with VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins, which allow users to add new virtual instruments, effects, and other tools to the software to make it do more.

FL Studio can record and mix music, and it also has a variety of virtual instruments, synthesisers, effects, and processing tools. It also comes with a variety of pre-sets, templates, and samples to help users get started with making music.

FL Studio comes in a few different versions, including a free demo version, a Producer Edition, and a Signature Bundle. The Producer Edition has all the features of the demo version plus more tools and plugins. The Signature Bundle has everything in the Producer Edition plus more content and features.

FL Studio works with both Windows and MacOS, and it supports a number of file formats, such as WAV, MP3, OGG, and MIDI. It is often used by people who make electronic music, but it is also popular with a wide range of other musicians and music creators.

FL Studio Price: $99-$899

FL Studio Specs: 

  • Operating system: Windows
  • Processor: 2 GHz or higher
  • Minimum RAM: 1 GB
  • Recommended RAM: 4 GB or more
  • Disk space: 1 GB
  • Minimum screen resolution: 1024 x 600
  • Supported file formats: Audio: WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC; MIDI: MIDI, SMF

They have many useful tutorials over on the  FL Studio Official Youtube Channel


What We Know About Audacity

Multiple Audio Track Editing

One of the key features of Audacity is the ability to edit multiple audio tracks at the same time. This is useful for music producers and engineers who need to work with multiple audio sources, such as vocals, instruments, and sound effects.

With multiple audio track editing, you can layer multiple audio tracks on top of each other and adjust the volume, panning, and other properties of each track individually. You can also cut, copy, and paste audio from one track to another, or use the crossfade tool to smoothly blend two tracks together.

Noise Reduction and Audio Effects

Audacity has a range of built-in audio effects that can be used to enhance or transform audio files. These include effects like reverb, delay, EQ, and more.

You can also use Audacity to remove unwanted noise from audio recordings, such as background noise or hum. Audacity has a noise reduction tool that allows you to select a sample of the noise you want to remove, and then apply the noise reduction effect to the entire track or a specific portion of it.

Mixing and Mastering

Mixing and mastering are important steps in the music production process, and Audacity has a range of tools and features that can help with these tasks.

For mixing, you can use Audacity to adjust the levels and panning of individual audio tracks, and apply effects like EQ and compression to shape the overall sound of the mix. You can also use the crossfade tool to smoothly blend tracks together, and use the time shift tool to move tracks forward or backward in time.

For mastering, you can use Audacity to apply effects like limiting and EQ to finalize the sound of a mix and prepare it for distribution. Audacity also has a built-in normalization tool that can be used to adjust the overall volume of a track to a specific level.

Creating Loops and Samples

Audacity can be used to create loops and samples from audio files. A loop is a short audio clip that repeats indefinitely, and can be used in music production or live performances. A sample is a small section of an audio file that can be used in a new track or composition.

To create a loop or sample in Audacity, you can use the selection tool to select a portion of an audio track, and then use the copy and paste tools to repeat or insert the selection into a new track. You can also use the time stretch tool to change the speed or length of a loop or sample.

Analyzing Audio Files

Audacity has a range of tools for analyzing audio files, including tools for measuring frequency, pitch, and other properties. This can be useful for music producers and engineers who want to understand the characteristics of an audio file, or troubleshoot issues with audio quality.

Some of the audio analysis tools available in Audacity include the spectrogram view, which displays the frequency spectrum of an audio file over time, and the pitch tool, which allows you to measure the pitch of an audio file in Hz or cents.

Audacity Price: Free

 

Specs: 

Supported file formats: Audacity supports a wide range of audio file formats, including WAV, AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and FLAC, among others.

– Editing features: Audacity offers a variety of tools for editing audio, including cut, copy, and paste functions, as well as support for undo and redo actions. It also includes tools for applying effects to audio, such as EQ, compressor, and reverb.

– Recording capabilities: Audacity allows users to record audio from various sources, including microphones, line-in inputs, and other devices. It also supports the ability to record multiple tracks at once, allowing users to create multi-track recordings.

– Support for plug-ins: Audacity supports the use of plug-ins, which are additional software modules that can be used to extend the functionality of the program. This includes support for VST plug-ins, which are commonly used for audio processing.

– Cross-platform compatibility: Audacity is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

– User interface: Audacity has a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily navigate and use its various features. It includes a waveform display for visualizing audio, as well as a range of controls for adjusting audio levels and applying effects.

– Other features: Audacity also includes features such as support for labels and markers, which allow users to mark specific points in an audio file, and support for importing and exporting audio in a variety of formats.

 

Audacity Official Site / Where To Download:  Audacity Official Website

They have many useful tutorials over on the  Audacity Official Youtube Channel


 

FL Studio vs Audacity: What's The Difference?

FL Studio vs Audacity

FL Studio is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) software program that is primarily focused on music production and processing. It offers a wide range of features for recording, editing, and mixing audio tracks, as well as support for various libraries and plugins to increase its functionality. In comparison, Audacity is a free, lightweight audio editor that is geared towards a more general audience and has a no-holds-barred approach to adding third-party features.

Some key differences between FL Studio and Audacity include:

  • Overall functionality: FL Studio offers more overall functionality than Audacity, including a wider range of features for recording, editing, and mixing audio tracks.
  • Libraries and plugins: FL Studio supports various libraries and plugins for increased functionality, while Audacity does not offer as many options in this regard.
  • Ranking: FL Studio is generally ranked higher than Audacity in comparison charts such as Slant and SourceForge.

Pros and cons:

  • FL Studio:
    • Pros: Professional and streamlined software, focus on music production and processing, supports various libraries and plugins.
    • Cons: May be more expensive or require a subscription for full access to features.
  • Audacity:
    • Pros: Free, lightweight audio editor with a no-holds-barred approach to adding third-party features.
    • Cons: Limited overall functionality compared to FL Studio, fewer options for libraries and plugins.

Which is better for a specific use case:

The choice between FL Studio and Audacity will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. If you are a professional musician or music producer and need a more feature-rich program with a focus on music production and processing, FL Studio may be a better choice. If you are a casual user or are looking for a free, lightweight audio editor, Audacity may be a better choice. It is always a good idea to try out both programs and see which one works best for you.

 


If you found this comparison useful, but are still undecided on what tool is best for you, you might want to check out my other FL Studio comparison articles. A DAW isn't a small investment, so take your time and make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck!

 

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle