Podium Free
by Zynewave
4.2 / 5     (39 votes)
Podium is a modern production host that integrates audio recording, VST plug-ins and external MIDI and audio gear. An object based project structure allows for advanced media and device management.

Limitations of Podium Free compared to the commercial version:
  • MIDI interface setup is limited to one input and one output.
  • 64-bit mixer engine option is disabled.
  • Plugin multiprocessing is disabled.
  • ReWire is disabled.
  • Surround-sound playback is disabled.
The disabled plugin multiprocessing option means that only one CPU core will be used when processing plugins. If you have a dual-core CPU you will be able to use 50% of your available CPU power before the Podium CPU indicator overloads. Podium Free still uses all available CPU cores for various tasks such as GUI updates and disk streaming.
Creativity comes with passion Dec 03 2022
(5 / 5)
Dec 03 2022
If you prefer a DAW that works 'windows'-intuitive, like also Logic and Cubase does, but can't affort these expensive commercial Daws, then this is your best free choice for sure. Works perfectly on Win7 64bit with an old Intel Core2duo Desktop PC and can even load unlimited tracks in the free version (+has one of the most beautiful Drum Editor interface I have ever came across)
Ramlee Jan 22 2022
(4 / 5)
Jan 22 2022
I've been using 3.2.1 for the past 6 months on an old Dell laptop with a slow single-core CPU and 2G of RAM (XP SP3). So far, everything I have asked of it, it has carried out with few complaints however, it is extremely picky about which 32 bit plugins it will or won't run. I'd say that probably 80% of the plugs I've tried have worked and it even runs the brilliant MT Power drumkit. With judicious selection, the platform will run numerous plugins simultaneously but it's clear that, on an older machine with limited resources, your single core will be working up a sweat. I'm about to start trying some audio recording which I suspect will place an additional heavy burden on the system and might just be it's breaking point. For what it is and given it's stated limitations, if one can marry it up with a half decent laptop or desktop, this may well be the free DAW you've been looking for. It is feature-packed and is mostly compatible with anything you throw at it.
DrumsMan Jan 16 2021
(5 / 5)
Jan 16 2021
Very good DAW
yanek Nov 06 2019
(1 / 5)
Nov 06 2019
Suddenly a midi stopped and does not find the vst plugins
Locoy Nov 05 2019
Nov 05 2019
This is for me a good free daw, just like Reaper, remember they both are free, if they decide to mix each other to create another daw, they will beat many that cost a lot.
sergej Sept 02 2019
(4 / 5)
Sept 02 2019
Nice daw but heavy problem whith the extra plugins
Anonymous Aug 06 2019
(3 / 5)
Aug 06 2019
I love this daw, it's working good for me
janek Jul 08 2019
Jul 08 2019
Nice daw but how to get a zynewave podium free to recognize my all vst plugins ?
«G~Lí†çh» Jun 13 2019
Jun 13 2019
...but has terrible defects (v.3.2.1.0): 1) Synaptic is disallowing scroll when ALT key pressed. 1a) SynTPEnh's HORIZONTAL SCROLL appears, but scroll doesn't happen. 2) Export an automation as 14-bit CC (Dual CC, (N)RPN) — file becomes corrupt (Podium exports correctly ONLY as PitchBend automation! If you want to save a VST automation to midi, you should copy an automation clip to PitchBend automation track, convert 'Spline'/'Line' to 'Grid Aligned Points' (!) then save as midi...). 3) Podium can export SysEx-automation to midi-file, but can't IMPORT it BACK! Podium can not recognize it, and it does not have a MIDI Event List editor... 4) Plugin Database: 4a) Create a lot of CCs/(n)RPNs/SysExes in [Parameters], edit (or re-create) plugin parameters!! Then (!) open different project (with older or newer database), and... create them again!.. Can't import or export created MIDI parameters or modified Plugin parameters... 4b) Can't move VST-automations to sublists or group. 4c) Plugins that moved into virtual folder returns back when updating database. Project5 also uses only 1 core, but now that is abandonware! P.S. Can't zoom an automation (precisely). Rotate a monitor and maximize the automation editor fullscreen =)
Жорик May 05 2019
(5 / 5)
May 05 2019
Мне понравилась.
sergey Apr 23 2019
(2 / 5)
Apr 23 2019
Good idea but can not get job without good help doc. It's a difficult daw for recording and very hard for the track routing.
MAX Feb 12 2018
Feb 12 2018
After all, it seems that there are some crowds of some manufacturers They seem to be harassing PODIUM Free's disturbing guys.
