All these free music recording and editing programs offer the same functionality, and sometimes even better, than traditional studio desk consoles or recording and mixing workstations that cost a lot of money. Technology today allows you to get DAWs, both paid and free. Best of all, some of these music recording and editing DAW programs are completely free! Studio Console, Desk or Workstation – recording and editing – vs DAW free or paid? But in the last 10 years or so there have been quite a few new music recording and editing software in the industry. This DAW has generally become the industry standard. Pro Tools is the most widely used music editing program.