It can be really hard to choose the best recording software for low end PC, especially if you are new to audio production;
Or aren’t tech-savvy enough to know what separates one piece of software from another.
That’s why we’ve done the work for you and put together this list of the top 10 recording software programs that work on computers with minimal hardware requirements
As well as any other computer with basic requirements that you may have lying around.
Here are the Best Recording Software for low end PC in 2023
1. AUDACITY (BEST FOR WINDOWS & MAC)re
This free, open-source software is popular among users who want a more lightweight app without tons of features they’ll never use.
Audacity is simple to use and produces decent sound quality.
If you’re recording audio via an input device like a microphone or guitar, you’ll appreciate that its effects are non-destructive
Which means you can adjust them after your recording session ends.
However, it doesn’t support MIDI input or multiple simultaneous recordings; if you need these features, Adobe Audition might be a better option.
(For Linux users, try AvAudit.)
2. GARAGEBAND
It comes pre-installed on Mac computers and is super simple to use. Plus, you can record multiple audio tracks simultaneously, which makes it great for doing overdubs and taking parts from different sources.
Though a little light on effects, its included software instruments (like pianos, guitars, drums) are top-notch.
It even does MIDI! While I don’t think you’ll make Grammy-winning recordings with GarageBand, it’s certainly a good place to learn about recording software.
And since GarageBand is free, there’s really no reason not to download it and give it a shot.
3. AUDIO RECORDER
This software is great if you’re just starting out with your audio recording endeavors. It’s easy to use and doesn’t have a huge learning curve.
It also has some nice features like auto-tagging, which automatically adds information to media files based on metadata in a particular format (for example, you can have it add title and artist information).
The app also allows you to export directly to iTunes. The audio recorder lets you choose from one of three quality settings: low, normal, or high.
4. OPEN BROADCASTER SOFTWARE
OBS is open-source software with a focus on being user-friendly. The interface isn’t as pretty as some of its counterparts, but OBS is probably one of the easiest to use.
It also has a nice feature that allows you to quickly save files in almost any format. There are several methods to choose from when you want to record a file, too.
You can either create your own files or stream directly onto sites like Twitch and YouTube using their built-in formats.
5. REAPER
Like some of its competitors, Reaper is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that’s streamlined to meet recording engineers’ needs.
However, unlike some of those other competitors, Reaper is open source and available at no cost.
That makes it popular with independent musicians who may not have much in terms of cash flow but will invest time and effort.
Besides being free, Reaper has an intuitive user interface and powerful tools for sound editing and processing.
It doesn’t have all of Pro Tools’ bells and whistles, but then again, at $600/year (or $25/month), Pro Tools costs about 100 times more than Reaper!
And yet I bet many professional recording engineers would choose Reaper over Pro Tools without hesitation.
Here’s why:
That you can record as many tracks as your computer can handle in either WAV or lossless FLAC format—or both simultaneously—is reason enough.
Plus there are drum machines, virtual instruments (VSTi), plug-ins galore, and efficient ways to manage them all thanks to tabs versus windows–just like a browser window manager!
Also read: 11 Best TweetDeck Alternatives To Get Most Out Of Your Tweets
6. VEGAS PRO 14
The best-in-class video editing software is now on PC.
Vegas Pro 14 is a DAW that professionals have used to create music, films, and ads for decades.
You can do everything from adding an intro or outgo to your podcast to producing feature films with it. The high-definition picture editing tools make high-definition videos with ease.
There’s also support for 4K displays which many low-end PC users will take advantage of soon enough.
The suite comes with a whole load of excellent audio effects and post-production tools including multiple tracks, flexible audio mixing, and excellent surround sound mixing options.
Once you have your recording taken care of you can export through HDMI out directly into film industry quality editing suites.
7. STUDIO ONE 3.5
Great low-latency performance and a sleek interface make Studio One 3.5 an attractive option for musicians looking to record on their PC or Mac.
It’s not nearly as feature-rich as Reaper, and it has more of a learning curve than other options.
But it also has excellent automation tools that allow you to incorporate your own creations into MIDI arrangements with relative ease.
Studio One is great at recording audio, but it’s especially useful if you’re looking to record MIDI tracks on your computer
While simultaneously adding sound effects, layered instruments, and sample support.
For podcasters specifically, Studio One is probably overkill—but it’s worth looking at if you enjoy working on music as well.
Studio One has built-in CD-burning abilities right out of the box, which makes sharing files with collaborators very easy. It includes dozens of virtual instruments and samples that are specific to each project type.
8. BITWIG STUDIO 2.3
This software is a great option, especially if you want to record any kind of audio.
It’s multi-track, cross-platform, and very low in latency, which makes it a good choice if you are working with limited bandwidth.
It also has an impressive built-in sound library and can use VST plug-ins and comes with several of its own in order to give you all kinds of options when recording.
This is definitely one of your best options if you aren’t super computer savvy or don’t have super high-end gear yet but still want to get a recording.
9. CUBASE PRO 9
Although it’s one of the more expensive options on our list if you’re serious about recording you’ll get a lot out of Cubase Pro 9.
With its intuitive interface and in-depth features, you can create tracks with ease, give them your own unique touch and then share your work with friends and family around the world.
It gives you the power to make something extraordinary. The software also comes with over 100 virtual instruments that will help inspire creativity and experimentation.
If you want a top recording experience without breaking a bank account, Cubase Pro 9 is for you.
10. IZOTOPE RX7 ADVANCED
iZotope is a leader in audio post-production, and its RX7 Advanced package offers everything you need to clean up your recordings.
On top of standard noise reduction, RX7 Advanced features de-revert, de-noise, and de-clicker tools that let you remove distracting elements from your files.
At $399 retail price, iZotope’s software is on par with dedicated hardware devices and very easy to use.
Plus, with plug-ins available in the most popular formats, it’ll fit right into your existing recording setup. Just keep in mind that you might want to buy a faster computer if you plan on using these programs frequently.
