The layout is consistent with bandlabs online layout

Using a quality DAW implies the investment of hundreds of dollars in the acquisition of its license. Cakewalk by BandLab is free without cheats. The quality of its interface is top-notch as well as the included effects and plugins. On the other hand, it supports the installation of third-party VSTs, which makes it perfect for most of the tasks that a paid DAW performs.

I like that now. Cakewalk by Bandlab is free for any use. It allows for every imaginable composing method, including a staff view, showing music notations in a staff sheet for traditional music readers and writers, piano roll, pattern view and event list. It brings together the best of all. Included within is a Matrix view for live performance, Pro-Channels rock, and allows for excellent control on audio IO. Overall the workflow is quite similar to ProTools and Cubase, and anyone using those DAWs would feel right at home on Cakewalk by Bandlab. The use of keyboard shortcuts throughout the software makes for quick editing a breeze. The price is the show stealer for a well-built DAW like this, which has had continuous development for more than two decades now.