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Awesome Music Production

A curated list of software, hardware, and other resources to create music.

Tip

I use this knowledge to produce music as my alter ego Leo Mask.
Check it out at leomask.com!


Table Of Contents

Software

Audio Workstations

  • Ableton
  • ACID - A DAW known for its loop-based music creation.
  • Ardour
  • Bitwig
  • Cubase
  • FL Studio - A complete software music production environment.
  • Garage Band
  • Giada - Minimal audio tool for DJs, live performers and musicians.
  • GridSound - Free online DAW implemented with the Web Audio API.
  • Helio - Libre music composition software.
  • LMMS - Comprehensive open source, cross platform DAW.
  • Logic Pro X
  • Meadowlark - Open-source, cross platform DAW.
  • Mixcraft - DAW software for Windows.
  • Pro Tools
  • Radium - Tracker-like music editor with additional GUI controls.
  • Reaper - Complete digital audio production app for Windows and macOS.
  • Remixlive - A dynamic music creation tool that lets you play loops and sounds.
  • Renoise - Complete, multi-platform DAW with a music-tracker based approach.
  • Rytmik Studio - Music creation software.
  • Stargate DAW - All-in-one DAW and plugin suite for Windows, macOS and Linux.
  • Studio One - Complete DAW and live show sequencing.
  • TuneFlow - Free, AI-powered DAW that provides lyrics/music generation, stem separation, MIDI transcription, as well as full editing and mixing capabilities.
  • Waveform Pro - A DAW designed for the needs of modern music producers.
  • Zrythm - Cross-platform DAW.

Libraries

  • Alda - A music programming language for musicians.
  • ATM CLI - Command line tool for generating and working with MIDI files.
  • Aubio - Segmentation, pitch detection, tapping the beat and producing midi streams.
  • Augmented Audio - Library for audio programming written in Rust.
  • Band.js - Music composer interface for the Web Audio API.
  • Blip - Looping and sampling with the Web Audio API.
  • Cane - A small MIDI sequencer DSL designed around vectors and euclidean rhythms.
  • CSound - A sound and music computing system.
  • Dplug - Library to make audio plug-ins with the D programming language.
  • Euterpea - In Haskell embedded language for computer music applications.
  • Faust - Functional programming language for sound synthesis and audio processing.
  • FourVoices - Automatic music generator for four-part writing.
  • Glicol - Graph-oriented live coding language and music/audio DSP library written in Rust.
  • Gwion - A strongly-timed programming language aimed at music creation. Heavily inspired by ChucK.
  • Houdini Music Toolset - Adding MIDI functionality to 3D program Houdini.
  • Klasma - Chiptune music composition kit.
  • Kord - Music theory binary and library for Rust and JavaScript.
  • libsoundio - Cross platform audio input and output library.
  • LickCreator - Online web based music notation.
  • Leipzig - Composition library for Clojure and ClojureScript.
  • Magenta - Music and Art Generation with Machine Intelligence.
  • Magiclock - Feel MIDI clock beat via the magic trackpad.
  • Megra.rs - A Rust library for algorithmic music composition.
  • meSing.js - JavaScript singing synthesis library.
  • Microm - JavaScript library to convert browser microphone to mp3.
  • Music Suite - Haskell based language for describing music.
  • Nashville - Convert Nashville Number System (NNS) entries to chords.
  • Node Speaker - Output PCM audio data to the speakers.
  • Octavian - Utility to reason about notes, frequencies, and intervals.
  • Orca - Esoteric programming language to create procedural sequencers.
  • Overtone - Open Source toolkit for designing synthesizers and collaborating with music.
  • Pedalboard.js - JavaScript framework to develop audio effects for guitars.
  • Pippi - Computer music with python.
  • PitchFinder & Node PitchFinder - Javascript (and node c++ addon) with pitch detection algorithms
  • Pop2Piano - Pop audio-based piano cover generation.
  • PureScript Ocarina - Web-audio library for interactive media and games.
  • React Music - Create beats with React.
  • Repitch - Real-time polyphonic MIDI-controlled audio pitch shifting.
  • Rust Music Theory - A music theory guide written in Rust.
  • Sardine - A music live coding library for Python.
  • Scribbletune - Create music with JavaScript.
  • Sharp11 - Music theorization and improvisation engine.
  • Slang - Simple audio programming language implemented in JavaScript.
  • Spectmorph - Analyze samples of instruments, and combine (morph) them.
  • Spleeter - Source separation library (e.g. extract drums from a track).
  • Step Sequencer - Elm step sequencer for programming drum beats.
  • Teoria - JavaScript library for music theory.
  • TidalCycles - Programming language to describe polyphonic, polyrhythmic, and generative music sequences.
  • timbre.js - JavaScript library for objective sound programming.
  • Tonal - Functional music theory library.
  • Tone.js - A Web Audio framework for making interactive music in the browser.
  • Tuna - An audio effects library for the Web Audio API.
  • VCV Rack - Open source virtual modular synthesizer.
  • Verovio - Music notation engraving library.
  • Vexwarp - JavaSCript library for audio time stretching and pitch shifting.
  • Vivid - High quality audio in Haskell with SuperCollider.

