- Assorted Tools (216)
Tools and utilities to assist in such tasks as routing audio and signal generation. Utilities for managing functions of your computer system such as hotkey assigners and file recovery applications are also located in this category.
- Audio & Video Capture (115)
Record audio and video streams from the web, online broadcasters and your soundcard.
- Audio Codecs (14)
Audio compression algorithms are typically referred to as audio codecs. You’ll find them here if you are working with formats such as Vorbis, MP3, AAC and so on.
- Audio Editors (275)
This is where you will find software for recording, editing, and manipulating digital audio such as samples, songs, wave and aiff files. Specialized audio editing software can be used as stand-alone software but can be very useful to use in conjuction with other music programs such as Multitrack recorders, trackers etc. as these programs offer additional functionality not always found in the basic editors that come with other software. Note – you will need an Audio Interface to record audio onto your computer.
- Audio Players – Jukebox (323)
Software listed here varies from playing WAV files and CDs to multi-format players that also feature built-in cataloging features and playlist features. If a download is specifically intended for your listening pleasure, you’ll find it here.
- Audio Restoration (58)
This is where you will find software for restoring audio. Some examples include removing unwanted pops, clicks, and other mechanical sounds from old vinyl records or removing tape hiss.
- Audio Sequencers (103)
Software that allows you to record, playback, edit and arrange sequences of audio in a multitrack environment.
- Auto Accompaniment (55)
Software that can create accompanying music with little or no human intervention.
- Bass Guitar (37)
This area contains software specifically created for Bass Guitar players. For general guitar software check out the Guitar category. You will also find tablature software in the Tablature category and software to slow down guitar solos in the Slow Down Music category. Visit GuitarSite.com for hardware bass effects.
- Business Applications (31)
This category contains software for administration and business use in music. Some examples include budgeting, tour planning, logistics, recording session management, track logging, air checking, help with copyright, advertising, and much more.
- Cataloging (225)
Keeping track of your audio collection can be a nightmare. Software in this category will help you organize music, sounds, samples, manage playlists and use the CDDB.
- CD Burners (175)
This is where you will find software for recording music and audio onto CDs.Whether you want to record your favorite MP3s, Wave Files, produce and release your own CDs, or make back up copies of your old vinyl records you will find something here to make the task easier.
Software to burn DVDs can be found in the DVD Authoring category.
- CD Rippers (180)
Ripping is the name given to the process of copying audio from CDs to your computer. You can copy audio – music – songs from your CDs to a variety of digital audio formats including MP3, Wave (.WAV files), AIFF and many more. Once you have your music saved onto your computer you can then edit, enhance, restore it, upload it to a web site, and even record it onto another CD using a CD Burner.Software to rip DVDs can be found in the DVD Rippers category.
- Chords (148)
This area contains software specifically related to Chords. This includes general reference programs, reading guides and tutors, as well as tools for diagramming, transposing and more.
- Computer Aided Composition (195)
Software to help in the process of composition by creating arrangements, melodies, structures etc. with little human help. Can be used for complete compositions or just as a source of new musical ideas.
- CSound (26)
Here you will find a selection of CSound software to synthesize and generate music on your computer.CSound is the musical equivalent of graphics rendering software – the computer actually ‘renders’ the audio and can create both ‘artificial’ sounds as well as extremely realistic ‘real’ sounds like strings and percussion.
- DJ – Mixing (182)
Don’t get this category confused with DJs who use playlists to keep people entertained. If you want to play long sets, beat-match and create remixes without turntables, you’ll find the tools here.Also check out our recommended list of the best Free DJ Software and our DJ Controller Roundup.
- Drums – Percussion (290)
Tools for playing drums, creating beats and editing rhythms. You’ll find drum synthesizers, MIDI drum tools, learning aids, drum machines and specialized drum loop software in this category. If you’re looking for hardware then check out our roundups of cheap Electronic Drums and Drum Machines.
- DVD Authoring (58)
Here you will find the tools needed to burn DVDs, back-up your existing DVD collection and create multimedia content for them such as interactive menus and more.Software to burn CDs can be found in the CD Burners category.
- DVD Rippers (48)
Software to take content from a DVD and save it onto your hard drive.Software to rip CDs can be found in the CD Rippers category.
- Ear Training (104)
Here you will find software related to ear training, learning to play by ear, picking notes, and developing musical skills.
