You can run it on a Windows PC or laptop (32-bit or 64-bit), MacOS (versions 10.13 or 10.8) and Linux. The user-interface is arguably unfriendly however, the program does lack some of the automated features and audio recording options that you would get with paid DAWs. What’s the catch? As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. LMMS gives you pretty much all the resources you need for song creation and sound production: song elements and sound-clips, a synth algorithm, and an option to export MIDI files. Once you have mastered the basics, it is worth checking out the configuration and customizing yourself some neat keyboard shortcuts. You can ask for help in the LMMS homepage forums, or upload your projects to the forums on Facebook and SoundCloud for feedback. Another beautiful aspect of the freeware is the accompanying supportive community of volunteer developers and users. There is also an FX mixer where you can create as many channels as you like. You can dabble with the built-in samples or tickle the digital ivory of the online keyboard. You can view the source code and even work on LMMS yourself.įor budding musicians: LMMS helps you compose and arrange your own original song from scratch, or design a totally unique sound. True to the principles of open source software, LMMS is utterly transparent and includes thematic descriptions of every feature. You have the “Manual” which contains “short” pages on each topic, from a step-by-step guide to making your first song for beginners, or guides on creating triple-oscillator patches for the more advanced. For total beginners the interface may be forbiddingly complex, and the “Getting Started” guide while comprehensive, is dauntingly detailed. It is true that for all its gleaming positives – an extensive database of sounds, external plugins, and the piano roll where you can play 808 notes – LMMS is not hugely intuitive.

You can blend sounds and clips, use repetitive elements like drum beats, tweak volumes or merge special effects. The LMMS program allows you to make music using the various controls for song editing, mixing and more. Once you download the software to your laptop or PC, you will have a plethora of features at your musical fingertips. In essence, it operates as a digital-audio doodle pad.

It is a cross-platform and entirely free application for creating or editing songs and mixing sounds.

LMMS is the Swiss army knife of music production. LMMS is a one-stop shop for music composition and blending beats. Feature-packed freeware for blending beats and making sounds

Good free beat making software for mac