Looking for a free digital audio workstation for Mac or Windows? MorningDAW is a free music production application that combines recording, MIDI editing, mixing, built-in synthesizers, audio effects, and music video creation in one package. With version 1.3 adding new audio devices and video export features, there’s quite a bit to explore.
In this video, I’m taking a quick look at MorningDAW and highlighting some of its main features, including its songwriting tools, plugin compatibility, vocal processing, and music notation capabilities.
What Is MorningDAW?
MorningDAW is a digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for recording, arranging, editing, mixing, and mastering music. It runs on macOS and Windows and is available free, without a trial period or time limit.
One of the interesting things about MorningDAW is its focus on workflow. It uses radial, or pie, menus to make tools accessible around your working area, along with a searchable command menu for finding features quickly.
As with any new DAW, there’s a learning curve when getting familiar with the interface and workflow, but MorningDAW brings a range of music production tools together in one application.
MorningDAW’s Main Music Production Features
MorningDAW includes several tools for songwriting, beatmaking, recording, and mixing.
MIDI Editing and Songwriting
The MIDI and songwriting features include:
- Piano roll with scale locking for working with notes within a chosen scale.
- Chord and melody generators for developing musical ideas.
- Step sequencer for programming rhythmic patterns.
- Sampler for working with audio samples.
- Drum machine for creating beats.
- Wyvern and Ember synthesizers for generating sounds without requiring additional instruments.
These features give songwriters and producers several ways to develop musical ideas without immediately needing third-party instruments.
Recording, Editing, and Mixing
MorningDAW also includes a collection of tools for audio production, including audio and MIDI take comping, pitch correction, and audio warping.
Other features include a routing matrix for managing signal paths and sidechain support for routing audio between compatible devices and effects.
The software supports CLAP and VST3 plugins, along with Audio Units on macOS, giving users the option to expand their setup with compatible third-party instruments and effects.
MorningDAW Version 1.3: New Features
Version 1.3 introduces several additions beyond the usual recording and mixing tools.
Create Music Videos From Your Tracks
One of the more unusual features is the ability to generate music videos directly from your tracks. MorningDAW offers different visualizer styles and supports video exports up to 4K resolution.
This could be useful for musicians who want to create visual content to accompany their music without moving into a separate video application for basic visualizer-style projects.
Seven New Audio Devices
Version 1.3 also adds seven audio devices, including:
- Tape machine
- De-esser
- Vocal doubler
- Noise reduction
- Vocal rider
These tools expand the available processing options for working with recordings and vocals.
Full Score and PDF Export
For musicians who work with written notation, MorningDAW can generate a full score for an arrangement and export it as a PDF.
That gives the software another use beyond working exclusively with audio tracks and MIDI clips.
Looking for Free Audio Plugins?
If you’re exploring free music production software, don’t forget to check out my other videos covering free audio plugins.
I’ve covered around 100 free plugins from established brands and independent developers, including instruments, effects, and other tools for music production.
You can find links to those videos in the description of the MorningDAW video.
Is MorningDAW Worth Checking Out?
MorningDAW brings together a broad selection of music production features, including built-in synthesizers, MIDI tools, recording and mixing functions, third-party plugin support, vocal processing, and music video export.
Its version 1.3 additions make it particularly interesting for musicians who want to experiment with integrated music and visual production tools.
I’m still getting familiar with the software, so this isn’t an in-depth review or a demonstration of every feature. If you’re looking for a free DAW for macOS or Windows, though, MorningDAW is worth investigating to see whether its workflow suits the way you make music.
Visit the official MorningDAW website for more information and to download the software.
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