- Effects – Delay/Echo (218)
Software and plug-ins that let you add delay and echo to a sound. A good place to start is with our Delay VST roundup.
- Effects – Other (1718)
All EQs, Enhancers, Compressors, Flangers, Phasers, Modulators, Distorters and other effects can be found here.
- Effects – Reverb (179)
Software and plug-ins that let you add ambience and spaciousness to a sound. Don’t forget to check out our Best Reverb Plugin list.
- Experimental (84)
Here you will find music making software which follows unconventional creation methods. Whether it be using body motion, digital pictures or drawing, all software which uses experimental, unique and sometimes just plain odd ways of creating sound are located in this category.
- File Sharing (46)
File-sharing isn’t a dirty word and doesn’t mean illegal. Share your songs with others, find people with similar interests and make collaborative projects a lot easier.
- Format Converters (362)
Need to convert WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, CDA, VQF, AAC or any number of lesser known formats? This is the category to find tools designed to do the job. Many programs here handle multiple formats with ease. Specialiszd MIDI converters can be found in the MIDI Converters category.
- Guitar (318)
This includes guitar tutors and coaching software, guitar & amplifier emulators, reference tools and more. You will find tablature software in the Tablature category and software to slow down guitar solos in the Slow Down Music category. Software to tune your guitar can be found in the Instrument Tuners category and specialized chord software in the Chords category. Software designed specifically for bass guitar players can be found in the Bass Guitar category.
If you are new to the guitar then check out this guide on GuitarSite.com where you can also get all the latest news, and see the best Guitar Effects Software reviewed there as well. If you’re looking for a good guitar to learn on then take a look at these parlor guitars.
GuitarSite’s expert selection of Christmas gifts will help you find that perfect present for that special guitarist in your life.
- Hosts – AU (52)
Here you will find software which will allow you to host and use instrument and effect plug-ins which are Audio Units. Hosts may be incorporated in production suites and sequencers or be stand-alone applications. For a large selection of AU plug-ins see the Plug-ins – AU category.
- Hosts – DX (15)
Here you will find software which will allow you to host and use DirectX instrument and effect plug-ins. Hosts may be incorporated in production suites and sequencers or be stand-alone applications. For a large selection of DX plug-ins see the Plug-ins – DX and PLUGINS – DXi categories.
- Hosts – Other (13)
Here you will find software which will allow you to host and use RTAS, MAS and TDM plug-ins. Hosts may be incorporated in production suites and sequencers or be stand-alone applications. For a large selection of compatible plug-ins see the Plug-ins – Other category.
- Hosts – VST (214)
Here you will find software which will allow you to host and use VST instrument and effect plug-ins. Hosts may be incorporated in production suites and sequencers or be stand-alone applications. For a large selection of VST plug-ins see the Plug-ins – VST and Plug-ins – VSTi categories.
- Instrument Tuners (89)
Here you will find software to help you tune your instruments both automatically and manually. There are tuners for guitar, piano and more.
- Karaoke (80)
Here you will find a collection of karaoke software which will help you sing along with your karaoke files. You can set up playlists, edit karaoke files or customize a karaoke session. Become your inner party nightmare!Software designed specifically for removing vocals can be found in the Vocal Removers category.
- Keyboards on PC (35)
Software here will let you simulate playing a piano/keyboard by using your computer’s keyboard.
- Kids Music Software (29)
A selection of fun and interesting music software designed specifically for children.
- Label Printing (34)
Here you will find a collection of software which helps you design and print labels for your cassettes, CDs, DVDs and other media.
- Live Performance (129)
Software to assist when performing live – including mixers, triggers, hosts and video applications all specifically designed for the live performer.
- Loop – Groove Makers (112)
Software to help you create, edit, and record your own loops and/or grooves.
- Lyric Writing Tools (26)
Looking for inspiration with lyrics? Dictionaries, thesaurus’ and lyric writing tools are the name of the game here.
- Mastering (135)
Software to master your songs after you’ve recorded them so they get the ‘commercial’ touch. Normalize, compress and EQ your tracks into a finished product. You also might like to read our Tips on Mastering a Song.
- Metronomes (59)
Here you will find a collection of metronome software which is primarily designed to help you develop a sense of timing and tempo when playing music. This software is great for anybody who wants to develop a sense of rhythm.
- MIDI Controllers (85)
Software that uses MIDI signals to control synthesizers, sound modules, recording equipment, lighting consoles, and other devices that receive MIDI control signals. Also see our Roundup of affordable MIDI Keyboards, and GuitarSite.com’s guide to MIDI pickups for use on electric guitars.