GoranJT Oct 29 2017
(1 / 5)
Oct 29 2017
Totally incomprehensible
byrdd Sep 30 2022
Sep 30 2022
We have recorded a whole album, 30+ tracks in a song, just on the knee. Very economical and responsible DAW. Thnx to creator
GabrielWest Sept 16 2017
(5 / 5)
Sept 16 2017
Greatest free DAW available without any doubt! In terms to versatility, Quality, Grafical Interface, it just comes up with everything that a composer needs to get his daily 'brain-o-gasm' on his DAW workarounds. Also, it's user friendly, PC Performance friendly and of course 100% free. What do you want more? The only other free alternative that is at least almost equal to this awesome DAW seems to be Reaper nowadays. It might be a matter of your personal taste, which one suits better for composers, but me at least, preferes this one. 5 stars!!!
Baron F. Jul 24 2017
(2 / 5)
Jul 24 2017
Useless on any weak machine. Studio One Prime with it`s cool native plugins seems to be a better option.
Angelo Costa Apr 24 2017
(4 / 5)
Apr 24 2017
The Best!
MAX Jan 16 2017
Jan 16 2017
In freeware, it will be No.1 probably.
Anonymous Jan 10 2017
Jan 10 2017
If you're looking for a VST hub this is Useless. A total waste of time and effort. Don't bother
cristian gustavo Apr 04 2016
(3 / 5)
Apr 04 2016
Alguien sabe como mezclar 2 temas. Poner al mismo tiempo los dos temas o canciones.
Locoy Nov 05 2019
Nov 05 2019
Simple, graba un tema en un track, suma otro track abajo y graba or importa el otro tema en este segundo track y asi hasta cuantos gustes.
Raphael Leahpar Mar 10 2016
(5 / 5)
Mar 10 2016
Easy and simple to use and powerfull, I like it !
Liu Feb 03 2016
(5 / 5)
Feb 03 2016
Best available DAW for free to date (at least for Windows). Very friendly with low computer specs as any DAWs should bear in mind. I'd consider buying the full version to get the multi-core functionality to work if I'd have full compatibility with my keyboard controller and the price decreases slightly, due to their friendly license upgrade conditions.
okdj Nov 26 2015
(5 / 5)
Nov 26 2015
Super free DAW
cameleon Mar 27 2015
Mar 27 2015
I am just looking for any free DAW program but I don't know could I use this program with my Arturia MiniLab and Analog Lab. I have Windows 7 64Bits.Please explain me on cameleon06@interia.pl I shall be very grateful.
Someguy Mar 23 2015
(5 / 5)
Mar 23 2015
I just started experimenting with music production and this is the best free DAW's I've tried.
Artur Nov 29 2014
(5 / 5)
Nov 29 2014
It is the best free DAW.
Juan Carlos Bernabe Aviles Dec 31 2021
Dec 31 2021
I Agree.
bella drums May 04 2014
(5 / 5)
May 04 2014
c'est super, enfin je peux oublier cubase pour un moment !!!!
Hit Mar 04 2014
(4 / 5)
Mar 04 2014
I'm using it too ...And it's really good:)....But plug-ins from ODOsynths like "dr. fusion" and "mda piano" doesn't play in it... Does any1 know why??
Angelo Costa Nov 17 2014
Nov 17 2014
When open a new track choose group track and try it, or composite track one of them works better, I think the composite track is the best choice!
Anonym Dec 26 2013
(5 / 5)
Dec 26 2013
Replaces big name daws like fl studio or ableton completely! Will buy the full version just to support the developer :)
An�nim Nov 27 2013
Nov 27 2013
Amazing. Only I miss the delay (positive or negative) on the tracks.
Youno Apr 30 2012
(3 / 5)
Apr 30 2012
Can't stand the fact that I can only use 1 of my 4 cores.
asdfghjkl Jun 24 2012
Jun 24 2012
because it's the free version which has limitations to get you buy the full one. did you even read the description about this daw?
HDTA Jan 14 2012
(5 / 5)
Jan 14 2012
For beginners excelent!!!
zbest Jan 08 2012
Jan 08 2012
i like it. good for recording guitar and has very little ASIO glitches compared to mixcraft. i just can't get my Yamaha KX-61 (midi keyboard) to work with it. any ideas people??
Evgeny Nov 03 2011
(5 / 5)
Nov 03 2011
Cool! It is a free Cubase!!! ))) I love it!
Chris Apr 18 2013
Apr 18 2013
I thought it, too ;)
Anonymous Nov 01 2011
(4 / 5)
Nov 01 2011
so far i like it. just getting in to home recording and this is the only daw for me right now.
Juan Aug 19 2011
(5 / 5)
Aug 19 2011
Es muy bueno porque tiene muchas funciones que se encuentra en programas profesionales... pero con la diferencia que este es gratis!
adi May 09 2011
(5 / 5)
May 09 2011
I love it. Still learning, but I am impressed with it.
Xander Feb 12 2011
(5 / 5)
Feb 12 2011
I use it exclusively- Simple and effective- good for recording, composing, programming, and just about anything
xtreme fx Aug 15 2010
(5 / 5)
Aug 15 2010
easy to use and fast. nothing more nothing less.