Synthesizers

  • Altitude - Advanced hybrid synthesis workstation.
  • Amsynth - Synthesizer with a classic subtractive synthesizer topology.
  • Apricot - Efficient hybrid synthesizer with a massive sound.
  • Fluctus - Simple 3-operator FM synthesizer.
  • Helm - GPL licensed polyphonic synth with lots of modulation.
  • [Integrate] - Old-school virtual analog synthesizer.
  • NSynth Super - Open source AI synth from the Google Magenta team.
  • OpenUtau - Open source vocals synthesis platform.
  • Regency - Multi-tiered phase distortion system.
  • SAW - A simple synthesizer with a clean UI and straightforward functionality.
  • Surge Synthesizer - Open source digital synthesizer.
  • Yoshimi - Software audio synthesizer.

Apps

  • Agordejo - Music production session manager.
  • Auxy - Modern instruments for mobile creators.
  • Composer's Sketchpad - Sequencer that combines musical staff paper with an artist's sketchbook (iOS only).
  • Dragonfly Reverb - Open source audio effects for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • Fluajho - Simple SF2 soundfont host and player for Linux.
  • IXI Programs - Apps for creating musical instruments and environments.
  • JJazzLab - Easily generate dynamic backing tracks for any song.
  • Konfyt - Digital keyboard workstation for Linux.
  • KXStudio - Collection of applications and plugins for audio production.
  • Laborejo - MIDI sequencer based on classical music notation.
  • Line - CLI MIDI sequencer and language for live coding.
  • Luna - MIDI sequencer.
  • Max - Visual programming language for music and multimedia creation.
  • Melodics - Desktop app to teach playing MIDI keyboards, pads, and e-drums.
  • MIDI Tapper - Shape music performances with multi-touch gestures.
  • Midica - Music programming language and desktop app for MIDI generation.
  • Ninjas 2 - Sample slicer audio plugin and standalone app.
  • Ossia Score - Sequencer for audio-visual and interactive shows.
  • Patroneo - Simple pattern based midi sequencer.
  • Polyphone - A soundfont editor for quickly designing musical instruments.
  • Samplr - Multi-touch music making app for iPad.
  • SeekMIDI - Graphical multi channel MIDI sequencer.
  • Seq24 - Minimal loop based midi sequencer.
  • Sonic Pi - Live coding music synth for everyone.
  • Sonic Visualiser - Visualize, analyze, and annotate music audio recordings.
  • Spire - iOS multitrack recording app with FX & mixing features.
  • Transcribe! - App to help transcribe recorded music.
  • Ultimate Vocal Remover - AI-powered vocal remover.

Webapps

  • 108 - Minimal beat machine.
  • AI Duet - A smart piano that responds to you.
  • Arpeggiator - Web Audio Arpeggiator.
  • Audio Motion Interface - Use smartphone motions to control a synthesizer.
  • Baroque Dances - Procedurally generated classical music.
  • Beat Push - Online music production with built-in parallel drum and synth machine.
  • beatboxer - Simple drum machine.
  • BlokDust - Interactive music-making app to build synths and sounds.
  • Chords - Text based chord progression editor.
  • Circle of 5ths Explorer
  • Djenerator - A metal breakdown generator.
  • Frequency Explorer - A microtonal additive synthesizer + sequencer
  • Funklet - Drum machine and library of famous drum patterns.
  • Jamwithchrome - Play music live with your friends online.
  • Keithwhor.com/music - Musical Keyboard - JS Dynamic Audio Synth.
  • Klangmeister - Live coding environment for the browser.
  • Klank - Sound and animation in the browser using PureScript.
  • Landr - Automatic audio mastering.
  • Lissajous - A tool for programmatic audio performance in the browser.
  • Loopjs - Live Electronic Music Performance Software.
  • Looplabs - Cloud based music studio.
  • Loudness Penalty - Check how loud your track is and how much it will be penalised by online streaming services.
  • mix check studio - Check your mixes and masters for common issues.
  • Musical Chord Progression Arpeggiator - Sketch out musical chord progressions.
  • MyNoise - Background noises and interactive soundscapes.
  • Piano Genie - Machine learning augmented piano app.
  • QuasiMusic - Quasiperiodic tilings of the plane as sound triggers.
  • Qwerkey - Keyboard tonnetz.
  • Reactor - Online DJ controller connected to SoundCloud.
  • Repeater Orchestra - An orchestra of repeaters which repeat the conductor.
  • Roland 50 Studio - Online playground with emulations of classic Roland devices.
  • Scale Explorer - Visual scale explorer.
  • Song Maker - Simple step sequencer.
  • Sononym - Visual sample browser.
  • Splice - Music creation and collaboration platform.
  • Strudel - Web-based environment for live coding algorithmic patterns.
  • SuperCollider - Platform for audio synthesis and algorithmic composition.
  • Synth Time - Simple synthesizer.
  • Synthi-JS - A JavaScript emulator of the legendary EMS Synthi A synthesizer.
  • TimeStretch - Online tool to loop, speed up, slow down, and pitch shift sections of an audio file.
  • ToneBasic - Programmatic sound generation in the browser.
  • Websynths - Free browser-based microtonal midi instrument.