There are also some excellent guides on MIDI controller keyboards of different sizes at Gearank.com: 25-Key, 49-Key, 61 Key, and 88-Key MIDI Controllers.
- MIDI Converters (71)
Software for converting from WAVE/MP3 to MIDI, MIDI to other formats and between various MIDI formats.
- MIDI Sequencers (173)
Here you will find a collection of MIDI Sequencing software that can record and playback MIDI data in such a way to control the performance of MIDI controlled musical instruments or devices in a series of timed steps. Programs in this section range from basic sequencers to extensive applications with a wealth of features. Look in the Production Suite category if you want built-in synthesizers and drum machines with your sequencing suite.
- MIDI Utilities (267)
Assorted MIDI software for manipulating and handling MIDI files. This may include general management software, event editors and players specifically designed for playing MIDI. MIDI controllers, converters, patch editors, and sequencers are found in their respective categories.
- Miscellaneous (61)
Here you will find a collection of miscellaneous software which doesn’t fit easily into any of the other software categories on Shareware Music Machine.
- MOD Trackers – Players (61)
Here you will find a collection of MOD Tracking and Playing software for users software known as ‘trackers’. ‘Trackers’ are generally sample sequencers, some of which also feature synthesizers and basic audio effects.
- MP3 (243)
Here you will find software for creating, managing and listening, as well as editing and
organising your MP3 collection. This category is merely a selection of the vast range of
downloads available on MP3Machine, where there is also a review of Cheap MP3 Players.
- Multitrack Recording (113)
Recording more than one sound source? You’ll find software to simultaneously record everyone in your band or simply allow you to lay down your tracks and then mix them together. Multitrack software is used for recording, so look in the Production Suite category if you want built-in synthesizers and drum machines with your recording suite.
Many hardware multitrack recorders come bundled with a free DAW and operate as a DAW controller as well as an audio interface – see this guide: The Best Multitrack Recorders for more information and for a complete roundup of all the recording hardware you may need see this Extensive Home Recording Studio Equipment List.
- Music Calculators (48)
Here you will find a collection of software for working out beat counts, tempo, delay times, decay rates and much more. This section is useful for both DJs and musicians who want to manipulate samples or simply learn musical parts.
- Music Programming Tools (46)
Here you will find Tools, libraries, classes, utilities etc. specifically for Music Software Developers.
- Music Tuition (191)
Here you will find a collection of software for learning more about making and playing music – from beginners through to advanced musicians.
- Network Tools (16)
Software that is specifically designed to enable you to use networks, particularly LANs, to harness the power of multiple computers and/or multiple users. This category does not include File Sharing.
- Notation (214)
Here you will find a collection of software for reading, writing and understanding musical notation. Programs vary from simple notation printing software to sophisticated notation editors. Software for scanning notation can be found in the Notation Scanning category.
- Notation Scanning (21)
Software here is intended to be used for scanning sheet music and converting it to another format. Software for reading, writing and understanding notation can be found in the Notation category.
- Oscilloscopes (20)
Here you will find a collection of oscilloscope software for analyzing digital signals including audio and music. This category ranges from sophisticated high-end software to more eye candy-based applications.
- Patch Editors & Librarians (117)
Here you will find a collection of software for setting up, controlling and saving instrument sounds and settings for synthesizers and samplers.
- Piano (79)
This is for Piano related software – most of the listings here are for virtual piano instruments that let you use your computer to create piano sounds.
- Plugin Wrappers (16)
Plug-in Wrappers allow you to use plug-ins within your host software that were previously incompatible. EG. Use DX plug-ins in a VST Host or VST plug-ins in a AU Host.
- Plugins AU (862)
Audio Units is a plug-in format which you can use in conjunction with any compatible host application (see the Hosts – AU category). AU plug-ins consist of a wide range of software synthesizers, samplers and effects. You may like to go directly to our Editors pick of the Top 10 Free VST/AU Virtual Instruments For Macintosh.
- Plugins DX (126)
DX (DirectX) is a plug-in format which you can use in conjunction with any compatible host application (see the Hosts – DX category). The large majority of DX plug-ins are effects which you can use to manipulate your sound in real-time.
