MAKE A TRACK NOW!
Waveform is the latest incarnation of the increasingly powerful DAW from Tracktion and is available in an impressively equipped free version. This month we bring you our very own take on Waveform Free, combining the DAW with Tracktion’s Collective workstation synth and associated Beta Maxed sound pack. That’s a combo that would normally cost you $80, and it’s all yours, gratis!
But with so many DAWs available, why try Waveform Free? Since its inception it’s used a simple yet powerful modular approach that allows you to build each track as required. Over time this system has been joined by more traditional DAW features to deliver a DAW that’s ideally suited to music production. What’s more, with support for Linux and Raspberry Pi as well as Windows and OS X it’s one of the most cross-platform DAWs we know.
In this tutorial we’ll show you how to get up and running, register your free extras and then build a track from scratch, using some of Waveform Free’s features such as the Pattern Generator and sequencer style Step Clips. We’ll also take advantage of its bundled synths, 4OSC and Micro Drum Sampler, and of course the excellent Collective synth. For that little bit extra flavour we’ll also be digging into the Plugin Suite for some suitable additional plugins, so if you want to follow the tutorial step by step, head on over to www.filesilo.co.uk/ComputerMusic. Once you’re there you can unlock the additional content (using the unique per-magazine entry system) including our Waveform project and grab the Plugin Suite. Install the Dmitry Sches Thorn CM instrument and five effects – HoRNet FatFet, PSP cmDelay, Vengeance VPS Scope CM, Overtone DSP PTH-2A CM and ToneBoosters Barricade CM.
Of course if you like what you see and hear you might want to check out the full version, Waveform Pro 11, which is packed with extra features and content.
Step by step
1. Install and activate
1 Waveform Free is a feature restricted version of its bigger sibling, Waveform Pro and can be freely accessed from Tracktion’s website. To get started head to www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free and click on the Free Download tab.
2 This will take you to a registration page. If you’re new to Tracktion, create a new account. If you already have login credentials then use these so that the Waveform Free license gets allocated to your existing account.
3 Now log in to your account and head to the My Downloads page. Here you should see the Waveform 11 universal installer with four platform options – Windows, OS X, Linux and Raspberry Pi. Select and download the required option and then run the installer.
4 Now launch the Waveform 11 application. When you do this for the first time, the installer may ask you which engine to use. Choose Try New Engine. You will also have to agree to the user license agreement. Finally, use your login credentials and click the Register tab to assign the application to your account. You should now get a Registration Complete dialogue.
5 You may also get an option to provide anonymous crash reporting and the option to scan for plugins. Cancel this last option and you should find yourself in Waveform 11’s welcome screen. Here you’ll see various setup options down the left hand side including Audio and MIDI device. Work through these as