Virtual Reality

Guitar, Ukulele, …

  • Chordata - A dummy chord-book for mandolin, ukulele and guitar.
  • Fretboard - Online Guitar fretboard viewer to study scales and chords.
  • Guitarix - Virtual guitar amplifier for Linux running on JACK.
  • SmartGuitarAmp - Guitar plugin using neural networks to emulate real world hardware.
  • UkeGeeks - Creates fingering diagrams by reading plain text or ChordPro ukulele songs.
  • Ukulele Chord Detector - Website for identifying chords and showing notes on a fretboard.
  • Ukulele Chord Finder
  • Ukutabs - Source for ukulele tabs, chords, tips, tools, guides

Services

AI Music Creation

  • Humtap
  • LAIVE
  • Omnizart - Transcribe vocals, drums, chords, beats, and more.
  • Splash - AI-powered music creation platform.
  • Suno AI - AI-powered music composition and production platform.

Music Distribution

Music Promotion

  • MusicWall - Free music landings for artists, producers, and engineers.
  • SubmitHub - Submit your music to bloggers and curators.

Sound / Sample Providers

  • BigSoundBank - 2800+ Free and Royalty Free Sounds
  • Musical Artifacts - A place for sharing and preserving sound and music related software, samples, presets and more.
  • PremiumBeat - Curated, high-quality music and sound effects.
  • Soundstripe - Royalty-free music and sound effects for video.
  • Splice - Royalty-free samples, one-shots, loops, MIDI, and presets.

Datasets

  • Free MIDI Chords - Collection of free MIDI chords and progressions.
  • SigSep - Publicly available datasets for research on source separation.

Misc

Hardware

Synthesizers

  • dadamachines - Toolkit to create automated analog sounds.
  • LittleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit
  • Modal 002R - 8 or 12 voice digital/analogue hybrid 3U rack.
  • OP-1 - A powerful portable music workstation. with sampler, multi-track support, and onboard synth generation.
  • Organelle - Intuitive controls with a powerful and flexible sound engine.
  • Pocket Operators - Tiny, low-cost digital instruments.
  • ZynAddSubFX - Polyphonic fully featured musical software synthesizer.
  • Zynthian - Open hardware swiss army knife of synthesis, equipped with multiple engines, filters and effects.

MIDI Controllers

  • Artiphon - Guitar like MPE controller.
  • Bela - Computing platform for creating responsive interactive applications.
  • C-Thru Music Axis - Hexagonal and harmonic table based controller.
  • Continuum Fingerboard - Linear piano like MPE playing surface.
  • DIY Controller - DIY midi controller with simple buttons.
  • Dodeka Stellar - Linear and isomorphic MIDI keyboard.
  • dualo du-touch - Accordion like controller with hexagonal pads.
  • Eigenharp - Grid, breath pipe, and touch strip enabled MPE instrument.
  • Erea Touch - Seamless polyphonic MIDI Controller with LED touch surface.
  • Haxophone - Electronic musical instrument resembling a Saxophone.
  • Joué - Expressive and modular MPE controller.
  • LinnStrument - Grid based expressive MPE controller.
  • Lumatone - Hexagonal isomorphic keyboard.
  • MIDILodica - Breath-controlled, 3D printed, open-source MIDI device.
  • Mimu Gloves - Expressive wearable musical instrument.
  • Morph - Expressive MPE touch controller with swappable hardware interfaces.
  • MPK mini - Cheap and functional mini keyboard controller.
  • Neova - Expressive finger ring.
  • NuEVI - Electronic valve instrument MIDI controller.
  • Open Woodwind Project - Electronic aerophone.
  • OpenDeck - Hardware platform to build custom MIDI controllers.
  • QuNexus - Small and portable MPE keyboard.
  • ROLI Blocks - Portable snap-together MIDI controller with both desktop and mobile interfaces.
  • Striso - Expressive MPE controller with a grid-based layout.
  • XVI Desktop - USB 16 Channel Fader Bank with CV, I2C, and MIDI.

Instruments

  • Chapman Stick - 8, 10, or 12 string fret-board tapping instrument.
  • Harpejji - Electric stringed musical instrument.
  • Karlax - Multi sensor expressive Clarinet like instrument.
  • Keytam - Tunable guitar-tambourine hybrid.
  • LAVA Guitar - Acoustic realism and effects in a portable guitar.
  • Musical Instrument Challenge - List of DIY instruments.
  • Nux Mighty Plug Pro - Amplifier tones and effects in a compact device.
  • Orba - Ball shaped, hand sized musical instrument.
  • OTTO - Sampler, sequencer, multi-engine synth and effects in a box.
  • Oxi One - Portable grid-based sequencer and synthesizer.
  • Pocket Piano - Piano and a wide range of sounds in a compact design.
  • PocketDrum - Electronic drums in your hands, anytime, anywhere.
  • Travel Sax 2 - Authentic saxophone vibes with MIDI for exploring new musical horizons.

Workstations

Community

Knowledge

Misc

Articles

Research