- Plugins DXi (45)
DXi (DirectX) is a plug-in format which you can use in conjunction with any compatible host application (see the Hosts – DX category). The large majority of DirectX Instruments are software synthesizers, however there are also many samplers and drum machines.
- Plugins Other (800)
Here you will find RTAS, MAS and TDM plug-ins which you can use in conjunction with a compatible host application (see the Hosts – Other category). These types of plug-in may be software synthesizers, samplers or effects. Plug-ins for other software that are not effects or instruments can also be found in this category. AU, DX, and VST plugins can be found in their own categories.
- Plugins VST (2120)
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a plug-in format which you can use in conjunction with any compatible host application (see the Hosts – VST category). The large majority of VST plug-ins are effects which you can use to manipulate your sound in real-time.
- Plugins VSTi (1142)
VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology) is a plug-in format which you can use in conjunction with any compatible host application (see the Hosts – VST category). The large majority of VST Instruments are software synthesizers, however there are also many samplers and drum machines. You may also like to check out our editor’s pick of the Top 10 Free VST Virtual Instruments.
- Portable Players (62)
Here you will find a collection of software for portable music players – including transfer applications for transferring your music between computer and player, control centers and specialized management utilities.
- Production Suite (103)
Production suites are complete studios for recording, editing and composing music. They give you all the tools you need to create a song – including drum machines, synthesizers, sequencers, effects and recording capabilities. A good starting place is our recommended selection of Music Production Software.
You can also improve your music producing efficiency by using a control surface: Check out our comprehensive Guide to DAW Controllers here.
- Radio Production (50)
If you run or work for a terrestial radio station you’re in the right category. Here you’ll find loggers, automators, cart machines and more. Streaming radio enthusiasts will find the relevant software in the Streaming Media category.
- Recording (186)
Basic audio recording software that records a single track at a time, in a similar way to a basic cassette recorder. Software for recording audio that is already playing on your computer such as streaming audio can be found in the Audio & Video Capture category. Note – you will need an Audio Interface to record audio onto your computer.
- Ringtones (30)
Compose ringtones for your phone and convert your favourite MIDI and MP3 files to ringtone format.
- Sample & Loops Packs (44)
Packs and collections of audio Samples and Loops that you can download in a single file.
- Slow Down Music (42)
Software to slow down music and in most cases not effect the pitch. This software is helpful for transcribing, working out a difficult riff, helping you learn new song techniques and slowing down music for dance performances. Our sponsored app for slowing down music is Song Surgeon
- Software Samplers (197)
Here you will find a collection of software-based samplers which do the same thing as traditional physical samplers, except they run on your computer and often have more versatility. To put it simply, Software Samplers use samples to make real sounding instruments.
- Software Synthesizers (1140)
Here you will find a collection of software based synthesizers which do the same thing as traditional physical synths, except they run on your computer. Some of these soft synths are completely new while others are replications of your favorite old synths such as the famous, fat TB-303.
- Sound Cards – Device Drivers (46)
Here you will find a collection of drivers and control center applications for popular music-related devices such as sound cards and midi controllers. You might also like to check out our special feature: The Best USB Audio Interface Round-up.
- Sound Fonts (66)
Here you will not only find a collection of soundfonts you can use on your Wavetable soundcard, but also SoundFont editors, players, and utilities.
- Spectrum Analyzers (104)
Here you will find a collection of Spectrum Analyzers which allow you to analyze sound. These programs have a range of functions including Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT), Real Time 3D display, wavelet decomposition, harmonic analysis, note definition and much more.
- Streaming Media (128)
Software for listening, viewing and finding streaming media such as internet radio stations. You will also find software for creating your own streaming media.
- Tablature (62)
Tablature software helps musicians, usually guitarists, know where to put their fingers on the fretboard. Here you will find software which will assist you in writing, editing, printing and listening to tablature.
GuitarSite’s handy list of suggested Christmas gifts will help you find that perfect present for that special guitarist in your life.
- Text to Vocals (17)
Voice synthesizers that take text as an input and produce speech or singing.
- Video – Multimedia (267)
Here you will find a collection of video and multimedia software to enable you to view, create, edit, design, and produce video and multimedia on your computer.
- Vocal Removers (17)
Software for removing the vocals from a stereo recording.
- Vocoders (39)
This software produces a special effect when applied to vocals by using the input audio signal to produce a synthesized sound which is then recombined with the input signal…. Just try it, you’ll know what we mean. You also might like to check out our special feature on VST Plugins for Vocals.
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