While this DAW can be used for free, it also has an 'unlimited mode' which requires payment if you want to upgrade. In addition, it has a versatile step sequencer and arpeggiator, support for audio and MIDI VST plug-ins and gives you the freedom to mix MUX modules and VST plug-ins. The good news is that it gives you a streamlined and versatile mixing desk, easy modular architecture, multi-core CPU support and integrated synths, samplers and effects.

MuLab Free has a couple of features that make it very enticing for synth fans on a tight budget, but unfortunately it does come with a couple of restrictions. A lot of free or 'lite' versions of DAWs cripple some of their functionality, but Cakewalk offers the ability to record unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, built-in mastering tools, advanced mixing tools, as well as support for VST3 and more. The downside is that some of the third party products and content bundles are no longer included, although this doesn't affect existing users who have already purchased these. The result was Cakewalk by Bandlab, which is basically the DAW along with the entire SONAR Platinum feature set. However, BandLab, a Singapore-based company stepped in and announced that not only are they now supporting Cakewalk SONAR, but they are also relaunching it as a free DAW. To make matters worse, many users of the Cakewalk products were paying subscription fees for 'lifetime' ownership of the products. This DAW was from the same generation as Cubase and Logic, which made it one of the few tools to survive so many decades.

It was quite a shock when Gibson announced that they are discontinuing the development of call Cakewalk products, including the popular SONAR DAW. We have already taken a look at some of the best options that can be found on iOS and Linux, so here is a closer look at the options that Windows and MAC users have to choose from. Both of these have numerous options to choose from, but in the case of digital audio workstations, you actually have a large number that are completely free. However, to make use of the myriad of soft synths that are available, you need a MIDI controller as well as a digital audio workstation.

Although most vintage synthesizer enthusiasts would no doubt prefer a room full of hardware, there can be doubt that software synths have come a long way.

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