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Though there are numerous high-quality audio recording programs, some have been around long enough and used by enough professionals that they stand out. Here are a handful of companies that make some of the best:

 Apple: Makes Logic Pro Audio and GarageBand. These programs run only on Mac systems. Logic Pro X has been around for a while and is one of the top programs available. The downside is that it’s for Macs only. Like all the programs, Logic has its way of working — some people like it, while others have a hard time grasping the way the user interface functions. (I love it.)

 Avid: Makes Pro Tools, Pro Tools HD and HDX, and Pro Tools First. These programs work on both Mac and PC systems. Avid’s Pro Tools HD and HDX systems are arguably the standard for digital audio in pro studios, although many pro studios are using any one (or more) of the other programs I list in this section.

 Mark of the Unicorn: Makes Digital Performer. This program runs only on a Mac up to version 10, and now works on Windows as well. Digital Performer is a powerful program that does MIDI and audio equally well. One advantage of this program is that Mark of the Unicorn makes very good audio interfaces that are designed to work well with its software. You end up with a better chance of having a stable system.

 Steinberg: Makes Cubase, Cubasis, Nuendo, and WaveLab. These programs run on both Mac and PC platforms. Nuendo is Steinberg’s best program, and it’s excellent for recording audio. Nuendo isn’t very strong in MIDI sequencing, so if this feature is important to you, this may not be the best program to use. In that case, if you like the Steinberg line, you may want to try Cubase, which is a great program that’s on par with Logic and the others, and is stronger in MIDI sequencing than Nuendo.

Most of these manufacturers offer program demos that you can download for free to see whether you like them. These demos work just like the full versions except that you generally can’t save or print your work.

Some of these manufacturers also make audio-interface/sound-card hardware optimized for their systems; this hardware can generally work on other systems (check with the manufacturer to make sure). You may find an easy and great-sounding solution by choosing a software and hardware setup from a single manufacturer. If you do, you’re likely to have fewer compatibility problems.