Zrythm DAW is a copyleft, open-source digital audio workstation. The free version of the software offers up to 25 audio tracks per project.
There are scads of free synths, effects, samples, and what have you readily available on the web. Free DAWs are an entirely different matter, as the available options are far more limited.
And just as we learned that Cakewalk by BandLab is getting discontinued, another freeware DAW popped up on the horizon. Well, it’s been around for a while, to be perfectly honest, but we’ve only learned about it thanks to a recommendation from one of our readers.
So, if you want to get into music production but your wallet feels a little light, why not check out Zrythm?
Zrythm is a well-featured freeware DAW readily available on Windows, Mac, FreeBSD, and Linux computers. FreeBSD is a rare one to encounter on audio software, but if you’re down to make house music while you’re running a server, you’re covered.
So what can you do with Zrythm?
Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room. The free version of Zryhtm is limited to 25 multi-tracks. So, if you need more than that, you’ll need to pay for one of the premium options.
Also, Zrythm is still in beta, so it isn’t completely stable and bug-free. We tested the macOS version, and it isn’t a very smooth experience at the moment. The interface is a bit slow at times, and the app completely crashed at one point.
However, one quick look at the feature list is enough to realize that Zrythm could rival paid DAWs if the development continues.
Zrythm has flexible MIDI editing, which relies on the stretch tool to give a piano roll more akin to FL Studio in concept. Editing or entering notes is relatively simple, and you can stretch, clone, link, and delete notes.
MIDI quantization is flexible as well, with an adaptive snap functionality. The flexible snapping pairs well with the looping, which can be done with automation, MIDI, audio, and chord tracks readily.
Chord tracks are easily used and a welcome addition if you want to whip up quick backing tracks.
Tracks are divided into lanes, so you can have layers upon layers of MIDI or audio on the same track. Given the limited track count, you’ll likely be leaning on this feature a bit to cram some more sounds in.
MIDI and audio can be bounced in place directly on the timeline. Audio editing is also accomplished with a fairly robust editor. There are a multitude of functions that are really quick to use.
You can also edit audio parts with external audio applications if you’d prefer that over Zrythm’s built-in editor.
Of course, what good is a DAW without a little extended functionality?
Zrythm supports LV2, VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, and JSFX plugins. You can also use SFZ and SF2 files as dedicated instrument plugins. Zrythm has a bit bridge, which is handy for those golden oldies from the 32-bit era.
If you’re looking for a free DAW, you could do worse than Zrythm. It is a fairly flexible platform for making music that runs on just about every contemporary operating system you can think of.
However, keep in mind that Zrythm is still under heavy development. Try the free version and ensure it works well on your system before using it for serious music production.
Until Zrythm improves, you can also check out other free software for producing music and audio recording.
Download: Zrythm (beta, free version limited to 25 tracks)
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Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Tomislav Zlatic.
